In 2013, with the rise of overseas investment, overseas property purchases and investment immigration flourished. After being collectively impacted by the financial crisis, European countries extended olive branches to attract foreign investment, with the most popular being property-for-residency package programs. Today, for many investors, investment immigration programs in various countries are like menus to choose from. Compared to the high thresholds of traditional immigration countries, nations that have introduced residency-by-investment policies appear more accessible.
The new Spanish investment immigration policy stipulates that an investment of at least 500,000 euros in real estate—which can be one or multiple properties, and any type of property including residential, commercial, industrial, or warehouse—grants the entire family a Spanish residency permit, including spouses and children under 18 years of age. Since Spain launched the policy last September, the government revised the laws and regulations of the investment immigration program in December to make it more attractive to foreign investors. Industry insiders stated, "The decree issued last September is called the 'old law,' and the decree issued in December is called the 'new law.' The 'new law' shortens the processing time for investment immigration, reducing the 6-month visa processing period stipulated by the 'old law' to 20 working days. Regulations have also become more detailed; while the 'old law' required investors to reside in Spain for 180 days, the 'new law' abolished this clause, requiring only that investors maintain their investment and enter Spain once a year."
Since the beginning of this year, certain affluent and middle-class residential areas in Barcelona have become key targets for immigrants, and property prices in these areas have begun to rise over the past few months. Generally, those choosing to immigrate opt for affluent or middle-class neighborhoods in Barcelona. Influenced by this trend, property prices in these residential areas have increased by 200 to 500 euros since the beginning of this year.