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:
- If you are a relative of a Spanish citizen, you can apply for the new card for relatives of Spaniards
- If you are the partner, spouse, child, etc. of an EU citizen living in Spain, then you can apply for the EU card (tarjeta comunitaria)
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:
At Balcells Group we have been foreigners effortlessly moving to Spain for over 11 years. We help expats from all around the world with their immigration, business, tax and legal needs; ensuring a legally safe and enjoyable transition to the Spanish territory. Our multilingual team understands the importance of adapting to the cultural and legal specificities of our international clients. We offer a comprehensive service that combines the expertise of several generations of lawyers with the innovation needed to address today’s legal challenges, always striving to simplify processes and ensure reliable, effective results.
Hi,
My name is Ali Ismail. Im having a business in DUBAI and I would like to apply for a golden visa, can you please let me know more information about process and your company fees/time frame.
I am married with no kids, my wife is Romanian and im holding Lebanese passport.
Regards
Ali
Hi Ali!
Sure, we will contact you via email providing further details.
Have a nice day!
Hi
We are a Chinese family with a kid of 3 years old, we would like to apply for the residence visa in Spain by purchasing a property in Spain, could you please share with us the detailed list of the documents which we should prepare for the applicaion.
Thank you
Hi!
Basically, you will need:
-Passport
-Health insurance (public or private)
-Criminal records
-Golden visa application form
-Documentation that accredits the possession of the sufficient economic funds for both the applicant and family members (if applies)
-Relevant documentation that accredits the investment. Depending on the type of investment the document required will differ.
For any other doubt do not hesitate to ask us!
If you get the golden visa, are you just delaying applying for non-lucrative residency, etc. if you intend to stay resident in Spain? We are trying to decide if the golden visa really adds much value vs. the non-lucrative visa.
Hi Robert!
The golden visa and the non-lucrative visa are different types of permits with different characteristics. On the one hand, the Golden Visa requires you to invest a minimum of 500.000€ in Spanish real estate, which may make the requirements a bit more complicated (as for the non-lucrative residency). Then, once you get the permit, the non-lucrative residency does not allow you to work, whereas with the golden visa you can.
It is just a matter of knowing the requirements of both visas and your rights afterward, balancing the situation and deciding what is best for you in that sense.
Hope we have answered your doubt.
Hi my question is ,does it need to be one property of 500000 euros or can it be several properties with a total of more than 500000 euros
Hi Mathias,
It can be more than one property!
Hi.i have a question.
About the representative of the government investors programme,when are they coming to malaga this 2019?
Hi Ella,
We have no notice regarding that.
For any other issue, we are here to help!
Hi, I would like to know that the condition “In addition, you must have visited Spain at least once during the year” to maintain the Golden visa is still required at the moment of June 2019 for the real estate investment ?
Thank you in advance !
Tran
Hi Tran,
It means that, once you get your permit, you can leave the country and live abroad, but it is a requirement to visit Spain at least once during the year if you would like to renew the permit. Have we answered your doubt?
I have a relative who wants to get a Spanish gold visa by buying houses. If your company can handle the assistance, he wants to know: 1) How long does the entire processing time take? 2) How much does it cost for your company to handle all the formalities?
Rgds/Wendy
Hi Wendy!
The process takes up to 3 months (taking into consideration the preparation of the documents, its submission and the response from the competent institution). We charge 1.500€ for the main applicant in order to manage the whole process.
We are here to help your relative whenever he or she needs it!
Hello.
When we get the golden visa and not selling the house what need for renovation the residency after finish the first cart?
Hi Nima!
In order to renew the golden visa you need to meet the same requirements that were necessary for the initial application. This means that you need to maintain the same investment. If you are not selling the house, then you can renew with no problem.
Hope we have solved your doubt!
