Spain Golden Visa: Abolished Since 3 April 2025 — What Holders Should Know and Current Alternatives

What the Law Says

Every investment route was set out in Article 63: real estate worth €500,000 or more, public debt, shares, investment funds, bank deposits and business projects of general interest. With Article 63 left without content, all of them are closed to new applicants — not only the property route.

Official texts: Law 14/2013, consolidated version and Organic Law 1/2025.

---

If You Already Hold a Golden Visa

• Your visa or permit remains valid for the period for which it was issued (second transitional provision of Law 14/2013).
• Renewals. Renewal applications are processed and decided under the rules in force on the date your initial permit was granted. In its last wording before the abolition, Article 67 provided for renewals for successive five-year periods, provided the conditions that gave rise to the right were maintained. Which wording applies to you depends on when your initial permit was granted, so it is worth reviewing your file well before the expiry date.
• Pending applications. If you applied before 3 April 2025, your application is decided under the rules in force on the date you filed it (first transitional provision).
• Family members. The first transitional provision expressly covers family members of investors who applied before 3 April 2025. The transitional provisions do not expressly address new family applications filed after that date, so each case needs individual review.

One point to keep in mind: the heading of the second transitional provision refers to renewals of investor visas and permits "for the acquisition of real estate", while its text refers to investor visas and permits without distinguishing between investment routes.

---

If You Invested but Never Applied

Since 3 April 2025 no new investor residence application can be filed, even if the investment was made earlier: the transitional rules only protect applications already filed and visas or permits already granted. Owning property in Spain does not, by itself, give a right to reside here. You need another permit.

---

Residence Routes Still in Force

None of the following permits is granted simply for making an investment. Each has its own requirements.

Two details that are often overlooked:

• Under the international teleworking permit, an employee may only work for companies located outside Spain; a self-employed professional may also work for a company located in Spain, provided that work does not exceed 20% of their total professional activity (Article 74 bis of Law 14/2013).
• To renew non-lucrative residence you must have actually lived in Spain for more than 183 days in the calendar year (Article 64.2.f of the Immigration Regulation).

---

Tax Notes for Owners and New Residents

Non-resident owners

If you own property in Spain but are not tax resident here, Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR) applies to your Spanish-source income. The general rate is 24%; it is 19% for residents of another EU Member State, or of an EEA state with effective exchange of tax information (Article 25.1.a of the consolidated Non-Resident Income Tax Law). A UK resident therefore pays 24% on rental income. See our guide to rental income tax for non-residents.

The "Beckham Law"

The special regime of Article 93 of the Personal Income Tax Law is open to people who become Spanish tax resident because they move here under an employment contract (including employees who hold the international teleworking visa), to become a company director, to carry out an entrepreneurial activity under Article 70 of Law 14/2013, or as highly qualified professionals under the conditions set by that article — provided they were not resident in Spain during the five previous tax years. It applies in the tax year of the move and the following five. Holding, or having held, an investor permit is not in itself one of the circumstances listed in Article 93.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Spanish Golden Visa still available in 2026?

No. It was abolished with effect from 3 April 2025 and no new application can be filed on the basis of an investment.

What happens if I already hold a Spanish Golden Visa?

It remains valid for the period for which it was issued (second transitional provision of Law 14/2013).

Can I renew my Golden Visa?

The law provides for renewal applications, which are processed and decided under the rules in force on the date your initial permit was granted.

Does buying a €500,000 property in the Canary Islands still give me residency?

No. A property purchase no longer gives access to an investor visa or residence permit, whatever its price.

What happens to the permit if I sell the property?

For existing holders, renewal is governed by the rules in force when the initial permit was granted. In its last wording before the abolition, Article 67 required the conditions that gave rise to the right to be maintained. Take advice before selling.

What are the alternatives?

Entrepreneur residence, the permit for highly qualified professionals, the international teleworking visa and permit, and non-lucrative temporary residence — depending on what you will actually do in Spain.

---

How ALY Abogados Can Help

Our lawyers in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria advise investor-permit holders and people planning a move to the Canary Islands:

• Existing Golden Visa holders: review of your permit, its expiry date and the rules that govern its renewal
• Choosing a residence route: entrepreneur, highly qualified professional, international teleworking or non-lucrative residence
• Property purchase with full due diligence in the Canary Islands
• NIE application for you and your family members
• Tax residency planning for non-residents and new residents

Request an initial consultation to discuss your situation and the best route to Spanish residency. Your first consultation fee is deducted from our fees if you instruct us.

📞 +34 633 572 607 | ✉ alyabogados@lazaroamable.com

---

Lázaro Héctor Amable Méndez — Lawyer, Bar No. 5.231 ICALPA