Important update: Spain's Golden Visa has been officially abolished under Organic Law 1/2025, effective 25 April 2025. No new applications are being accepted. If you are looking for residency in Spain, please see the alternative routes below.
Spain's Golden Visa programme was a residency-by-investment scheme that allowed non-EU nationals to obtain Spanish residency through qualifying investments, most commonly a property purchase of at least €500,000. Since its launch in 2013 it attracted thousands of applicants from the US, UK, China and Latin America. It has now been permanently closed to new applicants.
The Spanish government abolished the Golden Visa under Organic Law 1/2025, citing concerns about its contribution to rising property prices in major cities, housing affordability for Spanish residents, and broader concerns about the link between large-scale property investment and money laundering. The abolition took effect on 25 April 2025.
If you were considering the Golden Visa, there are several strong alternatives depending on your situation:
Introduced in 2023, the Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers who work for companies or clients outside Spain. It allows you to live and work legally in Spain for up to five years, with a path to permanent residency. Requirements include proof of remote work, a minimum monthly income (currently around €2,850), and private health insurance.
The most popular route for retirees and those with passive income. It allows you to live in Spain without working, provided you can demonstrate sufficient financial means (currently around €28,800 per year for a single applicant). You must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain to maintain the visa.
EU citizens and their family members can register as residents in Spain without a visa. After five years of legal residency, both EU and non-EU nationals can apply for long-term permanent residency. After ten years, citizenship may be available.
If you have a job offer from a Spanish employer or are transferring within a multinational company, a work visa may be the appropriate route. Spain also has a specific highly-skilled worker route for certain professions.
| Visa Route | Best For | Min. Stay Required |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers, freelancers | No fixed minimum |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees, passive income | 183 days/year |
| EU Residency | EU citizens | 183 days/year |
| Work Visa | Employed in Spain | 183 days/year |
Even though the Golden Visa no longer exists, navigating Spanish residency law remains complex. Rules change frequently, documentation requirements are strict, and errors or delays can be costly. A specialist immigration lawyer will:
Need advice on the right residency route for your situation? Find an English-speaking immigration lawyer in Spain today.
Find an Immigration Lawyer →Spain's Golden Visa has been abolished under Organic Law 1/2025 and is no longer available for new applicants. However, Spain remains one of the most popular destinations in Europe for expats, and several strong residency routes remain available. The Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa and standard EU residency registration are all viable options depending on your circumstances. Speaking to a specialist immigration lawyer is the best first step.
