The Spanish Golden Visa was abolished on 3 April 2025 with the entry into force of the repeal established by Law 11/2024, of 8 November. The route of real estate investment of at least €500,000 as a path to residence has been removed from Spanish law. For international investors, asset-rich retirees, and rentiers who had the Golden Visa as their primary route to Spanish residence, this article sets out the real alternatives available in 2026 and the specific thresholds for each.
What exactly Law 11/2024 repealed
Law 11/2024, of 8 November 2024 (BOE no. 267, of 5 November), repealed Articles 61 to 62 of Law 14/2013, of 27 September, on Support for Entrepreneurs, in the part relating to investor residence authorisations based on real estate investment.
What was repealed:
- The investor residence visa for those demonstrating real estate investment of at least €500,000.
- The investor residence authorisation solely tied to property ownership.
What was not repealed:
- Investor residence authorisations based on government bonds, investment funds, shares, and bank deposits — these remain in force under the unaffected provisions of Law 14/2013.
- Acquired rights of Golden Visa holders granted before 3 April 2025.
Available alternatives in 2026
1. Non-lucrative residence — the rentier’s option
Ideal for: retirees, rentiers, owners of assets generating passive income, individuals with portfolios invested abroad.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income threshold | ~€2,400/month for the applicant (400% IPREM) + ~€600/month per additional family member |
| Accepted income types | Pensions, dividends, rental income, interest, investment portfolios |
| Permits working | No (without modification of the authorisation) |
| Initial validity | 1 year (renewable for 2 years) |
| Path to long-term residence | Yes, after 5 years |
| Path to nationality | Yes, after 10 years (or fewer depending on origin) |
Non-lucrative residence requires no minimum investment: it only requires demonstrating sufficient financial means to live in Spain without working. It is the most accessible alternative for a medium-to-high net worth profile that does not wish to commit to €500,000 minimum investments.
2. Investor residence via financial investment (partially surviving Golden Visa)
For investors with capacity to invest in financial assets, Law 14/2013 keeps these routes in force:
| Type of investment | Minimum amount |
|---|---|
| Spanish sovereign bonds | €2,000,000 |
| Investment funds or venture capital funds incorporated in Spain | €500,000 |
| Shares or equity in Spanish companies with real economic activity | €500,000 |
| Bank deposits at Spanish financial institutions | €1,000,000 |
This route retains the classic advantages of the Golden Visa: processing through the UGE, no effective residence requirement for renewal, and the ability to include family members.
3. Digital nomad visa — for remote workers with active income
Ideal for: employees of foreign companies working remotely, freelancers with an international client base, independent consultants and professionals.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income threshold | 200% of 2026 SMI (~€2,442/month) with maximum 20% of income from Spanish clients |
| Permits working | Yes, but only for foreign clients/employers (max 20% Spain) |
| Compatible tax regime | Beckham Law (Art. 93 LIRPF) — flat rate of 24% up to €600,000 |
| Initial validity (ARTIN) | 3 years (renewable for 2 additional years) |
It is especially attractive for those who, in addition to residence, seek tax optimisation through the Beckham regime.
4. Entrepreneur visa — for startup founders
Ideal for: founders who want to create a technology or high-growth company in Spain, with ENISA support or recognition from an accredited accelerator.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main requirement | Business project of special economic interest for Spain, validated by ENISA or the MAEUEC |
| Permits working | Yes, in the company being created |
| Initial validity | 1 year from consulate; 3 years if the authorisation is processed in Spain |
| Tax regime | Compatible with Beckham Law |
Validation of the project is the most complex step. BMC coordinates the ENISA submission and manages the full application.
5. EU Blue Card — for highly qualified professionals
For profiles with a high-qualification employment contract (salary threshold of 1.5× the average annual Spanish gross salary, ~€39,000–€45,000/year in 2026), the EU Blue Card offers a robust residence status with portability across the EU.
Comparison of main alternatives
| Alternative | Minimum investment | Income threshold | Permits working | Beckham Law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-lucrative residence | No | ~€2,400/month | No | Case by case |
| Financial investment (partial Golden Visa) | From €500,000 | No minimum income | No (modifiable) | Case by case |
| Digital nomad | No | ~€2,442/month | Foreign clients only | Yes (Art. 93 LIRPF) |
| Entrepreneur | No (startup investment) | No fixed minimum | Yes, in the startup | Yes |
| EU Blue Card | No | ~€3,250/month (salary) | Yes | Yes |
Strategy for property investors affected by the abolition
Those who had planned to obtain the Golden Visa through real estate investment and had not submitted their application before 3 April 2025 have these options:
- Retain the real estate investment and opt for non-lucrative residence: net rental income can count as financial means. If net rental income from the property exceeds ~€2,400/month, non-lucrative residence is directly viable without additional investment.
- Redirect investment into eligible financial assets: if capital availability allows, the financial Golden Visa (investment in Spanish shares or funds ≥€500,000) remains a valid and current route.
- Combine real estate investment with the digital nomad visa: property ownership does not provide residence, but it does provide a basis for municipal registration and logistical stability. Residence is obtained through the digital nomad route.
What BMC can do
BMC’s immigration team analyses each client’s personal and asset profile to identify the most efficient alternative, both in immigration and tax terms. The coordination between tax residence planning and the immigration route is critical to avoid tax inefficiencies during the first years of residence in Spain.
Looking for a Golden Visa alternative tailored to your situation? Speak with BMC’s immigration team.
