3 April 2025 >> SPAIN GOLDEN VISA UPDATE:
The Spanish Government ended the Investor Visa (Spanish Golden Visa) program in April 2025. Applications are no longer accepted. All applications submitted before 3 April 2025 were processed as normal.
The Spanish Golden Visa — officially the Investor Visa — is gone. On 3 April 2025, Spain closed the program permanently. No new applications are accepted. If you were planning to use a property purchase to secure Spanish residency, you will need a different route.
The good news: Spain still offers several strong pathways to residency and, eventually, an EU passport. This guide covers what happened, why it happened, and which alternative fits your situation.
Is the Spain Golden Visa Still Available in 2026?
No. The Spanish Golden Visa was officially abolished on 3 April 2025. On 3 January 2025, Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE) published Organic Law 1/2025, which repealed the Investor Visa program established under Law 14/2013. The deadline for final applications was 3 April 2025. All applications submitted before that date were processed as normal.
There is no grace period, no new application route, and no equivalent program replacing it. The program is closed.
Why Did Spain Abolish the Golden Visa?
Spain abolished the Golden Visa to tackle housing affordability. The government’s position was that residency-linked property investment was driving up prices in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, making it harder for residents to buy or rent locally.
The measure was part of a broader package targeting housing speculation. EU-level pressure to close investment migration schemes across member states also played a role. Spain, following Portugal, which ended its own Golden Visa program in 2023, is moving away from residency-by-investment tied to real estate.
What Are the Alternatives to the Spain Golden Visa in 2026?
We asked our Spanish Immigration lawyer partner, Raquel Moreno, how clients were adjusting to the abolition of the Golden Visa program.
We are happy for our clients because Spain still has many pathways for non-EU citizens looking to live here long-term. Most of the options mean that oyu can still get permanent residency after five years and Spanish citizenship, and an EU passport after ten year of living in Spain. But, the right option depends on how you earn your income and what you plan to do in Spain. Raquel Moreno, Spanish Immigration Lawyer
Visa comparison: which route fits you?
| Digital Nomad Visa | Non-Lucrative Visa | Entrepreneur Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Remote workers, freelancers | Retirees, passive income holders | Founders, business investors |
| Work in Spain? | Remote work for foreign clients/employers only | No work permitted | Yes, for your own Spanish business |
| Key income requirement | €2,849/month gross (2026) | Passive income, savings, or pension to meet the IPREM threshold | Business plan viability assessment |
| Property purchase required? | No | No | No |
| Path to citizenship? | Yes, after 10 years | Yes, after 10 years | Yes, after 10 years |
Need help choosing? Speak to our immigration specialist to assess your situation.
Digital Nomad Visa: for remote workers and freelancers
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is designed for people who work remotely for foreign companies or foreign clients. To qualify in 2026, the primary applicant needs a minimum gross income of €2,849 per month — equivalent to 200% of the 2026 Spanish minimum wage.
You cannot use the DNV to work for Spanish employers or clients. At least one of your clients or your employer must be a registered company. If you have a complex cross-border setup, the tax implications are worth reviewing early — particularly if you are above the €50,000 to €60,000 income range where Beckham Law may be relevant.
Non-Lucrative Visa: for retirees and passive income holders
The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most established route for people who do not need to work in Spain. It suits retirees, people with savings, investment income, or pension income, and anyone able to demonstrate they can support themselves without employment.
You cannot work in Spain on an NLV — not even remotely. If your situation involves any form of active income, the DNV or Entrepreneur Visa is likely the more appropriate route. See our full NLV guide for current income thresholds.
Entrepreneur Visa: for founders and business investors
The Entrepreneur Visa is for people who want to build or invest in a business in Spain. Unlike the Golden Visa, it is not tied to property — it is assessed on the viability of your business plan. This route suits founders and investors whose focus is on operating within the Spanish market, not remote work for foreign clients.
Do You Already Hold a Spanish Golden Visa?
If you currently hold a Golden Visa and have questions about your renewal rights, obligations, or options to switch to a different permit type, we recommend speaking directly with a Spanish immigration lawyer.
The rules around existing holders involve specific legal conditions that depend on your individual circumstances. This is not an area where general guidance is sufficient.
Book an immigration consultation with our vetted specialist to get a clear picture of where you stand.
