Spain Residency Options After the Golden Visa: Non‑lucrative, Digital‑nomad & Entrepreneur Routes

Spain’s long-standing investor residence programme widely known as the “Golden Visa” is no longer available for property-based applicants. Organic Law 1/2025, which entered into force on 3 April 2025, removed real-estate investment as a qualifying pathway to residence. For affluent investors, retirees, remote professionals and founders who had been planning a move to Spain, the question is now straightforward: which Spain residency options remain viable, and how do they compare? This guide provides a definitive, government-sourced answer.

Three principal routes have emerged as the most practical alternatives for non-EU nationals: the Non‑Lucrative Visa, designed for those with sufficient passive income who do not intend to work locally; the Digital‑Nomad (Telework) Visa, created under Spain’s start-up ecosystem legislation and managed via the PRIE portal; and the Entrepreneur / Start‑up Visa, which offers a fast-track pathway for founders bringing innovative projects to Spain.

This page is written for high-net-worth individuals, their families and their professional advisors. It covers the legislative change in detail, sets out step-by-step application processes, provides side-by-side eligibility comparisons, and addresses critical tax-residency implications all grounded in primary Spanish government sources.

What Changed: The Golden Visa Closure Explained

Spain introduced its investor residence programme in 2013 under Law 14/2013. The scheme permitted non-EU nationals to obtain residence by acquiring real estate valued at €500,000 or more. Organic Law 1/2025, of 2 January, amended the framework and effectively abolished the property-investment route. The law entered into force on 3 April 2025, giving applicants a three-month transition window from publication. After that date, no new applications for residence based solely on real-estate investment are accepted.

Existing Golden Visa holders are not immediately affected: those who obtained their permits before the cut-off may apply for renewals under the conditions that applied at the time of their original grant, subject to any transitional provisions set out in the law and any guidance published by the PRIE. Industry observers expect administrative clarifications to continue through 2026 as legacy cases work through the renewal cycle.

Crucially, the closure does not eliminate every investor-oriented route. The entrepreneur, start-up and telework categories administered by the PRIE remain fully operational. Additionally, the Non‑Lucrative Visa which predates the Golden Visa and operates under Spain’s general immigration regulation continues to offer a well-established pathway for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient means without engaging in local employment.

For investors who had planned to acquire Spanish property as a vehicle for residence, the practical effect is clear: property ownership alone no longer secures a visa. Strategic alternatives must now be evaluated on their own merits.

Quick Decision Grid: Which Route Fits You?

Choosing among the remaining Spain residency options depends on your professional profile, income sources and long-term objectives. The following profiles offer a starting point:

• Retirees and HNWIs with passive income: If you do not intend to work in Spain and can evidence stable passive income (investments, pensions, rental income), the Non‑Lucrative Visa is the most direct route. It requires no business plan and no employer relationship only proof of means and private health insurance.
• Remote employees and freelance consultants: If you work for a company based outside Spain or serve international clients remotely, the Digital‑Nomad (Telework) Visa allows you to reside in Spain while continuing that employment. You must demonstrate qualifying experience or qualifications and a verifiable remote-work arrangement.
• Founders and start-up investors: If you plan to launch or scale an innovative business in Spain, the Entrepreneur / Start‑up Visa provides a structured pathway through PRIE evaluation. You will need a business plan that demonstrates innovation, economic impact and job-creation potential.

Many applicants find that their circumstances align with more than one route. A founder with significant passive income, for example, might apply under the entrepreneur pathway while keeping the Non‑Lucrative Visa as a fallback. The comparison table and checklists below will help refine that decision.

How to Get Spanish Residency: Step-by-Step Application Paths

Universal Preparatory Steps (All Routes)

Regardless of which route you pursue, the following preparatory steps apply. Completing them in advance significantly reduces processing delays.

1. Documentary audit: Gather current passports (with at least one year of validity), police/criminal record certificates from every country of residence in the past five years, and civil-status documents (birth, marriage, divorce certificates). All non-Spanish documents must be legalised (apostille under the Hague Convention) and officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
2. Proof of funds and bank certification: Obtain recent certified bank statements (typically covering the last 6–12 months) from your financial institution, plus a formal bank letter confirming account balances. Thresholds vary by route see the eligibility checklists below.
3. Health insurance and medical certificate: Secure comprehensive private health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain (no co-pay, no deductible clauses that could lead to refusal). Obtain a medical certificate confirming you do not suffer from any disease requiring quarantine under International Health Regulations.
4. Route-specific supporting materials: Prepare the specific evidence your chosen route demands a detailed business plan (entrepreneur), proof of remote employment and academic qualifications (digital nomad), or proof of passive means (non-lucrative).
5. Consular vs. in-Spain application: Most first-time applicants must apply at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence. In limited circumstances (e.g., certain PRIE-managed routes), it may be possible to apply from within Spain. Confirm the correct filing point before submitting.
6. Local registration after entry: Once you arrive in Spain with your visa, you must obtain a NIE (foreigner identification number), register on the municipal census (empadronamiento), and apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) the physical residence card within 30 days of entry.

