Golden Visa in Spain Abolished

What Visa Options Are Still Available?

With the Golden Visa no longer available for new property investment applications, non-EU citizens must consider other immigration options.

The most relevant alternatives include:

the non-lucrative visa;
the digital nomad visa;
and the entrepreneur visa.

Each visa has different requirements and is suitable for different types of applicants.

The Non-Lucrative Visa

The non-lucrative visa may be suitable for individuals who wish to live in Spain without working.

This option is often used by retirees or people who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves.

However, unlike the Golden Visa, the non-lucrative visa does not allow the holder to work in Spain.

This is an important difference for anyone who wishes to continue professional or business activity while living in the country.

The Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa has become one of the most attractive alternatives for non-EU citizens who can work remotely.

This visa may be suitable for professionals who work for a foreign company and are allowed to perform their work from Spain.

For example, a British citizen working remotely for a UK company may be able to apply for the digital nomad visa, provided that all requirements are met.

The visa is designed to attract qualified professionals, especially in technology and other sectors where remote work is possible.

Another important advantage is that the applicant’s family may also be included in the visa application.

Tax Benefits for Digital Nomads

The digital nomad visa may also be linked to a very attractive tax regime.

If the applicant qualifies, they may be able to apply for the Beckham tax regime.

Under this regime, employment income may be taxed at a flat rate of 24%, while certain foreign income and foreign assets may remain outside Spanish taxation.

This can make the digital nomad visa especially interesting for professionals, company directors and remote workers who want to live in Spain while continuing to work for a foreign employer.

The Entrepreneur Visa

The entrepreneur visa remains another possible route for non-EU citizens.

This option may be suitable for individuals who intend to start a business or develop an innovative project in Spain.

However, it is not suitable for everyone, as not every person moving to Spain wishes to open or operate a business.

For those who do, the entrepreneur visa can still be an available option, provided the project meets the relevant legal requirements.

Why Legal Advice Is Now More Important

The Golden Visa was relatively simple because it applied to anyone who invested more than €500,000 in Spanish property and met the remaining requirements.

Now, the situation is more complex.

Each applicant’s personal, professional and financial circumstances must be reviewed carefully in order to identify the most appropriate visa route.

For this reason, non-EU citizens who wish to move to Spain should obtain specialised legal advice before making decisions or starting the application process.

What Happens to Existing Golden Visa Holders?

People who already obtained a Golden Visa before the programme ended do not need to be concerned.

Golden Visas granted before the abolition date remain valid.

Family members may still benefit from the existing Golden Visa, and renewals should continue to be possible under the previous legal framework.

In other words, the abolition mainly affects new applicants, not those who already hold a valid Golden Visa.

Do Not Overstay in Spain

One of the most important practical points for future applicants is to remain legally in Spain at all times.

Anyone who wants to apply for a visa must ensure that they have not overstayed their permitted period of stay.

Non-EU citizens should not enter Spain, exceed the 90-day limit and then try to regularise their situation afterwards.

It is essential to seek legal advice either before coming to Spain or as soon as possible after arrival, while still legally present in the country.

Conclusion

The end of Spain’s Golden Visa represents a significant change for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain through property investment.

While buying property alone will no longer provide a direct route to residency, other options remain available, including the non-lucrative visa, the digital nomad visa and the entrepreneur visa.

The right option will depend on each person’s circumstances, including whether they intend to work, retire, invest, start a business or relocate with their family.

Anyone planning to move to Spain should obtain professional legal advice in advance to understand their visa options, avoid overstaying and ensure that their application is prepared correctly from the beginning.