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Spanish residency through property in 2026: Golden Visa abolished, but Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad routes remain. What property buyers need to know.
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Since 3 April 2025, buying property in Spain doesn't qualify you for residency. The Golden Visa route is closed. But non-residents can still buy, own, and profit from Spanish property without any residency requirement.
If you want to live in Spain, you need a separate visa based on your income, employment, or business investment.
| Before April 2025 | After April 2025 |
|---|---|
| €500K property = residency visa | Property purchase = no visa |
| Non-residents could buy freely | Non-residents can still buy freely |
| Rental income taxed same | Rental income taxed same |
| Capital gains 19% | Capital gains 19% |
The only change is the visa. Every other aspect of property ownership, taxation, and investment remains identical.
The most common route for property investors who want to live in Spain. Requires proof of passive income (~€28,800/year) and private health insurance. You can't work for a Spanish employer.
Owning a property in Spain strengthens your application by demonstrating:
For remote workers earning ~€2,400+/month from non-Spanish employers. Particularly appealing for tech professionals, consultants, and freelancers who want a Costa del Sol base.
If you find employment with a Spanish company, a standard work visa and residency permit is available.
Many international investors don't want or need Spanish residency. They buy property for:
This is increasingly the dominant investor profile on the western Costa del Sol. Post-Golden Visa, the market is cleaner: buyers who are here for returns, not passports.
Without a visa, most non-EU nationals can stay in Spain (and the Schengen zone) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is sufficient for regular property visits, meetings with your management company, and personal holidays.
If you need to stay longer, you need one of the visa routes above.
Book a consultation to discuss the property investment case independently from residency questions.
Why local customers trust BlancaReal
Questions answered
Not through property alone. The Golden Visa ended on 3 April 2025. You can apply for a Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa while owning property.
No. Non-residents can buy, own, rent out, and sell property freely.
Most non-EU nationals can stay 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen rules.
The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most straightforward for property investors: prove passive income of ~€28,800/year and arrange private health insurance.
It strengthens your application by showing ties to Spain and financial stability, but it's not a requirement.
Yes, via the Non-Lucrative Visa. You need to prove sufficient income or savings and arrange private health insurance.
Nothing. Your property ownership is independent of your visa status. You can own, rent, and profit from the property regardless.
Yes. They are separate processes. Many investors complete the property purchase and then apply for their preferred visa route.
Yes. Most non-resident investors visit their property 2-4 times per year for 1-2 weeks each. A professional management company handles the rest.
We refer clients to specialist immigration lawyers. Our focus is property investment.
Still have questions?
Book a consultation or message us on WhatsApp. We give practical guidance, not sales pitches.