Golden Visa Spain 2026: Complete Guide for UK Property Investors

What Is Spain's Golden Visa?

Spain's Golden Visa (Visado de Oro) is a residency-by-investment programme that grants a residence permit to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Spain. For UK citizens post-Brexit, this has become one of the most attractive routes to long-term Spanish residency, particularly for those who want to spend more than 90 days in 180 in the Schengen Area.

The programme was introduced in 2013 under Spain's Entrepreneur Support Act (Ley 14/2013) and has been updated several times since. As of 2026, the property investment route remains available in Spain, though the political landscape around Golden Visas across Europe continues to evolve. Portugal ended its property-based Golden Visa in 2023, and Spain has debated similar restrictions, making it important to understand the current rules and act with up-to-date advice.

The 500,000 Euro Investment Threshold

The most popular Golden Visa route for UK buyers is real estate investment. The key requirements are:

• Minimum investment: 500,000 euros in Spanish real estate, free of any charges or liens. This means the first 500,000 euros of your property investment must be mortgage-free. You can take a mortgage on any amount above the threshold
• Multiple properties allowed: You can combine several properties to reach the 500,000 euro threshold. For example, two apartments worth 250,000 euros each
• Any property type: Residential, commercial, land, or a combination. There are no restrictions on property use (it can be a holiday home, rental investment, or your primary residence)
• No minimum stay requirement: Unlike many other residency routes, the Golden Visa does not require you to live in Spain for any minimum number of days. You simply need to visit Spain at least once during the visa validity period to maintain it

Practical example: You purchase a 650,000 euro villa in Marbella. You pay 500,000 euros in cash and take a Spanish mortgage for the remaining 150,000 euros. This qualifies for the Golden Visa because the 500,000 euro threshold is covered by your equity in the property, free of charges.

What the Golden Visa Actually Gives You

The Golden Visa grants you and your family members:

• Spanish residence permit: Live and work in Spain without any restrictions. Initially issued for 2 years, then renewable for 5-year periods
• Schengen travel: Free movement across all 27 Schengen Area countries without separate visa applications
• No minimum stay: You do not need to live in Spain. This is the critical difference from other residency routes like the non-lucrative visa, which requires you to be physically present
• Right to work: You can work as an employee or self-employed in Spain (the non-lucrative visa prohibits this)
• Family inclusion: Your spouse or partner, dependent children (including adult children who are financially dependent), and dependent parents can all be included in the application
• Path to permanent residency: After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship (though the UK does not permit dual nationality with Spain without renouncing British citizenship, which is a significant consideration)

Who Is Eligible?

To apply for a Golden Visa through property investment, you must meet these criteria:

1. Non-EU/EEA national: Since Brexit, UK citizens qualify
2. Clean criminal record: No criminal record in Spain or in countries where you have lived in the past 5 years. You will need a UK police certificate (ACRO) and certificates from any other countries of residence
3. Not on the Schengen Information System refusal list: Standard check, rarely an issue for UK applicants
4. Health insurance: Private health insurance covering you in Spain, with no co-payments. Cost varies from 100 to 400 euros per month depending on age and coverage level
5. Sufficient financial means: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family in Spain beyond the property investment. There is no fixed threshold, but bank statements showing regular income or significant savings are required
6. Property investment of at least 500,000 euros: Evidenced by property deed (escritura) or, for off-plan purchases, a deposit contract and proof of payment registered in the Land Registry

Application Process: Step by Step

The Golden Visa application process involves two main stages: the initial visa application and the subsequent residence permit.

Stage 1: Golden Visa (from outside Spain)

1. Purchase the property: Complete the purchase and register the deed at the Land Registry. Obtain a certificate from the Land Registry (nota simple) confirming your ownership and the absence of charges on the first 500,000 euros
2. Gather documents: Valid passport, criminal record certificates (apostilled), health insurance policy, proof of financial means, property deed, Land Registry certificate, proof of investment (bank transfers showing the purchase funds)
3. Apply at the Spanish Consulate: Submit the application at the Spanish Consulate in the UK (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh). The visa is typically processed within 10 to 20 working days
4. Receive the visa: If approved, you receive a 1-year visa sticker in your passport. Enter Spain within the validity period

Stage 2: Residence Permit (in Spain)

1. Apply for TIE card: Within 30 days of entering Spain, apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) at the local Oficina de Extranjeria. This is your physical residence card
2. Initial permit: Valid for 2 years from the date of the visa
3. Renewals: After the initial 2-year period, renew for 5-year periods. The only requirement is that you still own the qualifying property investment and visit Spain at least once during each permit period

Timeline: From property purchase to holding your TIE card, expect approximately 2 to 4 months. Many UK buyers complete the property purchase first, then apply for the Golden Visa while continuing to live in the UK.

