Thank you to Spanish Property Insight for this article - Market Intelligence & property expertise . Lawyer Raymundo Larrain reviews the outstanding advantages of the Spanish ‘Golden Visa’, which can still be obtained despite government plans to abolish it.

21 reasons to obtain Spain’s Golden Visa

• Tax benefits. Golden visas do not make you a tax resident in Spain (unlike every other visa). This is a unique advantage exclusive only to golden visas. No other Spanish visa shares this unique trait. Only for this reason, affluent investors find golden visas most appealing if they do not fancy paying tax in Spain. However, if you spend more than 183 days, within a calendar year, you may be regarded as a tax resident.
• Override the 90/180-day EU Schengen limitation (applies only to Spain). A golden visa allows you unfettered access to Spain. You may enter and leave the country as you see fit, even if flight bans are imposed again for health reasons. For all practical intents and purposes, you are treated administratively in equal footing to a national.
• Freedom to travel the Schengen Area (27 European countries). You may spend up to 90 consecutive days (within every rolling 180 days) visiting and travelling throughout the Schengen Area without a visa.
• Clear rules. Initially granted for 3 years, then renewable every 5 years.
• No minimum stay required (unlike other visas which force you to spend over 183 days/year in Spain).
• Expedited. Golden visa applications are fast-tracked by rapport to standard visa applications (which take months). LNA attains golden visas in 3 weeks.
• Streamlined. Golden visa applications are (greatly) streamlined, removing unnecessary admin red tape which mars standard visa applications.
• Family included as dependants. Even ascendants, such as parents or grandparents (subject to criteria).
• Flexibility. You decide if you want to spend more or less time in Spain, no strings attached.
• Choice. Golden visas are all about giving applicants choice. You are always in control, you decide, as nothing is imposed unlike in standard visas.
• Modern facilities. Spain is a country at the heart of Europe which offers a myriad of facilities and amenities, modern transportation (high-speed trains), state-of-the-art hospitals, and new highways.
• Longest-lasting visa. Unlike standard visas in Spain, which are time-gated, golden visas offer the longest times upon application and renewal.
• Underaged children may study in Europe. Underaged kids can live and study in Europe, in the company of your partner, whilst you work and earn money abroad.
• Return on investment. Take advantage of Spain´s burgeoning real estate market. Property sales have expanded by double-digits in almost every region compared to the same period last year. Property prices are rising sharply spearheaded by Madrid (+17%), Barcelona (+11%), Mallorca (+15%) and selected coastal areas. Low prices and cheap mortgages will not last forever, dip in whilst you can!
• Education. Europe is home to some of the world’s most respected academic institutions. Secure a bright future for your children allowing them to earn their spurs in life through a meritocratic top-notch education.
• Culture. Europe is a crucible of cultures, a conflux that laces Western and Eastern influences, offering a rich tapestry of history and arts that shaped the world as we know it. Spain’s vast cultural heritage, spanning millennia, is a legacy of commingled cultures that attracts over 85 million tourists every year.
• Languages. Living in Europe opens up prospects for learning languages. Seize the opportunity to master and command some of the world’s most influential languages.
• Security. Taken for granted by modern society, peace and security have become an increasingly sought-after commodity in these uncertain times. Europe offers a war-free space ideal for young families to raise their children. Europe, and Spain in particular, boast some of the world’s lowest crime rates. Unsurprisingly, 8 out of the 10 cities with the lowest worldwide crime rates are located within European borders.
• You can work in Spain (optional).
• Leads to permanent residency after 5 years (optional).
• Leads to Spanish citizenship after 10 years (optional).

 And, last but not least, is the country itself.

Spain has mild weather (with over 300 days of glorious sunshine in coastal areas), friendly natives, unspoilt beaches, excellent food & wine, gorgeous nature, diverse culture, ultra-low tax (in some regions), and stunning architecture with 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

It’s the second most visited country in the world for good reason!