As of April 3rd, 2025, Spain has officially closed the curtain on its Golden Visa program – a popular residency route that allowed non-EU nationals to secure legal residence by investing in Spanish real estate. The news produced controversy in the global real estate investment industry, especially among purchasers who viewed Spain as a starting point for flexible visa requirements and European lifestyle.
For more than ten years, Spain’s Golden Visa provided a comparatively easy route to residency: if you and your family invested €500,000 or more in real estate, you were able to live there legally. Living in Spain full-time is not necessary. Becoming a tax resident is not required. Additionally, the extra benefit of visa-free travel across the Schengen Area made it a very tempting choice for people who are often on the go.
Why Has Spain Scrapped Its Golden Visa Program?
The government highlighted growing concerns about housing affordability and accessibility for residents as justification for the adjustment. The Golden Visa program’s critics said that it drove up real estate costs in well-known neighborhoods, excluding Spanish citizens and converting homes into investment assets rather than real homes.
The decision supports Spain’s larger objective of addressing affordability in housing and giving local needs priority in high-demand locations like Madrid, Barcelona, and the Mediterranean coast, even though it would be a setback for some foreign investors.
What Alternatives Are Available Now That the Golden Visa in Spain Is Gone?
If you missed the April 3rd deadline, don’t panic. Spain still offers several visa options for those looking to relocate, work remotely, or invest with a more tailored approach:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect for remote workers and freelancers who earn income from outside Spain. You’ll get to live in Spain while continuing your global work life.
- Non-Lucrative Visa: A solid choice for retirees or those with passive income. It allows residency without employment in Spain.
- Entrepreneur Visa: If you have an innovative business idea, this visa could grant you residency while you build your enterprise.
Case-by-case legal strategies: In certain situations, custom legal approaches can help secure residency based on family ties, education, or other factors.
Is Buying Property in Spain Still Worth It Without the Golden Visa?
Of course. Spanish real estate continues to be a solid long-term investment even in the absence of the Golden Visa. Spain is still one of the most popular places in Europe for real estate purchasers due to its lifestyle, climate, and rising demand for rentals. You may still achieve your goal of living in Spain, although in a different way, with professional legal and real estate guidance.
Need Help Navigating Your Options?
The end of the Golden Visa in Spain is a turning point, but not a dead end. If you’re still dreaming of Mediterranean mornings and property ownership in sunny Sotogrande or beyond, now’s the time to rethink your strategy.
Visit Coast Estates Sotogrande to explore luxury properties and get expert advice on the visa options that suit your goals. Whether you’re investing, relocating, or planning a future retirement in Spain, we’re here to guide you—every step of the way.
