Spain Golden Visa 2025 Price, Fee, Eligibility & How to Apply Online

The Spain Golden Visa, officially closed on April 3, 2025, as per Organic Law 1/2025, was a popular way for non-EU citizens to gain residency through investments like real estate or business projects. Existing visa holders and those who applied before the deadline can still enjoy all benefits, including renewals. For Pakistanis who missed the cutoff, alternative visas like the Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa are now the focus. Below, we dive into the program’s final details, who could apply, and what’s next.

Investment Options

• Real Estate: Invest €500,000 in property (one or multiple, residential or commercial, no mortgage allowed).
• Government Bonds: Buy €2 million in Spanish treasury bonds, a safe option with steady returns.
• Business Investment: Invest €1 million in Spanish companies or create a business that hires locals or boosts innovation.
• Bank Deposits: Place €1 million in a Spanish bank account, a low-risk choice.

Eligibility Criteria

To have qualified for the Spain Golden Visa before its end, you needed to meet these requirements:

• Citizenship: Be a non-EU citizen (Pakistanis were eligible).
• Age: At least 18 years old.
• Financial Means: Prove enough income to support yourself (€28,800/year) and family (€7,200/year per member, based on 2024 IPREM).
• Clean Record: No criminal history in Pakistan or elsewhere, certified by authorities.
• Health Insurance: Have private or public insurance valid in Spain (€500–$1,000/year).
• No Schengen Bans: Not listed as undesirable in Spain or Schengen countries.

Requirements and Documents

Here’s what was needed to apply before the deadline:

• Valid Passport: Valid for at least 6 months for you and family members.
• Proof of Investment: Property deeds, bond purchase receipts, or bank deposit confirmation.
• Criminal Record: Certified clean record from Pakistan (cost: $20–$50).
• Health Insurance: Coverage for Spain and Schengen area ($500–$1,000/year).
• Proof of Income: Bank statements showing €28,800/year for the main applicant, plus €7,200/year per family member.
• Translated Documents: All papers translated into Spanish and notarized ($50–$100 each).
• Application Form: Completed at the Spanish Consulate or in Spain, with a €80 fee.

How to Apply

1. Choose Investment: Pick real estate (€500,000), bonds (€2 million), business (€1 million), or bank deposit (€1 million). Firms like Lawants helped verify options.
2. Open Bank Account: Set up a Spanish bank account remotely (1–2 days, $50–$100).
3. Gather Documents: Collect passport, criminal record, insurance, income proof, and investment proof, translated and certified.
4. Submit Application: Apply via the Spanish Consulate in Pakistan or in Spain for a 3-year visa (if applied locally). Pay €80 fee.
5. Biometric Visit: Travel to Spain within 3 months for fingerprints and photos.
6. Receive Visa: Get your residence card in 20–60 days, valid for 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in Spain), renewable for 5-year periods.

Benefits

• Visa-Free Travel: Move freely across 29 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) for 90 days in 180 days, no extra visas needed.
• Family Inclusion: Bring your spouse, kids under 18, dependent adult children (18–26, unmarried), and parents over 65 in one application.
• No Stay Requirement: No need to live in Spain full-time; just visit once during the first year and maintain your investment.
• Path to Citizenship: Live in Spain for 10 years to apply for citizenship, granting an EU passport with visa-free access to 194 countries (ranked 20th globally).
• Education and Healthcare: Access Spain’s top schools and world-class healthcare system, ranked among the best globally.
• Tax Benefits: Pay taxes only on Spanish income unless you stay over 183 days/year, ideal for Pakistani investors.

Challenges to Watch

• Program Ended: No new applications after April 3, 2026, so only pre-deadline applicants can proceed.
• Processing Time: Applications took 20–60 days, but late submissions faced backlogs due to high demand.
• High Costs: Beyond the €500,000–€2 million investment, budget $5,000–$10,000 for fees, translations, and legal help.
• No Direct Citizenship: Citizenship requires 10 years of residency, longer than Portugal or Malta’s programs.

Alternatives for Pakistanis

Since the Spain Golden Visa is closed, consider these options:

• Non-Lucrative Visa: Requires €28,800/year income, no work allowed, ideal for retirees or those with passive income.
• Digital Nomad Visa: Earn €2,762/month remotely to live in Spain, perfect for Pakistani freelancers or remote workers.
• Other EU Golden Visas: Explore Portugal (€250,000 investment) or Malta (€300,000 property) for similar benefits.

Tips for Pakistanis

• Check Status: If you applied before April 3, 2026, contact your lawyer or www.exteriores.gob.es to track your application.
• Explore Alternatives: Look into Portugal or Malta’s Golden Visas, which are still open and offer faster citizenship paths.
• Act Fast for Existing Visas: If you have a Golden Visa, renew it every 2–5 years to maintain benefits; consult firms like Get Golden Visa.
• Plan Finances: Save $5,000 for legal and travel costs if you’re processing an existing application.
• Share the News: Spread word about alternatives like the Digital Nomad Visa on WhatsApp to help others.

What’s Next?

The Spain Golden Visa, which issued over 15,000 visas since 2013, is officially closed, but existing holders can renew their permits under old rules. For Pakistanis, alternative visas like the Digital Nomad Visa or programs in Portugal and Malta offer similar benefits. Spain’s decision aims to ease housing costs, but its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and strong economy still make it a top destination.