SPAIN RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT
As a trusted advisor in global mobility solutions, Global Investments provides impartial counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families exploring residence options. The Spain Residence by Investment Program, commonly referred to as the Spain Golden Visa and established in 2013 under Law 14/2013, was a pioneering pathway to securing renewable residency through significant economic contributions. This initiative facilitated seamless Schengen mobility, tax advantages, and a route to citizenship after 10 years, while supporting Spain's economy in real estate, innovation, and job creation. However, as of April 3, 2025, the program has officially ended for new applications, driven by housing affordability concerns and EU alignment priorities. Existing permit holders retain full rights, with protections for pending cases. For prospective clients, we highlight viable alternatives like the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa or Digital Nomad Visa, tailored to your objectives.
As of November 04, 2025, over 15,000 Golden Visas were issued during its tenure, leaving a lasting impact. While the program's closure marks a shift, Spain remains an attractive EU destination through reformed pathways. We encourage assessing these options within your broader financial and lifestyle goals, potentially securing residency in 1-3 months via alternatives.
WHY CONSIDER SPAIN RESIDENCE OPTIONS POST-GOLDEN VISA?
In an increasingly interconnected world, residence in Spain serves as a strategic tool for lifestyle diversification, business footholds, and family security. Spain, a sovereign EU member state since 1986, offers a compelling case with its Mediterranean vibrancy, from Barcelona's modernism to Andalusia's flamenco. With a stable monarchy, Spanish and English in business contexts, and an economy fueled by tourism, renewables, and exports, it captivates as Europe's sunniest powerhouse. Though the Golden Visa concluded, alternative programs align with these strengths, enabling contributions via income proof or entrepreneurship while granting Schengen visa-free travel and citizenship after 10 years.
From a consultative perspective, Spain appeals to entrepreneurs leveraging EU trade, retirees enjoying tax-efficient coastal living, and families accessing elite schools in Madrid or Valencia. The absence of a minimum stay in many visas enhances flexibility, complemented by Beckham Law incentives (24% flat tax for high earners) and no inheritance tax on family assets. Moreover, the focus on sustainable investments—echoing the Golden Visa's legacy—resonates with clients pursuing impactful allocations.
Enhanced European Mobility: Visa-free Schengen travel for 90 days/180, plus full rights to live, work, and study in Spain via select visas.
Tax Optimization: Beckham regime for expats; regional variations exempt foreign income in some cases, ideal for global portfolios.
Family-Centric Design: Inclusive for spouses, children, and dependents, promoting intergenerational security.
Low Commitment: No or minimal stay requirements in non-lucrative paths, with five-year renewals.
Economic Alignment: Opportunities in booming sectors like tech hubs in Barcelona, offering indirect benefits through network growth.
Citizenship Pathway: Naturalization after 10 years (two years for Latin American nationals), yielding an EU passport with 190+ visa-free destinations.
Clients often inquire about transitions; post-closure, the Non-Lucrative Visa (€2,400/month income proof) provides a seamless alternative to the Golden Visa's €500,000 threshold, making Spain a prudent EU choice.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT REPLACES THE SPAIN GOLDEN VISA IN 2025?
The Non-Lucrative Visa offers passive residency with €28,800 annual income per applicant (plus 75% for spouse, 25% per child)—a low-barrier EU entry without investment mandates.
KEY BENEFITS
The value of Spanish residency extends beyond acquisition, offering enduring advantages in mobility, fiscal strategy, and quality of life. From our experience, benefits include effortless tapas tours, asset diversification, and elite networks.
Superior European Privileges: Renewable permit for Schengen visa-free (90/180 days), plus live/work/study rights in Spain.
Fiscal Neutrality: Beckham Law: 24% flat on Spanish income (six years); exemptions on foreign assets for non-habs.
Lifestyle Integration: Flamenco in Seville, Gaudí in Barcelona; access to universities like Complutense and private clinics.
Path to Citizenship: After 10 years (two for select nationals), with B1 Spanish, yielding EU passport for 190+ visa-free.
Business Boost: EU market entry, 25% corporate tax with R&D credits, treaties with 90+ countries.
Commercial Leverage: Innovation hubs in Madrid, yields from alternatives, in an English-friendly locale.
This residency bridges to EU permanence, valuable amid uncertainties.
RESIDENCE OPTIONS POST-GOLDEN VISA
With the Golden Visa's end, viable pathways emphasize income or entrepreneurial contributions over capital outlays. All options are vetted for compliance, executed post-approval, and we advise independent financial reviews. Thresholds, stable in 2025, focus on sustainability rather than volume.
