As the Spain golden visa program is closing soon, last minute property buyers in Spain for the purpose of “investor visa”, must prepare the required documents in time, to avoid any unnecessary delays.
The official legal time for reaching a visa decision is 10 days as of the day after the submission date of the application, but this period may be extended when an interview or additional documents are requested. The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative within a maximum period of 1 month. The Validity of investor visa (outside Spain) is granted for 1 year, Residence permit (inside spain 2 years) and renewed residence permit (5 years)
Here are the full list of documents required along with application forms
1. National visa application form. Each applicant, or their representative, must complete and sign a visa application form, filling in each of its sections.
2. Photograph. A recent, passport-size, colour photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face.
3. Valid, unexpired passport. Original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
4. Proof of Investment in real estate: Certificate from the Land Register with up-to-date information on ownership and encumbrances, issued no more than 90 days earlier, and deed of sale if the amount of the purchase is not included in the certificate on ownership and encumbrances. If the investment is made by a couple married in community of property, one of the spouses may obtain an investor visa, and the other spouse, a visa as a family member of the investor.
5. Financial means. Original and a copy of the documents proving sufficient own financial means, or accrediting a regular source of income for the investor and, where applicable, for the family members accompanying them. The minimum required amount is equivalent to 400% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). To this amount must be added 100% of the IPREM for each family member. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
6. Criminal record check certificate. Applicants of legal age who apply for a visa must submit the original and a copy of the criminal record check certificate(s) issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 2 years. Additionally, a responsible declaration of the absence of criminal records of the last five years will be presented.
This certificate cannot be older than 6 months, unless the certificate itself specifies a longer expiration.
For UK Criminal Records submit ACRO Certificate.
These certificates must be legalised through the Spanish Consular Representations in the issuing country (double legalization) or, in the case of signatory countries to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, hold the Hague Apostille, except official documents issued by a Member State of the European Union, which will not require to be legalised.
Sworn translation into Spanish is also required.
7. Health insurance. Original and a copy of the certificate accrediting the public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain.
8. Proof of residence in the consular district. The applicant must provide proof of their legal residence in the consular district or that they are attending classes, in person, in the consular district. To verify your consular district, please visit the relevant web section of this Consulate.
9. Proof of the representative’s identity and capacity. If the visa application is submitted through a representative, a copy of the identity document or passport of the representative and of the power of attorney or document accrediting representation must be submitted. The originals must be shown when submitting the application. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
10. Payment of the visa fee. Visa fee payment is compulsory and has to be made at the same time when submitting a visa application. The fee has to be paid in local currency and it is subject to regular changes due to the currency fluctuations.
11. Family Member Documents – For each family member accompanying the investor, the following must be submitted:
- All the required documents specified in sections 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 10. Where applicable, those specified in section 9 also. In the case of minors, the visa application must be signed by one of their parents or by a duly accredited representative.
- Documents proving family relationship with the investor: birth or marriage certificates issued by the civil registry, certificate of registration as an unmarried couple or any other document proving that the relationship is an unregistered partnership. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
- In the case of adult children, documents proving their financial dependence and civil status. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
- In the case of relatives in the ascending line, documents proving they are in the investor’s care. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.
If a visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received.