Lawyer Raymundo Larrain reviews the outstanding advantages of the Spanish ‘Golden Visa’, which can still be obtained despite government plans to abolish it.

21 reasons to obtain Spain’s Golden Visa

• Safety. Security is taken for granted by modern society. In times of riots, civil strife, and political persecution, security has become an increasingly sought-after commodity. Europe offers a war-free space ideal for young families to raise their children in traditional values. Spain in particular is a safe haven which boasts some of the world’s lowest crime rates. Unsurprisingly, 8 out of the 10 cities with the lowest worldwide crime rates are located within European borders.
• Tax benefits. Golden visas do not make you tax resident in Spain (unlike every other visa). This is a unique advantage exclusive only to golden visas. No other Spanish visa shares this unique trait. Only for this reason, affluent investors find golden visas most appealing if they do not fancy paying tax in Spain. However, if you spend more than 183 days, within a calendar year, you may be regarded as tax resident. Some regions in Spain have ultra-low taxation.
• Override the 90/180-day EU Schengen limitation (applies only to Spain). A golden visa allows you unfettered access to Spain. You may enter and leave the country as you see fit, even if flight bans are imposed again for health reasons. For all practical intents and purposes, you are treated administratively in equal footing to a national.
• Freedom to travel the Schengen Area (27 European countries). You may spend up to 90 consecutive days (within every rolling 180 days) visiting and travelling throughout the Schengen Area without a visa.
• Clear rules. Initially granted for 3 years, then renewable every 5 years.
• No minimum stay required (unlike other visas which force you to spend over 183 days/year in Spain).
• Expedited. Golden visa applications are fast-tracked by rapport to standard visa applications (which take months). LNA attains golden visas in 3 weeks.
• Streamlined. Golden visa applications are (greatly) streamlined, removing unnecessary admin red tape which mars standard visa applications.
• Family included as dependants. Even ascendants, such as parents or grandparents (subject to criteria).
• Flexibility. You decide if you want to spend more or less time in Spain, no strings attached.
• Choice. Golden visas are all about giving applicants choice. You are always in control, you decide, as nothing is imposed unlike in standard visas.
• Modern facilities. Spain is a country at the heart of Europe which offers a myriad of facilities and amenities, modern transportation (high-speed trains), state-of-the-art hospitals, and new highways.
• Longest-lasting visa. Unlike standard visas in Spain, which are time-gated, golden visas offer the longest times upon application and renewal.
• Underaged children may study in Europe. Underaged kids can live and study in Europe, in the company of your partner, whilst you work and earn money abroad.
• Return on investment. Take advantage of Spain´s burgeoning real estate market. Property sales have expanded by double-digits in almost every region compared to the same period last year. Property prices are rising sharply spearheaded by Madrid (+17%), Barcelona (+11%), Mallorca (+15%) and selected coastal areas. Low prices and cheap mortgages will not last forever, dip in whilst you can!
• Education. Europe is home to some of the world’s most respected academic institutions. Secure a bright future for your children allowing them to earn their spurs in life through a meritocratic top-notch education.
• Culture. Europe is a crucible of cultures, a conflux that laces Western and Eastern influences, offering a rich tapestry of history and arts that shaped the world as we know it. Spain’s vast cultural heritage, spanning millennia, is a legacy of commingled cultures that attracts over 85 million tourists every year.
• Languages. Living in Europe opens up prospects for learning languages. Seize the opportunity to master and command some of the world’s most influential languages: English (business & finance), French (arts & diplomacy), German (industry & science), and Spanish (literature & poetry).
• You can work in Spain (optional).
• Leads to permanent residency after 5 years (optional).
• Leads to Spanish citizenship after 10 years (optional).

And, last but not least, is the country itself.

Spain has mild weather (with over 300 days of glorious sunshine in coastal areas), friendly natives, unspoilt beaches, excellent food & wine, gorgeous nature, diverse culture, ultra-low tax (in some regions), and stunning architecture with 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I’ve even heard their national football team is passable.

It’s the second most visited country in the world for good reason!

Spain, you will be spoilt for choice.

Our multidisciplinary team at Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) has attained hundreds of golden visas (and other visas) over the last decade for our non-EU clients.

But what fills us most, is to see clients leading happy and fulfilling lives with their loved ones in Spain.

At LNA, it’s not about visas, it’s about people.

Conclusion

The Spanish government announced its plans to eliminate golden visas as they are too privileged, as opposed to standard visas. They are expected to be phased out by the end of this year.

Golden visas apply retroactively for any investment made on or after September 2013. You may already qualify without even knowing it!

Take advantage of Golden Visa’s 21 benefits whilst you can, apply today! We get you a golden visa in three weeks.

Your family’s success is only one call away.

LNA, it’s about people.

LNA has a 100% track record attaining Spanish residency

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.

At Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) we have over 21 years of experience specializing in immigration & residency visas. We also assist clients in buying, selling, or renting properties in Spain. You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone at our UK line (+44) 0754 3838 218 or Spanish line (+34) 952 19 22 88, or by completing our contact form.

Residency services available from LNA:

• Golden Visa Service (Investor Visa)
• Non-Lucrative Visa (Pensioner’s Visa)
• Lucrative Visa (Business Visa)
• EU-Family Regroupment (Marriage Visa)
• Digital Nomad Visa (Tax-free visa)
• Non-Domiciled Tax Scheme (Beckham’s Rule)
• Spanish Residency permit for EU nationals

Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice. This article may be posted freely in websites or other social media so long as the author is duly credited. Plagiarizing, whether in whole or in part, this article without crediting the author may result in criminal prosecution. There is nothing impossible to him who will try. VOV.

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.
2024 © Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt. All Rights Reserved.

Marbella-based Larraín Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) has over 21 years of experience at your service. We offer a wide range of 60 legal and corporate services. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record of successfully assisting expats all over Spain.

You can review here our client’s testimonials.

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