Hi,
I am interested in obtaining a golden visa by investment in real estate. I understand that Euro 500k is for single applicant in whose name the property is registered. However can I make this payment jointly or partly from my and my wife’s bank account to make this Euro 500k? Also is this amount of Euro 500K exclusive of other expenses during buying the property e.g. Registration Charges, Govt Taxes if any etc?
Hi Vikas,
If you are married under the community of goods regime, it does not matter where the money is coming from.
In regards to the investment, the 500.000€ does not include any other expense.
For any other doubt you may have about the investor permit, or if you need us to help you out with the application procedure, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Hope you have a nice day 🙂
Hello there,
Can the 500K requirement be a combination of Real Estate and mutual funds through Spanish banks? Meaning is there a scenario of a combined profile not one of the 3 possible options?
Hi Abdullah,
No, that is not possible.
Dear Ballcells,
I appreciate the information and the effort put on this insightful website. However, I have a small inquiry. Is it true that investing in a property as low as 70k USD outside the city in Spain will also grant us a permanent visa (or the Golden Visa)?
Thank you
Hi Hussein,
No. You need to realize an actual investment of 500.00€ minimum inside Spain.
Regards!
Hi – am I able to apply if my husband has a criminal record? We both would plan to be in Spain….thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Sam,
One of the main requirements to get the golden visa is to have clear criminal background records during the past 5 years.
thank you, yes I did read about that req – however, I just want to clarify that this not only is required of the applicant/investor, but is required of the applicant’s spouse as well?
Hi Sam,
That depends. You can be the main investor and bring your family with you, requiring the investment of the 500.000€. Nevertheless, if you acquire the property with your spouse, the regime that regulates the marriage is crucial: if you are under the separate property regime, the requirement doubles (1.000.000€ will be required).
Good day
If a property is purchase for 500 euros but the investor doesn’t reside in Spain (but visits every year), how long can the visa be maintained for? In other words, does the visa cease if the investor doesn’t live in Spain for 183 days per year, or can it be retained indefinitely?
Hi Sue,
The golden visa just requires you to visit Spain once per year, so you don’t need to become a resident in the country (over 183 days) in order to renew it.
For anything else do not hesitate to ask!
The Golden Visa is for passport holders outside the EU. I have dual nationality, USA and UK. Can I apply under the USA passport or will the fact that I have an EU passport (at lease until Brexit) disqualify me?
Hi Joel,
You won’t have any problem getting the golden visa with your dual nationality!
Regards.
Hello,
About the real estate golden visa – is it required to invest the full €500,000 or is it only that the value of the asset be €500,000+ (i.e., investing downpayment and other fees that are less than that)?
Thanks
Hi,
The value of the asset must be 500.000€ or over.
Regards!
Hi, is it posible to purchase a property of 400.000 € but then reform with a budget of more than 100.000 €, showing the final amount invested, could i still ask for the visa?
Hi Emma,
No, the property (or set of assets you invest in), must total at least 500.000€.
Regards!
Hi, my husband is non-eu & myself & child are British. He wants to purchase a 500k property to get the golden visa because it’s easier than other routes. 1- do we have to view & buy a property and then go back to our country of residence & wait?
2- Can we be part of his application even though we are British?
We want the simplest route. We will be living in the property all year. My son will attend school… advice please..! Thanks
Hi Susan,
Golden Visa is a kind of visa for non-EU citizens, so in case you and your kids are British currently, you are not eligible to apply with him.
On regards to this procedure, It is mandatory for the main investor to be in Spain when applying.
For EU citizens is much more easy. However, I recommend to you to get your residence as soon as possible before the Brexit.
If you prefer, we could schedule an online consultation with one of our lawyers to analyze the situation carefully.
Regards!
Is it possible to get the visa by starting a business/company in Spain? as per this sentence:
“by investing in a business project that will be developed in the Spanish territory. Here, you will find the following main requirements: that project must generate employment, imply an impulse to the scientific/technological advance of the country, or translate into a minimum socioeconomic impact.”
what are the conditions for getting the visa by starting a business?
