In the world of alternative investments, the real estate market in Spain offers a rare trifecta: capital appreciation, passive income potential, and the chance to secure EU residency.
As global investors increasingly seek geographic diversification—not just for their portfolios, but for their lifestyles—Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
But what makes it so compelling? And how can savvy investors navigate both the legal and financial terrain?
To answer these questions, we sat down with Lucía Lagunas, a renowned Spanish immigration and real estate lawyer at MySpainVisa, and the team at Advisors Asset Management—experts in cross-border tax and investment strategy.
Table of Contents
Why Spain?
Spain is more than just a beautiful country with great weather. It’s a member of the European Union, part of the Schengen Area, and boasts a high standard of living at a relatively low cost.
Key investor benefits:
- Strong real estate fundamentals
- Favorable tax treaties with many countries
- Residency programs that support long-term relocation
- Diversified investment sectors: tourism, energy, agribusiness, fintech, real estate
- Access to EU banking, healthcare, and education systems
For global investors, especially those from the US, UK, LATAM, or Asia, investing in Spain isn’t just about returns—it’s about optionality.
Investing for residency: The Spanish immigration advantage
Lucía Lagunas points out that many of her clients don’t just want to invest—they want a Plan B.
“We’re seeing more high-net-worth individuals looking to establish residency in Spain as part of a long-term mobility or asset protection strategy. Investment becomes the key that unlocks both freedom and lifestyle.”
Spain currently offers several visa pathways tied to investment, including:
- Entrepreneur visas for startup founders
- Non-lucrative visas for those with passive income
- Residency through business or capital investment
- And paths toward permanent residency and even citizenship
Explore Spain’s full suite of immigration visa solutions here.
Why real estate is the gateway investment
Among all asset classes, real estate remains the top vehicle for those seeking both yield and residency. Spain’s Golden Visa program is one of the most accessible in Europe and offers:
- No minimum stay requirement to maintain residency
- Travel freedom within the Schengen Area
- The ability to bring spouses and children
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
Learn more about how to buy property in Spain as a foreigner
But as Lucía warns:
“It’s not just about hitting the €500,000 mark. You need to ensure the property is legally viable, debt-free, and fully registered. That’s where proper legal due diligence is critical.”
The Spanish real estate market in 2025: A snapshot
Despite global turbulence, Spain’s property market continues to show resilience. Key trends include:
- Strong demand in prime areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands
- Continued interest in rural and coastal retreats due to remote work flexibility
- Booming short-term rental potential in tourist hubs
- Foreign buyers making up 15%+ of property purchases, with increasing demand from Americans
“Clients often start with a vacation property and end up restructuring their life around it,” says Lucía.
Beyond bricks: Alternative investment opportunities in Spain
For those looking beyond real estate, Spain offers a wide range of alternative investment sectors.
Hospitality and Tourism
Despite pandemic challenges, Spain remains one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with over 85 million international visitors annually. Boutique hotels, short-term rentals, and eco-lodges offer strong ROI.
Agricultural Land and Olive Farms
Spain is Europe’s largest olive oil producer. Investment opportunities exist in high-quality, export-focused farms—often with attached rural properties that qualify for residency visas.
Vineyards and Wineries
From Rioja to Ribera del Duero, owning a stake in a Spanish vineyard can be both profitable and romantic. Many also qualify for commercial investment visas.
Tech Startups and Venture Capital
Spain’s tech scene, especially in Barcelona and Madrid, is booming. Investors can gain residency through startup funding under the “Entrepreneur Visa” scheme.
Energy Infrastructure and Renewables
Spain is rapidly scaling up wind and solar power. Green bonds, infrastructure co-investments, and ESG-aligned projects are on the rise.
Explore more investment opportunities in Spain
Tax and wealth structuring: Where Advisors AM comes in
Once an investment is made, the next step is optimizing its structure for long-term value. That’s where Advisors Asset Management Inc. steps in.
Their team specializes in:
- Tax-efficient cross-border investment structuring
- Asset protection and estate planning
- Coordination with Spanish and international tax authorities
- Wealth management for global families
- Advice for crypto, real estate, and alternative portfolios
They often work in tandem with Lucía Lagunas when a client is both investing and seeking residency.
“It’s not just about buying a house—it’s about building a presence in Spain the smart way,” explains Advisors AM’s Managing Partner. “We structure everything to align with each client’s global tax footprint.”
Building a global base: Use case scenarios
Let’s look at a few real-life client profiles that combine investment with immigration and wealth goals:
The digital nomad founder
- US-based SaaS entrepreneur
- Invests €600K in a beachfront home in Alicante
- Gains Spanish residency for himself and family
- Advisors AM sets up EU tax-compliant structure to manage company dividends
The retired couple from Canada
- Buys a €520K apartment in Valencia
- Enrolls in Spain’s public healthcare
- Applies for permanent residency after 5 years
- Advisors AM handles foreign pension taxation and estate planning
The LATAM investor
- Builds a portfolio of 3 short-term rental properties in Barcelona
- Sets up Spanish SL company for management
- Lucía assists with visa and NIE process
- Advisors AM optimizes tax reporting between Spain and home country
The legal must-haves before you invest
Lucía Lagunas emphasizes that legal due diligence is non-negotiable. Her checklist for foreign investors includes:
- Confirm property ownership and registration
- Review for any debts or liens
- Validate zoning and urban planning compliance
- Verify building licenses and occupancy permits
- Draft purchase contracts in both Spanish and English
- Manage NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and power of attorney
- Guide visa and residency timelines
All of this is part of MySpainVisa’s end-to-end legal service for investors.
“In Spain, the notary does not protect the buyer. That’s my job. We go far beyond paperwork—we protect your assets from the ground up.”
Buying property as a legal entity vs individual
Depending on your home country’s tax laws, it may be more efficient to purchase Spanish assets through:
- A Spanish SL (Sociedad Limitada)
- A foreign holding company
- A trust or foundation
- Or even a joint venture structure
Advisors AM can advise on entity choice, registration, and compliance.
What happens after you move?
Once you hold Spanish residency, you can:
- Spend unlimited time in Spain
- Move freely throughout the Schengen Zone
- Apply for public healthcare and education access
- Qualify for permanent residency after 5 years
- Qualify for citizenship after 10 years (or 2 years for some Latin American citizens)
Residency, once an investment footnote, becomes a life-changing benefit.
Final Thoughts: Spain as a Strategic Investment Destination
Spain is no longer just a place for holiday homes and sangria. It’s a strategic asset in a diversified global lifestyle and investment portfolio.
By combining expert legal guidance from Lucía Lagunas, strategic financial planning from Advisors AM, and the country’s investor-friendly frameworks, you can unlock more than returns—you can unlock your future.
