Investing in the economy of a country to gain permanent residency has become a route for many savvy entrepreneurs who wish to gain access to markets that were often closed to them, based on nationality. Non-EU citizens were unable to settle in countries such as Spain and Portugal, without going through hoops to acquire short-term non-lucrative visa stays.
The introduction of the Golden Visa (Visa de Oro) in a handful of European countries has opened up opportunities for long-term residency for those willing to invest. Entrepreneurs, individuals and families from outside the EU can now reside and work within. Coming and going without the worry of not being allowed back in without continually applying for the relevant visas.
Here in Spain, the Golden Visa has become an invaluable option for many. At Buyer’s Agent Spain we have helped clients from countries, such as Canada, the US, South Africa, India, Australia and Iraq, to invest in property and apply for their Golden Visa and permanent residency. The investment starts at 500,000 € and can be spent on one single property, or multiple residential properties or businesses premises.
So why should you choose Spain to invest in?
Here are our Five Reasons to Invest in Spanish Residency.
1. Freedom to move around the Schengen countries without the need for multiple visas
We can only guess at how frustrating it must be to navigate all of the paperwork needed to travel around Europe as a non-EU citizen. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, the requirement to apply for a visa for every country can delay trips and take the pleasure out of them.
Through the Golden Visa and permanent residency application, you can move freely through Europe, without the need for multiple visa applications. Once you have lived in Spain for five years or more you can then apply for Spanish citizenship should you wish
2. Live, work and study in Europe
With freedom of movement, also comes stability for your family, who will be able to live, work and study in Spain, and throughout Europe. The Spanish healthcare system was recently voted as one of the best in the world. And Spain’s economy is one of the fastest growing in Europe. Opportunities for bilingual or multilingual workers are high. In terms of education, many public schools here in Andalucia are bilingual, and there is an excellent selection of International private schools. We can’t think of a better place to raise a family.
3. Avoid economic instability
Living in Europe brings political and economic stability. Your business can move freely within the 26 Schengen countries, without any border issues, and of course, you are also free to do business in the global marketplace.
You also have the added benefit that should there be any financial or political unrest in Europe in the future, you can always head home. Permanent residency in Spain does not tie you to Spain forever, it simply offers you the freedom of choice.
4. Lifestyle benefits
A move to Spain opens up horizons for business, but it also brings a greater lifestyle for you and your family. Here in Andalucía, we are gifted with a year-round temperate climate, beautiful coast and countryside, a strong gastronomic culture and a warm welcome wherever we go.
And as already mentioned, having a Spanish residency allows you to live and work here, but it’s not compulsory. You can enjoy your residency benefits and come and go as you choose.
5. Investing in a growing and exciting market
Spain is one of the fastest growing economies of Europe and property prices are increasing year-on-year. In 2018 the second-hand property market grew by 8.4 %. Coupled with this the short and long-term rental markets are extremely buoyant. Long-term rentals are snapped up by the many foreigners choosing to make a life here in Spain, pushing up monthly rental prices. And as Spain is one of the leading tourism destinations we don’t have to explain how lucrative investing in a short-term rental property can be. Read more about the benefits of buying to let in Spain in our buy-to-let guide.
So there you have five initial reasons to invest in Spanish residency. Do you have any questions?
Although this article has focused on some of the more business reasons to invest in Spain for a permanent residency, it goes without saying that for any non-EU citizen, with the required funds, wishing to make a permanent move to Europe, the Golden Visa route is an exciting one. We have helped families, couples, and entrepreneurs start a new life in Spain and apply for permanent residency through the Golden Visa.
We are here to help you!
For more information on the Spanish Golden Visa, read our article: Spanish Golden Visa FAQs
