Buyer guide · Residency
Residency in Spain after buying property
Buying property in Spain does not automatically grant residency. Spain's Golden Visa programme (which previously offered residency for €500K+ property investment) was officially discontinued in April 2025. Other residency routes remain open and well-trodden — but require active visa applications independent of any property purchase.
The active residency routes (2026)
EU/EEA citizens: free movement — no visa required, simple residency registration (Certificado de Registro). Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): for non-EU buyers with passive income/capital of roughly €30K+/year per adult, no work in Spain permitted, renewable. Digital Nomad Visa: for non-EU remote workers with foreign employer or freelance contracts, ~€2,650+/month proven income, includes Beckham Law tax option. Work visa: requires Spanish employer sponsorship. Family reunification: for spouses and dependents of Spanish residents.
Path to permanent residency and citizenship
5 years of legal residency → permanent residency. 10 years of legal residency → eligibility for Spanish citizenship (1 year for citizens of former Spanish colonies and Sephardic Jews; Spain does not generally allow dual citizenship for non-Latin American citizens — most British and US applicants opt to remain at permanent residency).
Practical considerations for property buyers
Plan visa applications independently of the property purchase — they are separate processes. Most non-EU buyers complete the property purchase as non-residents (which is straightforward) and then apply for the appropriate residency visa, often via consulate in their home country before relocating. Allow 2–4 months for visa processing from a complete file.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Golden Visa still available?
- No — Spain's Golden Visa programme was officially discontinued in April 2025.
- Can I get residency just by buying property?
- No — property purchase does not grant residency. You need to apply for an appropriate visa separately.
- Which visa works best for retired non-EU buyers?
- The Non-Lucrative Visa is the standard route. Verify current income thresholds and documentation with a Spanish immigration lawyer at the time of application.
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