Apartment in Barcelona for a residency permit
The CBI platform offers easy access to apartments in Barcelona for investment and residency applications. In 2024, residency by investment remains possible under the "Golden Visa" programme, with flats continuing to be the preferred choice among foreign buyers due to:
- Prime Location: Properties in the city, both modern and historic, are close to attractions, entertainment and essential infrastructure.
- Range of Options: Choices span from compact studios of 24 square metres to luxurious penthouses, with apartments around 75–80 square metres being especially popular;
- Flexible Use: Apartments can be rented out to travellers or offer a comfortable home for families relocating from abroad;
- Cost Efficiency: Compared to houses and villas, apartments are more affordable to maintain and offer quicker returns on investment.
Barcelona’s appeal to expats is heightened by its warm climate (average yearly temperature of 20°C), abundant sunshine, welcoming attitude toward foreigners and iconic architecture. Additionally, the city is home to prestigious Spanish universities, international schools and comprehensive infrastructure in each neighbourhood.
Buying apartments in Barcelona involves several steps. Prospective buyers first select a property and contact the seller, as our website lists properties from trusted developers and agencies that meet residency requirements. A letter of intent is then signed to secure the apartment. Once the necessary paperwork is completed, the purchase agreement can be signed, payments processed and property rights registered.
Residence permit in Spain by buying an apartment in Barcelona
You can obtain residency for yourself, your spouse and your children if your apartment in Barcelona, Spain, meets the EUR 500,000 minimum. Depending on how you intend to use the property, you may buy one or multiple housing units across the city. Since there are no specific requirements for property features or conditions, you have options on both the primary and secondary markets. On average, the residency process takes six months, with application review taking 20 to 60 days. Preparations include:
- Ensuring Adequate Investment: Verify that your investment amount meets residency requirements;
- Document Preparation: You must provide evidence of financial stability, family status, personal identity and a clean criminal record;
- Family Residency Planning: Determine who among your relatives will need residency and compile the appropriate documents;
- Visa Arrangement: Prepare to apply in person in Spain, as remote applications are not accepted.
Residence permits in Spain are valid for three years and are renewable. Citizenship is possible after 10 years of residence, provided you’ve maintained residency and applied for permanent residency after five years.
Investment apartment in Barcelona
The city is a top choice for investors in property in Spain, attracting diverse groups of expats and tourists, which positively impacts property values. Apartment prices in Barcelona consistently rise, as does demand for rentals, with a 15% annual increase in rental transactions. Construction is booming, with over 200 new developments in 2024, 59% of which are already sold.
For investment returns, properties in Les Corts and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi offer the best yields, while exclusive units are available in Pedralbes. New-build apartments and flats in Barcelona offer rental returns of up to 9% annually, while ready-to-move-in secondary market units yield 5.42% annually; all you need is a reliable property management company to handle tenant relations.
Properties for both short- and long-term investments are available at various price points, from EUR 115,000 to EUR 13.8 million, with an annual price increase of 2-6%, making flats in Barcelona a profitable investment option.
Yes, foreign investors can buy a flat or a villa in Spain without needing residency status. The process includes selecting a property, signing a preliminary agreement and deposit, conducting seller and property background checks and then signing the main contract and completing the payment. The procedures and taxes are the same as for residents and buyers benefit from strong legal protections.
The main requirements include a minimum property investment, proof of ownership, being of legal age and submitting a set of documents. Residency is granted to property owners and their dependent family members included in the application. A minimum annual income of four times the Spanish living wage is required, plus EUR 7,200 for each additional family member. You’ll also need medical insurance, costing between EUR 700 and EUR 900 per year.
A minimum investment of EUR 500,000 is required for studios, penthouses or 1- to 5-bedroom apartments for sale in Barcelona. Since real estate prices start at EUR 90,000, buying multiple properties is also an option. Immigration officials will assess investment totals excluding taxes and fees. If considering multiple purchases, consult our specialists to ensure compliance and avoid any issues with your application.
An apartment for sale in Barcelona near architectural and historical sites offers high rental income potential. The top three locations are Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and the Old City. Other promising neighbourhoods include Sant Martí, Sant Andreu, El Raval, Gràcia, Nou Barris, Sants-Montjuïc, Eixample and Horta-Guinardó.