For over a decade, Spain’s Golden Visa programme allowed non-EU nationals to gain residency by investing in real estate — often in prime coastal locations like Costa Blanca. But as of April 2025, this pathway is officially closed.
If you’re an international buyer dreaming of life in Spain, or you were planning to apply for residency through real estate, here’s what you need to know — including the new rules, what happens if you already applied, and the best alternative visas now available.
On April 3, 2025, Spain passed a new law ending the Golden Visa scheme for property investments, citing housing accessibility and speculative buying as primary concerns.
From this date forward:
No new Golden Visa applications can be made based on real estate purchases.
Investments in Spanish property no longer qualify for residency.
Other forms of Golden Visa (business, funds, government bonds) were also removed.
This applies nationwide, including the popular provinces of Alicante, Málaga, and Barcelona.
If you:
Purchased a property before April 3, 2025, and
Submitted your Golden Visa application before that date,
Then you are still eligible under the previous rules. These applications will be processed and granted, and your permit remains renewable.
Important: Keep documentation of your purchase date, proof of payment, and application receipt to ensure your rights are protected.
Spain still offers attractive residency options for non-EU nationals — especially those with passive income, remote work, or entrepreneurial ambitions.
Here are three of the most relevant alternatives:
The Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to reside in Spain without working, provided you can support yourself financially.
Requirements:
Proof of stable passive income or savings (approx. €32,000/year for an individual, plus €8,000 per dependent)
Private health insurance
Clean criminal record
Commitment to spending 183+ days per year in Spain
Benefits:
Live in Spain full-time
Ideal for retirees or semi-retired buyers
Renewable and leads to long-term residency
Launched in 2023, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers residency to remote professionals working for non-Spanish companies.
Requirements:
Work remotely for a foreign employer or own a foreign business
Minimum monthly income of approx. €2,500
Valid health insurance and proof of professional qualifications
May be subject to favorable "Beckham Law" tax regime (24% on first €600,000 income)
Benefits:
Live in Spain while working abroad
Fast-track process (20 days for approval)
Family reunification is allowed
If you plan to open a company in Spain that offers innovation, job creation, or economic interest, this visa may be suitable.
Requirements:
Approved business plan
Financial capacity to support the project and yourself
Evaluation by the Spanish Ministry of Economy
Benefits:
Work and reside in Spain
Access to business incentives and grants
Path to long-term residency and citizenship
Yes — but owning a property is no longer enough to qualify for a visa. You can still:
Use your home as a primary or secondary residence,
Apply for other visas while enjoying property ownership, and
Eventually become a resident through long-term stay or family reunification.
If you buy a home in Costa Blanca, whether it’s a modern villa in Altea or a seafront apartment in Moraira, it’s still a smart investment — but now, it must be paired with another form of residency application.
Speak to an immigration lawyer before making any purchase.
If you're retired or have passive income, consider the Non-Lucrative Visa.
If you work remotely, explore the Digital Nomad Visa.
Keep property purchase goals aligned with lifestyle, not just residency.
Monitor updates, as Spain may revise its visa policies again in future.
At La Boutique Luxury Real Estate, we specialise in helping international clients navigate not just the property market, but also the evolving legal landscape around immigration and visas. From selecting the right property in Costa Blanca to connecting you with trusted legal experts, we provide a personalised, informed experience from start to finish.
Contact us today to explore stunning properties in Costa Blanca and get expert advice on residency options in Spain after the Golden Visa.
Let us help you find your perfect home — and your ideal lifestyle — with clarity and confidence.
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