Is it possible to obtain Spanish residency using Bitcoin or Ethereum? The short answer is yes, but almost never directly. Here is how smart investors bridge the gap between digital assets and the €500,000 Golden Visa requirement compliant with Spanish Law.
If you are a crypto investor looking at Spain, you likely have one burning question: «Can I use my portfolio to get the Golden Visa?»
The Spanish Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after residency permits in the EU, granting you and your family the right to live and work in Spain by investing €500,000 in real estate. However, for crypto holders, there is a bureaucratic wall: Spanish Land Registries and Immigration offices deal in Euros, not Bitcoin.
At Vicox Legal, we specialize in the «Crypto-to-Real-Estate» bridge. We don’t just handle the property purchase; we structure the transaction to ensure your crypto wealth successfully translates into a qualifying investment for the Law of Entrepreneurs 14/2013.
The Core Problem: Why Direct Crypto Payments Often Fail for Residency
Many agencies claim you can «buy with Bitcoin.» While technically true for the seller (if they accept it), using a direct wallet-to-wallet transfer can jeopardize your Golden Visa application.
Why? Traceability and Valuation.
To approve your residency, the Spanish authorities (UGE-CE) require certification that the investment amounts to exactly €500,000 or more, free of liens. If the deed (Escritura) reflects a payment in Bitcoin, calculating the exact Euro value at the moment of the transaction—and proving the origin of those funds to satisfy Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations—becomes a nightmare for the administration.
The result? Delays or rejections.
The Vicox Strategy: The Regulated Conversion
To guarantee your Golden Visa, we implement a secure, compliant workflow:
- Source of Funds Verification: Before moving a single Euro, we conduct a deep-dive compliance check on your wallet (using tools like Chainalysis) to prepare a «Proof of Funds» dossier. This is your shield against Spanish banking compliance.
- Escrow & Conversion: We assist in converting your digital assets into Fiat currency through regulated OTC desks or crypto-friendly banking partners in Spain.
- The «Clean» Investment: The funds arrive at the notary as Euros, fully traced and certified. The property deed reflects a standard Euro transaction.
- Instant Qualification: Since the investment is in Euros and backed by a Spanish bank certificate, your application meets the standard requirements of the Golden Visa immediately.
2026 Golden Visa Requirements for Crypto Investors
To qualify for the residency permit, your investment must meet these criteria:
Proof of Funds: This is where our crypto-compliance expertise is vital. We provide the narrative that explains how you acquired your Bitcoin, ensuring the Spanish authorities are comfortable with your profile.
Minimum Investment: €500,000 in real estate (per applicant). This must be equity—you cannot use a mortgage for the first €500k.
Clean Criminal Record: Both in Spain and in the countries where you have resided for the past 5 years.
Private Health Insurance: Full coverage in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I pay the seller directly in Bitcoin and still get the Golden Visa?
Does Vicox Legal handle the Source of Funds (SoF) paperwork?
How long does the residency process take?
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