IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Looking for Spain Golden Visa? The program officially ended on April 3rd, 2025. Discover the best Spanish alternatives below!
If you arrived here searching for information about the Spain Golden Visa, you probably already know that Spain’s Golden Visa program officially ended on April 3rd, 2025.
This news has left many investors and families searching for viable alternatives to obtain residency in Spain.
At MigratioLex, we understand the importance of finding a clear and efficient route to Spanish residency. That’s why we’ve prepared this comprehensive guide with the best alternatives within Spain for you and your family.
What Was the Spain Golden Visa?
Before exploring the alternatives, it’s important to remember what this program offered. Spain introduced the Golden Visa program in 2013 to support entrepreneurs and encourage internationalization.
The Golden Visa allowed investors to obtain residency in exchange for:
Minimum investment of 500,000 € in Spanish real estate
Investment of 2 million € in Spanish public debt
Investment of 1 million € in Spanish companies
Deposit of 1 million € in a Spanish bank
The benefits included access to the Schengen area, possibility of including family members, and only requiring one annual visit to Spain to maintain the permit.
The Best Spanish Alternatives to Golden Visa
Non-Lucrative VisaEntrepreneur VisaInvestment in Innovative CompaniesDigital NomadHighly Qualified Professional
Non-Lucrative Visa - The Most Popular Alternative
Main requirement: Demonstrate sufficient economic means without working in Spain
Economic requirements 2025:
Minimum 28,800 € annually for main applicant (400% of IPREM)
Additional 7,200 € annually per dependent family member (100% of IPREM)
Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain
Advantages:
No large initial investment required
Simpler process than the former Golden Visa
Renewable leading to long-term residence
Family inclusion possible
Path to permanent residency in 5 years
Ideal for: Investors with passive income or large savings who do not need to work in Spain
Entrepreneur Visa - For Innovators and Business Owners
Core idea: Launch an innovative, scalable project in Spain under Law 14/2013
Requirements:
Innovative and scalable business project with economic interest for Spain
No fixed investment minimum by law, but funding must match the plan
Solid business plan and evidence of execution capacity
Relevant professional experience or related training
Advantages:
Fast-track processing by UGE under Law 14/2013
Work authorization as a founder or key manager
Access to Spain’s innovation ecosystem and incubators
Renewable according to project traction
Priority sectors: Technology, renewable energy, biotechnology, digital economy
Investing in Innovative Companies - Active Investor Route (Law 14/2013)
Core idea: Obtain residence as an investor actively participating in a Spanish innovative company approved as of high interest
Characteristics:
Investment in newly created or innovative companies in Spain
Active role as shareholder, director or advisor
Initial authorization typically up to 2 years, renewable
Residence tied to company performance and continuity
How it differs from the Entrepreneur Visa:
Entrepreneur: you create your own project.
Investment route: you invest in an existing innovative project and take an active role.
Typical sectors: Fintech, healthtech, cleantech, AI and data-driven businesses
Digital Nomad Visa - For Remote Executives and Professionals
Main requirement: Employment or business activity with companies outside Spain
Requirements:
Stable income around 2,520 € per month or higher in 2025 (about 200% of SMI)
Employment contract or B2B contracts with foreign clients
University degree or 3+ years of relevant experience
Health insurance coverage
Clean criminal record
Advantages:
Authorized to work remotely for foreign companies
Family members can be included
Potential tax benefits for new residents
Initial permit up to 1 year, renewable to multi-year residence
Ideal for: Senior consultants, executives, founders managing international operations
Highly Qualified Professional - For Executives and Specialists
Main requirement: Spanish job offer for a highly qualified position with a competitive salary package
Requirements:
Offer for a qualified role from a Spanish company
Salary in line with senior market levels
University degree or equivalent high-level experience
Health insurance coverage
Clean criminal record
Advantages:
Fast-track processing by UGE under Law 14/2013
Not subject to general labor shortage lists
Family reunification available
Direct work and residence authorization
Pathway to permanent residency
Target profiles: Executives, senior managers, IT and health leaders, finance specialists
Quick Comparison of Spanish Alternatives
| Option |
Investment/Requirement |
Initial Duration |
Work Allowed |
Family Members |
| Non-Lucrative |
28,800 € per year main applicant + 7,200 € per dependent |
1 year |
No |
Yes |
| Entrepreneur |
No fixed legal minimum, funding adequate to plan |
Up to 2 years |
Yes |
Yes |
| Investment in Innovative Companies |
Significant stake in approved innovative company |
Up to 2 years |
Yes |
Yes |
| Digital Nomad |
Around 2,520 € monthly income or higher |
Up to 1 year |
Yes – remote work |
Yes |
| Highly Qualified Professional |
Spanish job offer with competitive salary |
1 to 2 years |
Yes – immediate |
Yes |
Which is the Best Alternative for You?
