The Spain Golden Visa Program is a residence-by-investment route that Spain introduced in 2013 to attract foreign investors and their families. It allows qualifying non-EU nationals to gain the right to live, work and study in Spain, with visa-free short travel across the Schengen Area. Bayraktar Attorneys advises foreign clients in English.
Important: Spain has moved to end the Golden Visa, including the real estate route, so the program is under change and may no longer be open to new applicants in the same form. We describe it here in general terms, confirm its current status, and set out realistic alternatives in your consultation. The rules are set by the Spanish government and can change at short notice.
Talk to an English-speaking lawyer about the Spain Golden Visa Program and the current alternatives. The first consultation is free and there is no obligation.
Because Spain has moved to wind down the Golden Visa, the first thing we do is confirm what is actually open to you today and whether another Spanish residence route or a different country better fits your goals. We then manage the process end to end.
Our support covers:
The routes below describe how the program has worked. Because Spain is ending or restricting these options, we treat them as a general guide and confirm what remains available for you.
The best-known route required buying property in Spain worth at least EUR 500,000, free of mortgage on that amount. This is the route Spain has specifically moved to end, so it may no longer be available to new applicants. We confirm the current position before you consider it.
A financial route involving a deposit of at least EUR 1,000,000 in Spanish banks, or the same amount invested in shares of Spanish companies or in qualifying funds.
An investment of at least EUR 2,000,000 in Spanish government bonds, aimed at investors who prefer a government-backed instrument.
An approved business project in Spain that creates jobs, contributes to regional development, or brings scientific or technological innovation. Here the quality of the project is assessed rather than a single fixed figure. We can coordinate any company formation involved.
Where the program applies, its main advantages have been:
The program has been open to non-EU investors of good standing. In general you should:
A single application has typically covered your spouse or partner, children under 18, and dependent adult children and dependent parents. We confirm exactly who qualifies under the rules that apply at the time of your application.
The Golden Visa is a residence permit, not immediate citizenship. It has been valued as a flexible European base because you generally only need a short entry to renew rather than living in Spain full time.
Spanish citizenship is a separate and much longer route. It generally requires around ten years of legal residence, together with a basic Spanish language test and an assessment of your knowledge of the country. Note that continuous physical residence, not just holding a permit, is usually needed for that step. Spain also restricts dual nationality for many applicants, which we explain in light of your current citizenship.
Holding the residence permit does not by itself make you a Spanish tax resident. Because the program has allowed a low physical presence, many holders keep their tax home elsewhere.
If you do spend enough time in Spain to become tax resident, you may be taxed on your worldwide income, subject to treaties and any special regimes for incoming residents. This deserves careful planning, so we review your position with you and, where helpful, a tax adviser, before you commit.
We confirm what is currently available in Spain, compare alternatives, and set out costs, timeline and documents.
We obtain your NIE, help open a bank account, and carry out due diligence on any property or investment.
We review and prepare the investment or business documents in line with the applicable rules.
We submit the residence application for you and your family and arrange the required steps.
We handle renewals and advise on the long path toward permanent residence and citizenship.
We work daily with international clients, entirely in English, and keep advice plain.
We tell you clearly where the Spanish program stands and never sell a route that is closing.
If Spain no longer fits, we compare other European and residency programs so you keep your options open.
We review any investment on its merits and act for you, not a developer or agent.
Atty. Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar
Confidential, English-speaking advice on the current status of the program and the best route for you.
This page provides general information about the Spain Golden Visa Program in Turkey and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please contact Bayraktar Attorneys for a consultation.
