Golden Visa Spain (2026): Program End & Legal Alternatives
The Spain Golden Visa ended officially, and no new investment-based residency applications are accepted.
The Spanish Government has permanently eliminated all Golden Visa investment routes, including real estate, capital investment, and government bonds. As of 2026, no new Golden Visa applications are accepted under any circumstances.
This guide explains the best alternatives to the Golden Visa Spain now offers to investors and relocating families.
To understand how these alternatives fit into Spain’s current immigration system, see the complete Spain Visas Guide, which explains all legal residence options available in 2026.
Table of Contents
- Does the Golden Visa Still Exist in Spain?
- Why Spain Ended the Golden Visa Program
- Who Is Affected by the Golden Visa End
- Best Legal Alternatives to the Golden Visa
- Which Alternative Should You Choose?
- Health Insurance Requirements for All Spain Visas
- Official Government Sources
- Related Spain Visa Guides
- FAQs
- Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance
Quick Overview — Does the Golden Visa Still Exist in Spain?
- No. The Golden Visa program is officially discontinued.
All former pathways have been repealed, including:
- Real estate investment (€500,000+)
- Capital investment (€1M–€2M)
- Business investment
- Government bonds
The repeal remains fully in force in 2026.
Official confirmation:
Why Spain Ended the Golden Visa Program
The decision to eliminate the Golden Visa followed several policy and EU-level recommendations:
Major cities experienced increased pressure on housing prices linked to speculative investment.
The European Union encouraged Member States to phase out “residency-by-investment” schemes.
Government data showed low contribution to job creation or innovation.
Spain now prioritizes:
- Skilled professionals
- Entrepreneurs & founders
- Digital economy workers
- Innovation-driven projects
This marked a strategic transition from capital-based to talent-based immigration.
Who Is Affected by the Golden Visa End?(2026 Rules)
- New Applicants
You cannot apply for a Golden Visa in Spain. No investment-based residency route exists.
- Existing Golden Visa Holders
Current holders retain their residency rights and may continue renewing under the original conditions.
- Investors planning to move to Spain in 2026
You must choose a different legal residency permit. The valid alternatives are outlined below.
The Best Alternatives to the Golden Visa Spain (2026)
Although investment routes are closed, Spain offers strong, fully legal residency options that often provide better rights and faster processing.
Entrepreneur / Startup Visa Spain
Best replacement for most Golden Visa profiles
Residency for founders launching innovative or scalable projects in Spain.
Key benefits:
- 2-year residence permit (renewable)
- Fast-track approval (20 working days)
- No minimum investment required
- Full work authorization
- Immediate family reunification
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
Ideal for:
Founders · Tech entrepreneurs · Active investors · Startup builders
Full guide:
Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQP Visa Spain)
Fast-track work-and-residence permit for executives, engineers, and specialists hired by Spanish companies.
Key benefits:
- 20-day processing via UGE-CE
- No labour market test
- Automatic approval if no response
- Immediate family reunification
- Full work rights
Ideal for:
Executives · Engineers · STEM professionals · Senior specialists
Full guide:
Digital Nomad Visa Spain
Residency for remote workers and freelancers earning foreign income.
Key benefits:
- Initial 1-year permit → renewable up to 5 years
- Optional reduced tax regime (Beckham Law)
- Family members allowed
- Flexible lifestyle for globally mobile professionals
Income requirement (2026): ~€2,350/month
Full guide:
Non-Lucrative / Retirement Visa Spain
Best option for wealthy individuals, retirees, and passive-income households.
Key benefits:
- No work required
- High approval rates
- Clear renewal path → permanent residency
- Predictable requirements
2026 financial requirement:
- €30,000/year (main applicant)
- €7,500/year per dependent
Full guide:
EU Blue Card Spain (Selective Alternative)
For highly paid professionals with recognized degrees.
Requirements:
- High-salary employment contract
- University qualification
- Strong employer sponsorship
Practical comparison guide:
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Your Goal | Best Option | Why |
Build a business & relocate with family | Entrepreneur Visa | Fast-track, no investment minimum |
Work in Spain in a senior role | HQP Visa | Fast, flexible, strong approval |
Live in Spain while working remotely | Digital Nomad Visa | Tax benefits + mobility |
Retire or live from passive income | Non-Lucrative Visa | Simple & predictable |
High-earning specialist | HQP / Blue Card | Strong work authorization |
For a complete comparison of all legal pathways, see: Spain Visas Guide
Health Insurance Requirement for All Spain Visas
All alternatives to the Golden Visa require private health insurance that meets Spanish immigration standards:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospitalization
- Nationwide coverage
- Insurer authorized in Spain
These insurance conditions form part of Spain’s official visa requirements and are reviewed by consulates and immigration authorities during the application process.
For a full breakdown of mandatory documents, financial thresholds and legal criteria across all visa types, see the Spain Visa Requirements Guide.
If you are unfamiliar with how private health insurance works in Spain for expats — including public vs private healthcare, Social Security access, and why private insurance is required at the visa stage — see the complete guide here:
Legal explanation:
Visa-ready options:
Incorrect insurance is one of the main causes of visa rejection.
Official Government Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Ministerio de Vivienda y Agenda Urbana (MITMA) — mivau.gob.es
- Ministry of Inclusion, Migration & Social Security — inclusion.gob.es
FAQ — Golden Visa Spain (2026)
Does the Golden Visa still exist in Spain?
No. It has been officially eliminated.
Can I get residency by buying property in Spain?
No. Property investment no longer grants residency rights.
Can existing Golden Visa holders renew?
Yes, under the original legal conditions.
What is the best replacement for the Golden Visa?
For most profiles: Entrepreneur Visa or HQP Visa.
Will Spain reintroduce the Golden Visa?
There are currently no proposals or indications of this.
Moving to Spain Without the Golden Visa?
You still have strong, legal residency options.
Get calm, independent guidance on the visa that best fits your life, business, and long-term plans in Spain.
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