Life After Spain's Golden Visa
The Spanish government has started the process to eliminate residency permits granted for property investments of €500,000 or more. This change targets foreign investors seeking residency through real estate, though other investment pathways and the Digital Nomad Visa currently remain unaffected.
Life After Spain's Golden Visa
The era of residency-by-investment in Spain has officially closed. Following the enactment of Organic Law 1/2025, the government fully eliminated the "Golden Visa" program as of April 3, 2025. This move repealed the pathways that allowed non-EU citizens to secure residency by investing €500,000 in real estate or larger sums in public debt and business projects.
The reform was designed to ease housing pressures in high-demand hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga, where foreign investment was most concentrated. While the door is shut for new applicants, the change is not retroactive. If you already hold a permit or submitted your application before the April 2025 deadline, your status remains valid as long as you maintain your investment.
Who is affected
This change primarily impacts high-net-worth individuals and property investors who previously used real estate as a shortcut to EU residency. It does not change anything for short-term tourists or those traveling on standard Schengen visas.
For the remote work community, the news is actually quite positive. The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) remains fully operational and is now the primary route for non-EU professionals. It is specifically tailored for those earning at least €2,500 per month from sources outside of Spain.
What to do next
If you were planning a move to the Iberian Peninsula, you'll need to pivot to alternative visa updates that match your professional profile.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Ideal for remote employees and freelancers. Recent updates have streamlined processing to roughly five days and offer permits valid for up to four years.
- Entrepreneur Visa: Available for those launching innovative, high-tech business projects that benefit the Spanish economy.
- Non-Lucrative Visa: A choice for retirees or those with significant passive income who do not intend to work locally.
For the DNV, prepare to show proof of income (200% of the Spanish minimum wage), a clean criminal record, and private health insurance. While the Golden Visa is a thing of the past, Spain’s commitment to attracting remote talent is stronger than ever.
Read our full Spain guide for the complete picture.