Parastoo Legal Group
Spain Golden Visa for UAE Nationals and Residents: The 2025 Guide
How residents and citizens of the UAE can obtain Spanish residency through real estate or financial investment.
The Spanish Golden Visa has long been one of the most popular European residency-by-investment programmes among UAE nationals and long-term residents. With a minimum real estate investment of €500,000, investors and their families gain the right to live, work, and travel across the Schengen Area. Parastoo Legal Group — based in Madrid — is uniquely positioned to guide UAE clients through every step.
Investment Routes Available
The most common Golden Visa route for UAE clients is real estate investment of €500,000 or more (free of mortgage on that amount). Other routes include €1,000,000 in Spanish bank deposits or company shares, or €2,000,000 in Spanish public debt. Business investments creating jobs or contributing to innovation are also eligible.
Real Estate in Spain: What UAE Investors Are Buying
UAE investors consistently favour Madrid (Barrio de Salamanca, La Moraleja), Marbella (Puerto Banús, Sierra Blanca), Barcelona, and Mallorca. Our team coordinates with trusted real estate agencies to help clients identify investment-grade properties that also satisfy personal lifestyle preferences.
The Golden Visa Application Process
The process: (1) Complete the investment (property purchase with notarial deed); (2) Obtain a NIE (foreigner identification number) — we do this on your behalf; (3) Submit the Golden Visa application at a Spanish immigration office or via the Spanish Consulate in Dubai; (4) Receive the visa (valid 2 years); (5) Obtain the TIE (residence card). Processing typically takes 10 business days once the complete file is submitted.
No Minimum Stay Required
Unlike most residency permits, the Golden Visa does not require you to spend a minimum number of days in Spain each year. Many UAE clients maintain their primary residence in Dubai while holding Spanish residency — enjoying the benefits of EU freedom of movement without relocating full-time.
Tax Planning for Golden Visa Investors
Investors who spend fewer than 183 days in Spain remain tax resident in the UAE (or their home country) and are not subject to Spanish income tax. For those who do relocate, the Beckham Law provides significant tax advantages. Our tax team advises on the optimal structure before the investment is made.