The Spain golden visa was a system that came into effect in 2013, offering residence permits to foreign investors. However, with the decision made in 2024, the Spain golden visa program was officially terminated. As of 2026, it is no longer possible to obtain a residence permit through this method. In this article, we will discuss in detail the reasons for the termination of the Spain golden visa process, the developments in 2023-2024, and alternative visa options in 2026.
🇪🇸 Why Was the Spain Golden Visa Program Abolished?
The Spanish government abolished the program in 2024 on the grounds that the golden visa system increased housing prices, particularly in major cities, and made it difficult for locals to exercise their right to housing. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez used the following words while announcing this decision:
“Housing is not a commodity, but a fundamental right.”
Therefore, it is no longer possible to obtain a residence permit through real estate investment.
📋 Golden Visa İspanya Golden Visa Şartları (2023)
Before its closure, the program granted residence permits in exchange for the following investments:
- Real estate investment worth at least €500,000
- Capital investment of at least €1 million
- A business investment creating employment for at least 50 people in Spain
- Clean criminal record and health insurance
Individuals who met these conditions could legally reside in Spain along with their family members.
❌ Is the Spain Golden Visa Over?
Yes, the Spain golden visa ended in 2024 and is no longer valid as of 2026. New applications are not being accepted. Current holders of the Spain golden visa can continue to exercise their residence rights until their legal periods expire.
🇪🇸 Alternative Visas That Can Replace the Golden Visa
For those wishing to live in and obtain residency in Spain, the following alternative visas remain available:
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
- For remote workers and freelancers
- Annual income requirement (around ~€30,000)
- Requirement not to be affiliated with a Spanish company
Non-Lucrative Visa
- For retirees or individuals with passive income
- Does not include a work permit, but provides residency
- Annual regular income declaration is required
Spain Entrepreneur Visa
- For innovative projects with growth potential
- Business plan and sector analysis are mandatory
- Includes a government-backed evaluation process
💡 Conclusion: Golden Visa is History in Spain
The termination of the Spain Golden Visa program does not mean that all doors to living in Spain are closed. The digital nomad, non-lucrative, and entrepreneur visas mentioned above offer strong options for those who want to live in Spain in the future. If you want to obtain residency in Spain, we recommend planning an application process with professional support, compliant with the new immigration regulations. You can reach out to our Golden Visa Solutions Partners for professional support.
Although the Golden Visa program has ended in Spain, there are still countries in Europe that offer residency rights through investment. Especially Greece, Portugal, Dubai, and Italy continue to offer Golden Visa opportunities to investors under attractive conditions. To get information about the programs, do not forget to check out our Greece Golden Visa, Portugal Golden Visa, Dubai Golden Visa, and Italy Investor Visa pages!
