Spain eliminates the Golden Visa: what alternatives do foreign investors and professionals have in 2025?
In a significant change in its immigration policy, Spain has decided to eliminate the Golden Visa, the program that allowed obtaining residency through a minimum real estate investment of 500,000 euros. This measure, promoted by the Government, seeks to reduce real estate speculation and improve access to housing for national residents.
Although this change affects many foreign investors who consider Spain an ideal destination to establish themselves through investment in real estate, the elimination of the Golden Visa has generated uncertainty in the sector. However, there are viable and attractive alternatives to the Golden Visa for those who wish to reside in the country for business, investment, or professional reasons.
In this article, we will analyse what the elimination of the Golden Visa implies, what other alternatives to the Golden Visa exist in 2025, and what impact this measure will have on the market and the residence of foreigners in Spain.
Reasons behind the elimination of the Golden Visa in Spain
The Golden Visa was introduced in 2013 as part of a package of measures to attract foreign investment following the 2008 financial crisis. However, in recent years, he has come under criticism due to:
- Real estate speculation: It has been pointed out that the program promoted an increase in prices in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Valencia, making it difficult for local citizens to access housing.
- Low impact on the productive economy: Although the Golden Visa attracted investments, these were mainly directed to the real estate sector and not necessarily to projects that generated employment or innovation.
- Political and social pressure: Various sectors have advocated the elimination of this visa to prevent the purchase of real estate from becoming a fast track to residence without providing a clear benefit to the country’s productive fabric.
- Changes in European migration policies: Other EU countries have also eliminated or restricted similar programs, instead promoting investment models more linked to innovation and employment generation.
As a result of these reasons, in 2025, the Golden Visa has been eliminated, forcing investors and professionals to consider other alternatives to the Golden Visa to establish themselves in Spain.
Alternatives to the Golden Visa in Spain in 2025
Although investment in real estate no longer guarantees the ability to obtain a residence permit, Spain continues to offer legal options for investors, entrepreneurs, and qualified workers. Next, we break down the main alternatives to the Golden Visa:
Entrepreneur Residency (Entrepreneurs Act)
One of the best options for those who wish to invest and obtain residence in Spain is the visa for entrepreneurs, regulated in Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs.
Main requirements:
- Present a viable and innovative business plan.
- Demonstrate that the project has an impact on the Spanish economy and can generate employment.
- Accredit sufficient financial means to carry out the activity.
- Have a differentiated proposal that can compete in the Spanish or international market.
Advantages:
- It does not require a specific minimum investment.
- It facilitates residence in Spain with the option of renewal and, eventually, citizenship.
- It can be requested from Spain or the country of origin.
- Access to financing and state aid for innovative startups.
This visa is ideal for those who want to create a startup, launch an innovative business, or establish a technology company in Spain.
Residence for investment in companies and funds
Although investment in real estate no longer grants residence, it is still possible to obtain a permit if the investment is intended for strategic sectors or projects of high interest to the country.
Available options:
- Investment in Spanish companies that promote technological development, innovation, or job creation.
- Purchase of government bonds or financial assets with a minimum investment that can be established based on current regulations.
- Participation in investment funds that promote key sectors of the Spanish economy.
- Acquisition of shares in growing companies with an impact on digitalisation and sustainability.
Advantages:
- It allows you to obtain residency without having to manage your own business.
- Opportunity to diversify investment in more productive areas than the real estate sector.
- Contribution to the growth of strategic sectors in Spain.
Self-employed residence
For those who want to be self-employed in Spain, the option of self-employed or self-employed is still viable.
Main requirements:
- Present a viable and sustainable project.
- Accredit the financial means to sustain the activity.
- Comply with current tax and labor regulations.
- Demonstrate experience in the sector in which the activity will be developed.
This visa is ideal for independent professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking to establish themselves in Spain with their businesses.
Alternatives for professionals and skilled workers
If the objective is not an investment but the exercise of a work or professional activity, some options allow obtaining residence in Spain in 2025.
Visa for highly qualified professionals
Aimed at those who access positions of high responsibility in companies based in Spain.
Main requirements:
- Have a high-level job offer in a Spanish company.
- Have a university education or relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrate that the employment is of high added value and justifies the residence in Spain.
Digital Nomad Visa
Spain has implemented a specific law for digital nomads, allowing remote workers and international freelancers to reside in the country while working for foreign companies.
Main requirements:
- Demonstrate sufficient income to reside in Spain.
- Prove that the work activity is carried out remotely.
- Submit a contract or proof of work with a company outside of Spain.
What is the best option in 2025?
Although the elimination of the Golden Visa has changed the landscape of residence in Spain, there are solid alternatives to the Golden Visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and qualified professionals.
Depending on each profile, the best options may be:
- For investors: Residence for investment in companies or funds.
- For entrepreneurs: Self-employed or entrepreneurial residence.
- For professionals: Visa for skilled workers or digital nomads.
If you are exploring options to reside in Spain, having specialized advice is key to choosing the best route according to your objectives.