Option | Key Requirement | Details |
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) | €28,800 annual income (single); +75% spouse, +25% per child | Passive residency for non-workers with sufficient funds, held indefinitely with renewals. Favored for simplicity; yields Schengen access and five-year path to permanent status. No employment allowed initially. |
Digital Nomad Visa | €2,646/month income (200% IPREM); remote work contract | One-year renewable for remote professionals, extendable to family. Offers flexibility with 20% flat tax on Portuguese-sourced income under NHR-like perks; ideal for tech nomads. |
Entrepreneur Visa | Viable business plan creating jobs | Startup residency for innovative projects, with fast-track to permanent after three years. Includes €30,000-50,000 seed funding eligibility; suits active investors. |
Highly Qualified Professional Visa | Job offer with €40,000+ salary | EU Blue Card equivalent for skilled roles, leading to permanent residency in two years. Targets tech/finance; family inclusion from day one. |
Option | Key Requirement | Details |
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) | €28,800 annual income (single); +75% spouse, +25% per child | Passive residency for non-workers with sufficient funds, held indefinitely with renewals. Favored for simplicity; yields Schengen access and five-year path to permanent status. No employment allowed initially. |
Digital Nomad Visa | €2,646/month income (200% IPREM); remote work contract | One-year renewable for remote professionals, extendable to family. Offers flexibility with 20% flat tax on Portuguese-sourced income under NHR-like perks; ideal for tech nomads. |
Entrepreneur Visa | Viable business plan creating jobs | Startup residency for innovative projects, with fast-track to permanent after three years. Includes €30,000-50,000 seed funding eligibility; suits active investors. |
Highly Qualified Professional Visa | Job offer with €40,000+ salary | EU Blue Card equivalent for skilled roles, leading to permanent residency in two years. Targets tech/finance; family inclusion from day one. |
In practice, NLV suits retirees, while Digital Nomad fits remote workers. We recommend modeling based on your profile for optimal fit and compliance.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT REPLACES THE SPAIN GOLDEN VISA IN 2025?
The Non-Lucrative Visa offers passive residency with €28,800 annual income per applicant (plus 75% for spouse, 25% per child)—a low-barrier EU entry without investment mandates.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Navigating Spain's residence applications demands precision; at Global Investments, we streamline via structured support. Timelines average 1-3 months, based on completeness. Engage authorized agents early; direct via consulates.
Preliminary Consultation: Assess eligibility and select option, with risk reviews.
Documentation Assembly: Passports, income proofs, insurance, clearances—translated to Spanish.
Submission and Due Diligence: Lodge via consulate or UGE (Unit for Large Companies); background checks.
Biometrics Visit: In Spain for fingerprints/photos.
In-Principle Approval: 20-60 days; proceed to registration.
Residence Card: Issued for one year, renewable.
Renewal Checks: Annual/bi-annual with proof; minimal visits.
Phased for compliance and refinements.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for Spain's post-Golden Visa options is designed to attract ethical individuals, emphasizing integrity and self-sufficiency. As consultants, we stress thorough pre-application screening to avoid delays. Processes are inclusive for families but mandate due diligence per EU standards.
Age Requirement: Principal applicant 18+.
Financial Solvency: Proven passive income or savings (e.g., €28,800/year for NLV) via statements or pensions.
Health Standards: Private insurance covering €30,000+ in Spain/Schengen.
Character Assessment: Clean criminal records from home countries and Spain, verified via certificates.
Family Provisions: Spouse/partner, children under 18 (students to 26), dependent parents over 65.
Visit Protocol: Initial 90-day Schengen entry; biometrics on arrival; no annual minimum for most.
Nationality Considerations: Open to non-EU nationals; priority for Ibero-American ties.
No language or education mandates initially (required for citizenship). For families, structures protect comprehensively, with counsel on regional tax variations.
FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
Ancillary fees are modest/non-refundable for administration. Projections provided; scale by family/option.
Application Fees: €80-100 per adult, €20-50 child.
Due Diligence: €100-200 per family.
Residence Card: €12-20 issuance.
Legal/Agent Fees: €3,000-8,000 (all-inclusive).
Insurance: €400-1,200 annually/family.
Additional Dependent: €50-100 each.
For NLV family of four, €5,000-10,000 extras. Services €3,000-6,000.
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises.
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Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 5,000 for spouse; USD 4,000 for dependents 18+; USD 2,000 for ages 16-17.
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Processing Fees: USD 10,000-20,000, scaled by family size and investment type.
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Interview Costs: USD 1,500 per person aged 12 and over.
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Passport and Naturalization: USD 300 per passport; additional for certificates.
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Courier and Miscellaneous: Approximately USD 300 per applicant for secure delivery.
For a standard family of four, expect USD 20,000-50,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-25,000 for comprehensive handling.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PROCESSING TIMELINE?
1-3 months from submission to card, with consulate efficiencies for income-based visas.
RECENT UPDATES (2025)
Spain's Golden Visa legacy endures post-April 2025 closure, with protections for 15,000+ holders (indefinite renewals). The Startup Act (Ley de Startups) expanded in June 2025, easing entrepreneur visas with €50,000 grants for innovative projects, boosting applications 25% year-over-year from tech sectors. NLV thresholds held at €28,800, but Digital Nomad income rose to €2,646/month amid inflation adjustments.
Beckham Law renewals debated in September, likely extending 24% flat to 2030. No quotas, but UGE prioritizes family reunifications. Demand from Latin America surged 18%, offsetting EU slowdowns. Monitor Ministry of Inclusion updates; we guide transitions.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?
Acquiring citizenship or residence through investment is a profound step, meriting deliberate consideration of its multifaceted implications. At Global Investments, our role is to offer objective, expert guidance tailored to your circumstances—whether through initial assessments or full application management. We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how the our programs align with your aspirations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Curated insights from consultations:
What replaces the Golden Visa in Spain? NLV for passive (€28,800/year income); Digital Nomad for remote (€2,646/month).
How long is processing? 1-3 months, faster for complete submissions.
Residency requirement? No minimum for NLV; Schengen 90/180 days visa-free.
Family inclusion? Spouses, children under 18 (students to 26), dependent parents.
Schengen access? Yes, permit enables short-stay visas across EU.
Citizenship path? 10 years residency (two for select nationals), with B1 Spanish.
Tax benefits? Beckham: 24% flat (six years); foreign income exemptions for non-habs.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details are subject to governmental changes; always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.