The Spain Golden Visa officially ended for new applicants on 3 April 2025. This residency-by-investment program allowed non-EU nationals to get residency through property purchase or other significant investments.
Despite its ending, there are still several options for those interested in relocating to Spain, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, as well as other European residency-by-investment programs.
This article will explain how the Spanish Golden Visa worked before its end, the renewal process for current visa holders, and alternative visas that lead to Spanish residency. It will also highlight how our Spanish immigration experts at Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) can help you achieve your residency goals. .
Spain Golden Visa Key Takeaways
Protection for Existing and Pending Applications
Investors and family members who submitted applications before the April deadline will remain unaffected. They will retain all benefits and renewal rights under the program’s current rules. Existing Golden Visa holders will also maintain their rights.
Alternative Residency Options
The Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Malta Golden Visas are great alternatives for investors looking for a European residency permit without a stay requirement.
For those seeking to live in Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa are excellent options.
What the Program Used to Provide
Spain’s Golden Visa allowed non-EU nationals to live, work, and study in Spain in exchange for a qualifying investment. The most common investment route was the purchase of real estate. Other options included investing in Spanish company shares, bank deposits, or government bonds.
Successful applicants received a one-year residency that was renewable in two-year increments. After five years, Golden Visa holders were eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain, and after ten years (shorter for specific nationalities, like Ibero-American citizens) of continuous legal residence, holders were eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship.
The Spain Golden Visa also had no residency requirement. Holders only had to visit Spain at least once in the first year to maintain their residency.
What Happens to Current Applicants, Holders, and Renewals?
Any applications submitted before the program closure will be handled under the rules that existed at the time of submission. Note that approvals are not automatic and are still subject to the requirements at the time.
For individuals with existing visas and residence authorizations, these remain valid for the period they were issued.
Renewals for protected authorizations are assessed under the rules in place when the applicant’s first authorization was granted. However, this is not automatic. All renewals are subject to the applicable conditions and individual decision.
Active Alternatives for Residency in Spain
Here are the main active residency programs in Spain available to foreign nationals.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for one year, with extensions of up to five years. Applicants must show a monthly income that is at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, which is about €2,850 ($3,206) per month, work for a company outside Spain or run a remote business with clients outside the country, and hold valid private health insurance.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is for non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain without working. It is best for retirees or people with passive income, such as pensions or rental earnings. Applicants must show a minimum monthly income of €2,400 ($2,700) to prove they can support themselves.
Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa
The Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa is for non-EU specialists hired for executive, managerial, or technical roles in Spain. It is designed for foreign professionals with many years of experience and strong qualifications.
Spain Self-Employed Visa
The Spain Self-Employed Visa, also known as the Autónomo Visa, allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain as independent professionals. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have relevant work experience, show proof of sufficient funds of about €2,763 ($3,108) per month, have a viable business plan, and a clean criminal record. This visa is granted for one year and can be renewed for up to four years.
Route Comparison by Purpose
| Main purpose | Spanish residence route | Who is it for | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live in Spain while working remotely | Digital Nomad Visa | Remote employees who want to live in Spain while working for foreign companies | Check whether your current mode of work and monthly income meet the requirements |
| Live in Spain without working | Non-Lucrative Visa | Non-EU nationals (mainly retirees) who want to live in Spain without working and can support themselves through passive income sources such as pensions or savings | You will not be allowed to engage in any gainful employment while on this visa. You must meet the financial requirements and have health insurance. |
| Move to Spain for a highly qualified job | Highly Qualified Professional Visa | Highly qualified foreign workers hired by companies in Spain for specific managerial, executive, or specialist positions | Check that the job offer and your experience qualifies |
| Start a business or work independently in Spain | Self-Employed Visa | Foreigners who plan to start a business in Spain | You must show viable business activity and have all the required licenses and qualifications. |
Permanent Residence and Citizenship Are Separate Outcomes
Permanent residence and citizenship in Spain follow a separate set of rules. You can become a permanent resident in Spain after legally living in the country continuously for five years.
On the other hand, most foreigners become eligible for Spanish citizenship after living in the country for ten continuous years. If you are a citizen of an Ibero-American country, this period reduces to two years. Both outcomes are subject to other requirements, such as showing integration into Spanish society for citizenship.
If you are on a Spanish Golden Visa, you should assess your long-term goals, especially if you want to obtain citizenship. For those considering any of the alternative visas, check which pathway you qualify for and how it could impact your future permanent residence or citizenship goals.
Next Steps for Existing Cases
The next step for Golden Visa holders is to confirm the status of their residence permit and organize all relevant documents. This would be the best time to explore the services of a Spain immigration expert, such as Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), to review your documents, assess your family situation, and offer guidance.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