Non‑Lucrative Visa: Route-Specific Steps

The Non‑Lucrative Visa application follows the procedure set out by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. Applicants complete form EX‑01 and file at their nearest Spanish consulate. The consulate forwards the application to the relevant Government Delegation (Subdelegación del Gobierno) in Spain for a decision. Upon approval, the visa is stamped in your passport, and you enter Spain to complete TIE registration.

Digital‑Nomad (Telework) Visa: Route-Specific Steps

The telework route is administered through the PRIE teleworker portal. Applicants outside the EU apply at a Spanish consulate with evidence of remote employment or freelance activity for non-Spanish entities, academic credentials or professional experience, and proof of income. The initial visa is typically issued for one year, after which the holder may apply for a three-year residence authorisation renewal.

Entrepreneur / Start-up Visa: Route-Specific Steps

Aspiring entrepreneurs submit a business plan to the PRIE or the designated evaluation body. The plan is assessed for innovation, scalability, economic contribution and potential job creation. Once the PRIE issues a favourable report, the applicant files for a consular visa. After entry, the entrepreneur registers the business with the Tax Agency (AEAT) and Social Security, and applies for the TIE.

Typical Errors to Avoid

• Missing apostille or sworn translation: Documents without proper legalisation are the single most common cause of delays or outright refusal.
• Weak proof of remote employment: A generic employment letter is insufficient for the digital-nomad route. Consulates expect a detailed letter confirming the remote-work arrangement, the employer’s non-Spanish domicile and the applicant’s role.
• Insufficient funds evidence: Bank statements must cover an adequate period and clearly show stable balances a one-day snapshot will not satisfy the authorities.

Spain Residency Options Compared: Non‑Lucrative vs. Digital Nomad vs. Entrepreneur

For most passive investors displaced by the Golden Visa closure, the Non‑Lucrative Visa offers the closest functional equivalent: it requires no commercial activity, only proof of means. The digital-nomad route suits a younger or professionally active demographic particularly those employed by US, UK or other non-EU companies and may offer favourable tax treatment during the initial period. The entrepreneur visa, meanwhile, is the natural successor for investors who wish to establish an active commercial presence in Spain, leveraging the country’s EU market access, talent pool and public-sector innovation incentives.

Key Requirements and Eligibility Checklists

Non‑Lucrative Visa Checklist

• Financial means: Applicants must demonstrate funds equivalent to at least 400% of the IPREM for the main applicant and 100% of the IPREM for each additional dependent family member. These thresholds are updated annually.
• Private health insurance: Full-coverage policy from an insurer authorised in Spain, with no co-payments or exclusions that could compromise adequate coverage.
• Criminal record certificate: Issued by every country of residence during the past five years, apostilled and translated.
• Medical certificate: Confirming no diseases subject to International Health Regulations quarantine.
• Application form EX‑01: Completed and filed at the relevant Spanish consulate.
• No work clause: Applicants must not intend to carry out any professional or economic activity in Spain.

Digital‑Nomad (Telework) Visa Checklist

• Qualifications or experience: University degree or equivalent, OR a minimum of three years’ professional experience in the relevant field, as specified on the PRIE teleworker page.
• Remote-work arrangement: Documentary evidence of employment or a service contract with a company established outside Spain (or proof of freelance activity for non-Spanish clients).
• Income threshold: Sufficient income from remote work to sustain residence in Spain; consult PRIE guidance for current benchmarks.
• Health insurance: As per the Non‑Lucrative Visa requirements.
• Criminal record and medical certificate: Same standards as other routes.

Entrepreneur / Start-up Visa Checklist

• Business plan: Must demonstrate innovation, economic impact, scalability and potential for job creation. Assessed by the PRIE or designated evaluation body.
• Financing proof: Evidence of sufficient capital own funds, committed investment or grant funding to execute the plan.
• Professional profile: CV or professional credentials showing capacity to deliver the proposed project.
• Health insurance, criminal record, medical certificate: Standard requirements.

Cross-Cutting Document Requirements

• Apostille: All public documents issued outside Spain must carry a Hague Apostille (or be legalised through the diplomatic chain for non-Hague countries).
• Sworn translation: Every non-Spanish document must be translated by a translator accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Bank statements: Certified originals (or notarised copies) covering six to twelve months, apostilled and translated.
• Passport photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting ICAO biometric standards.

Timelines, Fees and Typical Costs

Processing timelines for Spain residence permit routes depend on the specific visa category and the applicant’s consulate. Under Real Decreto 1155/2024, which codifies procedural rules for immigration applications, statutory decision periods for many visa categories are set at approximately one month from the date of a complete filing. In practice, consular workload and documentary completeness can extend or shorten this window.

