Hotel101 Global has secured the release of the first batch of Spanish Investor Visas, commonly known as “Golden Visas,” for the initial buyers of Hotel101-Madrid units. This milestone was completed in just six months and 16 days from the purchase of the units.
The Golden Visa for Spain is a residence permit issued to non-European citizens who at least invest in real estate worth at least 500,000 euros. Hotel101-Madrid unit owners qualify for this by purchasing three units, meeting the threshold for Spain’s Investor Visa program.
Hotel101 Global’s business model aligns with Spain’s needs for foreign investment without negatively affecting the local housing supply. Unlike traditional residential properties, Hotel101 units are part of a new development specifically designed for hotel use. This innovative approach allows international investors to meet the Golden Visa criteria without the need for long-term property maintenance.
A strategic partnership for long-term growth
DoubleDragon Chairman Edgar “Injap” Sia II emphasized the positive impact of this venture for both Spain and the Philippines.
“It will be optional for Hotel101 unit buyers if they want to apply for a Golden Visa with their purchase, but it’s worth noting that since Hotel101 is building a fresh inventory of units, it will not reduce the existing housing stock in Spain. Instead, it will add to economic activity through the purchase of land, job creation from construction to operations, and ongoing taxes,” Sia said.
“We are excited for this long-term business endeavor, as Spain and the Philippines share a deep cultural history that could bring mutual long-term benefits,” he added.
This milestone positions DoubleDragon as one of the few Philippine companies expanding its unique asset-light hotel model globally. The company’s flagship, Hotel101, is a hybrid between hospitality and real estate (HBnB), offering a portable and scalable business model. Hotel101’s international expansion is expected to generate substantial U.S. dollar inflows for the Philippines.
Hotel101-Madrid: A flagship development
Hotel101-Madrid is poised to be one of the largest hotels in Europe with 680 rooms. Construction, led by Spain’s Ferrovial Construcción, is scheduled to be completed by late 2025, coinciding with the first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held near the hotel.
The hotel is located in a prime area of Valdebebas, Madrid, near major landmarks, including the IFEMA convention complex, Real Madrid Sports Complex, and Madrid Barajas International Airport. Its strategic location and the growing global demand for hotel investments have attracted both international and local investors.
Hannah Yulo-Luccini, CEO of Hotel101 Global, highlighted the success of the Madrid project, driven in part by its alignment with Spain’s Golden Visa program.
“We have seen incredible traction in our Hotel101 projects globally. Hotel101-Madrid has performed exceptionally well, not only because it qualifies as an investment under the Golden Visa regime, but because it provides retail real estate investors globally with an opportunity to participate in Madrid’s booming hotel industry,” Yulo-Luccini said.
“Local Spanish investors have also shown great interest, purely based on the revenue potential this project will generate once completed,” she added.
Expanding global reach
Hotel101-Madrid will be the first international operation for Hotel101, followed by upcoming developments in Niseko, Japan, and Los Angeles, USA. As Hotel101 Global continues its expansion, it is also preparing for a U.S. stock market listing, expected in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The global growth of Hotel101 is set to boost both Philippine economic interests and international investor participation in key markets, making it a strategic player in the world of hospitality and real estate.
