Immediate, actionable intelligence on a major policy shift. The program officially ended on April 3, 2025. Here is your new playbook for Spanish residency in 2026.
For UHNW investors who have relied on this pathway since 2013, the termination of the Golden Visa marks a fundamental shift in strategy. While the door for passive real estate investment has closed, Spain remains highly accessible through more tax-efficient, active residency routes.
| The New Reality: At a Glance | |
|---|---|
|
Termination Date |
April 3rd, 2025 |
|
Primary Reason |
Housing affordability and anti-speculation measures |
|
Legacy Investment |
€500,000 in real estate (formerly) |
|
Total Capital Attracted |
€7+ Billion (2013–2025) |
Who Retains Rights?
If you hold a Golden Visa or had an application pending before April 3, 2025, your rights are generally protected under “acquired rights” principles.
- Existing Holders: Can continue to renew their permits as long as they maintain the original investment.
- Pending Applications: Applications submitted before the deadline are being honored and processed under the old 2013 regulations.
- Path to Citizenship: The timeline remains unchanged—10 years for most, or 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, and Andorra.
Your New Playbook: The Strategic Pivot
Spain now prioritizes residency routes that encourage economic contribution or remote professional activity. For the UHNW individual, these alternatives often provide better tax outcomes than the original Golden Visa.
- The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) + Beckham Law.
This is currently the “gold standard” for high-income earners.
- The Advantage: It is the primary gateway to the Beckham Law tax regime.
- Tax Impact: A flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-source labor income up to €600,000. Foreign-source passive income (dividends, capital gains, interest) is typically exempt from Spanish taxation.
- Requirement: Must work remotely for companies based outside of Spain and meet a minimum income threshold (approximately €3,000–€3,200/month as of 2026).
- The Entrepreneur & Startup Visa.
Ideal for those looking to launch or move a business.
- The Advantage: Provides a 3-year initial residency permit and allows for full work authorization for the founder and their family.
- Requirement: An innovative business plan approved by ENISA (the Spanish state innovation agency).
- The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
The classic “Retirement Visa” for those who do not intend to work in Spain.
- The Advantage: Simple application process based purely on liquid wealth and passive income.
- Requirement: Demonstrable passive income or significant savings (approx. €30,000+ annually for the main applicant, plus additional for dependents).
| Strategic Comparison Matrix | |
|---|---|
|
Feature |
Work Allowed, Tax Benefit, Initial Duration, Ideal For |
|
Digital Nomad (DNV) |
Yes (Remote), Beckham Law (24%), 3 Years, Active UHNW Earners
|
|
Entrepreneur Visa
|
Yes (In your business), Standard Progressive, 3 Years, Business Founders |
|
Non Lucrative Visa (NLV) |
No, Standard Progressive, 1 Year, Retirees/ Passive Wealth |
Accelerated Citizenship: Article 22.1
The “fast track” to a Spanish passport remains one of the most powerful tools in global mobility. Under Article 22.1 of the Spanish Civil Code, nationals from the following regions qualify for citizenship after only 2 years of legal residence:
- Latin American countries (Ibero-America)
- The Philippines
- Andorra & Equatorial Guinea
Expert Insight: “The end of the Golden Visa isn’t a setback; it’s an evolution. By shifting to the Digital Nomad Visa, many of our UHNW clients are actually seeing a significant reduction in their global tax burden while maintaining their Mediterranean lifestyle.”
