Spain has always offered a lifestyle that is hard to beat. Stunning Mediterranean beaches, a warm climate, fantastic food, excellent healthcare and a vibrant culture make Spain one of the most sought-after destinations to buy a property – and the Spanish have always welcomed foreigners with open arms.
In 2025, very little is going to change. Spain will still be an amazing place to live or own a holiday home and the Spanish will continue to provide foreigners with multiple visa and residency options to literally put that slice of Spanish paradise on a plate.
However, one change worth mentioning is the disappearance of Spain’s controversial Investor Visa, better known as the “Golden Visa” in 2025. The Spanish Government, in line with other European countries like Ireland and Portugal, has decided to discontinue the scheme that was introduced in 2013 to attract foreign investment. The so-called Golden Visa program granted permanent residency to non-European Union (EU) citizens who invested €500,000 or more in Spanish property (the same conditions applied to those investing more than €2m in Spanish Public Debt or in a business project deemed of general interest to Spain).
Although the discontinuation of the Golden Visa may disappoint a minority of wealthy investors (fewer than 1,000 applications were approved annually since its inception), the vast majority of prospective homebuyers in Spain remain unaffected.
Indeed, whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or building a career, Spain has a residency option to match your aspirations. This article takes a closer look at the most popular Spanish visa and residency options available in 2025.
Understanding your visa and/or residency requirements starts with your country of origin. Spain’s visa policies vary depending on your nationality and travel intentions.
Visiting Spain:
If you are from a country outside the EU and the Schengen Zone, you may need a Schengen Visa to visit Spain. You can check Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 to see if this applies to you. The Schengen Visa authorises the holder to stay in Spain for up to 90 days.
Some Non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to name but a few, do not require a Schengen Visa and can stay in Spain for one 3-month period every six months.
In reference to visa-exempt Non-EU countries such as those mentioned above, it is worth highlighting that the European Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to come into force in May 2025. This new system will require citizens from these countries to fill out an online form and pay a €7 fee to enter Spain. Once approved, the ETIAS remains valid for three years or until your passport expires.
Residing in Spain:
If you would like to move to Spain on a more permanent basis, there are multiple options available to you. These are the most popular:
a) Non-Working Residence Visa
Ideal for retirees or those seeking a quiet life in Spain, the non-lucrative visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain without engaging in work or professional activities.
Key Requirements:
• Proof of financial means: €2,400/month (or €28,800 annually) plus an additional €600/month for each dependent.
• A medical certificate (issued within three months of application).
• Private Spanish health insurance (Contact our sister company Kyna Insurance for assistance).
Application Process:
• Apply at your nearest Spanish consulate or embassy.
• Successful applicants receive a 90-day visa, which must be exchanged for a TIE (Spanish ID card) within one month of arriving in Spain. This card grants you one year of residency.
Renewals:
• The visa can be renewed for two-year periods. After five years of legal residency, you may apply for permanent residency and after 10 years, for Spanish citizenship
b) Digital Nomad or Telework Visa
Launched in 2023, this visa is perfect for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain. Self-employed professionals may also apply, provided no more than 20% of their work involves Spanish clients.
Key Requirements:
• A letter from your employer confirming remote work eligibility, start date, and contract duration.
• Proof of income: At least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (€2,646/month).
• Social security registration in your home country (or in Spain)The visa is valid for one year and does not require a TIE, though you can opt to obtain one.
c) Visa for Highly Qualified Workers & Intra-Company Transfers
These visas cater to professionals with specialized skills or employees transferring within their company.
Highly Qualified Workers:
• Require a job offer in a senior management or highly skilled position.
Intra-Company Transfers:
• Allow employees to transfer within the same company or corporate group.
Application Process:
1. Obtain a residency permit through Spain’s Large Companies Strategic Growth Unit.
2. Apply for the visa at your local Spanish consulate, submitting standard documents and your residency permit.
These visas grant one-year residency and may be renewed as in the case of the Non-working residence visa.
If you’re an EU citizen, you can travel to Spain without a visa. For stays exceeding three months, you must register with the Spanish authorities, obtaining both an EU Citizen Registration Certificate and a NIE (Spanish ID Number).
These documents grant you the freedom to live and work in Spain indefinitely.
The same rules apply to citizens of Switzerland and European Economic Area (EEA) countries: Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or building a career, Spain has a residency option to match your aspirations. While navigating visa paperwork may feel daunting, it’s a small price to pay for the rewards of living in one of Europe’s friendliest and sunniest nations.
So, start your journey today and before you know it, you could be enjoying life under the Spanish sun with a cold drink by your side.
For a full list of visa options and requirements, visit the website of the Spanish Consulate in London.
Dave and Isabel completed the purchase of their villa on 28th March this year for €192,000, but actually reserved the property back in September 2024 before they had even seen it in person.
Home España is now looking to hire Sales-minded people to join our successful and expanding team in our Costa Blanca South office. Whether you see yourself dynamic, and driven to be successful, this could be the perfect role for you.
If you are dreaming of a new life in Spain, don’t let financial concerns hold you back. With proper planning and a clear understanding of the visa’s requirements, you can soon be enjoying the sun, culture, and relaxed lifestyle that Spain has to offer.
Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security.
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