Buying property in Spain is no longer a shortcut to residency. But if Spain is still part of your plans, you have other routes to consider. The end of the Golden Visa does not mean you have to give up on living or investing in Spain. It means you now need to choose a residence route that fits your situation.
Spain’s residency options are changing
Spain ended its investor visa and related residence provisions on 3rd April 2025. The former programme allowed qualifying non-EU investors to gain residence through certain investments, including property and financial assets.
You can still invest in Spanish property or businesses. However, an investment alone no longer gives you the right to live in Spain. Before you commit a large amount of money, it is important to understand which residence option may suit your plans.
What happened to Spain’s Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa was popular because qualifying property purchases could provide a route to residency. That option is not available any longer to new applicants.
This can be confusing when you search online. You may still find websites and articles saying that buying property can lead to Spanish residency. Some of this information is based on the old rules.
In 2026, the better question is not simply how much you can invest. It is which residence route fits your circumstances and what you want to do in Spain.
Option 1: Consider Spain’s non-lucrative residence
If you want to live in Spain without carrying out paid activities, the non-lucrative residence visa may be an option. It is designed for people who can show that they have enough money to support themselves.
This may suit financially independent applicants with substantial savings or a qualifying regular income. However, it is not an investment visa and does not allow remote activities from Spain. Your financial situation and plans should be checked before you choose this route.
Option 2: Explore the digital nomad route
If you earn your income online, Spain’s digital nomad visa may offer another option. It is designed for eligible professionals who carry out activities remotely for companies or clients outside Spain. Self-employed applicants may also provide services to Spanish companies within the permitted limits.
There are also specific requirements to meet. For example, applicants generally need a suitable university or postgraduate degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience.
Option 3: Look at business-based residence
If you plan to set up a business or carry out a qualifying self-employed activity in Spain, a business-based residence route may be more suitable.
The key difference is that you are not simply making a passive investment. Your business idea, financial resources, qualifications and supporting documents must fit the relevant requirements.
This means that choosing a business route should start with your actual plans, not simply with the desire to obtain Spanish residency.
Which Spanish residence route fits your plans?
The right option depends on what you want to do in Spain. Non-lucrative residence may suit financially independent applicants. The digital nomad route may suit eligible remote professionals. Business-based options may be relevant if you plan to establish or run a business.
If you plan to study instead, your situation is different. A Spain education visa may be relevant, while an international student study application guide can help you understand the documents and stages involved.
Your nationality, finances, professional background, family situation and plans can all affect which route is right for you. There is no single replacement for the Golden Visa.
What investors should check before applying
Before buying property, transferring funds or setting up a business, make sure you understand how your plans relate to your intended residence route. A large investment can still be worthwhile while not giving you the residency outcome you expected.
If you need a step-by-step visa form application process, professional guidance can help you identify the correct forms, supporting documents and requirements before you submit your application.
Global Visa Support can assess your situation, explain the available options, help organise your documents and guide you through the application process. Its Spain service includes personalised eligibility assessment, document preparation and visa application support.
Spain still has opportunities for foreign investors
The end of Spain’s Golden Visa does not close the door on Spain. It simply changes how you approach residency. Instead of simply asking, “How much do I need to actually invest?”, ask, “Which Spanish residence route matches the life I want to build?”
Starting with the right route can help you avoid old information and costly decisions. Global Visa Support can help you understand your options and take your next step with a clearer plan.
Our proven programmes can make moving to Spain easier, so explore your options with Global Visa Support and start planning your move today: https://globalvisasupport.com/spain.
Ready to move to Spain? Contact Global Visa Support today, and we’ll help you turn your plans into reality: https://globalvisasupport.com/contact.html.
