The news is official: Spain’s popular Golden Visa program, which granted residency for real estate investment, ended in 2025. For non-EU investors, entrepreneurs, and families, this raises a critical question: «What now?»
If you were planning your move to Spain based on the Golden Visa, this change can feel like a major setback. But it’s not the end of the road—it’s a strategic shift. Spain’s doors remain wide open for those with vision and initiative, provided you choose the right legal path.
This guide analyzes why the Golden Visa was terminated and, more importantly, breaks down your best residency alternatives for 2026, from the Digital Nomad Visa to strategic business creation.
Feeling uncertain about your residency options? The rules have changed, but our expertise hasn’t. LexTax provides a unified team of legal and tax professionals to ensure your relocation to Spain is secure, compliant, and seamless.
Why Did Spain End the Golden Visa Program?
For over a decade, the Golden Visa was a primary route for non-EU nationals investing €500,000 in real estate. However, in 2025, the Spanish government ended the program due to:
- EU Pressure: The European Union has long viewed such schemes as potential risks for security and financial transparency.
- Domestic Housing Market: Policymakers cited rising property prices and housing shortages in major cities as a key factor.
- Shift in Focus: The government is now prioritizing residency routes that encourage active economic contribution and innovation over passive investment.
The era of simple investment-for-residence is over. Now, the focus is on value, purpose, and contribution.
Spain Golden Visa Alternatives: Your Best Residency Options for 2026
Spain offers several excellent pathways for investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Here are the top alternatives:
1. The Digital Nomad Visa
Perfect for remote professionals and freelancers. This visa allows you to live in Spain while working for companies or clients outside the country. It also offers the significant advantage of applying for the favorable Beckham Law tax regime.
2. The Non-Lucrative Visa
A long-standing favorite for retirees and individuals with stable, passive income (e.g., pensions, dividends, rental income). This visa requires you to prove sufficient funds to live in Spain without working, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle.
3. The Entrepreneur / Startup Visa
Designed for innovators looking to launch a business in Spain. Your project must be considered innovative and of economic interest to the country. This route offers flexibility and can also be structured to benefit from the Beckham Law.
4. The Highly Qualified Professional Visa
A fast-track option for skilled managers, tech professionals, and scientists with a job offer from a Spanish company. It features a quicker approval process and includes immediate family reunification.
5. Strategic Business Creation (The LexTax Strategy)
For proactive investors, establishing a Spanish company (a Sociedad Limitada or SL) and creating local employment can form the basis of a robust residency application. This path allows you to secure residency while building a tangible business asset in Spain.
6. The Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)
Tailored for freelancers and independent professionals who plan to offer their services within the Spanish market. This requires a solid business plan and registration as a self-employed worker (autónomo).
Residency Options at a Glance: A Comparison
Securing residency is only half the battle. Most of these visas will make you a Spanish tax resident if you spend over 183 days a year in the country, meaning you must declare your worldwide income and assets.
This is where expert planning becomes critical. LexTax offers:
- Beckham Law Application: We manage your registration for this special tax regime, which can significantly lower your tax burden on foreign income.
- Pre-Move Tax Simulations: We model your tax situation before you move, ensuring you understand your obligations under forms like Modelo 100 (income tax) and Modelo 720 (foreign assets).
- Strategic Asset Structuring: We provide bespoke advice to optimize your financial structure for maximum efficiency and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I still use my existing Golden Visa?
Yes, existing Golden Visas remain valid. However, renewals are no longer guaranteed under the old framework and will face stricter scrutiny. We recommend an early review of your status.
Which visa is the best alternative for me?
This depends entirely on your income source, professional goals, and family situation. A tailored strategy session is the only way to identify the optimal route for you.
Can I bring my family with these new visas?
Yes, most of these residency pathways support family reunification, provided you meet the additional financial requirements for each dependent.
Your Next Step: Book Your Legal & Tax Strategy Call
The end of the Golden Visa is not a closed door—it’s an invitation to build a more meaningful connection to Spain through contribution and innovation.
LexTax is uniquely positioned to guide you through this new landscape. As Spain’s leading English-speaking legal and tax advisory, we manage your entire relocation under one roof, ensuring your move is legally secure, fiscally optimized, and strategically sound.