Fast-track Spanish Citizenship with the Spain Golden Visa

Published: 1 November 2023

The Spain Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most highly prized investor visas, and for good reason.

It allows investors and their families to live, work and study in Spain. It also grants access to one of the world’s best healthcare systems.

And while it is a residency by investment (RBI) programme, one of its key benefits is that it offers a route to Spanish citizenship after 10 years.

However, the process is much quicker for those from former Spanish colonies.

In this article, we look at the Spain Golden Visa and how applicants can fast-track their application for citizenship.

What is the Spain Golden Visa?

The Spain Golden Visa was launched by the Spanish government in 2013. Over the years, the programme has established itself as one of Europe’s most sought-after residency by investment (RBI) schemes.

The aim of the programme is to boost the Spanish economy through foreign investment.

Also known as the Spanish investor visa, it allows non-EU citizens to obtain a Spanish residence permit by investing a minimum of €500,000 in real estate.

The scheme offers investors several benefits, including:

• A quick and straightforward application process
• Residency for the investor and their family
• Access to one of the world’s leading healthcare systems
• Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area

The programme also provides a route to securing Spanish citizenship. This provides several additional benefits, including an EU passport.

Spanish passport holders benefit from visa-free travel to 187 countries across the globe.

While the process usually takes a decade, you may be eligible to fast-track the process.

Spanish fast-track citizenship

The Spanish Golden Visa provides a route to securing Spanish citizenship. Typically, this process would require living in the country for 10 years.

But under Spanish citizenship laws, those from former Spanish colonies can fast-track the process and get citizenship in just two years of full-time residency.

This means the process is much quicker and more streamlined, making it easier for those who want to secure a European passport.

Those who qualify for this fast-track option also have the added benefit of dual citizenship.

Generally, Spain does not allow dual citizenship with another country. However, those from former Spanish colonies are not required to give up their current citizenship to gain Spanish citizenship.

Who can qualify for fast-track citizenship?

Citizens from Latin American countries and former Spanish colonies can fast-track the Spanish citizenship process. This includes Andorra, the Philippines and Equatorial Guinea.

It may also be possible to apply for citizenship through descent.

Citizenship by descent means having the legal right to become a citizen of a country based on ancestral lineage. This means you may be eligible for citizenship through a parent or grandparent.

Requirements and eligibility

The fast-track process to Spanish citizenship takes two years. During this time, you will need to meet the minimum stay requirements.

The guidelines to obtain Spanish nationality have recently been updated by the Spanish Government.

Applicants no longer need to spend a continuous amount of time in Spain. Under the new rules, multiple exits from Spain are allowed as long as applicants do not spend longer than three consecutive months outside of the country.

This means applicants would only need to travel to Spain every two to three months over a two-year period. In other words, eight times over two years.

Some additional eligibility requirements for citizenship include:

• Must be over the age of 18
• Have a clean criminal record
• Proof of sufficient financial means to live in Spain
• Spanish language certificate
• Have valid health insurance and an official medical certificate

How Holborn can help

The Spanish Golden Visa has a fast processing time, allowing you to secure your residency permit in roughly two months on average. As well as the other benefits the programme offers, it also opens up the door to citizenship.

Once the investor receives their Spanish citizenship, their children who are under the age of 18 are also granted citizenship.

The ability to fast-track this process is game-changing as it significantly reduces the time required to become a citizen and receive a Spanish passport.

To learn more about the Spain Golden Visa, as well as other residency and citizen programmes, visit the Holborn Pass countries page. Here, you will find detailed programme information and downloadable factsheets.

Alternatively, use our comparison tool to compare all schemes and decide which one is right for you.

If you are ready to get started or want to learn how our citizenship and residency programmes can benefit you, book a free consultation with one of our experts.

Holborn is an international leader in investor visas. We are a part of the wider Holborn Assets Group, a leading financial services company with a global footprint.

Our experts provide a bespoke, end-to-end service and tailored advice to support your needs and goals.

Investor visas can open up a world of opportunities for you and your family. Contact Holborn Pass today and find out how we can help you.