Can Non-EU Citizens Still Buy Property in Spain in 2026?
Yes. The abolition of the Golden Visa does not affect the right of non-EU citizens to buy property in Spain. Property purchase and residency are now fully decoupled. You can buy a home in Spain without gaining any residency rights, and you can obtain residency through the routes above without any requirement to buy property.
If you are buying in Spain as part of a broader relocation plan, our buyers’ agents work exclusively on behalf of buyers — not sellers or developers. Since the visa incentive is gone, the property’s investment quality matters more than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Spain Golden Visa abolished?
Yes. On 3 January 2025, Spain’s Official State Gazette published Organic Law 1/2025, which abolished the Investor Visa (Golden Visa) program. The final date for application submission was 3 April 2025. The program is permanently closed.
Does Spain have citizenship by investment (CBI) in 2026?
No. Spain has no residency or citizenship-by-investment program following the abolition of the Golden Visa. You can apply for Spanish citizenship and an EU passport after living in Spain for ten years on a qualifying visa.
Can I use the Golden Visa to retire in Spain?
No. The Golden Visa program ended in April 2025. The most appropriate visa for retiring in Spain is the Non-Lucrative Visa.
Why did Spain abolish the Golden Visa?
Spain abolished the Golden Visa to prioritize housing affordability and address concerns about real estate speculation. The government argued that foreign investment linked to residency was driving up property prices in key cities, making it harder for local residents to buy homes in Spain. EU-level pressure to close investment migration schemes across member states was also a factor.
What is the best visa for investors moving to Spain in 2026?
There is no direct replacement for the Golden Visa. The best route depends on your income type. Remote workers and freelancers with foreign income should consider the Digital Nomad Visa. Those with passive income, savings, or a pension are typically better suited to the Non-Lucrative Visa. Founders or business investors planning to operate in Spain should look at the Entrepreneur Visa. Speak to our immigration specialist to assess your situation.
Can I get Spanish residency without buying property?
Yes. All current Spanish visa routes — the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and Entrepreneur Visa — are entirely independent of property ownership. You do not need to buy property to obtain or maintain residency in Spain.
How much income do I need for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?
The NLV income threshold is based on the Spanish IPREM index and is updated annually. See our Non-Lucrative Visa guide for current figures. You will need to demonstrate sufficient passive income, savings, or pension to support yourself and any dependents without working in Spain.
What happened to Golden Visa applications submitted before April 2025?
Applications submitted before 3 April 2025 were processed under the standard procedure as normal. If you submitted an application before the deadline and have questions about its status or your next steps, speak to a Spanish immigration lawyer.
Spain still offers a clear path to residency, permanent residency, and citizenship for non-EU citizens. Explore your options or speak to our team to find the right route for your situation.
For the business project route noted above, are you aware of any projects that the government has deemed to meet the criteria (“significant socio-economic impact on the geographical area in which the project is to be carried out, or its significant contribution to scientific or technological innovation”) and on that basis provided a long-stay visa for a foreigner? I have not been able to dig up any information so far.
Thank you.
Hi Mike. The investment category is much less prevalent than real estate, and each case is unique and assessed as such. If you don’t want to start with a chat with a great Spanish immigration lawyer, the Spanish government has a website with lots of information on investing in Spain. All the best, Alastair
When buying real estate ie house/a can we buy more than one property to amount in excess of euros 500000 or deis it have to be a property, singular.
Also my partner Sue, we are not married or Civil Partnership. Is putting 50% in to our new house that we are buying shortly to live in. How do we deal with that please. Thank you
Hi Roger. You can buy more than one property as long as the total value of the assets exceeds €500,000. The second question is more complicated. The individual contribution needs to exceed €500,000, but the primary visa applicant can include a common-law partner on the application. I’d strongly suggest speaking to our Spanish immigration law partner to determine the best way to manage this. We also have a free Webinar on November 15th – you can see the recording of that here: “Which Golden Visa should I choose? Spain or Portugal?“
My ancestors came from Spain originally. They were part of the Spanish conquistadors who landed in Mexico. The original ancestor was my great great great great grandfather who was a General in the Spanish military. His progeny stayed in Mexico until the Mexican revolution made the Spanish population move out. My grandfather moved his family to Chicago in around 1915.
