Spain has long been a dream destination for expats. With its warm climate, laid-back lifestyle, and high quality of life, it’s the perfect location to call home.
For years, the Spanish Golden Visa offered an easy path to residency. However, as of April 2025, Spain officially ended the Golden Visa scheme, meaning would-be residents must now consider alternative visa options.
Let’s take a look at which visa options are still available and the pros and cons of each as you explore how to move to Spain without a Golden visa.
Do you need a visa to live in Spain?
Yes, unless you're an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you need a visa to live in Spain. For UK nationals (post-Brexit), US citizens, and other non-EU residents, a Spanish residence permit is essential if you plan to stay in the country for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period.
Without the Golden Visa, non-EU citizens must apply for a different long-stay visa (visado nacional) before relocating.
What is a Golden Visa?
The Spanish Golden Visa, introduced in 2013, allowed non-EU nationals to gain residency by investing €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate.
It was especially popular among British citizens (post-Brexit) and investors from China, Russia, and the Middle East who could not take advantage of the freedoms given by the EU.
The visa was a popular choice as it offered:
- Fast-track residency
- No requirement to live full-time in Spain
- A path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship
However, concerns about housing affordability and speculative foreign ownership led the Spanish government to scrap the Golden Visa in April 2025 after 12 years.
Can you get a Golden Visa in Spain?
No, despite 573 Golden Visas being granted since the announcement of its abolition, new applications are not permitted as of April 2025.
The few that have been granted applied before the law change came into force. The Spanish Golden Visa is no longer available.
The government has closed this route permanently in an effort to prioritise affordable housing and reduce property speculation.
If you're looking to move to Spain now, you’ll need to explore alternative visa options that don’t rely on property investment.
What is the easiest visa to get in Spain?
There is no one-size-fits-all visa. The best option will depend on individual circumstances and needs. Any visa application will require the applicant to provide evidence and documentation as part of the application process.
Visa options for moving to Spain without a golden visa
So which options are most suitable when you’re exploring how to get residency in Spain?
Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa)
Ideal for: Retirees, early retirees, or financially independent individuals.
The Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to live in Spain without working or engaging in any professional activity. This is most suitable for retirees or those who want to live in Spain without working.
Applicants will need to
- Show proof of sufficient income or savings (around €30,000+ annually for a single applicant).
- Have full health insurance.
- Not engage in any paid work in Spain.
This type of visa is particularly popular among British retirees post-Brexit who want to live in Spain for more than 90 days.
Pros:
- Straightforward requirements.
- Includes spouse and dependent children.
- Can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.
Cons:
- No employment allowed.
- Annual renewals are required initially.
Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Teletrabajadores Internacionales)
Ideal for: Remote workers employed by companies outside of Spain.
Introduced in 2023, this visa lets remote professionals live and work in Spain legally while working for a non-Spanish employer or freelancing internationally.
Requirements include:
- Proof of income (typically around €2,300/month or more).
- Employment contract or a freelance portfolio.
- Clean criminal record.
- Health insurance.
Pros:
- Permits legal remote work in Spain.
- Provides access to residency rights for up to 5 years.
- Includes family members.
Cons:
- There are tax implications. Remote workers may be subject to Spain’s digital nomad tax regulations.
Student Visa (Visado de Estudiante)
Ideal for: Individuals studying at a recognised Spanish institution.
If you’re enrolling in a Spanish university, language school, or educational programme, you can apply for a student visa to cover your stay in Spain.
You must show:
- Proof of enrolment.
- Accommodation details.
- Adequate financial support.
- Health insurance.
Pros:
- Allowed legal residency for the duration of your course.
- Some part-time work is also allowed.
- Can lead to work visa opportunities post-graduation.
Cons:
- Is temporary and needs renewal based on study length.
- Financial requirements vary by region.
Work Visa (Visado de Trabajo)
Ideal for: Professionals with a job offer from a Spanish employer.
Work visas in Spain are employer-sponsored, meaning your employer must obtain approval from the Spanish authorities to hire you.
This process can be complex but is feasible in high-demand sectors like tech, engineering, or healthcare.
Pros:
- Offers a direct route to legal residency.
- Family reunification options are available.
- Can lead to permanent residency.
Cons:
- Requires employer sponsorship.
- Limited to job market needs and quotas.
- Can involve more admin and documentation.
Family Reunification Visa (Visado de Reagrupación Familiar)
Ideal for: Non-EU nationals with close relatives legally residing in Spain.
If you have a spouse, parent, or child living legally in Spain, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa.
The sponsoring relative must have lived in Spain legally for at least one year and meet income thresholds.
Pros:
- Easier path to residency for family members.
- Includes healthcare and education access.
Cons:
- Must rely on the sponsor’s legal status and income.
- Processing can take several months.
Moving to Spain in 2025
With the Spanish Golden Visa programme discontinued, non-EU nationals must now consider alternative routes to residency in Spain.
Whether you're retiring, working remotely, studying, or joining family already settled in Spain, there are still plenty of options available.
Each visa category has its own set of eligibility requirements, benefits, and limitations so it's important to do your research or consult with an immigration lawyer to determine the best fit for your situation.
Spain may have closed the door on property-based residency, but it remains open to those who bring value to this vibrant Mediterranean country.