Spain Golden Visa

Spain Golden Visa Program: Current Status & Alternatives (2025)

Crucial Announcement: The Spain Golden Visa Program Has Ended!

The Spanish government has officially terminated the Spain Golden Visa (Golden Visa) program, which allowed non-EU citizens to obtain residency through investment. This critical decision, enacted in 2024, was primarily driven by concerns over the country’s housing crisis and the program’s perceived contribution to speculative investments rather than direct social benefit.

As of today (July 2025), it is no longer possible to obtain a Spanish residency permit directly through real estate investment. So, what does this change mean, and what new doors are opening for those seeking residency by investment in Europe?

What Was the Spain Golden Visa? (Program History & Benefits)

The Spain Golden Visa program was launched in 2013 to boost economic development. It offered individuals who met specific investment conditions the opportunity to live and travel in Spain.

Key Golden Visa Investment Options (Prior to Closure):

• €500,000 Real Estate Investment: The most popular option, covering the purchase of residential or commercial property.
• Other Investments:
  • Acquisition of €2 Million in Spanish Public Debt.
  • Acquisition of €1 Million in shares of Spanish companies or investment funds.
  • A €1 Million deposit in Spanish bank accounts.
  • Initiating a business project in Spain that created jobs or contributed to economic development.

Primary Benefits Offered to Golden Visa Holders (Former System):

• Schengen Visa-Free Travel: Free movement throughout all Schengen Area countries.
• No Residency Obligation in Spain: Permit holders were not required to reside permanently in Spain.
• Family Members Could Be Included: Spouses, financially dependent children (under 18 or students), and financially dependent parents could also be included in the same application.
• Easy Renewal: Residency permits were initially valid for 2 years, then renewable for 5-year periods.
• Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship: Eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years, and citizenship after 10 years (with certain annual residency requirements).
• Access to Education, Work & Healthcare: The ability to benefit from these rights in Spain.

Who Did the Spain Golden Visa Cover? (Family Residency)

The Golden Visa program allowed for the investor’s family to also obtain legal residency in Spain. With a single application, the following individuals could obtain residency:

• The main applicant’s spouse or official partner.
• Dependent children who were under 18 or financially dependent.
• Financially dependent parents.

Living and Investing in Spain (General Information)

The Kingdom of Spain, located in southwestern Europe, is a country renowned for its cultural richness and natural beauty.

• Language: Spanish (Official)
• Currency: Euro
• Capital: Madrid
• Government: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
• Population: Approximately 47 million
• Tourism & Economy: With its historic cities, world-famous beaches, Mediterranean climate, and developed infrastructure, Spain remains an attractive country for both tourism and investment.

Spain Golden Visa Costs (Situation Before Program Closure)

When the program was active, the Golden Visa application process involved various costs. These costs varied based on the type of investment and the number of family members included:

• Real Estate Investment: Minimum €500,000.
• Visa Application Fee: Approximately €8,000.
• Government Processing Fee: Around €70 per person.
• Property Transfer and Tax Expenses: Approximately 10% of the property value.

Spain Citizenship and Passport (Former Requirements)

The Spanish passport was considered one of the strongest passports globally, offering visa-free travel to over 194 countries. To qualify for Spanish citizenship via the Golden Visa route, it generally required completing a total period of 10 years, with at least 6 months of residency in Spain each year.

Has the Spain Golden Visa Closed? Future and Alternative Investment Programs

Yes, the Spain Golden Visa program has been officially closed. However, for those looking to obtain residency by investment in Europe, many valid alternatives still exist. The rights of individuals who obtained their Spain Golden Visa before its closure are generally protected, and it’s important for them to follow official announcements from the authorities.

If your dreams of living, working, and traveling freely within the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area persist, you can explore active investor programs offered by other countries:

• Greece Golden Visa: Offers one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Remains attractive with its non-real estate investment options.
• Latvia Residency Permit Program: Provides residency opportunities under specific investment conditions.

At NotteGlobal, we are here to help you discover the most suitable European investment and residency program for you. Contact our expert consultants to receive detailed information about tailor-made solutions, get professional support throughout your application processes, and confidently begin your new life in Europe.

Are you looking for a Golden Visa or residency by investment in Europe? Reach out to us, and let’s take the first step to turn your dreams into reality!