Does my 1/2 Spanish ancestor merit me any advantages in moving to Spain?
Thank you
Hi Robert. Unfortunately, Your ancestry won’t give you any advantage in moving to Spain. If you did have Mexican citizenship you’d qualify for accelerated Spanish citizenship but you’ll still need a Spanish residence permit to live in Spain while you qualify. All the best, Alastair
Does this also include other latin American countries? For example Guatemala? I thought it included any colonized countries.
Hi Sarah – if you are talking about the accelerated 2-year citizenship pathway, then yes, Guatemala is included. https://movingtospain.com/spanish-citizenship/#appendix-1 Regards, Alastair
Thanks for the great article. Once I’m granted the visa for acquisition of RE or RIC, is there are time limit to acquire the RE or make the investment? Would I be able to arrive, rent first while researching for a property? Thanks, Pedro
Hi Pedro. You need to progress the investment before your application, and you must submit the application in your country of residence before moving to Spain (unless you are already a resident of Spain with a different immigration permission, for example, a Spanish non-lucrative visa). This process is why we strongly suggest meeting with an expert Spanish immigration lawyer or Golden Visa specialist before starting the process. All the best, Alastair
I have a entrepreneurship plan that will bring $ in from tourists . I also plan on hiring locals . Does this merit me a entrepreneurship visa and with this visa can I bring my children. How soon does it become a PR
Hi Janell – if your business plan, experience, and funding model are solid, then you have a good chance of an entrepreneur visa. Our Spanish immigration lawyer will be able to assist with crafting your application. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair,
I have a question about this statement, which says that ‘Financially dependent children over 18’ could be included .in the application.
My son is 22 years old, he is a student and lives with us in our house, works part-time, but his salary is not covering all the expenses, because he spends half of the time for his study.
Could he be considered as a ‘Financially dependent child over 18’? And what proof whould be needed to confirm that?
Thank you,
Andrei
Hi Andrei. As your case is ambiguous, I’d suggest speaking with our Spanish Immigration Lawyer partner for the best way to approach this application. All the best, Alastair
Hello. I heard the Golden Visa is ending, is this true? Is there an end date where it is “too late” to apply?
On the investment, if looking for a home around $500-600k do you have to put down $500k to satisfy the requirement or can you put down less as long as the total purchase (with mortgage) is $500k+? Basically could I put down say $300k and get a mortgage for the rest?
Thank you!
Hi Mark. Yes, as of May 2024, the Spanish government intends to pass legislation to amend or terminate the Golden Visa program. However, until that legislation is passed, they’ll still accept applications. The investment must be more than €500K, the minimum cash amount toward the purchase (so you could top up with a mortgage for a house over €500K). Regards, Alastair
Do you need to have the 500k upfront for investment? or can you start a business in country and make up the difference in the 5 year period under the entrepreneur visa
Hi Matthew – there is no specific value for the new business investment Golden visa (Residency Visa for Capital Investor (RIC)). As per the article, “investment levels depend on the location and sector. The Consular Economic and Commercial Office will look at your project and decide if it has a “significant socio-economic impact on the geographical area in which the project is to be carried out or its significant contribution to scientific or technological innovation.”. I’d suggest speaking with a Spanish Golden Visa expert before starting this process to ensure the best chance of success. The Entrepreneur Visa is a different immigration pathway managed under different legislation. Our immigration lawyer partner will be happy to help you select the best option. All the best, Alastair
Quick question regarding ‘ongoing’ visa applications after the initial. We’re currently looking to go for the initial golden visa application BUT if this process is due to end does that then mean any subsequent renewals will be stopped going forward or is it the case once you have had the first golden visa approved you can continue renewals until the 10year cycle is reached. Strange question but before i go too far down this route wanted to understand whether we just look at a non-lucrative option later down the road.
Hi Steve. I can only make some informed guesses here. 1) The Golden Visa program is still open, so we need visibility into the proposed changes (which may never happen). 2) Historically, Spain has not made changes that retroactively impact existing visa holders. 3) You can apply for permanent residency after five years, so that is as long as you need a Golden Visa. Based on those three factors, it is very, very unlikely that a Golden visa holder would be forced to change immigration permissions. All the best, Alastair