Spain is one of the hottest destinations for foreign workers, investors, professionals, and families looking to have a base in this Mediterranean country. As you may already be aware, one of the country’s most popular programs is set to conclude on April 3, 2025. Yes, that is the Golden Visa residency program of Spain.
However, there are other programs Spain has to offer that are not closing. In this article, we go through a side-by-side comparison of the most popular programs to obtain residency in Spain, which can also lead to citizenship.
So You Want to Have EU Residency by the Mediterranean?
If you are looking to secure residency in Spain while enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle, having the flexibility to travel between your home country and the EU, and either running your business remotely or enjoying your retirement, then this guide is for you.
Why Spain?
Spain remains a top choice due to its high quality of life, strong economy, modern infrastructure, and diverse geography. Popular destinations like Marbella, Madrid, and Alicante attract expats for different benefits, but the residency options remain the same regardless of where you choose to live.
Purchasing property, whether it is an apartment in Madrid or a coastal villa in Marbella, can grant you residency in Spain and visa-free access to the EU, provided your nationality requires a visa.
However, Spain’s Golden Visa real estate option is set to end on April 3, 2025, following a similar move by Portugal in 2023.
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Comparing Spain’s Residency Options: Which One Is Right for You?
Spain offers three main residency programs:
- Non-Lucrative Visa, NLV: For retirees or individuals with passive income.
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers employed by overseas companies.
- Golden Visa: For investors, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. This route is ending in April 2025.
Let’s break them down in detail.
1. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, NLV, vs. Golden Visa
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, NLV
This visa is aimed at retirees and individuals with passive income sources, such as pension, rental income, dividends, and similar income types. It allows you to reside in Spain long-term, but it does not permit employment or self-employment.
Advantages of the NLV
- No investment required.
- No employment necessary.
- You can include dependent family members.
- It can lead to Spanish citizenship after 10 years if you meet the residency requirements.
Disadvantages of the NLV
- You cannot work or run a business in Spain.
- Your income must come from non-active sources.
- You must meet strict residency requirements to renew and eventually apply for permanent residency.
Eligibility for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, NLV
- Financial means: Proof of 400% of the Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator, IPREM, annually, plus 100% of IPREM per additional family member.
The Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples, IPREM, is a benchmark used in Spain to determine eligibility for various social benefits and assistance programs. As of 2024, the IPREM is set at €600 per month, which amounts to €7,200 annually.
For the most current and official information regarding the IPREM, you can refer to the Spanish Public Employment Service, SEPE, website: SEPE – Annual Amounts.
Please note that IPREM values are subject to change based on annual budgetary decisions. It is advisable to consult the official SEPE page for the latest figures.
- Health insurance: Private health insurance equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system.
- Clean criminal record: Certificate from countries of residence for the last five years.
- Medical certificate: Proof that the applicant does not suffer from any serious health risks.
- Proof of residence: Applicants must apply from their country of residence and provide legal residency documentation.
Renewal and Conversion to Permanent Residency
- The NLV is initially valid for one year and can be renewed every two years.
- After five years, applicants may apply for permanent residency, provided they have legally resided in Spain with absences not exceeding 10 months.
- Potential citizenship eligibility after 10 years, subject to Spanish integration requirements.
Spain’s Golden Visa, Closing April 3, 2025
- No minimum stay requirement.
- Allows business ownership and employment in Spain.
- Can lead to permanent residency and citizenship after five to ten years.
What Happens After April 3, 2025?
Spain’s government is revising the Golden Visa program. It is likely to remove the real estate investment option and follow Portugal’s model by focusing on business investments and financial contributions.
If you want to secure residency through property investment, the deadline to apply is April 3, 2025.
2. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa vs. Golden Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Spain while working for foreign companies. It was introduced in response to the rising demand for remote work visas after the pandemic.
Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa
- No investment required.
- Temporary residency based on employment with a foreign company.
- Can lead to permanent residency if residency requirements are met.
Disadvantages of the Digital Nomad Visa
- Spouses and dependents cannot work in Spain.
- The visa must be renewed every year.
- The main applicant cannot start a business or work for a Spanish employer.
- Residency is only valid for up to five years, with limited time allowed outside Spain.
Eligibility for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
- Employment proof: A valid employment contract, minimum 3 months, with a non-Spanish company.
- Freelancers: A long-term service contract with at least one foreign company.
- Financial means: Proof of at least 200% of Spain’s Minimum Wage, SMI, €2,268 per month as of 2024.
- Additional dependents: 75% of the SMI for the first dependent, €850.50, and 25%, €283.50, per additional dependent.
- Health insurance: Private health insurance coverage equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system.
Renewal and Conversion to Permanent Residency
- The Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for one year.
- It can be renewed for successive periods.
- After five years, holders may apply for permanent residency if absences do not exceed 10 months within the five-year period.
What Is the Best Spain Residency Program for You in 2025?
- Golden Visa: Best for investors and entrepreneurs. This route closes in April 2025. The minimum investment is €500,000 in a property or combination of properties, with a medical and background check as the basic requirements.
- Non-Lucrative Visa: Best for retirees and those with passive income.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Best for remote workers seeking short-to-medium-term residency.
The Spain Golden Visa Closing on April 3, 2025: What Options Are Left for Spain Residency?
The good news is that both the Digital Nomad Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa remain open after the Golden Visa deadline of April 3, 2025.
Applicants can apply for either of these programs after April 3, 2025, based on meeting the eligibility requirements of each program.
What Happens After April 3, 2025 With Spanish Immigration?
The Golden Visa will be revised and relaunched later in 2025. The Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa will continue to accept applications.
The government can make changes to these programs later, but nothing has been announced as of this date. It may be possible to convert from any of these visas to a Golden Visa later when it relaunches in 2025.
What to Expect With the New Spain Golden Visa 2.0 in 2025
The Golden Visa in Spain will most likely be relaunched without the real estate purchase option, similar to how Portugal revised its program back in 2023-2024.
We expect that the property option as an investment for the Golden Visa may be removed by the government in the relaunch of Golden Visa 2.0 for Spain. In the best-case scenario, Spain may offer limited geographic eligibility for property purchases, meaning specific regions or cities, typically not Madrid or any major metropolitan areas, could be eligible for foreign investors.
Which Program Should You Apply for in 2025 to Get Residency in Spain?
Depending on your eligibility criteria, financial resources, and long-term goals in Spain, it is not too difficult to select which program you may be eligible for and which one can provide more flexibility in terms of residency requirements and converting to permanent residency.
If you are an entrepreneur or business owner looking for maximum flexibility without restrictions, the Golden Visa residency is the most viable option.
If you are a retiree or do not need to be involved in active income and simply want to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle, then the Non-Lucrative Visa, NLV, is the best choice.
If you are a remote digital worker for a foreign company looking for a short-term getaway, such as 1-2 years, then the Digital Nomad Visa can be a suitable program.
Final Thoughts: Planning for 2025 and Beyond
If you are looking for permanent residency in Spain, consider your long-term goals. With the Golden Visa ending soon, the NLV and Digital Nomad Visa remain viable options for obtaining Spanish residency and potential EU citizenship.
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