What alternatives are there to the Spain Golden Visa?

For years, Spain’s Golden Visa was a go-to option for investors wanting to live in the country by buying property or making large investments. But in April 2025, Spain made the decision to abolish the golden visa. This now leads to the question: what are the alternatives, and are there other, better paths to follow?

This guide will help you understand your options and which visa might suit your goals best. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why the Golden Visa was abolished in 2025
• Non-lucrative visas: ideal for retirees or passive income holders
• Entrepreneur and digital nomad visas: for business-minded travellers and remote workers
• Student and work visas: offering opportunities that can lead to long-term residence
• The pros and cons of each alternative: how to weigh up your options.
• Choosing the right path: Making sure your visa option fits your goals and finances.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer picture of which route makes the most sense for you and what steps to take to make your move to Spain smooth and stress-free.

Why the Spanish golden visa was abolished

Spain officially scrapped its Golden Visa program in April 2025, putting an end to a scheme that had, until then, allowed non-EU citizens to gain residency by investing large sums of money, mostly through buying property.

The government’s main reason for this big change was housing: for years, critics argued that wealthy investors were driving up prices in hot spots like Madrid and Barcelona, making it harder and harder for locals to find affordable homes.

By scrapping the Golden Visa, the Spanish Government sent a clear signal that housing should be a right for citizens, not a vehicle for investment. The move also came about because of growing doubts about whether the Golden Visa really benefited the broader economy, created jobs or supported long-term growth.

For Spanish citizens, the abolishment of Spain’s Golden Visa has been a big step towards making the housing market a little more balanced.

Spanish visa options

The end of Spain’s Golden Visa means that alternative options must now be carefully considered for anyone looking to relocate to the country. Non-lucrative visas, entrepreneur and digital nomad visas and student and work visas all offer different ways of moving to Spain.

Non-lucrative visas

Perfect for retirees or passive income holders, the non-lucrative visa is designed for individuals who can support themselves without working in Spain. This makes it a great fit for anyone with savings or investments that provide regular income.

To be eligible:

• You must be able to show sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses
• You cannot work in Spain under this visa
• You are typically granted the visa for one year initially, with the option to renew.

Non-lucrative visas are flexible, don’t require huge investment and can lead to long-term residence if you maintain compliance. However, this visa comes with no right to work in Spain, and proof of steady income is mandatory.

Entrepreneur and digital nomad visas

For business-minded individuals, Spain has introduced visas specifically for entrepreneurs and digital nomads, reflecting the rise of remote work and start-up culture. These visas allow you to live in Spain while running a business or working for foreign clients.

To be eligible:

• Entrepreneur visas often require a viable business plan that benefits the Spanish economy
• Digital nomad visas usually require proof of remote income or a contract with a foreign employer.

Some visas are temporary but can lead to long-term residence if extended. A huge advantage of entrepreneur and digital nomad visa is that they both allow you to work legally while living in Spain, making these visas ideal for business or tech professionals.They do, however, require proof of viable business or remote income, which can involve administrative hurdles.

Student and work visas

For those planning to study or work in Spain, there are student and employment visas that can eventually lead to long-term or permanent residency.

Student visas allow international students to study at Spanish universities, while work visas are available for individuals with job offers in Spain. Both types of visas:

• Can be extended depending on academic or employment status
• May require language proficiency, financial proof or professional credentials
• Offer pathways to long-term residence if followed properly.

Both of these visa options provide legal status and integration opportunities, but specific academic or employment requirements must be met to successfully apply.

How to choose the right Spanish visa for you

When deciding which Spanish visa option is best:

• Evaluate your goals: Are you planning to retire, work remotely, study or start a business?
• Consider financial requirements: Do you have passive income, savings or business capital set aside?
• Think long-term: Which visa offers a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship if that’s your goal?
• Check administrative hurdles: Some visas are easier to obtain than others and processing times vary.
• Plan for health insurance: Most long-term visas require proof of medical coverage.

Advantages and disadvantages of each visa option

Each visa option has its trade-offs, so the best choice will always depend on your goals, finances and lifestyle preferences.

Spanish visa options for different situations

Whether you’re a retiree, entrepreneur, digital nomad, student or employee, Spain has multiple visa options that can suit different lifestyles and financial situations.

By understanding the alternatives and planning carefully, you can enjoy all that Spain has to offer, from its vibrant culture and sunny climate to its welcoming communities, without worrying about the bureaucracy. With proper preparation, including the right travel and health insurance, moving to Spain can be a smooth and rewarding experience.