The Golden Visa
Has Closed
Spain ended its Golden Visa investment programme in April 2025. If you were considering this route, Artemis Law can advise on the best current alternative for your situation. Book a consultation to discuss your options.
Find Your Alternative RouteWhat Happened to the Golden Visa?
Spain's Golden Visa programme, which offered residency in exchange for a qualifying investment, most commonly real estate of at least €500,000, but also routes such as €1 million in a Spanish bank account or business, or €2 million in Spanish government debt, or other investment thresholds, was formally closed by the Spanish government in April 2025. No new applications are being accepted.
The decision reflected concerns about the programme's impact on housing affordability in major cities, particularly Barcelona and Madrid. The European Commission had also raised concerns about investment-based residency schemes across member states.
If you hold a Golden Visa, you may still be able to renew it; renewal conditions vary by investment type, and the real estate route is the most commonly renewable. Get in touch for us to assess your case. If you were planning to apply, Artemis Law can help you explore the alternatives that best match your situation and goals.
The Best Alternatives for Non-EU Citizens
Depending on your situation, whether you work remotely, live off savings or investments, or want to retire in Spain, there is a route for you.
The Non-Lucrative Permit allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain permanently without working, based on demonstrating sufficient passive income or savings. No minimum investment is required, only financial self-sufficiency.
- Retirees and people of independent financial means
- Families relocating for lifestyle, safety, or education
- Those who do not need or want to work in Spain
- People with savings, pensions, rental income, or investments
Introduced under Spain's Startup Law in 2023, the Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while continuing to work remotely for employers or clients based outside the country. No investment required.
- Remote employees working for non-Spanish companies
- Freelancers and contractors with non-Spanish clients
- Online business owners earning income from abroad
- Faster processing: approx. 10–20 working days
Exploring your options after the Golden Visa?
Book a consultation with Pina to find the residency route that fits your goals.
Book Your ConsultationGolden Visa vs Current Alternatives
How the closed Golden Visa compared to the routes available today.
| Criteria | Golden Visa (Closed) | Non-Lucrative Permit | Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | ✖ Programme closed April 2025 | ✓ Currently open | ✓ Currently open |
| Who is it for? | Real estate investors (min. €500k) | People living off passive income, no work | Remote workers & freelancers |
| Investment required? | Yes, min. €500,000 | No | No |
| Work permitted? | Yes (with conditions) | No | Yes, remote for non-Spanish clients |
| Minimum income | None (investment-based) | ~€2,400/month passive income | ~€2,268/month (200% SMI) |
| Permit duration | 2 years (renewable) | 1 year, then 2-year renewals | 1 year, then 3-year renewals |
| Path to permanent residency | After 5 years | After 5 years | After 5 years |
| Processing time | Variable (weeks to months) | Up to 3 months | ~10–20 working days |
Ready to find your route to Spain?
Book a consultation and get a clear, tailored plan.
Book Your ConsultationPina Will Find
the Right Route for You
With 10 years of experience exclusively in Spanish immigration law, Pina Espinoza has guided clients through every residency route Spain offers, and through the significant changes that have shaped Spanish immigration policy in recent years.
If you were planning to use the Golden Visa, a consultation with Pina will identify the most suitable current alternative for your situation, and give you a clear, realistic picture of timelines, costs, and requirements.
- Dual-qualified lawyer in Spain and Germany, with 10 years in Spanish immigration law
- Experienced across every Spanish residency route, including transitions and changes in law
- Fluent in Spanish, English, and German
- Based in Barcelona, serving all of Spain and the islands
- Direct access to Pina: no handoffs, no case managers
"There Is No Lawyer More Eloquent Than the Heart."
Sylvain Maréchal, 1788
Not Sure Which Route
Is Right for You?
Book a consultation with Pina. She will assess your situation and give you a clear recommendation on the best current route to Spanish residency.
Book Your Consultation