Golden Visa Ended in 2025: Alternative Residency Routes When Buying Spanish Property

The era of buying Spanish residency for €500,000 officially ended in April 2025. With the termination of the real estate Golden Visa route, many investors are asking: Can I still get residency if I buy a home in Spain?

The short answer is yes—but the pathway has changed. You can no longer get a visa automatically by purchasing property, but owning a home significantly strengthens applications for other visas. This guide outlines the top alternatives for 2025.

Table of contents

• Why the Golden Visa ended
• Alternative 1: The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
• Alternative 2: The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
• Does buying property still help?
• The “Golden Visa” for investors (non-real estate)
• FAQs
• Related guides

Why the Golden Visa ended

The Spanish government phased out the real estate investment route to combat housing speculation in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

• Status: The law passed in early 2025 abolished the €500k property route.
• Existing holders: Renewals for visas granted before the cutoff date are still honored.
• New applicants: Must use the routes below.

Alternative 1: The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

For property buyers who are still working, this is the superior alternative (and tax-efficient).

• Eligibility: Remote workers with income outside Spain (€2,600+/month approx).
• Property Link: You can buy a home immediately without affecting your visa status.
• Tax Benefit: Access to the “Beckham Law” (flat 24% tax) which the Golden Visa did not offer.

Alternative 2: The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

The classic route for retirees or those with passive income.

• Requirement: Show ~€28,800 in savings/passive income (IPREM rates 2025).
• Restriction: You cannot work for a Spanish company.
• Property Link: Buying a home removes the need to show a rental contract, a major hurdle for NLV applicants.

Does buying property still help?

Yes. While it doesn’t grant the visa, owning a property:

• Proves “Accommodation”: A mandatory requirement for DNV and NLV applications.
• Reduces liquidity needs: You don’t need to show funds for rent if you own your home.
• Long-term stability: Helps with permanent residency applications after 5 years.

The “Golden Visa” for investors (non-real estate)

The Golden Visa Law still exists for other investment types, though less common:

• €1 Million in Spanish company shares.
• €1 Million in Spanish bank deposits.
• €2 Million in Spanish government bonds.

FAQs

I applied before April 2025, is my Golden Visa safe? Yes. The law is not retroactive. You can renew as long as you keep the investment.

Can I switch from a Tourist Visa to a Nomad Visa if I buy a house? Yes, you can apply for the DNV directly from Spain within your 90-day tourist stay.

Related guides

• Spain Digital Nomad Visa Guide
• Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Guide
• Buying Property in Spain
• The Beckham Law Explained

This guide is informational; for tailored advice on the new laws, book a call.