The Spanish Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025. Real estate investment no longer qualifies for automatic residency.
The program ran from 2013 to 2025. It allowed non-EU investors to obtain residency by purchasing property worth €500,000 or more. The Spanish government ended it due to housing affordability concerns in major cities.
Existing Golden Visa holders keep their rights. Those who applied before April 2025 will have their applications processed under the old rules. Renewals continue as normal.
Buying property in Spain is still legal for foreigners. The purchase simply no longer grants residency rights. You need a separate visa to live here long-term.
Alternatives exist. The Digital Nomad Visa works for remote workers. The Non-Lucrative Visa suits retirees with passive income. The Entrepreneur Visa applies to those with viable business projects. Each has different requirements but leads to permanent residency after five years.