Spain Visas 2025: Complete Guide After Golden Visa Abolition for Foreigners

Introduction: A New Migratory Landscape in Spain

3rd April 2025 marked a turning point in Spanish immigration with the definitive abolition of the Golden Visa or residence visa for property investment. This measure, included in Organic Law 1/2025 on measures regarding the efficiency of the Public Justice Service, has completely transformed the landscape of options for foreigners wishing to establish themselves in Spain.

For those interested in buying rural or urban properties in Spain, as well as for those seeking to reside or work in the country, it is essential to know the alternatives available in this new legal context. This article provides a comprehensive guide to all types of visas currently in force, with special emphasis on the most relevant options for property buyers.

Why was the Golden Visa abolished in Spain?

According to official data, of every 100 visas granted by the Golden Visa, 94 were linked to property investment, which significantly strained the market, increased house prices and encouraged speculation. The Spanish government decided to eliminate this programme to:

• Combat property speculation
• Facilitate access to housing for Spanish residents
• Direct investment towards affordable housing and rehabilitation
• Align with European Commission guidelines on residence-by-investment programmes

Types of visas available for foreigners in Spain 2025

1. International Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomads)

The Startups Law introduced the visa for "International Remote Workers", aimed at non-EU foreign citizens who wish to establish themselves in Spain and work remotely for companies not located in Spanish territory.

Remote Work Visa Requirements

Training and experience requirements:

• Accreditation of being graduates or postgraduates from prestigious universities, professional training and prestigious business schools, or a minimum of three years' professional experience.

Business requirements:

• The company must have developed real and continuous activity for at least one year.
• Prior employment or professional relationship of at least 3 months before the application.
• Documentation proving that the employment or professional relationship can be performed remotely.

Important limitations:

• Working for companies located in Spain is permitted, provided it does not exceed 20% of total professional activity.

Duration and advantages

• Visa from abroad: 1 year duration, unless the work period is shorter
• Authorisation from Spain: 3 years to reside and work throughout the national territory
• Tax benefits: possibility to apply the Beckham Law with a fixed tax rate of 24%
• Inclusion of family members in the application
• Fast process with resolution in 20 working days

Ideal for property buyers?

YES, this visa is excellent for foreigners who:

• Wish to buy a rural property to live in whilst working remotely.
• Seek long-term stability (renewable and counts towards permanent residence).
• Want to bring their family to Spain.
• Value fiscal and geographical flexibility.

2. Non-Lucrative Residence Visa

The non-lucrative residence visa allows residence in Spain without carrying out lucrative activities (employment or professional), provided that guaranteed and sufficient means of subsistence are available.

Economic requirements updated for 2025

For the main applicant:

• 400% of the annual IPREM is required, approximately €27,000 annually for 2025.
• Minimum of €2,800 monthly in non-employment income.

For family members:

• €700 additional for each family member.

Additional requirements:

• Valid passport with at least 1 year validity.
• Criminal record certificate from all countries where resided in the last 5 years.
• Private health insurance with coverage in Spain.
• Reside a minimum of 183 days per year in Spain.

Advantages for property buyers

Excellent option because:

• Allows buying as many properties as desired and obtaining rental income.
• Access to Spanish nationality after 2 years for Ibero-American citizens.
• After one year, possibility to modify to work authorisation.
• Freedom to travel throughout the Schengen Area.

Ideal profile

• Retirees with stable pensions
• Persons with accumulated capital who wish to semi-retire
• Rentiers with income from properties abroad
• Investors seeking to diversify their property portfolio

3. Family Reunification Visa

Available options

For relatives of Spanish citizens:

• Spouse or registered civil partner
• Children under 21 years of age or dependent adults
• Ascendants in charge of the Spanish citizen

For relatives of legal residents:

• Family reunification process after 1 year of legal residence
• Same family ties as the previous case

Advantages for the property sector:

• Allows working from the first moment
• Quick access to mortgages and financing
• Stability for long-term property investment

4. Work Visas

Residence and work authorisation for employed persons

Process:

• The Spanish employer initiates the procedure
• Once approved, the worker applies for the visa at the consulate
• Initial duration: 1 year
• Geographically limited to the province of work

Advantages:

• Immediate access to mortgage financing
• Demonstrable income for property purchase
• Employment stability for property planning

Residence and work authorisation for self-employed persons

Requirements:

• Viable and detailed business plan
• Compliance with specific legal and economic requirements
• Prior authorisation from competent bodies

Property opportunities:

• Ideal for establishing rural businesses (rural tourism, agriculture, etc.)
• Possibility to combine business activity with property investment
• Greater geographical flexibility than employed work

5. Student Visa

Main characteristics

• Allows studies, training or unpaid internships in Spain
• Allows part-time work under certain conditions
• Duration linked to the study programme

Strategy for future buyers

• First step: Studies in Spain (especially masters or doctorates)
• Second step: Transition to work or entrepreneurship visa
• Third step: Property purchase with residential stability

6. Authorisation for Exceptional Circumstances (Arraigo)

Types of Arraigo

Social Arraigo:

• Three years of continuous stay in Spain, employment contract and family ties or social integration report.

