Can I get residency by buying property in Spain?
Spain's Golden Visa programme previously allowed non-EU citizens to obtain residency by purchasing property worth at least 500,000 euros. The programme was officially closed to new applications in April 2025. EU citizens do not need a visa to live in Spain regardless of property purchase.
- 1Spain's Golden Visa programme for property buyers was closed in April 2025
- 2EU and EEA citizens can live in Spain without needing a visa regardless of property
- 3Non-EU buyers who want to live in Spain now need to use other residency routes
- 4Alternative options include the Non-Lucrative Visa (passive income visa) and Digital Nomad Visa
- 5Buying property in Spain does not automatically give any residency rights
Key Takeaways
- The property Golden Visa for non-EU nationals was closed in April 2025
- EU and EEA citizens have the right to reside in Spain without any visa
- Non-EU buyers can still purchase property but cannot use it to obtain residency
- The Non-Lucrative Visa remains available for those with sufficient passive income
- Always consult an immigration lawyer for current residency requirements
Spain introduced a Golden Visa programme in 2013 that offered non-EU nationals a residency permit in exchange for a property investment of at least 500,000 euros, free of any mortgage. The programme was popular with buyers from the UK, US, China and other non-EU countries who wanted the right to live in Spain and travel freely within the Schengen area. In April 2025, the Spanish government officially ended the Golden Visa for property investments, citing concerns about its effect on housing affordability in major cities. This means it is no longer possible to obtain residency through a property purchase, though other residency routes remain available.
What was the Golden Visa?
Spain's Golden Visa allowed non-EU nationals to obtain a 1-year residency permit (renewable for 2-year periods) in exchange for a real estate investment of at least 500,000 euros without any mortgage. The visa gave the right to live and work in Spain and to travel freely within the Schengen zone. After five years of legal residency, holders could apply for permanent residency, and after ten years for Spanish citizenship.
When was it closed?
The Spanish government announced the closure of the property Golden Visa in November 2023 and officially ended new applications in April 2025. The closure applied only to the property investment route. Other Golden Visa categories, such as investment in Spanish companies or government bonds, may still be available but are subject to change. Existing holders retain their permits under transitional rules.
What options exist for non-EU buyers today?
Non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain have several alternative residency routes. The Non-Lucrative Visa (visado de no lucrativa) is available to those with sufficient passive income or savings to support themselves without working in Spain, typically 2,400 euros per month minimum. The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers who earn from outside Spain to obtain residency. Retirees with pension income can also apply under the Non-Lucrative Visa route.
What about EU and EEA citizens?
EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Swiss citizens have the right to live in Spain indefinitely and do not need any visa. They simply need to register on the Foreigners Register (Registro Central de Extranjeros) if they intend to stay for more than three months. Buying property is not a requirement for residency but is a common reason for registering.
Does buying property give any immigration benefits today?
No. Buying property in Spain does not provide any immigration status, visa, or right to residency. It is a purely commercial transaction. Residency must be obtained separately through the appropriate visa category for your nationality and circumstances.
Why This Matters in Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol has a large established community of foreign residents from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and other EU and non-EU countries. Immigration lawyers with experience in this market are readily available.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A retired couple from the UK purchased a villa in Marbella for 600,000 euros before the Golden Visa closed. They applied for and received residency under the Non-Lucrative Visa instead, demonstrating income of over 3,000 euros per month between them. They are now legally resident in Spain and use the property as their primary home.
Legal Note: Residency matters are governed by immigration law, not property law. Always use a qualified Spanish immigration lawyer, not just a property conveyancer, for residency matters.
Off-plan property refers to a residential or commercial property that is purchased before construction is complete. The buyer agrees to purchase based on architectural plans, CGIs, show apartments and a specification document rather than a completed building. Payment is typically made in stages tied to construction milestones.
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