What documents do I need to apply for a Golden Visa?

The initial question that arises when initiating any procedure, particularly when applying for a Golden Visa, is fundamental. These visas typically aim to alter our residency status on a temporary, medium, or long-term basis, or even permanently. This process entails familiarizing oneself with the terminology and paperwork of a country where we are not habitual residents, which can be overwhelming.

General and Common Golden Visa Application Documents

1. Valid passport (if applying for a visa) or NIE (if legally residing in EU territory). The applicant must be over 18 years of age.

2. Public or private health insurance. Generally, a private insurance with specific requirements is necessary. It must be a comprehensive insurance covering complete healthcare, repatriation, without co-payment, etc. It is mandatory to maintain the insurance during your residence in Spain if you wish to renew the authorization granted to you.

3. Certificate of criminal record. This certificate should indicate no criminal record in Spain and in the countries where you have resided in the last 5 years. It must be duly translated, legalized, and apostilled. The requirements for this certificate vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and/or residence.

4. Proof of sufficient financial means for yourself and your family members during your period of residence in Spain, based on the IPREM, which as of the date of this publication is €600 per month. Investors are required to have 400% of the IPREM per month, plus 100% per month for each member of their family. For entrepreneurs, they must have 100% of the IPREM per month for their stay and 50% of this per month for each family member who will reside with them.

Documents Specific to Each Golden Visa Category

A. Financial investment:

– Proof of having made the investment in the minimum required amount, within a period not exceeding one year from the date of submission of the visa application. The document certifying the investment may vary depending on the type of financial investment.

B. Real estate investment:

– Certification with continuous information on ownership and encumbrances from the Land Registry corresponding to the property or properties, in addition to the deed of sale.

– Certificate of application for registration of the property or pre-contract endorsed by a financial institution.

C. Business investment:

– Investors need to obtain a favorable report on the business project submitted on the grounds of general interest issued by the Economic and Commercial Office. This report incurs fees.

– Entrepreneurs must obtain a favorable report of the entrepreneurial activity that is of an innovative nature with special economic interest for Spain issued by the Economic and Commercial Office. This report also has associated fees.

Each type of project will require additional documentation for review depending on the sector of operation and the country of origin.

Documentation Required for Family Members of the Golden Visa Applicant

– Documentation proving kinship or membership of the family unit, typically birth or marriage certificates.

– Proof of dependency on the migrating family member (in the case of dependent ascendants or descendants over 18 years of age who are economically dependent).

– Family members must also possess a valid passport, medical insurance, and a clean criminal record if over 18 years of age.

In summary, these are the essential documents required to submit our application for the Golden Visa. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this process is merely the beginning of a series of steps necessary to settle in Spain, especially if you intend to do so with your family. From application submission to paperwork completion, this journey can be challenging. Nevertheless, with the correct documentation and guidance, we can pave the way to a new life in Spain.