Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Bilbao

About Golden Visa Law in Bilbao, Spain

The Spanish Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment pathway available under Spanish national immigration rules. It allows non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Spain to obtain a residency visa for themselves and certain family members. Applications are made under Spanish law, and administrative steps are handled through national immigration authorities and local offices - in Bilbao that typically means dealings with the consular service for initial visas and the Oficina de Extranjeria or Policía Nacional for local permit processing and biometric cards. The program is intended to encourage foreign capital inflows - common qualifying investments include real estate purchases, capital investments in Spanish companies or bank deposits, investment in Spanish public debt, or business projects that provide economic interest.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Applying for a Golden Visa involves multiple legal, fiscal and administrative steps. A specialised lawyer can help you in ways that include - assessing whether your intended investment meets the legal thresholds and conditions; structuring the investment to reduce risk and avoid inadvertent obstacles; performing legal due diligence on real estate or corporate investments; preparing and translating certified documentation; proving lawful origin of funds; handling family reunification paperwork; responding to queries from authorities; and advising about tax and social security consequences of residency. Lawyers familiar with Bilbao and the Basque Country also know local administrative practices, property registration nuances and regional tax differences that can materially affect outcomes.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of law and local practice relevant to the Golden Visa in Bilbao include - national immigration rules that set qualifying investment types and general eligibility criteria; required supporting documents such as police certificates, proof of health insurance, and evidence of funds; local administrative procedures in Bilbao - including presentations to the Oficina de Extranjeria, biometric card collection at Policía Nacional offices, and property registration at local Property Registries; Basque fiscal and administrative particularities - the Basque Country has significant fiscal autonomy, which can affect taxation on property transfers, ongoing property taxes and regional tax rules, so local advice is important; and residency and tax rules - being resident for immigration purposes is different from fiscal residency for tax purposes, with tax residency typically based on time spent in Spain or center of economic interests. Finally, public health insurance, social security registration and compliance with renewal conditions are essential to maintain the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa and who qualifies?

The Golden Visa is a Spanish residence-by-investment route for non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Spain. Typical qualifying investments include buying real estate above a minimum threshold, making significant capital investments in Spanish companies or bank deposits, investing in Spanish public debt, or undertaking qualifying business projects. Applicants must also meet general eligibility rules such as clean criminal records and proof of funds.

What are the common investment thresholds?

Common qualifying investments cited in practice include a real estate purchase of at least EUR 500,000, capital investments or bank deposits at higher thresholds, and larger amounts for public debt investments. Exact thresholds and acceptable investment forms are defined by national immigration regulations and can be subject to interpretation and administrative requirements, so it is important to confirm current figures with a legal adviser before committing funds.

Can my family join me under the Golden Visa?

Yes. The Golden Visa normally allows certain family members to apply for residence with the main applicant, commonly including a spouse or registered partner and dependent children. Extended family members may be eligible in some circumstances. A lawyer can help with the family reunification procedure and required documentation.

Do I have to live in Spain to keep the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is more flexible than many other residency routes - it generally does not impose strict continuous residence requirements to obtain the permit initially. However, specific renewal criteria and future eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship require more substantial physical presence in Spain. Always check renewal conditions and consult an advisor about long-term plans and the impact on tax residency.

How long does the application process take?

Timelines vary depending on where you apply, the completeness of documentation, and current administrative workload. Typical steps include preparing documentation, lodging the application at a Spanish consulate or through Spanish authorities, and then local processing to issue a residence permit and biometric card. Processing times can be a few weeks to several months. Working with a lawyer or authorised representative can streamline the process and avoid avoidable delays.

What documents are commonly required?

Common documents include a valid passport, proof of qualifying investment (purchase deeds, bank statements, investment certificates), proof of lawful origin of funds, criminal background checks from place(s) of residence, evidence of health insurance valid in Spain, and proof of sufficient financial means. Documents often require official translation and legalisation or an apostille, depending on the issuing country.

If I buy a property in Bilbao, what local issues should I consider?

Local issues include performing full due diligence - title checks at the Property Registry, verification of outstanding mortgages or liens, local property taxes and transfer taxes or VAT that may apply, community of owners rules, and any municipal restrictions. Bilbao and the Basque Country have local administrative practices and fiscal rules that can differ from other regions in Spain, so a local lawyer and a notary are essential in the purchase process.

What are the tax implications of obtaining a Golden Visa?

Immigration residency is separate from tax residency. If you become tax resident in Spain - typically based on spending a majority of the year in Spain or having your main economic interests here - you will be liable for Spanish taxes on worldwide income. Even if you do not become tax resident, you will have Spanish tax obligations tied to property ownership or local income. The Basque Country has specific regional tax rules. Tax planning with a tax advisor or lawyer is strongly recommended before and after investing.

Can I sell my investment at any time and keep my residency?

Rules vary by investment type. Some Golden Visa pathways require that the qualifying investment be maintained for a set period to keep the residency right - selling too soon may jeopardise renewals. For real estate, selling the property might affect your eligibility unless you replace the investment with another qualifying asset. Consult a lawyer before changing or disposing of qualifying investments.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer and what services do they provide?

Fees depend on the law firm, complexity of the case and scope of services - from a single consultation to full-service handling of the investment, immigration filings, tax planning, and family reunification. Typical services include document preparation and review, due diligence, application submission, liaison with authorities, and representation at local offices. Ask for a clear fee estimate and a written engagement letter outlining deliverables.

Additional Resources

Helpful bodies and points of contact for further assistance include - the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country for initial visa guidance; the Oficina de Extranjeria in Bilbao for local immigration procedures; Policía Nacional offices in Bilbao for biometric card collection; the Ministry or Directorate responsible for migration at the national level for policy and procedural information; the Spanish Tax Agency for tax-related questions; Social Security authorities for registration and benefits; the local Property Registry and town hall for property matters; and local chambers of commerce or investor services for business-related projects. Professional resources include licensed immigration lawyers, notaries, registered translators and tax advisers familiar with Basque Country rules.

Next Steps

If you are considering a Golden Visa in Bilbao, follow these practical steps - schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in Spanish investment immigration and familiar with local Basque procedures; prepare a preliminary checklist of your identity documents, proof of funds and intended investment; ask your lawyer to explain investment options and current thresholds, conduct due diligence on any real estate or corporate targets, and propose a tax and compliance plan; decide whether to apply from abroad through a Spanish consulate or through authorised representation; instruct the lawyer to prepare and submit the application and to coordinate local processes in Bilbao - signing at a notary, property registration and biometric card collection; and plan for ongoing compliance - renewals, taxes and potential changes to your investment or family situation. Early legal advice reduces risk and helps ensure a smooth process from investment to residency.