For many years Spain's golden visa was one of the most popular investment routes into Europe: residence was granted for buying property from €500,000. Since 3 April 2025 the program has been abolished. If you already hold this permit, it is important to renew it correctly and not lose your status. If you are only planning a move, working routes to Spain and Europe still exist. We look at both scenarios.
What happened
The investor residence permit was abolished by Organic Law 1/2025 of 2 January 2025 (Final Provision 21). The abolition took effect on 3 April 2025. From that date, new applications for residence through investment in property, deposits, shares or government bonds are not accepted.
The reason given by the authorities: rising housing prices in large cities and tourist regions. Portugal had earlier removed the property route from its golden visa (October 2023).
What happens to existing permits
- Permits lawfully issued before the abolition remain valid until they expire.
- They can be renewed if the investment is maintained and the original conditions are met. Renewal is assessed under the rules in force at the time of the original application.
- Family members who already received residence together with the investor keep it. New applications to add relatives are no longer accepted.
- Restructuring the investment after the abolition (for example, transferring the property to a company or replacing one type of investment with another) is not accepted for keeping the status.
If your permit is nearing expiry, start preparing for renewal early and check that the property and its documents still meet the conditions under which the status was granted.
Which routes to Spain remain
Non-lucrative residence (residencia no lucrativa)
Suitable for people living on passive income: pensions, rent, dividends, interest. You need to show funds of at least 400% of IPREM for the main applicant and 100% of IPREM for each family member. In 2026 IPREM is €600 per month, so the benchmark is €2,400 per month for the applicant and €600 for each family member. You cannot work in Spain on this status, and to keep the permit you need to live in the country for most of the year.
Digital nomad visa
For people who work remotely for an employer or clients outside Spain. It requires income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage: in 2026 that is about €2,849 per month for the main applicant, plus about €1,068 for the first family member and about €356 for each additional one. In practice it is better to show income with a margin, from €3,000 to €3,500 per month. Education or experience is also required. More in our Digital Nomad Visa guide.
Startup visa and entrepreneur residence
For founders of an innovative business that receives a positive assessment from the state agency ENISA. Suitable for those genuinely launching a project in Spain.
Alternatives in other European countries
- Greece: the golden visa remains. Since 2024 thresholds depend on the region: from €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and large islands, from €400,000 in other regions, and from €250,000 for converting commercial property into residential or restoring heritage buildings.
- Hungary: the Guest Investor program since 2024, a 10-year residence permit for an investment from €250,000 in an approved real estate fund.
- Italy and France: residence for financially independent persons with proof of stable passive income.
Spanish citizenship
For most foreigners, including Russian citizens, the path to Spanish citizenship by naturalisation takes 10 years of legal residence. Only nationals of a limited group of countries (mainly Latin America, plus Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and France) may keep their previous citizenship when naturalising, so Russian citizens as a rule have to renounce theirs.
How MIRBEZVIZ helps
- Golden visa holders: we check whether the renewal conditions are still met and prepare documents in advance so you do not lose your status.
- Those choosing a route to Spain: we select the right type of residence (non-lucrative residence, digital nomad visa, startup visa) and calculate the income requirements for your family.
- Those who value an investment model: we compare current European programs, including the Greek golden visa and the Hungarian program, and support the application.
Message Victoria: in one consultation we will look at your situation and suggest a route that works in 2026.
Information is current as of 15 October 2026. Bank and program rules and terms change, so please check the details with our specialists before making a decision.
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