Residency Through Investment in Spain
The Golden Visa property route was abolished in April 2025. The realistic 2026 routes are the Digital Nomad Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and residency through actively running a Spanish business. Each carries different tax and family-reunification consequences.
The Golden Visa property route was abolished in April 2025. The realistic 2026 routes are the Digital Nomad Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and residency through actively running a Spanish business. Each carries different tax and family-reunification consequences.
Visa options compared
| Visa | Minimum financial | Work allowed? | Path to permanent | Tax status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) | €2,762/mo income | Remote only | 5 yrs → permanent | Beckham-eligible |
| Entrepreneur (Ley 14/2013) | Approved business plan | Yes (own business) | 5 yrs | Standard resident |
| Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) | €2,400/mo passive income | No | 5 yrs | Standard resident |
| Investor visa — funds €1M | €1M in Spanish funds | Yes | 5 yrs (under review 2026) | Standard resident |
| Investor visa — business €1M | €1M productive business | Yes | 5 yrs | Standard resident |
| Work visa (cuenta ajena) | Spanish job offer | Yes (sponsor) | 5 yrs | Standard resident |
Property route abolished April 2025. €1M in Spanish equities/bonds, €1M in business investment, or €2M in Spanish sovereign debt still qualify — but these face heavy political pressure and may be reformed further in 2026.
Digital Nomad Visa — the 2026 default
- ✦Income proof: €2,762/month for primary applicant (200% SMI), +75% for spouse, +25% per child.
- ✦Employment: 80%+ income from non-Spanish clients/employer; employer must exist >1 year.
- ✦Beckham eligibility: yes, 24% flat tax on Spanish-source income for 6 years.
- ✦Family reunification: from day one (spouse + children + dependent parents/in-laws).
- ✦Processing: 20–30 days from Spain, 60–90 days from consulate abroad.
- ✦Renewable: 3-yr renewals, path to permanent at 5 years.
Non-Lucrative Visa — for self-funded retirees
Passive income proof: €2,400/month (€28,800/yr) for primary + 25% (€600/mo) per dependent. Pension, dividends, rental income all count.
Cannot work in Spain (any work, including remote). Convertible to work residency after 1 year.
Triggers Spanish tax residency on arrival — global income taxed at IRPF rates. No Beckham access (NLV is not 'work' relocation).
Renewal: 2-yr then 2-yr, then 5-yr permanent.
Healthcare: private insurance required (no co-pay, full coverage, ~€80–€200/month).
Entrepreneur visa — for active business operators
- ✦Requires ENISA-approved business plan demonstrating innovation and economic interest.
- ✦Self-employment (autónomo) or SL structure both acceptable.
- ✦Family reunification from day one.
- ✦Beckham not available (you become Spanish-source income generator).
- ✦Best for: founders relocating with their company, franchise operators, professional-services importers.
Related investment guides
Property investment
Buy-to-let, vacation rentals, luxury, off-plan.
Read guideBusiness investment
Startups, franchises, hotels, restaurants.
Read guidePassive income
Dividends, rentals, storage, parking.
Read guideTaxes
Capital gains, rental income, wealth tax.
Read guideLegal
NIE, mortgages, structures, POA.
Read guideMarket reports
Prices, yields and tourism data.
Read guideFrequently asked
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