Family Inclusion: Who Can Join Your Application?

One of the strongest features of Spain's Golden Visa is the generous family inclusion provisions. The following family members can be included in your application or apply separately as dependants:

• Spouse or unmarried partner: Must demonstrate a stable relationship (registered pareja de hecho or equivalent)
• Children under 18: Automatically included
• Adult children: Can be included if they are financially dependent on you and have not formed their own family unit. This is particularly useful for university-age children
• Parents: Your parents and your spouse's parents can be included if they are financially dependent on you

Each family member receives their own residence permit with the same rights as the main applicant, including the right to work in Spain and travel freely within the Schengen Area.

Costs Breakdown

Recent Changes and Political Context (2026)

Spain's Golden Visa programme has faced increasing political scrutiny. In 2024, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced plans to reform or potentially end the property-based Golden Visa, citing housing affordability concerns. However, as of early 2026, the programme remains active and applications continue to be processed.

Key developments to be aware of:

• Ongoing legislative debate: The Spanish government has proposed modifications to the programme, but no legislation ending the property route has been passed as of early 2026. Any changes are expected to include transitional provisions for existing investors
• Increased scrutiny of applications: Processing times have increased and documentation requirements have become more rigorous. Ensure all paperwork is thorough and professionally prepared
• Potential regional restrictions: There have been discussions about excluding certain high-demand housing areas from Golden Visa eligibility. This could theoretically affect parts of the Costa del Sol, though no specific restrictions have been implemented
• EU-wide trends: Portugal ended its property Golden Visa in 2023. Ireland never had one. Greece raised its threshold to 800,000 euros in premium locations (2024). Spain's programme remains comparatively accessible, which increases its appeal but also political pressure

Our advice: If you are considering a Golden Visa investment, do not delay based on speculation about future changes. Apply under the current rules, which are clear and established. If the programme is modified, existing permit holders will almost certainly have their rights protected under transitional provisions.

Comparison: Spain vs Portugal vs Greece Golden Visas

Spain's combination of a reasonable threshold, right to work, generous family inclusion, and one of Europe's strongest rental markets makes it arguably the most complete Golden Visa offering currently available.

Tax Implications of Golden Visa Residency

Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically make you a Spanish tax resident. Tax residency is determined by where you spend the majority of your time (183+ days per year) or where your centre of economic interests lies. Many Golden Visa holders remain UK tax resident while holding Spanish residency for immigration purposes.

However, if you do become Spanish tax resident (by spending 183+ days in Spain), you will be subject to Spanish income tax on your worldwide income at progressive rates of 19% to 47%. The Beckham Law (special tax regime for inpatriates) may allow you to pay a flat 24% rate on Spanish-sourced income for the first 6 years if you have not been tax resident in Spain in the previous 5 years. Discuss eligibility with a cross-border tax advisor.

For a complete overview of the tax implications, read our guide on post-Brexit residency rules for UK buyers.

Next Steps for UK Buyers

1. Define your investment strategy: Are you seeking residency, rental income, capital growth, or a combination? This will determine the type and location of property you target
2. Engage an immigration lawyer: Before purchasing, confirm your eligibility and understand the timeline. A specialist immigration lawyer costs 3,000 to 8,000 euros but ensures the process runs smoothly
3. Find qualifying properties: Browse properties on MUNDO or join the Buyer Club to get matched with verified agents who understand Golden Visa purchases
4. Budget for total costs: Property price plus 10-12% buying costs plus 5,000-10,000 euros for visa processing. On a 500,000 euro purchase, budget approximately 570,000 euros in total
5. Arrange currency transfer: Moving 500,000+ euros from the UK requires careful planning. Use a specialist currency broker to avoid unfavourable bank exchange rates, which can cost you thousands of pounds on a transfer of this size