As of April 3, 2025, Spain's Golden Visa program is officially closed. Purchasing property worth €500,000 or more no longer grants a residence permit.
But buying property in Spain is still fully legal. Foreigners enjoy the same ownership rights as Spanish citizens. The Golden Visa cancellation only removed the automatic link between purchase and residency. The market barely noticed: foreign buyers account for about 19% of all transactions, and demand has not fallen.
What Happened: Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2013 | Golden Visa launched (Law 14/2013) |
| April 2024 | PM Sánchez announces plans to end the program |
| November 2024 | Senate vetoes the abolition |
| December 2024 | Congress overrides the veto (177–170) |
| January 3, 2025 | Law published in the Official Gazette (Organic Law 1/2025) |
| April 3, 2025 | Program officially closed |
Who This Affects
Haven't applied yet: No new applications accepted since April 3, 2025. No extensions or exceptions.
Applied before April 3, 2025: Applications submitted before the deadline are processed under the old rules. If everything is in order, you will receive your Golden Visa.
Already hold a Golden Visa: Your residence permit remains valid until it expires. Renewal is possible under the old rules, provided you maintain your investment. Property-based visa holders can renew. For other investment categories, the situation is less clear — consult an immigration lawyer.
Can You Still Buy Property Without a Golden Visa
Yes. The Golden Visa cancellation did not restrict foreigners' right to purchase property in Spain. You can still:
- Buy any property in any region without restrictions
- Own it as a non-resident
- Rent it out and earn income
- Pass it on by inheritance
- Visit and stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (visa-free for citizens of many countries)
You only need a NIE to buy. A residence permit is not required for property purchase.
Alternatives: How to Get Residency in Spain
1. Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in January 2023. The most popular Golden Visa alternative for remote workers.
Who it's for: Employees of foreign companies, freelancers, and self-employed professionals working remotely using digital technologies.
Key requirements (2026):
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum income | ~€2,850/month (200% of SMI) |
| Income per spouse | + ~€1,070/month |
| Income per child | + ~€360/month |
| Tenure at current company | Minimum 3 months |
| Company | Operating for at least 1 year |
| Education | University degree OR 3+ years experience |
| Income from Spanish clients | No more than 20% of total |
| Health insurance | Full coverage, no copayment |
- Visa (from consulate): up to 1 year
- Residency (applied from within Spain): up to 3 years, renewable for 2 years
- After 5 years — permanent residency
- After 10 years — citizenship
Tax regime: Option to apply the "Beckham Law" — flat 24% tax on income up to €600,000 for the first 6 years (instead of progressive rates up to 47%).
Visa fee: ~€73 (tasa 790-038).
Key advantage: Unlike the Golden Visa, no €500,000 investment required. You just need verified remote income.
2. Non-Lucrative Visa (Visa No Lucrativa)
A visa for those who want to live in Spain without working.
Who it's for: Retirees, investors living on passive income. Often called a "retirement visa," though there are no age restrictions.
Key requirements (2026):
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum income | ~€2,400/month (~€28,800/year) |
| Income source | Passive: pension, dividends, rental, savings |
| Work in Spain | Not permitted |
| Health insurance | Full coverage, no copayment |
| Accommodation in Spain | Proof of rental or ownership |
- Initial visa: 1 year
- Renewal: for 2 years, then another 2 years
- After 5 years — permanent residency
- After 10 years — citizenship
Key advantage: No investment or business requirements. Stable passive income is sufficient.
3. Entrepreneur Visa (Visa de Emprendedor)
Who it's for: Founders of startups and innovative business projects.
- Business plan recognised as innovative by ENISA (government body)
- Project must have economic interest for Spain
- No minimum investment required (unlike the Golden Visa)
Duration: Initial visa for 1 year, renewable for 2 years. After 5 years — permanent residency.
4. Highly Qualified Professional Visa
Who it's for: Specialists invited by a Spanish company for management, research, or senior positions.
- Employment contract with a Spanish company
- Salary above a specified threshold
- Fast-track procedure (approximately 20 days)
Comparison of Alternatives
| Parameter | Digital Nomad | Non-Lucrative | Entrepreneur |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | ~€2,850/month | ~€2,400/month | No fixed amount |
| Can you work | Yes (remotely) | No | Yes (own business) |
| Investment required | None | None | Business plan |
| Path to permanent residency | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Path to citizenship | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Tax regime | Beckham Law (24%) | Standard rates | Standard rates |
What This Means for Property Buyers
If you are buying property in Spain as an investment or holiday home — nothing has changed. The purchase follows the standard process: NIE → bank account → lawyer → notary → registration.
If you wanted to obtain residency through a purchase — that route is closed. But if your situation allows you to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa, you can combine a property purchase with obtaining residency through one of these programs. Buying property does not grant residency, but it doesn't prevent you from obtaining it through another route.