Hi!
To get the residency by setting up a company you need the entrepreneur visa, not the golden visa.
Regards!
Hello! Interestingly, if I just buy an apartment in Spain, I can immediately get the opportunity to apply for a residence permit or a gold card.
Hi Tori,
You need to get your visa first, then you can get the residence permit while in Spain.
The whole process is outlined throughout this article.
Regards!
Dear Sir’s,
Can I buy a commercial Property and get Golden Vis.
Thku
Hi Salah,
Yes, no matter the type of real estate asset, as long as you reach the minimum required amount, you can get the Golden Visa.
Here for anything else you may need!
Hello, is it possible to apply for the Golden Visa if the property of more than Euro 500,000.00 was purchased in 2014, but no application was made since that time until now?
Hi Ramzi, yes. As long as it was bought after the entrepreneur’s law came into force (2014), you can get the golden visa afterward. You are in the limit! 🙂
Is that correct that investor need to wait10 years before becoming Spain citizenship
Hi Simon!
That is the general rule. Nevertheless, depending on your country of origin, it can be less than that.
Hi
I’m a UK national looking to purchase a property in Spain but how will Brexit complicate this? If the purchase completes before any withdrawal agreement (implementation period), do you have any idea what my options will be for residency rights afterwards?
Would I be better off waiting until after Brexit and any transition period before applying as a third party national (non-EU citizen) with the golden visa scheme?
Any advice gratefully received!
Thank you.
Kevin, we still don’t know what will happen in terms of immigration agreements between the UK, Spain, and the European Union area. So we can answer that. Nevertheless, we will keep you updated and inform you as soon as any agreement is reached.
Hi! Is it possible to purchase property/ies worth €500k through financing or does the investment have to be in cash?
Hi Dia,
You can rely on financing (for example a mortgage) in the price that goes over 500.00€. This means that, for example, if the property is valued at 600.000€; you need to pay 500.000€ at least, and use a mortgage for the rest.
I AM JASBIR.I AM FROM INDIA.I WANT TO GET GOLDEN VISA PLEASE ADWISE ME THANKYOU
Hi!
In case that you meet all the requirements outlined in this article, send us an email at [email protected] and we will start managing your application as soon as possible!
Hi,
I wonder if I can live in Austria legally for a long time after getting the golden visa in Spain.
Would you clarify it, please?
Thanks!
With the golden visa you must visit Spain, at least, once per year (if you wish to renew). You should check the specific laws of Austria or talk to an immigration lawyer there, but it is unlikely that you can live there with the Spanish golden visa.
Assuming after Brexit there will be no freedom of movement, then I take it UK citizens will be able to apply for a golden visa?
If so, if a married couple have a property in joint names valued at €500000, can one of them apply for a golden visa or would it have to be assets above a €1million?
Finally, I understand that as long as you don’t exceed 183 days, you are not a fiscal resident in Spain, which is harder to achieve under normal residency rules, how does a golden visa work with a non EU nationals driving license as under normal residency, you are required (in general) to exchange your UK license for a Spanish one.
We want to be able to spend up to 180 days a year at our home in Spain without being restricted to the 90 in 180 rule.
Currently, there’s no update in regards to what will happen, so it is much better to get your EU registry certificate as soon as possible. If you are married under a joint regime, the amount is doubles to 1M€. The investor permit just requires you to visit Spain once per year, so you don’t have the need to stay 180 days, hence you won’t be a resident.
Is the criminal record required for my spouse too or is the marriage certificate the only document they are needing? Also me and my gf are not married yet can I add her after an approval?
For her too. You should, at least, be registered as a civil partnership.
Hi! Is possible for someone to apply for a golden visa or non-lucrative visa, who has a mental illness like (bipolar) but has been medicated and normalized since 2015?
Hi David, yes, it is possible! If you need further assistance, we are at your disposal at [email protected]