The Congress of Deputies in Spain voted to end the Spain Golden Visa program, which has allowed foreign investors to gain residency through investment in Spain. This vote marks a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy, with the proposal passing by 177 votes in favor and 170 against. After several months of intense legislative discussions, the decision was finalized. In January 2025, Spain made an official announcement confirming that the Spain Golden Visa ending would take effect on April 3, 2025.
Launched in 2013, the Spanish Golden Visa program became one of the most popular Golden Visa programs in Europe. It offers benefits like visa-free travel in the Schengen Area, EU education and healthcare access, and family residency options.
This article will cover everything regarding the Spain Golden Visa program, what that means for investors, and alternatives to Spanish residency.
In this guide, you will learn about:
⚠️ Spain Golden Visa Ending: January 2025 Update
The law terminating Spain’s Golden Visa program was published on January 3, 2025.
It will take effect three months later, on April 3, 2025. After this date, new applications for the Spanish Golden Visa will no longer be accepted.
Protection for Existing and Pending Applications
Investors and family members who submit applications before the April deadline will remain unaffected. They will retain all benefits and renewal rights under the program’s current rules. Existing Golden Visa holders will also maintain their rights.
Act Now: A Limited-Time Opportunity
If you are considering applying for the Spanish Golden Visa, immediate action is essential. The program is still open for applicants investing through bank deposits, commercial real estate, or hotel projects.
The Global Citizen Solutions team can expedite your application to ensure submission before the changes take effect.
Is the Spain Golden Visa ending?
Yes, the Spain Golden Visa program is officially ending on April 3, 2025. The law ending the Golden Visa program in Spain was published on January 3rd, 2025. The approved text includes eliminating all investment types, not just real estate investment, as initially planned.
After 3 April 2025, new applications for the Golden Visa, which grants residency to non-EU citizens through investment, will no longer be accepted.
The decision to end the program stems from concerns about housing affordability and pressure from the EU. However, those who already hold a Spanish Golden Visa can still maintain their residency rights.
On November 4, 2024, the Spanish government took the first steps toward reshaping the Spanish Golden Visa program, proposing its full discontinuation along with all investment-based pathways.
Key Developments in Spain Golden Visa Ending
November 14th 2024
As of early November 2024, only the initial step of Justice Commission Approval had taken place, approved with a close vote of 20 for and 17 against.
On November 14th, 2024, Congress approved the text of the Organic Law Project, which contained amendments to modify the law for the Spanish Golden Visa. The legislative process then moved to the Senate, where it had the power to block, amend, or approve the changes.
November 27th 2024
On November 27th, 2024, the Spanish Senate vetoed the proposed law to end the Golden Visa program, which Congress had previously approved.
The veto by the Senate returned the law to Congress, where it required an absolute majority for approval. Congress could:
- Approve the law with an absolute majority.
- If an absolute majority was not achieved, Congress could revisit and approve the law after two months with a simple majority.
December 19th, 2024
On December 19th, 2024, the Plenary of the Spanish Congress approved the law that ended the Golden Visa program in Spain. The approved text included the elimination of the possibility of applying for the Golden Visa through any type of investment, not just real estate investment, as initially planned.
January 3rd, 2025
The law ending the Golden Visa program in Spain was published on January 3rd, 2025. It will become effective on April 3rd, 2025, when applying for the Spain Golden Visa will no longer be possible.
The End of the Real Estate Investment Option
In April 2024, the Spanish government announced plans to restrict the Golden Visa program, eliminating the option to obtain a residency visa in Spain through property investment.
The initial announcement stemmed from concerns that the property investment option made housing in Spain unaffordable for local residents. The Spain Golden Visa allows foreign investors to obtain Spanish residency through economic investment, with one option being property worth a minimum of €500,000.
The announcement on November 4th, 2024, would end all investment options, not just the real estate investment option.
Read our Spain Golden Visa Guide
Spain Golden Visa Ending Timeline of Events
2013
Spain Golden Visa introduction
April, 2024
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the government’s intent to eliminate property investments from the Spain Golden Visa program.
