Golden visa in Spain

Residency no longer available: find out your alternatives with us

Get in touch with us and get the complete list of requirements + application process!

Immigration Lawyers Spain » Golden Visa in Spain

Invest in Spain and get the Residency through the golden visa program

In the past, one of the easiest ways to get the Spanish Residency was through the Golden Visa Program. This investor permit granted NON-EU Nationals the right to obtain Spanish residency for one year. And it did not require residing in Spain (over 183 days), just visiting the country once during the period of residence.

Even though this residency is no longer available, there are alternative options you can benefit from if you wish to move to Spain. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Main benefits of the golden visa

Investor visa application process: this is how it used to work

Who was able to apply for the Golden Visa?

Investors who make a significant investment in Spain:

Real estate assets (for example, buying a property in Spain) of €500,000.
Shares of a Spanish company or bank deposits (€1 million)
Public debt (€2 million)
Entrepreneurs who start Business projects in Spain considered being of general interest. The general interest report will be requested from the Spanish Economic and Trade Office.

Documents required to get the Spanish investor permit in the past

To apply to the Spanish Investor Visa was really simple.

Which were the documents required to get the Spanish investor permit?

Identity document or passport.
Public or private health insurance taken out with a company operating in Spain.
Background check.
Application form.
Proof of sufficient funds to support the applicant and members of his/her family during residence in Spain.
Documents providing proof of the investment, such as property, unlisted shares and equity, listed shares, public debt, bank deposits, business project.

Start now and get the step by step legal assistance that will help you enjoy an effortless process:

We will submit your application online

Our team will take care of sending the application or renewal documents for your application completely online, so you can get the residency without having to leave your home.

What our clients think about us

What will you gain by getting the RESIDENCY with us?

You would just need to sign. We will fill out for you all the necessary documents and send them to the competent authority.

We will help you with the property investment and all the contracts needed, as well as all translations of the documents

Which type of investment is more appropriate for me? We will help you decide where to put your money.

With you step by step

Our real estate lawyers also accompany you step by step throughout the whole process of buying and selling your property so you can find the best investment opportunities and buy in a comfortable and safe way.

Golden visa removal in Spain

April 3, 2025, marked the definitive elimination of the golden visa in Spain. Thus, since that date, it is no longer possible to apply for the investor visa, and obtaining residency through investment in real estate or other assets is no longer a possibility. Below, we detail more about the reasons for this elimination, as well as the causes.

What will happen with current Golden Visas holders?

If you are a golden visa holder, you will be able to maintain your residence by investment until its expiration date.

That is, as of April 3, the possibility of applying for new golden visas is eliminated, but existing cards are not extinguished.

However, when the time comes for renewal, you could lose it.

You will only be able to renew your investment visa if you got it after investing in real estate. If you did it through the other investment categories, you will not be able to renew.

Golden visa alternatives

So, what are the alternatives to the elimination of the golden visa? What are the ways for non-EU foreigners to obtain residency in Spain?

Let’s take a look at the list of the most popular options:

Non-lucrative visa, the ideal option for those foreigners who do not want to work in Spain for one year (although once this year comes to an end, it is possible to modify to a work permit).
The digital nomad visa, if you plan to live in Spain while working remotely for a company or international clients.
The student visa, if for example you are going to study a master’s degree or higher education in Spain. You will be able to work up to 30 hours per week, and once the training is finished, you will be able to obtain a work permit.
EU family member card, a residence permit for 5 years if you have EU family members living in Spain (e.g. your partner or children).

Why has the golden visa been eliminated?

What are the reasons that have led the Spanish government to eliminate the residence by investment or golden visa?

Well, the reality is that it is a decision that responds to different motivations:

Follow-up of the European directive. From the EU, the directive is clear: in the medium term, the member countries should eliminate this residency option. So much so that Spain joins Portugal, which, a few years ago, also eliminated its golden visa.
Problems in the real estate market. Spanish nationals today find it quite difficult to access housing. That is why the golden visa is also eliminated to guarantee more supply for Spanish citizens.
Reduction of real estate speculation. Continuing with the previous point, this elimination is also intended to curb speculation in housing prices and reduce the upward trend in housing prices.