Spanish citizenship by investment

Spain does not offer direct citizenship by investment program. However, it does have a residency by investment program known as the “Golden Visa” that grants residency to non-European Union (EU) citizens who make a significant investment in Spain. Although it doesn’t lead directly to citizenship, it can eventually lead to long-term residency and eligibility for citizenship through naturalization.

Residency by investment program “Golden Visa” in Spain

The Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate, although there are other investment options available, such as investing €1 million in Spanish public debt or €2 million in Spanish company shares. The investment must be maintained for a specific period, typically five years. The Golden Visa allows you and your family members to reside in Spain and travel freely within the Schengen Area.

To apply for the Golden Visa, you must meet the requirements, which include proving a clean criminal record, having valid health insurance, and demonstrating sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family. Once you have held a Golden Visa for a certain period (usually ten years), you can apply for Spanish citizenship by naturalization if you meet additional requirements, such as sufficient knowledge of the Spanish language and passing a citizenship test.

How to get citizenship by investment in Spain

It is not possible to obtain citizenship directly through investment in Spain. However, you can become eligible for citizenship through naturalization after fulfilling certain requirements, including a period of residency in Spain.

Here are the general steps to obtain citizenship through naturalization in Spain:

1. Residency. First, you would need to obtain residency in Spain through a visa or permit. The most common route for investors is the Golden Visa program, as mentioned earlier, which requires a significant investment in Spain.
2. Residency period. You must maintain your residency in Spain for a specific period of time. Typically, this period is ten years, although there are exceptions for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and individuals of Sephardic origin.
3. Integration requirements. During your residency period, you need to demonstrate integration into Spanish society. This includes meeting requirements such as having basic knowledge of the Spanish language, culture, and society. You may be required to pass a language and civic integration test.
4. Good conduct. You should have a clean criminal record and abide by Spanish laws during your residency period. Any criminal activity can negatively affect your naturalization application.
5. Documentation and application. Once you have met the residency and integration requirements, you can apply for Spanish citizenship through naturalization. You will need to gather the necessary documentation, which may include proof of residence, language proficiency, good conduct certificates, and other supporting documents. The application is typically submitted to the Ministry of Justice.
6. Approval and oath of allegiance. If your application is approved, you will be invited to take an oath of allegiance to Spain, which is a formal ceremony where you pledge loyalty to the Spanish Constitution and renounce any previous allegiances.

Dual Citizenship

Spain generally allows dual citizenship. This means that individuals can acquire Spanish citizenship without being required to renounce their previous citizenship.