SPAIN INVESTMENT VISA (GOLDEN VISA)

Spain removed the investor residency articles from Law 14/2013, ending more than a decade of investment-based migration. The government cited rising housing pressure, alignment with European recommendations, and a policy shift toward talent and innovation as the primary reasons for ending the program.

Key points to understand:

• Real estate investment no longer qualifies for residency, regardless of the amount
• Capital investments, deposits, and share purchases no longer qualify
• Applications submitted before April 3, 2025 remain valid and continue under the previous rules
• Existing investor residents maintain their status as long as they still meet the original requirements
• Property owners who never applied now fall under the same rules as any other non-EU national

This update closes the door to new investor residency, but it does not cancel or invalidate existing rights.

Applications submitted before the cutoff date continue to be processed. That means:

• Your investment remains valid if it meets the original thresholds
• Your documentation can still be evaluated under the previous system
• Family members included in the original file keep the same processing path
• Approval timelines depend on each consulate’s workload but your eligibility remains intact

The main priority for applicants in this category is ensuring that all investment records, property deeds, financial statements, and legal documents remain current and aligned with what authorities expect.

This is the group most impacted by the law change.

Owning property in Spain no longer provides any pathway to residency, regardless of value or location. Even buyers who purchased homes with the intention of applying later must now select a different visa category.

However, owning property can still be useful in practical ways, such as:

• Serving as proof of accommodation for other visa types
• Supporting ties to the country once residency is granted
• Helping with registration, schooling, or long-term settlement

But it no longer carries immigration benefits on its own.

These are the residency options people commonly pursue now:

Digital Nomad Visa
Designed for remote workers and freelancers with foreign employers or clients. It offers work rights in Spain, flexible income thresholds, and a clear approval process.

Non-Lucrative Visa
A strong option for applicants who can support themselves through savings or passive income. Ideal for retirees, remote earners who do not work with Spanish clients, or families seeking long-term residency.

Student Visa
A flexible pathway that works for language programs, postgraduate studies, and professional training. Provides residency and limited work rights.

EU Family Member Residency
For partners or spouses of EU citizens. Offers one of the most stable long-term residency routes.

Entrepreneur Visa
Still active. Suitable for applicants launching innovative or high-impact business projects that meet Spain’s viability criteria.

Each option has different income, documentation, and timeline requirements, so the right choice depends on your work model, financial situation, and long-term plans.

Is the Golden Visa still available?
No. Spain abolished the program on April 3, 2025. Only files submitted before that date remain valid. You can read the official government announcement here.

Does property ownership help at all now?
No. Property ownership does not create immigration rights, but it can support other visa types indirectly through proof of accommodation.

Can current investors renew their residency?
Yes. As long as the original investment is maintained and documentation remains in order, renewals follow the previous rules.

What’s the best visa now that investment residency is gone?
Most former Golden Visa applicants choose the Digital Nomad Visa or the Non-Lucrative Visa, depending on income source and work flexibility.

Can family members still be included?
Yes for existing cases. For alternative visas, inclusion rules depend on the specific category.

Does the value of my investment still matter?
Only if you applied before the cutoff or already hold investor residency. For all other applicants, investment value no longer plays a role in immigration decisions.

What does “Spain Golden Visa abolished 2025” mean?
It refers to Spain’s decision to end the Golden Visa program on April 3, 2025. New investment-based applications are no longer accepted, but existing files and renewals remain under the previous rules.