Employment Arraigo:

• Two years of stay and having worked for at least six months.

Family Arraigo:

• Being the father or mother of a minor of Spanish nationality or child of a father or mother who were originally Spanish.

Relevance to the property market

• Regularisation of migratory situation
• Subsequent access to financing
• Stability for long-term property investment

Visas for EU Citizens

EU Citizen Registration Certificate

For stays exceeding 90 days:

• Mandatory to prove employment in Spain, studies or professional training, or sufficient economic resources and health insurance.

Property advantages:

• Immediate access to the mortgage market
• No restrictions on property purchases
• Facilities for establishing property businesses

Residence Card for Family Member of EU Citizen

• For direct relatives (spouse, registered partner, children, ascendants) of EU citizens
• Allows residence and work in Spain

Comparative analysis: which visa to choose for buying properties?

For remote workers

Recommendation: International Remote Work Visa

• Allows legal remote work
• Attractive tax benefits
• Family inclusion
• Relatively fast process
• Renewable and counts towards permanent residence

For retirees or rentiers

Recommendation: Non-Lucrative Visa

• No restrictions on property business activity
• Allows generating rental income
• Clear and predictable requirements
• Path towards Spanish nationality

For entrepreneurs

Recommendation: Self-Employed Work Visa

• Flexibility to develop businesses
• Possibility to combine business activity and investment
• No provincial geographical limitations

For persons with family ties

Recommendation: Family Reunification

• Simpler process
• Immediate access to employment rights
• Stability for property planning

Common requirements for all visas

Basic documentation

1. Valid passport with minimum 1 year validity
2. Criminal record certificate from countries of residence in last 5 years
3. Health insurance with coverage in Spain
4. Proof of economic means according to visa type
5. Medical certificate (if applicable)

Apostille and translation process

• All foreign documents must be apostilled
• Sworn translation into Spanish by official translator
• Specific validity according to document type and visa

Conclusion: Spain remains attractive post-Golden Visa

The abolition of the Golden Visa does not mean the end of opportunities for foreigners in Spain. On the contrary, it opens new, more sustainable and balanced possibilities:

1. Greater focus on talent and real contribution to the Spanish economy
2. Genuine opportunities for those seeking to reside and contribute long-term
3. More accessible property market without extreme speculative pressure
4. Diversity of options adapted to different profiles and objectives

For those seeking to buy rural properties or establish themselves in Spain, 2025 marks the beginning of a new era of more selective but also more stable and predictable immigration. Success will lie in choosing the right strategy, having appropriate advice and maintaining a long-term vision.

The Spanish property market, especially in the rural sector, offers excellent opportunities for those seeking quality of life, stability and long-term profitability. The key is to correctly navigate the new post-Golden Visa legal framework.

Your comprehensive ally: Grupo Country Homes

At Grupo Country Homes we understand that the process of moving to Spain and acquiring a rural property can be complex, especially in the new post-Golden Visa context. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive service that accompanies you every step of the way:

Visa procedure advice

• Personalised assessment of your profile to determine the most suitable visa
• Coordination with specialist lawyers in immigration law to manage all documentation
• Complete follow-up of the process from application to visa acquisition
• Strategic planning to optimise your long-term residence options

Finding your perfect property

• Specialised catalogue of rustic and rural properties
• Expert advice on the best areas according to your profile and objectives
• Detailed analysis of each property: investment potential, legal aspects, and business opportunities
• Personalised accompaniment in visits and purchase process

Advantages of our comprehensive approach

• Temporal coordination between visa acquisition and property search
• Network of specialised professionals (lawyers, tax advisors, notaries)
• Specific knowledge of the Spanish rural market post-Golden Visa
• Continuous advice beyond the purchase

Next steps with Grupo Country Homes

If you are considering moving to Spain and buying a rural property:

1. Contact our team for a free initial consultation
2. We assess together your profile and the most suitable visa options
3. We design a personalised strategy combining legal and property aspects
4. We accompany you throughout the process until achieving your new life in Spain

The Spanish rural property market offers excellent opportunities for those seeking quality of life, stability and long-term profitability. With Grupo Country Homes as your ally, you will have the peace of mind of having experts who know both the new legal framework for visas and the best opportunities in rural properties.

Your new life is closer than you imagine. Allow us to be your guide on this exciting journey towards residence in Spain.