A Spain Golden Visa lawyer specializes in guiding applicants through the legal process of obtaining a Spain Golden Visa. This visa allows non-EU citizens to gain residency in Spain through investments, such as property investment or other qualifying financial commitments.
The role of a Spain Golden Visa lawyer is crucial as they provide expert advice on the legal requirements, assist with the application process, and ensure compliance with all regulations. Having a lawyer helps streamline the process, reduces the risk of errors, and speeds up approval.
This guide will explain why hiring a Spain Golden Visa lawyer is necessary and give insight into the legal fees involved.
- Five Ways a Spain Golden Visa Lawyer Can Help You
- Benefits of Working with an Immigration Lawyer
- Understanding the Spain Golden Visa
- Benefits of the Spain Golden Visa
- How to Find a Spain Golden Visa Lawyer
- What are the legal fees for the Spain Golden Visa?
- Other Spanish visas and Immigration Lawyer Services
The Spain Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025, and is no longer accepting applications. Protection for Existing and Pending Applications Investors and family members who submitted applications before the April deadline will remain unaffected. They will retain all benefits and renewal rights under the program’s current rules. Existing Golden Visa holders will also maintain their rights. Alternative Residency Options The Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Malta Golden Visas are great alternatives for investors looking for a European residency permit without a stay requirement. For those seeking to live in Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa are excellent options. ⚠️ Spain Golden Visa Ending: April 2025 Update
Five Ways a Spain Golden Visa Lawyer Can Help You
Hiring a lawyer for your Spain Golden Visa process is important. The program ended on April 3, 2025; however, applications submitted before the end date will still be considered, and those who already obtained a Golden Visa will remain unaffected.
1. Navigating tight deadlines before the program ends
Even though the Spain Golden Visa program ended, a lawyer could help fast-track your application before the end date. They would ensure all paperwork, translations, and certifications are submitted on time, preventing any delays or errors that could lead to disqualification.
2. Ensuring compliance with changing regulations
When the program ended, there was a possibility for last-minute changes to regulations. A lawyer would have kept you informed about any legal updates and ensured that your investment and documents comply with all current requirements, avoiding risks from outdated or incomplete submissions.
3. Structuring real estate investments correctly
For the Golden Visa, real estate investment was the most common route. A lawyer would have helped you navigate property taxes, due diligence, and title verification, ensuring your property is free of legal issues and the purchase meets all regional and national regulations.
4. Streamlining family applications
A lawyer helps with the inclusion of spouses, children, and dependent relatives, ensuring all family documents are correctly submitted. They are especially helpful in situations with blended families or guardianship cases, making sure no dependent is overlooked due to minor technical errors.
5. Managing residency and long-term plans after approval
A lawyer’s job doesn’t end once the visa is granted. They will guide you through visa renewals and minimum stay requirements and help you plan for permanent residency or Spanish citizenship. This ensures you have a clear long-term strategy for maintaining your residency status, especially now that the program has ended.
To learn more about the Spain Golden Visa
Benefits of Working with an Immigration Lawyer
- Expert legal knowledge: Lawyers stay updated on changing laws and ensure you meet all requirements.
- Avoiding mistakes and delays: They prevent mistakes that could slow down or jeopardize your application.
- Personalized advice: Lawyers tailor their advice to your specific immigration needs.
- Navigating paperwork: They help gather, organize, and submit documents correctly to avoid delays.
- Support with appeals: If denied, they guide you through the appeal process to improve your chances.
- Ensuring compliance: Lawyers ensure you meet all legal standards to avoid denials or issues later.
- Long-term planning: They help you plan for permanent residency or citizenship in the future.
Understanding the Spain Golden Visa
The Spain Golden Visa was a residency by investment program that launched in 2013. It was designed for non-EU citizens who want to live, work, and study in Spain by making a qualifying investment. Applicants gained residency rights and can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area.
One major advantage is that there were no minimum stay requirements to renew the visa, which made it ideal for those who wanted the benefits of European residency without relocating full-time. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency, and after ten years, you can get Spanish citizenship after meeting the residency conditions.
