The Congress of Deputies in Spain voted to end the Spain Golden Visa program, which has allowed foreign investors to gain residency through investment in Spain. This vote marks a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy, with the proposal passing by 177 votes in favor and 170 against. After several months of intense legislative discussions, the decision to end the program was finalized.
The Spain Golden Visa ended on 3 April 2025. Any applications submitted before the end date will be processed, and investors and family members who already obtained their Golden visas will remain unaffected.
Launched in 2013, the Spanish Golden Visa program became one of the most popular Golden Visa programs in Europe. It offered benefits like visa-free travel in the Schengen Area, EU education and healthcare access, and family residency options.
This article will cover everything regarding the Spain Golden Visa program, what that means for investors, and alternatives to Spanish and EU residency
In this guide about the Spain Golden Visa Ending 2025, you will learn about:
⚠️ Spain Golden Visa has Ended: April 2025 Update
The Spain Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025, and is no longer accepting applications.
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.
Is the Spain Golden Visa ending?
Yes, the Spain Golden Visa program officially ended on April 3, 2025. After 3 April 2025, new applications for the Golden Visa, which grants residency to non-EU citizens through investment, will no longer be accepted.
On November 4, 2024, the Spanish government took the first steps and announced the Spain Golden Visa changes that eventually led to its complete discontinuation.
Why did the Spain Golden Visa end?
In April 2024, the Spanish government announced plans to restrict the Golden Visa program, eliminating the option to obtain a residency visa in Spain through property investment.
The initial announcement stemmed from concerns that the property investment option made housing in Spain unaffordable for local residents. The Spain Golden Visa allowed foreign investors to obtain Spanish residency through economic investment, with one option being property worth a minimum of €500,000.
The announcement on November 4th, 2024, ended all investment options, not just the real estate investment option.
Read our Spain Non Lucrative Visa
Can you still apply for the Spain Golden Visa?
No, you can no longer apply for the Spain Golden Visa, as the program was officially discontinued on April 3, 2025. After this date, new applications were no longer accepted as Spain officially ended the program. If you were considering applying, you needed to submit your application before the deadline to be processed under the current rules.
Spanish Golden Visas Issued Before it Ended
Spain’s Golden Visa program officially ended on April 3, 2025. Between January and October 2024, a total of 780 Golden Visas were issued. Of these, 573 were granted after the government announced in April 2024 that the program would be discontinued.
Key data on Spain Golden Visa beneficiaries
Key Data | Details |
| Program Duration | 2013 – April 3, 2025 |
| Percentage via Real Estate | Approximately 95% |
| Golden Visas Issued (Jan–Oct 2024) | 780 (573 issued after April 2024 announcement) |
| Golden Visas Issued (Q1 2025) | About 500 |
| Total Foreign Property Purchases (2024) | Nearly 93,000 |
| Main Cities for Investment | Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Alicante, Valencia, Girona, Balearic Islands |
| Golden Visas in Catalonia (Jan–Nov 2024) | 314 total; 308 (98%) in Barcelona |
| Total Golden Visas Issued | About 15,000 |
| Investor profile | The majority was issued to nationals from China, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. There was a notable increase in applications from UK and US nationals, particularly after Brexit. |
Golden Visa Trends in Europe
The end of the Spain Golden Visa program is not a new prospect; many Golden Visas across Europe have undergone significant changes.
For example, the Portugal Golden Visa program terminated its property investment option in October 2023. While there are still other options, including fund subscription, job creation, scientific research, donation in cultural heritage, and share capital, the real estate option is no longer available in any capacity (business or residential).
The Greece Golden Visa also underwent changes. In August 2024, a new four-tier system was introduced, where the investment required depends on the property location, with the lowest tier starting at €800,000. In September 2024, Greece added a new investment option, the Greece Start-Up, which lets investors fund Greek tech start-ups to gain residency.
Other Options for Spanish Residency
With the end of the Spain Golden Visa, here are other alternatives to Spanish residency that a Spanish immigration agency can helo you with:
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, established in 2023, allows non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for one year, with the option to extend for five years. Applicants must meet the monthly income requirement of €2,763 to prove they have enough funds to support themselves. Additionally, they must be employed by a company outside Spain, be self-employed, or be freelancers, and have sufficient healthcare insurance.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa offers non-EU citizens a Spanish residency visa, also known as the Non-profit Visa. It is designed for those with sufficient economic funds who wish to retire or live in Spain without working. Eligibility requires proving that you can comfortably support yourself in Spain through non-working income, such as pensions or rental income. The minimum monthly income requirement is €2,400, ensuring that applicants have enough financial resources to live in the country.