After visa issuance, applicants typically have 90 days to enter Spain and must apply for their TIE within 30 days of arrival. Renewal applications should be filed within 60 days before and up to 90 days after the expiry of the current authorisation.

Administrative fees: Applicants should budget for the consular visa fee (modelo 790 or equivalent payment, currently in the range of €60–€80 depending on the category and nationality), plus the TIE issuance fee. These are payable directly to the Spanish administration. Check the Ministry of Inclusion and your local consulate for current fee schedules.

Typical professional fees (market ranges): Legal counsel for dossier preparation and filing generally ranges from €2,000–€6,000 depending on complexity and route. Sworn translations typically cost €30–€60 per page. Business-plan preparation for the entrepreneur route may cost €1,500–€4,000 from specialist consultants. Company incorporation fees (notary, registry, initial tax filings) generally fall in the €1,000–€3,000 range. These are indicative market ranges and not firm quotations.

Tax and Residence Implications for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Any discussion of Spain residency options must address the tax consequences of becoming a Spanish resident. Under Spanish law, an individual who spends more than 183 days in a calendar year in Spain or whose “centre of economic interests” is located there is considered tax resident and subject to Spanish personal income tax on worldwide income.

This 183-day threshold applies regardless of the type of visa held. A Non‑Lucrative Visa holder who resides in Spain for more than half the year becomes a full tax resident, even though they may not work locally. Likewise, digital-nomad visa holders may benefit from a special inbound tax regime during the initial years, but they are not exempt from Spanish taxation once they cross the residency threshold.

Wealth tax: Spain levies a wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) on residents’ worldwide net assets above certain thresholds. Some autonomous communities apply their own rates or partial exemptions. Additionally, a complementary “solidarity tax” on large fortunes may apply at the national level. HNWIs should obtain bespoke tax counsel before establishing residence.

Timing matters: The date of your empadronamiento (municipal registration) and the date of your first entry under the visa can both be relevant in determining when tax residence begins for a given calendar year. Careful planning of entry dates particularly for mid-year arrivals can materially affect your tax exposure in the year of relocation. Interaction with double-tax treaties, exit-tax obligations in your country of origin and the structuring of investment income should all be reviewed before the move.

Common Scenarios and Recommended Routes

The following personas illustrate how the three main routes map to real-world investor profiles:

• Retired investor with €120,000 annual passive income: This applicant has pension income, dividends and rental yields from outside Spain. No intention to work. The Non‑Lucrative Visa is the natural fit the applicant easily exceeds the IPREM-based income thresholds, and the route permits family inclusion. Key consideration: managing tax residency timing and ensuring investments are structured efficiently before entry.
• Tech professional employed by a US company, working remotely from Barcelona: The digital-nomad visa was designed precisely for this scenario. The applicant provides evidence of their US employment contract, salary, and academic qualifications. The one-year visa can be extended to a three-year authorisation. Tax planning around the special inbound regime is critical.
• Founder relocating a fintech start-up to Madrid: This applicant prepares a business plan demonstrating innovation and job creation, obtains PRIE pre-approval, and applies for the entrepreneur visa. After arrival, the company is incorporated in Spain, providing access to EU markets. The Spanish tax residency guide for investors would be essential reading for structuring the entity and the founder’s personal tax position.

Conclusion: Navigating the New Landscape of Spain Residency Options

The closure of Spain’s Golden Visa has not shut the door to residency it has redirected it. For high-net-worth individuals, the Non‑Lucrative Visa provides a well-established, straightforward pathway that requires no commercial activity, only verifiable passive income and proper documentation. For professionals whose work transcends borders, the digital-nomad visa offers a modern, flexible framework. And for founders and investors prepared to bring innovation and capital to Spain, the entrepreneur route delivers a structured path to EU market access.

Each of these Spain residency options carries distinct legal requirements, documentary burdens, tax consequences and renewal conditions. The stakes both financial and personal are high, and the regulatory landscape continues to evolve as implementing guidance under Organic Law 1/2025 and Real Decreto 1155/2024 matures. Getting the application right the first time, with proper apostilles, sworn translations, compliant insurance and a credible funds or business-plan dossier, is essential.

Global Law Experts maintains a network of qualified Spanish immigration and tax counsel who specialise in advising international investors navigating this post-Golden-Visa environment. Whether you are a retiree seeking a sun-drenched base, a remote worker planning a Barcelona chapter, or a founder eyeing Madrid as your EU headquarters, a bespoke eligibility assessment is the logical next step.

Sources

• Ley Orgánica 1/2025, de 2 de enero Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE)
• Real Decreto 1155/2024, de 19 de noviembre Reglamento de la Ley Orgánica 4/2000 (BOE)
• PRIE Teletrabajadores de carácter internacional (Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo)
• PRIE Inversores (Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo)
• Autorización inicial de residencia temporal no lucrativa Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones
• Residencia de las personas físicas Agencia Tributaria (AEAT)