Spanish residency after the golden visa is a question many non-EU investors now ask. For more than a decade, buying property in Spain above a set investment amount gave access to a residence permit for investors. That route has now closed. Organic Law 1/2025 abolished the investor residence permit, and it ceased to be available for new applications from 3 April 2025. Raso Investments advises investors and families who wish to live in Mallorca on the alternatives that remain open and on the position of those who already hold a golden visa.
Buying property in Spain remains entirely possible for non-EU nationals. What has changed is that the purchase no longer provides, by itself, a right to reside. Residence must now be obtained through one of the general or special routes provided by immigration law, each of which has its own requirements.
What happened to the golden visa
The investor visa and residence permit had been regulated by the Entrepreneurs Act of 2013. Organic Law 1/2025, published in January 2025, repealed the provisions relating to investors, with effect from 3 April 2025. Applications filed before that date were to be processed under the previous rules. Holders of residence permits already granted as investors can apply to renew them in accordance with the transitional rules, provided they continue to meet the requirements under which the permit was granted, including maintaining the investment. We review each renewal individually, since the specific conditions and documentation matter.
Spanish residency after the golden visa: the main alternatives
- Non-lucrative residence. Designed for people who wish to live in Spain without working, supported by their own financial means. Applicants must show sufficient and stable income or savings, hold private health insurance with full cover in Spain, have no criminal record and meet medical requirements. Work in Spain is not permitted under this permit. The required financial means are set by reference to an official indicator that is updated periodically, so we confirm the amount for each application.
- International teleworking residence (digital nomad). For employees and self-employed professionals who work remotely for companies located outside Spain. Applicants must prove a genuine and continuing professional relationship, sufficient qualifications or experience, and adequate income. Self-employed applicants may work for Spanish clients only within a limited proportion of their activity.
- Highly qualified professionals and intra-company transfers. For managers and specialists hired by companies in Spain or moving within a corporate group.
- Entrepreneurs. For those developing an innovative business project in Spain that receives a favourable report from the competent body.
- Family routes. Family members of EU citizens, and relatives of legal residents, may have their own routes.
Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland do not need any of these permits; they register as residents if they settle in Spain for more than three months. British citizens are now treated as third-country nationals unless they were already resident before the end of the Brexit transition period.
How we work
We begin by analysing your nationality, family, income, professional activity and plans in Spain, and identify the route that fits best. We then prepare the documentation, review the requirements of the Spanish consulate in your country of residence where the application must be filed there, and follow the process until the residence card is obtained. For renewals of golden visas already granted, we verify the investment and the documents required before filing.
Tax aspects of moving to Spain
Obtaining residence usually means spending most of the year in Spain, which in turn often means becoming tax resident here, with taxation on worldwide income and assets. This must be planned at the same time as the immigration application. Our pages on tax residency and moving to Spain and on the Beckham Law explain the main issues. Every case is reviewed individually.
Common mistakes
- Buying property on the assumption that it still gives access to residence.
- Applying for non-lucrative residence while intending to work in Spain, which is not permitted.
- Presenting documents without the required legalisation or translation, or outside their validity period.
- Letting a golden visa expire without applying for renewal in time.
- Ignoring the tax consequences of spending most of the year in Spain.
If you intend to buy a home as part of your move, see our page on buying property in Mallorca. For investors, our page on property investment in Mallorca explains the legal and tax framework.
Timing is another frequent issue. Several documents, such as criminal record certificates and medical certificates, have a limited period of validity and must be legalised or apostilled and translated. Consular appointments can take time to obtain in some countries, and the application must often be filed while the applicant is still resident abroad. Preparing the file in the right order, with all documents valid on the date of filing, avoids refusals that would otherwise force the applicant to start again.
Family members who wish to accompany the main applicant usually need their own applications, with evidence of the family relationship and, in some routes, additional financial means for each dependant.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get a golden visa by buying property in Spain?
No. New applications have not been accepted since 3 April 2025. Buying property no longer gives a right to residence in itself.
I already hold a golden visa. Can I renew it?
Holders of permits already granted can apply for renewal under the transitional rules, provided they continue to meet the requirements. Each renewal should be checked in advance.
Which route is closest to the old golden visa?
For people who do not intend to work in Spain, non-lucrative residence is the most common alternative, although it requires proof of financial means rather than an investment.
Can I work remotely from Mallorca?
Yes, if you obtain international teleworking residence or another permit that authorises the activity, and meet its requirements.
For the detailed requirements of the two routes most used by our clients, see our guides to the non-lucrative visa and the digital nomad visa.
Next steps
If you wish to live in Mallorca and need to identify the right residence route, write to info@raso.law. Describe your situation and plans: nationality, current residence, family members, source of income, whether you intend to work, and any property you own or intend to buy. We will review your case individually and reply in writing.