Is the Golden Visa still available in Spain?
No. Spain abolished the investor residency permit for new applications on 3 April 2025 under Ley Orgánica 1/2025. Permits granted before that date remain valid and renewable.
Spanish Golden Visa: Scheme Closed to New Applications
The investor residency permit known as the Golden Visa (Ley 14/2013) was abolished for new applications on 3 April 2025 by the Final Provision Thirty-Eighth of Ley Orgánica 1/2025. Bufete Padilla no longer files new investor residency applications. We do advise holders of permits granted before that date on renewals, family reunification and the transitional regime, and we help new arrivals choose between the routes that remain open: the Non-Lucrative Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 28/2022) and EU residency registration.
What Happens to Existing Permits
- Permits granted before 3 April 2025 remain valid until their expiry date.
- Renewals continue under the previous rules, provided the investment and the other requirements are maintained.
- Family reunification already granted is unaffected.
- Applications filed before 3 April 2025 were resolved under the old regime.
- Time held under the investor permit still counts towards long-term residency and, where applicable, nationality.
Routes Still Open in 2026
- Non-Lucrative Visa: for retirees and people with sufficient passive income, plus private health insurance. No economic activity in Spain.
- Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 28/2022): for remote workers employed by or contracting with companies outside Spain, with a possible special tax regime.
- Family routes: reunification and residency as the family member of an EU citizen.
- Arraigo: for those who already meet the residence requirements in Spain.
Buying a property in Spain no longer grants residency by itself. It is still perfectly possible for a non-resident to buy — you simply need a NIE, not a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew a Golden Visa granted before April 2025?
Yes. Renewals and family reunification continue under the transitional regime as long as the original requirements are maintained. We handle these files.
What should I apply for instead?
Most clients now use the Non-Lucrative Visa (passive income) or the Digital Nomad Visa (remote work). We assess which one fits your income, tax position and plans.