Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
if I buy a residence of $500,000, I can qualify for the ‘Spain golden visa’ in Spain when I retire. However, what happens if, after residing in Spain for a few years, I decide to get married to a Spaniard? Am I required to change my status? Would my tax status equivalently change?
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These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”You can change, then you will get the Spanish heath care under your wife”
”You can maintain your “Spain golden visa” status as long as you own properties over €500k paid in cash. You don’t have to change your status if you get married. Taxes are a separate issue”
”Golden visa doesn’t give you any tax benefits as far as I know, and so if you changed status to family member of an EU citizen, it won’t have anything to do with your taxes. If you reside in Spain 183 days a year you are usually considered a tax resident of Spain and must report worldwide income and file taxes in Spain”
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”I think it’s like this: you need to communicate your changed status if it changes your entitlement to the residency authorisation you hold. As spouse of a Spanish national you are no longer eligible for the Golden Visa and would need to apply for Arraigo Familiar or Familiar of an EU passport holder instead, if you reside habitually in Spain with your husband”
”Pretty sure you have to pay the same taxes either way”
”So far I know Golden visa holders have tax benefits for 10 years or so”
So according to Spainguru Facebook group members, If you buy a residence in Spain to qualify for the golden visa and later marry a Spaniard, you would likely need to change your immigration status and potentially apply for a different visa. Your tax status may also be affected, and it is advisable to consult with immigration experts for accurate information.
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