The golden visa was one of the most popular Spanish residencies in recent years. However, as of April 3, 2025, the investor visa was eliminated from Spain, and is no longer an available option.

In this post, you are about to learn everything you need to know about its elimination, and most importantly, all your alternatives to the golden visa if you want to move to Spain (and you would like to do it as effortlessly as before).

Let’s go ahead and explore everything related to this golden visa removal! 

 

 

Latest news on the golden visa

 

On the 3rd of April 2025, the golden visa was finally removed from Spain, and since then, no new investor visa application is accepted.

And this is true for property investments as well as any of the other investment categories.

Therefore, you can no longer obtain this permit.

Undoubtedly, the investor visa was one of the visas that offered greater advantages, since it did not require being a tax resident or staying more than 183 days a year in the country.

But what happens to those who already have an investor visa? Will they lose it?

This is something we will see below.

 

 

What was the golden visa in Spain?

 

The Spanish Golden Visa program (also known as the investor’s residency) was a special type of residence permit created especially for all citizens from outside the European Union who wished to make a significant investment in Spain, in order to move to and obtain residency in the country. 

The initial residence permit allowed you to live and work in Spain for 3 years, and could be renewed for 5 years as long as you keep your original investment!

Without any doubt, it has been one of the most popular residencies for foreigners worldwide wishing to start their new life in Spain.

So much so that as of 2021, there were 7,425 active golden visa holders in Spain! 

As happened with the rest of the European countries that offer (or offered) a golden visa program, this significant investment was usually in real estate, but there were other options such as bonds or debt.

As it was under the 14/2003 Entrepreneur’s Law, it offered great advantages, such as a fast-track application process in just 20 labor days.

These are many of the advantages that you can continue to enjoy with the alternatives to the golden visa also under this law and processed by the UGE, which we explore later in this post.

 

What happens with current Golden Visas and applications?

 

As we have already mentioned, the golden visa in Spain was eliminated and has come to an end.

In fact, the last applications that were admitted for processing were submitted on April 2 of this year, which means that it is no longer possible to submit any new applications.

However, if you submitted your application before that date, you have already received a resolution, and if you have been granted the card, your residency is not in danger.

You will keep it at least until the renewal date.

The question that many have now asked themselves is: What if I already had my investor visa? Will I lose it?

Here we find 2 different scenarios, which depend on the investment category you chose:

  • If you got your golden visa because you invested at least half a million euros in real estate, you will be able to renew your golden visa
  • However, if you got your investor visa after investing in any of the other investment categories (government bonds, bonds, etc.), then you will NOT be able to renew your permit

 

Reasons for the elimination of the Golden Visa

 

What has led the government to definitively eliminate the golden visa?

On the one hand, this elimination is just another example of a European country following the EU directive to eliminate these types of investment permits.

Thus, Spain joins Portugal, which months ago also eliminated the residence by investment.

Therefore, on the one hand, the motivation for taking this step has been the conformity with a directive coming from the European Union.

However, there is another reason to consider.

The Spanish real estate market is going through difficult times. The price of housing is increasing, while the purchasing power of the average Spaniard has not risen to the same extent.

In order to facilitate access to housing for Spanish nationals, the Spanish government has also chosen to eliminate the golden visa, to avoid the possible impact of foreign investment after buying properties that eliminate supply in the sector.

So, as you can see, the reasons are multiple and obey different motivations.

 

Alternatives to the Golden Visa

 

So, with the elimination of one of the most advantageous permits, what alternatives to the golden visa are left for you as a foreigner wishing to immigrate to Spain?

Let’s explore them:

 

Non-profit residency

 

On the one hand, if you have sufficient economic funds, the non-lucrative visa may be your best option.

You will have to prove possession of about 30,000 euros in your bank account and take out private medical insurance to obtain a 1-year residency that can be renewed at a later date.

The main drawback is that it does not allow you to work.

 

Visa for digital nomads

 

If you have a business or international clients outside Spain and you work remotely, this residency can be your alternative to the golden visa.

The visa for digital nomads has become in recent years a great option for remote workers, who can also often benefit from extensive tax advantages when applying for this permit of up to 3 years.

 

Student visa

 

The student visa is for many people one of the ways to enter the Spanish territory when they intend to stay for a long-term residence.

Whether you come to study a university degree or a master’s degree, this visa will allow you to study, work up to 30 hours a week, and once you have finished your studies, you can apply for a work permit.

 

Family member card

 

In case you are related to a Spanish citizen or a citizen of the European Union, good news.

You can get a 5-year card that will allow you to live and work in the country with extensive advantages.

Thus:

 

In short, as you can see, there are several alternatives to the golden visa, although perhaps not as advantageous.

The key in these cases will be to understand exactly what your particular situation is and find the option that best suits it.

That is why we recommend that you schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers (below) so that we can understand your case and define the best way to legally immigrate to Spain:

Book a consultation with one of our lawyers, and we’ll answer all your questions:

 


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