Spain Golden Visa 2026: What's Still Available After the Real Estate Route Closed

Spain's Golden Visa programme has been one of the most discussed topics in the residency-by-investment world over the past two years. In April 2024, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to end the programme for real estate investors, citing housing affordability concerns. Here is the current situation in 2026 — what has actually happened, what alternatives exist, and whether Spanish residency is still achievable.

What Happened to Spain's Golden Visa?

Spain's Golden Visa programme, launched in 2013, originally allowed non-EU nationals to obtain residency by investing €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate. It was popular with investors from China, Russia, the UK, and the US.

In April 2024, the Spanish government announced its intention to abolish the real estate route. The announcement created significant uncertainty in the market.

The current position in 2026: The real estate investment route has been closed to new applicants. However, other investment routes under the Golden Visa programme remain open.

What Investment Routes Are Still Available?

Spain's Golden Visa programme continues to offer residency through the following investment categories:

Capital investment in Spanish companies: €1 million minimum investment in shares of Spanish companies (not listed on regulated markets) or in the share capital of Spanish businesses with a real business activity.

Investment funds: €1 million minimum investment in Spanish investment funds, closed-end investment funds, or venture capital funds.

Bank deposits: €1 million minimum deposit in Spanish financial institutions.

Government bonds: €2 million minimum investment in Spanish public debt.

Business project: Investment in a business project in Spain that is considered to be of general interest — typically assessed on job creation, socioeconomic impact, or scientific/technological innovation. No minimum investment threshold, but the project must be approved.

What Does Spanish Residency Actually Give You?

A Spanish Golden Visa grants:

• The right to live and work in Spain
• The right to travel freely across the Schengen Area
• The right to include family members (spouse, dependent children, dependent parents)
• A path to permanent residency after 5 years of legal residency
• A path to Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residency (or 2 years for nationals of certain Latin American countries)

Spain does not require Golden Visa holders to spend a minimum number of days in Spain each year to maintain their residency permit — though you must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain to become a Spanish tax resident.

Spain's Non-Dom Tax Regime: The Beckham Law

Spain offers a special tax regime for individuals who become Spanish tax residents for the first time (or after a 5-year absence): the Beckham Law (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados).

Under this regime, qualifying individuals pay a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 (rather than the standard progressive rates of up to 47%), and foreign-source income is generally exempt from Spanish tax for a 6-year period.

The Beckham Law was originally designed for high-earning employees relocating to Spain, but it was extended in 2023 to cover remote workers, entrepreneurs, and investors under certain conditions. This makes it potentially attractive for internationally mobile individuals who want to establish Spanish tax residency.

Is Spain Still Worth Considering in 2026?

Yes — with the right investment structure. The closure of the real estate route has removed the most accessible entry point, but Spain remains one of the most attractive residency destinations in Europe for investors who can meet the higher capital thresholds.

The combination of Schengen access, a path to EU citizenship, a competitive special tax regime, and an exceptional quality of life makes Spain a compelling option for the right investor profile.

Who is Spain best suited for in 2026?

• Investors with €1 million or more available for qualifying investments
• Entrepreneurs with a viable business project for Spain
• Individuals who want a path to EU citizenship over a 10-year horizon
• Remote workers and digital nomads who want to establish Spanish tax residency under the Beckham Law (note: Spain also has a separate Digital Nomad Visa for this purpose)

How to Apply

Applications for the Spanish Golden Visa are submitted to the Spanish consulate in your country of residence or, in some cases, directly in Spain. The process involves document preparation, investment execution, and a consular appointment. Processing times vary but are typically 1–3 months.

Jurentra can connect you with vetted immigration law firms that specialise in Spanish residency and can advise on the most appropriate investment route and tax structure for your situation.

Explore the program: Spain Golden Visa

Interested in Spanish residency? Use Jurentra's matching tool to find a vetted firm with Spain expertise.