Spain’s Golden Visa Has Ended: What Non-EU Buyers Need to Know in 2026
If you have been researching the Spanish Golden Visa, here is the key update. Spain has closed its Golden Visa programme. Since 3 April 2025 it is no longer possible to obtain Spanish residency by investing in property, and no new applications are being accepted. The good news for international buyers is that you can still buy a home anywhere in Spain, and there are clear, established routes to living here. This guide explains where things stand now and how Roccabox can help.
What happened to the Spanish Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa, formally the residence-by-investment scheme, was introduced in 2013 and allowed non-EU nationals to gain a Spanish residence permit through a qualifying investment, most commonly €500,000 in real estate. After more than a decade, the Spanish government voted to end it, citing pressure on housing in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. The closure was published in the Official State Gazette in January 2025 and took effect on 3 April 2025.
If you already hold a Golden Visa, you are not affected. Existing permits remain valid and can be renewed provided you continue to meet the original conditions, and any application made before the deadline is still being processed as normal.
Can you still buy property in Spain as a non-EU citizen?
Yes. There has never been any restriction on foreign nationals buying property in Spain, and that has not changed. You can buy a holiday home, a permanent residence or an investment property freely. The only difference is that the purchase itself no longer comes with a residence permit attached. Buying in Spain and gaining residency are now two separate steps.
How non-EU buyers can live in Spain now
If your goal is to spend extended time in Spain or to relocate, two routes are now the most popular alternatives to the old Golden Visa.
Non-Lucrative Visa
The Non-Lucrative Visa suits buyers with enough passive income or savings who do not need to work in Spain, such as retirees or the financially independent. As a guide, a single applicant currently needs to show around €28,800 a year, with roughly €7,200 more for each dependent. It is granted for one year at first and then renewed in two-year periods, and after five years of continuous residence you can apply for long-term residency.
Digital Nomad Visa
Introduced in 2023, the Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers who earn their income from outside Spain. A single applicant currently needs to demonstrate around €2,850 a month. It is a strong fit for international professionals who want to base themselves on the Costa del Sol while keeping their existing career.
Other routes, including family-based residency and business or work visas, may also apply depending on your circumstances. Visa requirements and income thresholds are reviewed regularly, so always confirm the current figures with a qualified immigration lawyer before you plan your move.
How Roccabox can help
Finding the right home is what we do best. From selecting the perfect property in Marbella and across the Costa del Sol, to exploring the latest new developments and arranging finance through our in-house mortgage brokers, our team guides you through every stage of the purchase. We can also introduce you to trusted immigration lawyers who will advise on the residency route that best fits your situation, so your move to Spain is handled properly from start to finish.
Thinking about buying on the Costa del Sol? Get in touch with Roccabox today and we will help you find your place in the sun.