November, 2024
Start of legislative steps, Justice Commission Approval (Approved with a close vote of 20 for, 17 against).
January 2025
The law ending the Golden Visa program in Spain is published.
Can you still apply for the Spain Golden Visa?
Yes, you can still apply for the Spain Golden Visa, but only until April 3, 2025. After this date, new applications will no longer be accepted as Spain is officially ending the program. If you are considering applying, you must submit your application before the deadline to be processed under the current rules.
Here is how to apply:
1. Make an investment and choose from the following investment options:
- €500,000 in real estate
- €1 million in shares, funds, or deposits
- €2 million in government bonds
- A business project that benefits Spain
2. Prepare the following documents: passport, proof of investment, clean criminal record, health insurance, and proof of financial means.
3. Apply at a Spanish consulate or in Spain. Processing takes about 20 days.
4. You will receive a two-year residency permit, which you can renew for five years. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency; after ten years, you may qualify for citizenship.
Golden Visa Trends in Europe
The end of the Spain Golden Visa program is not a new prospect; many Golden Visas across Europe have undergone significant changes.
For example, the Portugal Golden Visa program terminated its property investment option in October 2023. While there are still other options, including fund subscription, job creation, scientific research, donation in cultural heritage, and share capital, the real estate option is no longer available in any capacity (business or residential).
The Greece Golden Visa also underwent changes. In August 2024, a new four-tier system was introduced, where the investment required depends on the property location, with the lowest tier starting at €800,000. In September 2024, Greece added a new investment option, the Greece Start-Up, which lets investors fund Greek tech start-ups to gain residency.
Other Options for Spanish Residency
With the end of the Spain Golden Visa, here are other alternatives to Spanish residency:
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, established in 2023, allows non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for one year, with the option to extend for five years. Applicants must meet the monthly income requirement of €2,763 to prove they have enough funds to support themselves. Additionally, they must be employed by a company outside Spain, be self-employed, or be freelancers, and have sufficient healthcare insurance.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa offers non-EU citizens a Spanish residency visa, also known as the Non-profit Visa. It is designed for those with sufficient economic funds who wish to retire or live in Spain without working. Eligibility requires proving that you can comfortably support yourself in Spain through non-working income, such as pensions or rental income. The minimum monthly income requirement is €2,400, ensuring that applicants have enough financial resources to live in the country.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Spain Golden Visa Ending
Is Spain canceling the Golden Visa?
Yes, on January 3rd, 2025, the law ending the Golden Visa program in Spain was published. The law stipulates will enter into force on April 3, 2025, three months after its publication in the Official State Gazette.
When is the Spain Golden Visa ending?
From 3 April 2025, applying for the Spain Golden Visa will no longer be possible. However, investors who submit their applications before the April deadline will not be affected.
Can I still apply for the Spain Golden Visa before the program ends?
Yes! In fact, now is the best time to apply because all applications approved before the program ends, on April 2025, will not be affected by the program changes.
What happens to current Spain Golden Visa holders after the program ends?
Those with a valid Spain Golden Visa will not be affected by the changes in regulation.
What are the reasons behind the ending of the Spain Golden Visa program?
The initial concern with the Golden Visa in Spain came from property prices increasing drastically, making it difficult for local residents to afford property in Spain. This led to further concern raised about the number of approved applications for property investment overall.
How will the ending of the Spain Golden Visa affect investors?
The ending of Spain’s Golden Visa will not affect current investors in Spain. However, if the program does end all together, it may force potential investors to look into other EU countries for citizenship and residency by investment options.
What alternatives exist after the Spain Golden Visa program ends?
There are a range of Golden Visa programs available throughout Europe, including Portugal, Greece, Malta, Italy, Cyprus, and more.
Can I get Spanish residency if the Spain Golden Visa ends?
Yes, there will still be ways to obtain Spanish residency if the Golden Visa scheme ends, including through the Spain non-lucrative visa, entrepreneur visa, employment visa, family reunification visa, and student visa.
