The end of Spain's Golden Visa: what changed and what is still possible
Spain abolished residency by investment in April 2025. What it means if you want to buy a home and which residency routes still exist.
1 min read
Data and events refer to: April 2025.
Organic Law 1/2025 abolished residency by investment, known as the Golden Visa. The change was published in the official gazette on 3 January 2025 and took effect three months later, in April.
What was removed
The option of obtaining residency by investing in property, public debt or other financial assets, regulated by Law 14/2013, has gone.
What did not change
Buying a home remains legal for foreigners. What no longer exists is the automatic link between that purchase and a residence permit.
Routes that still exist
Anyone wanting to live in Spain must use the general immigration system. A common option is non-lucrative residency, intended for people with sufficient means who will not work here. EU citizens have their own system.
What to do in this situation
Separate the two decisions: buying is one and residing is another. Before committing money, ask an immigration lawyer which permit suits you. Do not buy expecting the home to give you residency.
