Spanish residency as a solution to travel through the Schengen area without the need for a visa application

Spanish residency can be the perfect solution for many Filipino investors

Anyone wishing to enter the Schengen Area for whatever purpose must apply for a visa, depending on their nationality.  Currently, there are about sixty countries around the world whose citizens can enter Europe without a visa and stay for 90 days in a six-month period.    

However, if you are not a citizen of any of these countries, you will have to go through the whole long and tedious process of applying for a Schengen visa.   

Obtain Spanish residency  

You should know that there is a solution to this long and tedious process through the residence by investment programs offered by some countries in Europe and the Schengen area. One example is Spain, where residence permit holders can travel visa-free to the Schengen area. spanish residency

All about the Golden Visa Spain 

The residency by investment program of Spain is one of the more popular programs in Europe.  In order to obtain Spanish residency, it requires an investment of at least €500,000 in real estate property that the investor must hold for a minimum of five years.   

Moreover, the investor must purchase with their own funds one or multiple properties in Spain that can be for residential or commercial purposes.   

Investments in shares in a company or deposits in a Spanish bank of at least E1,000,000 or an investment in Spanish debt of at least E2,000,000 are alternative investments to real estate. 

The applicant can also invest in a new business that will create employment opportunities for Spanish citizens, contribute to innovation in the fields of science or technology, and make a socio-economic impact. 

Obtain Spanish nationality in just two years 

After five years, holder of second passport can apply for permanent Spanish residency and after ten years, the second passport holder can apply for Spanish citizenship.   

Second passport holders from former Spanish colonies like the Philippines and Chile, can apply for citizenship only after two years.   

Therefore, you, as a Philippine investor, can benefit from this advantage.   

What are the benefits of Spanish residency? 

Obtaining Spanish residency on a permanent basis can bring great advantages for you.   

Freedom of movement 

First of all, the Spanish residency allows the holder and his family to travel without a visa within the Schengen area.  This way, you will not need to apply for a visa every time you want to travel to a new country.   

Dependents of the holder – spouse, dependent children, dependent parents – are included in the application and also have the right to live, work and study in Spain and can enjoy the high standard of living of Spain, the excellent healthcare and education system.  

Excellent educational system 

Spain boasts of a high level of education that is comparable to those in the United States, United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.  

Autonomous University of Madrid, for instance, has an excellent global reputation in education and training in research, technology, and innovation.  Universities and colleges in Madrid offer a wide range of subjects and can combine internships or part-time jobs with academic study.  

Barcelona is the only European city with two academic institutions (IESE and ESADE) among the top 10 business schools in the world according to The Financial Times.    spanish residency

Security and healthcare system 

Spain also stands out for its security. The Global Peace Index (GPI) ranked Spain 31st out of 163 countries with one being the highest.    

The Spanish healthcare system is one of the best in the world.  It guarantees universal coverage and free healthcare access to all Spanish nationals and international investors who have obtained Spanish residency.   

Relaxed and stress-free lifestyle  

Another benefit that characterizes Spanish residency and, of course, Spain, is its high quality of life. 

Spaniards have developed a lifestyle that is relaxed in comparison to the rest of Europe or the US.  There is less concern for time as Spanish people are never in a hurry.  Meals are leisurely and mostly never alone, and serve as a time to take a break, catch up and refuel that may include a few minutes of siesta or light sleep.  Many shops, cafes, restaurants and business establishments close during the hottest time of the day, open again when it is cooler, and stay open until late in the evening.    

Healthy Mediterranean diet 

Spanish people have a life expectancy of 83.2 years.  A 2019 Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index showed that out of 169 countries, Spain is the healthiest nation in the world.   

Health experts attribute this longer life expectancy and overall health and wellness to the Mediterranean diet that Spaniards have been following for many generations. spanish residency

The Mediterranean diet is the high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish, a moderate consumption of dairy products and wine, and a low consumption of meat products.   

Finally, another great benefit of getting Spanish residency is the climate and temperature of the country. 

Spain’s constant sunlight encourages people to be more active and outdoors whether it be in the beaches, vast plains, or mountains.   

Apply for Spanish residency  

All these benefits make Spanish residency a fantastic option for investors who want to explore new business opportunities in a pleasant environment with a high quality of life.