Spain Golden Visa Ending: Alternative Options for Investors

The Spain Golden Visa was a residency-by-investment program that allowed non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit by investing in Spain, through real estate, business, or government bonds, with a minimum investment starting at €500,000. It allowed applicants and their families to live in Spain, travel freely across the Schengen Area, and access healthcare and education. The visa was initially valid for one year, renewable every two years, and after five years of legal residence, holders could qualify for permanent residency.

However, 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.

Although this program is no longer open for new applicants, there are still alternative ways to obtain residency in Spain. Additionally, several other European countries continue to offer Golden Visa programs.

Spain Golden Visa Ending: Key Takeaways

• The Spanish Golden Visa program officially ended on 3 April 2025 and is no longer accepting new applications.
• Investors and their family members who submitted applications before the deadline will still be processed and retain all the benefits and renewal rights under the existing rules.
• Existing Golden Visa holders also keep their rights and can renew their permits as long as they meet the original conditions.
• With the program closed, there are other Spanish residency alternatives like the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa, as well as other EU Golden Visas in Portugal, Greece, Malta, Italy, and more options for investors interested in European residency.

Yes, the Spain Golden Visa program officially ended on April 3, 2025. The Spain Golden Visa changes began on November 4, 2024, when the government announced initial reforms that ultimately led to the program’s full discontinuation.

The Congress of Deputies voted to end the Golden Visa, marking a significant shift in Spain’s immigration policy. The proposal passed with 177 votes in favor and 170 against after several months of legislative debate. As a result of these changes, after April 3, 2025, new applications for the Spanish Golden Visa, which granted residency to non-EU citizens through investment, were no longer accepted.

The Spanish Golden Visa ended mainly due to rising housing prices and limited access for local residents. The program was introduced in 2013 by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to attract foreign investment after the property crisis.

However, over the years, rising property prices and limited housing for local people have caused criticism of the program. The government ended the Spanish golden visa in hopes that it would help make housing more accessible, and also faced pressure from the European Commission over security and regulatory concerns.

Even though the Spain Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025, existing and pending applications submitted before that date were still honoured. Applications received before the law took effect continued to be processed under the old rules that governed the Golden Visa program.

Approved Golden Visas that were already issued before April 3, 2025 remained valid, and holders were still able to renew their permits under the same conditions that applied at the time of their original approval.

With the end of the Spain Golden Visa, here are other alternatives to Spanish residency that a Spanish immigration agency can help 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.

Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa

The Spain Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Visa in Spain, also called the PAC or Highly Skilled Worker Visa, is for non-EU/EEA citizens with specialized skills who want to work in executive, managerial, or technical roles. It’s suited for professionals with degrees or significant experience in their field. The visa lets you live and work in Spain with a qualifying employer and includes family reunification, so your spouse and children can join you. It also offers faster processing than other work visas and provides access to the Spanish social security system.

Spain Self-Employed Visa

Spain’s Self-Employed Visa, also called the Autónomo or Freelance Visa, allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain as independent professionals. To apply, you need a solid business plan, relevant experience or qualifications, sufficient funds of around €2,763 per month, and a clean criminal record. The process is done in two steps through your local Spanish consulate, starting with an initial residence and self-employment permit. Approved applicants receive a 1-year residence permit, renewable up to five years. Once approved, you must register as self-employed under Spain’s RETA system and with the Spanish Tax Authority and Social Security to meet all legal and tax requirements.

While the Spanish Golden Visa has ended, that does not mean it is the end of 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.