Since the Golden Visa was repealed on 3 April 2025, other ways to reside and exercise economic activity in Spain have been strengthened. The following are the most viable and current alternatives:
- Visa for Digital Nomads
Introduced by the Startup Act in 2022 and effective from April 2023, this visa allows remote workers from outside the EU to live and work legally for up to five years, renewable annually.
Main requirements (2025):
- You must have worked at least 3 months for a foreign company or, if you are self-employed, less than 20% of your income must come from Spanish clients.
- Minimum gross income of 200% of the SMI (approx. €2,763.00/month), plus additional threshold for dependants.
- Private insurance with comprehensive coverage from day one.
- University degree or three years’ experience and a criminal record certificate.
Advantages:
- Residence permit renewable for up to 5 years.
- Eligible for the special tax regime (“Beckham Law“) with a rate of 24% on income up to €600,000.00.
- Facilitates family reunification (spouses, children).
- Non-profit Visa
Ideal for those who, without intending to work, wish to reside in Spain. It requires proof of sustainable economic means for one year (approximately 400% of the SMI, to which must be added 100% of the IPREM for each dependent family member of the applicant), as well as medical insurance and a clean record. It is the most requested after the Golden Visa, with resolution in about a month.
- Investor Visa
The Golden Visa option through real estate or equity has already been eliminated: in November 2024 it was repealed in Congress, and it was fully repealed in April 2025, which means that it is currently not possible to obtain residency through investment.
- Other Relevant Avenues:
- Entrepreneur visa: For innovative business projects recognized by the Government. It grants initial residence for up to two years, extendable.
- Family reunification: Allows non-EU residents to bring in direct family members with legal residence.
- Students: Allowed to work as an employee up to 30 hours/week, or to work for foreign clients as a freelancer.
- Visas for Professional Activities:
- Employment contract or registration as a self-employed person: allowed when obtaining a national work visa or as a self-employed professional.
- In-company executives: internal relocations from multinationals through specific recognized entities.
The elimination of the Golden Visa makes it necessary to explore robust legal routes such as the digital nomad visa or the non-profit visa, both with solid documentary criteria. The accelerated growth of digital nomads and renewed tax regulations (Beckham Law) make Spain an attractive destination.
These possibilities must be presented rigorously and with advice, as their administrative complexity requires strict compliance.