Some of the investment options included:
- Real Estate Investment – €500,000
- Capital Investment in Spanish Banks – €1 Million
- Investment in Shares or Companies – €1 Million
- Government Bonds – €2 Million
Please note: The Spain Golden Visa ended on April 3, 2025. Applications submitted before the end date will be unaffected.
Benefits of the Spain Golden Visa
Visa-free travel: A Spain Golden Visa gaves you access to visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Family inclusion: Golden Visa holders get to include family members such as their spouse, children under 18, and dependent relatives, all with equal residency rights.
Possibility for permanent residency: You can become eligible for permanent residency after five years and Spanish citizenship after 10 years.
Flexibility: No need to live full-time in Spain, but applicants must visit at least once a year to maintain their residency.
Flexible investment options: Investors can choose from options including real estate, business projects, or government bonds, with popular real estate markets in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
How to Find a Spain Golden Visa Lawyer
Finding the right lawyer was important for a smooth Spain Golden Visa application, as the program ended on April 3, 2025. A good English-speaking lawyer helped with the legal steps, deadlines, and making sure the investment followed all the rules before it closed.
Look for specialized immigration law firms
Search for law firms and immigration consultancy firms that specialize in Golden Visa applications and Spanish immigration law. Choose firms with dedicated teams for international clients, particularly those experienced in real estate transactions, tax advice, and investment structuring.
Global Citizen Solutions has a team of experts and lawyers who are well-versed in the Spanish Golden Visa. They provide end-to-end guidance, ensuring a smooth and efficient process, from choosing the right investment to finalizing your residency.
Check for English-speaking lawyers
Make sure you choose an English-speaking Golden Visa lawyer to avoid misunderstandings in complex legal matters. Many top firms focus on helping English-speaking clients, clearly explaining Spanish rules and handling translations for official documents.
Verify credentials and experience
Confirm that the lawyer is registered with the Spanish Bar Association (Colegio de Abogados). Ask about their track record with Golden Visa applications, especially for real estate investments and family reunifications. Look for client reviews, case studies, or testimonials that highlight successful approvals and show strong experience in Golden Visa in Spain advisory.
Schedule an initial consultation
Most reputable law firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation to assess if the lawyer understands your goals. Discuss your investment plans, application timeline, and any family-related applications you plan to include. Lastly, they must outline how the 3 April 2025 deadline would have been handled to offer a clear timeline for your application.
What are the legal fees for the Spain Golden Visa?
The cost of hiring a Spain Golden Visa lawyer can range from €2,000 to €5,000 for basic services, which include application preparation and advice. For more comprehensive services, such as handling real estate transactions or family member applications, fees can go up to €10,000. Additional costs may apply for consultations or more complex cases. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of fees.
However, the table below focuses on the legal fees related to the Spain Golden Visa that applicants should keep in mind.
Category | Description | Estimated Legal Fees |
Initial Application Fees | Application through the Consulate (1-year Visa) | €90 (Standard fee)* |
UGE Application (3-year Residence Permit) | €73.26 per applicant | |
Renewal of Residence Permit | Renewal of the Residence Permit | €78.67 |
TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) | First Card | €16.08 |
Renewal of the Card | €19.30 | |
Real Estate Legal Fees | Due Diligence, Title Checks, and Contract Review | €2,000 – €5,000 |
Notary and Registration Fees | Notary and registration costs for property | €1,000 – €2,500 |
Legal Due Diligence | Ensuring the property meets all legal requirements | €1,000 – €3,000 |
Family Member Applications | Legal fees for each dependent family member | €1,000 – €3,000 per dependent |
Other Spanish visas and Immigration Lawyer Services
Even though the Spanish Golden Visa has ended, the Spanish Immigration Agency can still help with other visas. A Spanish immigration lawyer can help choose the correct visa for your needs, apply for residence permits, work authorizations, and renew visas. Having a legal expert will make it easier to prepare documents, communicate with Spanish authorities, and assist with family reunification, appeals, and citizenship processes.
Here is an overview of other Spanish visas and the services you would get from a legal expert.