Eight Other EU Golden Visas: Alternative Plan B Options for Investors
While the Spanish Golden Visa has ended, that does not mean it is the end to investing in an EU country. For any investor looking for a plan B residency, there are several EU golden visas to choose from that have real estate investment options, start-ups, innovation, and more.
According to the Global Intelligence Unit at Global Citizen Solutions, the Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) landscape is growing fast as global and political uncertainty increases. “RCBI is no longer just about mobility — it’s a way to protect assets, ensure safety, access better healthcare or education, and enjoy freedom of movement,” said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. “With 36 programs across 35 countries, each with its own rules, timelines, benefits, and risks, comparing them fairly is no easy task,” she added.
1. Malta Permanent Residency by Investment Program (A secure investment in the Mediterranean)
- Citizenship and Residency by Investment Index Ranking: 2nd
The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) offers permanent residency through investment, without requiring a minimum stay. It covers up to four generations, including the main applicant, spouse, children, parents, and grandparents. To qualify, investors must make a three-part investment: rent a property in Malta for at least €14,000 per year for a minimum of 5 years, contribute €37,000 to the government, and donate €2,000 to a Maltese NGO. Alternatively, there is also the option to buy a property worth at least €375,000, contribute €37,000 to the government, and make the same €2,000 donation.
2. Greece Golden Visa (Cheapest and most flexible residency by investment program)
- Citizenship and Residency by Investment Index Ranking: 1st
As mentioned earlier, the Greek Golden Visa is set to expand and introduce the option to invest in start-ups, but the program offers permanent residency to non-EU investors who purchase real estate worth at least €250,000 or €500,000 in select areas like Athens and Santorini. There are no stay requirements, and family members, including spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents, are included. The visa allows travel across the Schengen Zone and can be renewed every five years as long as the property is maintained.
3. Cyprus Golden Visa (Affordable real estate investment)
- Citizenship and Residency by Investment Index Ranking: 8th
The Cyprus Golden Visa also provides permanent residency through investment for non-EU nationals who invest at least €300,000 in real estate, company shares, or a Cyprus-based fund. Applicants must also show a stable income and deposit €30,000 in a Cypriot bank for three years. The permit covers the investor’s spouse, dependent children, and parents, with no requirement to live in Cyprus full-time.
4. Portugal Golden Visa (Most popular plan B residency scheme)
- Citizenship and Residency by Investment Index Ranking: 5th
While Portugal ended real estate investments under the Portugal Golden Visa, investors can still qualify by contributing €500,000 to a qualified investment fund or €250,000 to cultural or artistic preservation. The visa requires an average stay of just seven days per year and includes family reunification. It offers a path to permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
5. Italy Golden Visa (The perfect Golden Visa for innovators)
- Citizenship and Residency by Investment Index Ranking: 6th
Italy’s Golden Visa, also called the Italy Investor Visa, grants residence to non-EU nationals who invest in the country. Options include investing €2 million in government bonds, €500,000 in an Italian company, €250,000 in an innovative startup, or donating €1 million to a public interest project. The visa is valid for two years, renewable for three, and can lead to long-term residency or citizenship once specific criteria is met.
6. Latvia Golden Visa (Low investments with several options)
- Citizenship and Residency by Investment Index Ranking: 20th
The Latvian Golden Visa is a flexible residency program for non-EU citizens who want to live in Europe and travel freely in the Schengen Zone. It allows the main applicant to include their spouse and dependent children. Investment options include buying real estate worth at least €250,000, investing €50,000 in a Latvian company that creates a local job, or placing €280,000 in a Latvian bank or government bonds.
7. Hungary Golden Visa (New and emerging EU Golden Visa program)
- Citizenship and Residency by Investment Index Ranking: 13th
The Hungarian Golden Visa Program was reintroduced on July 1, 2024. It allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to gain long-term residency through investment. It offers access to the EU and the Schengen Area, aiming to attract foreign investment. Applicants can choose between investing €250,000 in a state-approved real estate fund with a five-year holding period or donating €1 million to a Hungarian higher education institution for research or artistic activities.
8. Serbia Residency by Investment (Real estate investment with no restrictions)
- Citizenship and Residency by Investment Index Ranking: –
Serbia Residency by Investment allows foreigners to gain residency by buying property in the country. A major benefit is that there are no restrictions on the price or location of the property; it can be an apartment, house, or commercial property. Foreigners from countries with property agreements can buy directly, while others may need to set up a legal entity.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique 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.