If you have sufficient passive income
Non-Lucrative Visa is your best option. Straightforward and family-friendly if you do not need to work in Spain.
If you are creating your own business
Entrepreneur Visa allows you to develop an innovative project under Law 14/2013.
If you prefer to invest in existing innovative companies
Investment in Innovative Companies gives you an active investor route without building from scratch.
If you work remotely for foreign clients or companies
Digital Nomad Visa fits remote executives and consultants managing global operations.
If you already have a Spanish executive offer
Highly Qualified Professional offers fast-track processing and immediate work authorization.
Combined Strategies: Maximize Your Options
At MigratioLex we often recommend combined strategies to maximize your success:
Sequential Strategies
- Non-Lucrative -> Entrepreneur: Establish residence, then launch an innovative company
- Digital Nomad -> Entrepreneur: Operate remotely first, then create a Spanish entity
- Investment in Innovative Companies -> Entrepreneur: Learn the market as an investor, then found your own project
- Highly Qualified -> Long-term Residence: Enter as executive, consolidate and progress to permanent residence
Parallel Strategies
- Diversify your residency options for different family members
- Align immigration milestones with tax planning windows
- Combine investor and executive roles across group companies
- Stage capital deployment to match residence renewals
Common Requirements for All Alternatives
Regardless of the chosen option, you will need:
Clean criminal record (Spain and country of origin)
Health insurance with full coverage
Medical certificate when required
Sufficient economic means consistent with the route
Apostilled and officially translated documentation
Not being in an irregular situation in Spain
Understanding the Investment Landscape After Golden Visa
The New Spain: Beyond Real Estate Investment
Spain’s shift away from the Spain Golden Visa reflects a broader strategy to attract talent and innovation rather than just capital. The country is positioning itself as a European hub for:
Technology and Innovation: Growing hubs in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia
Digital Nomad Destination: Quality of life with competitive costs
Startup Ecosystem: Supportive rules under Law 14/2013
Renewable Energy: Strong pipeline in clean energy
Research and Development: Increasing investment across sectors
Skills-based Immigration: Valuing human capital and executive profiles
Key Insight: Alternatives to the Spain Golden Visa align with Spain’s current economic priorities and can offer strong long-term advantages.
Why Choose MigratioLex for Your Golden Visa Alternative?
MigratioLex - Your Immigration Law Specialists
At MigratioLex, we are specialists in immigration law and understand that each case is unique. Our team will help you to:
Evaluate your personal situation and objectives
Select the most suitable alternative
Prepare all necessary documentation
Represent you before Spanish authorities
Plan your long-term strategy
Accompany you throughout renewals and status changes
Take the First Step Towards Your New Life in Spain
Do not let the end of the Spain Golden Visa stop your plans to live in Spain. Multiple viable alternatives exist that can perfectly adapt to your particular situation.
The key is to understand that Spain has not become less welcoming to international residents. It has refined its approach to attract people who will actively contribute to the country’s economic and social development.
At Migratiolex, we guide you through every step of the immigration process so it’s clear, fast, and stress-free. Share your details and one of our specialists will get in touch with you.
☑ First consultation, no strings attached
☑ Experts in Spanish immigration procedures
☑ Personalized legal guidance
