Practical guides
Golden Visa Alternatives 2026
Residency by investment routes following the abolition of the real estate purchase visa (April 2025). All current options explained.
What changed? The abolition of the real estate Golden Visa
Abolished since April 2025
Article 63.b) of Law 14/2013 supporting entrepreneurs was repealed. It is no longer possible to obtain the investor visa through the acquisition of real estate worth €500,000 or more. Applications submitted and officially registered before the amendment came into force were processed under the previous rules (transitional provision).
Other routes remain active
The remaining provisions of article 63 — financial investment, government bonds and projects of general interest — remain fully in force, as do the entrepreneur, digital nomad, ICT and EU Blue Card visas. The Large Business and Strategic Investors Unit (UGE-CE) continues to process these with priority timelines.
Transitional provision: Real estate visa applications that were submitted and officially registered before the reform came into force were processed under the previous rules. If you had an application in progress, please consult your adviser about the current status and the implications for potential renewals.
Current residency routes in Spain (2026)
Options highlighted in blue are particularly accessible or popular in 2026.
Government debt investment
Art. 63.a) Law 14/2013
>€2,000,000 in Spanish government bonds
Resolution
20 working days
Work
Authorised
Family
Included
Shares or investment funds
Popular 2026Art. 63.c) Law 14/2013
>€1,000,000 in shares/stakes or investment funds registered in Spain
Resolution
20 working days
Work
Authorised
Family
Included
Bank deposit
Art. 63.d) Law 14/2013
>€1,000,000 in deposits at Spanish financial institutions
Resolution
20 working days
Work
Authorised
Family
Included
Business project of general interest
Popular 2026Art. 63.e) Law 14/2013
Significant job creation, relevant socio-economic investment or contribution to scientific or technological innovation
Resolution
20 working days
Work
Authorised
Family
Included
Entrepreneur visa
Popular 2026Art. 70 Law 14/2013
Business plan with favourable report from ICEX. No minimum investment threshold.
Resolution
10 working days
Work
Authorised
Family
Included
Intra-company transfer (ICT)
EU Dir. 2014/66 / RD 2/2024
Contract with a group company, minimum 3 months prior relationship. For managers, specialists and trainees.
Resolution
20 working days
Work
Authorised
Family
Included
EU Blue Card
EU Dir. 2021/1883
University degree + qualified employment contract + salary ≥ 1.5x average wage (≈ €50,000 in 2026)
Resolution
20 working days
Work
Authorised
Family
Included
Digital nomad visa
Popular 2026Art. 74–76 Law 14/2013 (Startup Law)
Remote work for a foreign company + income ≥ 200% SMI (≈ €2,500/month in 2026). Max. 20% Spanish clients.
Resolution
10 working days
Work
Not authorised
Family
Included
Non-lucrative residence
Art. 45 RD 557/2011
Demonstrate sufficient financial means: ≥100% monthly IPREM (≈€2,400/month in 2026) + private health insurance
Resolution
30 working days
Work
Not authorised
Family
Included
International comparison: Golden Visa programmes in Europe (2026)
Current status of the main residency by investment programmes in Europe.
| Country | Programme | Minimum investment | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Investor visa (no real estate) | €1M shares / €2M government bonds | Active | Real estate route abolished since April 2025 |
| Portugal | Golden Visa (ARI) | €250,000–500,000 (funds, R&D, cultural heritage) | No real estate | Real estate excluded since Oct. 2023; funds and R&D still eligible |
| Greece | Golden Visa | €250,000–800,000 depending on area | Active | €800,000 in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos since 2023 |
| Italy | Investor Visa | €250,000 startups / €500,000 companies / €1M donation | Active | Also: forfettaria residence regime (€100,000/year flat tax) |
| Malta | MRVP | €100,000 contribution + property/rental + €2,000 donation | Active | Permanent residence; citizenship by naturalisation (36 months) |
Data updated as of March 2026. Programmes may change — always confirm with the relevant consulate.
Which route is right for you?
You have capital to invest
If you have >€1M in liquid assets, investment in Spanish shares or funds is the most flexible option: you obtain the investor visa with a work permit and residency for the entire family unit. You can also diversify by combining government bonds with investment funds.
You have a business idea
The entrepreneur visa (art. 70) requires no minimum investment — only a solid business plan with a favourable report from ICEX or the relevant autonomous community. Ideal for founders who want to build their startup in Spain without tying up capital.
You work remotely
The digital nomad visa (Startup Law 28/2022) is the most accessible route: income >200% SMI while working for a foreign company. Compatible with the Beckham regime (24% flat rate under IRNR for up to 5 additional years). Working for Spanish clients is not permitted (maximum 20% of income).
You are retiring or living on investment income
Non-lucrative residence is the classic option for retirees or those living on passive income: demonstrate ≈€2,400/month and hold private health insurance. It does not permit working in Spain, but allows legal residence. Renewable every 2 years (then 5 years). A pathway to permanent residence after 5 years.
How to plan your relocation to Spain after the reform
The abolition of the Golden Visa through real estate does not close the door to residency by investment in Spain — it simply redirects it towards productive investment and entrepreneurship. The financial routes (shares, funds, government bonds) remain fully operational and can be processed through the UGE-CE with priority timelines of 20 working days.
A comprehensive plan should consider not only the entry route, but also the optimal tax structure. Depending on your profile, it may be advantageous to combine the visa with the inpatriate regime (Beckham Law), which caps taxation at 24% on employment income for up to 6 years, with no obligation to declare worldwide income.
Discover our Residency by investment service, Inpatriate regime and International tax planning.
Which residency route suits you?
We analyse your profile — capital, activity, income sources — and recommend the optimal route, managing everything from the application to obtaining the permit.