Visa Type | Description | Services Provided by Immigration Lawyer |
Spain Digital Nomad Visa | For remote workers employed by foreign companies or self-employed professionals. Applicants must earn at least €2,763 per month and have been working remotely for at least 3 months. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. | - Assess eligibility based on income, employment status, and remote work history. - Review and help gather required documents, such as proof of income and employment contracts. - Assist with application submission and follow up with authorities. |
Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa | For skilled workers with a job offer in Spain. Requires meeting specific salary and qualification criteria. A lawyer can assist with the application and ensure all requirements are met. | Verify the job offer meets the salary and qualifications requirements. - Guide you through the document gathering process (degree, contract, salary details). - Submit the visa application and provide legal support during processing. |
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa | This is for individuals wishing to reside in Spain without working, typically for retirees or those with sufficient savings.. | - Verify that your financial situation meets the minimum requirement (e.g., bank statements, pension proof). - Help prepare the necessary documents like proof of income, health insurance, and residence address. - File the application and ensure it complies with all legal criteria. |
Spain Intra-Company Transfers (ICT Visa) | This is designed for employees transferred within the same company or group to a Spanish branch. | - Review the transfer conditions to ensure compliance with Spain’s work regulations. - Assist with gathering necessary documents like the employee’s contract, transfer details, and qualifications. - Submit the application and liaise with Spanish immigration authorities. |
Spain Self-Employed Visa | Designed for individuals who want to start a business or work as freelancers in Spain. Requires a viable business plan, proof of sufficient financial resources, and evidence of relevant professional experience. | - Assist in preparing a detailed business plan that meets Spain's visa criteria. - Help verify that you meet the financial requirements (e.g., proof of savings, investment). - Submit the application and ensure all supporting documents are properly prepared. |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spain Golden Visa Lawyer
What is a Spain Golden Visa Lawyer?
A Spain Golden Visa lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in assisting foreign nationals with obtaining Spain’s Golden Visa. They help guide you through the legal processes, ensure compliance with the visa requirements, and handle necessary paperwork, such as real estate transactions, residency applications, and family member applications.
Do I need a lawyer for the Spain Golden Visa?
While it’s not mandatory, hiring a lawyer can significantly streamline the application process. A lawyer will help ensure all legal requirements are met, prevent delays, and provide valuable advice, especially when dealing with complex documentation or real estate investments.
What services do Spain Golden Visa lawyers offer?
Spain Golden Visa lawyers assist with:
- Preparing and submitting applications
- Real estate investment due diligence and contracts
- Helping with family member applications
- Ensuring compliance with residency and visa regulations
- Handling any legal issues that arise during the process
How much does a Spain Golden Visa lawyer cost?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your case, but legal fees for the Spain Golden Visa typically range from €2,000 to €10,000. This fee usually covers the lawyer’s consultation, document preparation, and submission.
What are the benefits of hiring a lawyer for my Spain Golden Visa?
Hiring a lawyer ensures that:
- Your application is completed accurately and on time
- You avoid mistakes that could delay or reject your application
- You receive expert advice on real estate and investment opportunities
- Your family members are included in the application smoothly
- You receive legal representation in case of complications or disputes
Can a lawyer help with my family’s Golden Visa application?
Yes, a lawyer can help apply for dependent family members (spouse, children, and other relatives). They will ensure all necessary documents are submitted and processed for each family member’s residence permit.
How do I find a reliable Spain Golden Visa lawyer?
Look for lawyers or firms specializing in immigration law and Spain’s Golden Visa program. Choose those with experience handling international clients and real estate transactions. Consider reading reviews or getting referrals from previous clients.
What if my Spain Golden Visa application is denied?
If your application is denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision, clarify any issues, and re-submit the application with the necessary corrections or additional evidence.
Can a Spain Golden Visa lawyer assist with real estate investments?
Yes, Spain Golden Visa lawyers are experienced in real estate transactions and can guide you through property purchases, legal due diligence, and making sure your investment complies with Spain’s visa requirements.
Is it better to hire a local lawyer or one from my home country?
It’s often best to hire a local Spanish lawyer who specializes in the Golden Visa process. They are familiar with the latest legal developments and Spain’s bureaucracy and can represent you in Spanish courts if needed. However, if you prefer an English-speaking lawyer, make sure they have strong experience with Spanish immigration law.
