Non-lucrative residence
A potential route for qualifying non-EU applicants with sufficient means who will reside in Spain without carrying out work under that permission.
Stockholm, Sweden--:----°C
Marbella, Spain--:----°C
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia--:----°C
Weather data: MET Norway
Spain · Residency after the Golden Visa
Spain Golden Visa alternativesresidency now follows purpose.
Spain’s property-investor route ended for new applicants in 2025. Compare non-lucrative, international remote-work, entrepreneur, employment and family pathways separately from buying property.
Property and residence have separated
Buying a Spanish home no longer creates a new investor-residence route.
Spain’s former investor provisions in articles 63 to 67 of Law 14/2013 were left without content by Organic Law 1/2025. The change entered into force on 3 April 2025. Transitional rules protect qualifying applications submitted earlier and the validity and renewal framework of existing investor permissions.
New buyers therefore need to select residence by what they will actually do in Spain: live without working, work remotely for an overseas organisation, build an entrepreneurial project, accept qualifying employment, join family or use rights available to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Property can still be part of the lifestyle and financial plan, but the purchase and the immigration application should be assessed as separate workstreams.
Decision framework
Match the route to the person.
Nationality, work, income, family and time in Spain determine the realistic starting options.
International remote work
For qualifying third-country nationals working remotely for organisations outside Spain under the international teleworker framework.
Entrepreneur or strategic work
Law 14/2013 continues to cover categories including entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals, researchers and intra-company transfers.
EU free movement and family
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and eligible family members use a different residence framework, with registration and supporting requirements.
Side-by-side
Common routes after the investor visa.
Eligibility and application procedure depend on nationality, location at application and the facts of the case.
| Route | Potential fit | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Non-lucrative visa | Non-EU applicants with sufficient means planning to reside without working. | Financial means and health cover are central; it is not a remote-work shortcut. |
| International teleworker | Qualifying remote employees or professionals working principally for organisations outside Spain. | Work history, company relationship, qualifications, social security and income evidence matter. |
| Entrepreneur | An innovative business project of particular economic interest to Spain. | A normal company incorporation or property investment is not automatically an entrepreneurial project. |
| Highly qualified / intra-company | Qualifying role with an employer or corporate group. | The Spanish or group entity and the role form part of the application. |
| EU registration | EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying in Spain beyond the relevant period. | Free-movement rules apply; workers, self-employed people and non-workers provide different evidence. |
| Family route | Eligible family members of Spanish, EU or resident third-country nationals. | The relationship and sponsor’s status determine the correct procedure. |
Practical sequence
Separate the home search from the visa decision.
The two processes can be coordinated without making the property responsible for immigration eligibility.
- 01Confirm nationality and present status
Identify citizenships, current country, family relationships and any existing Spanish or EU rights.
- 02Define work and income
Record employment, remote work, business ownership, pensions, investment income and the intended activity in Spain.
- 03Select and verify the route
Obtain current advice on eligibility, application location, evidence, health cover, financial means and family applications.
- 04Plan tax before residence
Immigration residence and tax residence are separate. Review days, worldwide income, assets and company connections before moving.
- 05Buy or rent on its own merits
Choose the Spanish property for lifestyle, value and ownership reasons with independent legal due diligence.
Primary references
Official starting points.
Rules, fees and programme conditions can change. These links lead to the public bodies used when this guide was reviewed.
Frequently asked
Questions to settle early.
Can I still obtain a Spanish Golden Visa by buying property?
New property-investor applications under the former articles 63 to 67 ended when the repeal took effect on 3 April 2025. Transitional rules apply to certain earlier applications and existing permissions.
What is the best alternative to Spain’s Golden Visa?
There is no direct replacement for everyone. The relevant route depends on nationality, work, income, business plans and family circumstances.
Can I buy property while using a non-lucrative or digital-nomad route?
Property ownership can be separate from the residence application, but buying does not prove immigration eligibility. The visa and purchase should each be assessed on their own requirements.
Do existing Golden Visas remain valid?
The law includes transitional protection for qualifying earlier applications and states that valid investor permissions retain validity, with renewals handled under the rules applicable when the initial authorisation was granted. Individual advice remains important.
Private assessment
Buying in Spain without the Golden Visa?
Tell us your nationality, intended time in Spain, work or income position, family needs and property brief. We can coordinate the property search with independent Spanish immigration and tax advisers.
Discuss Spain and residency →Updated 1 September 2026. General information only; not Spanish legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Eligibility, evidence and procedure depend on nationality and individual facts. Obtain advice from an appropriately qualified Spanish professional before applying or purchasing.