Spanish Residency & the Golden Visa — What Property Buyers Need to Know in 2026

If you have been researching how to live in Spain through property investment, you have probably come across the Golden Visa. It was one of the most popular residency routes in Europe for over a decade. But the programme has now ended for new real estate applications. That does not mean your plans are over. It just means the route has changed.

We are going to be completely transparent about the current situation because that is what independent advisors do. Here is what has happened, what it means for you, and what your options are if you want to buy property in Marbella, Benahavís or Estepona and obtain Spanish residency.

What Was the Spanish Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa (Law 14/2013) granted Spanish residency to non-EU nationals who invested €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate. It was launched in 2013 and ran for over a decade. In 2024, Spain's government announced the end of real estate-based Golden Visas, citing housing affordability concerns. Existing Golden Visa holders are not affected — their permits remain valid and renewable.

Your Residency Options in Spain — 2026

Non-Lucrative Visa

The most popular route for retirees and those with passive income. You need to prove you can support yourself financially without working in Spain.

• Income: ~€28,800/year (400% IPREM)
• Health insurance: private full-coverage required
• Minimum stay: 183+ days/year
• Work: Not permitted in Spain
• Duration: 1 year initial, renewable 2-year periods

Digital Nomad Visa

Introduced 2023 for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain or freelancers with international clients.

• Income: €2,520/month minimum
• Employment: remote for non-Spanish company
• Tax: flat 15% first 4 years (Beckham Law)
• Duration: 1 year, renewable up to 5 years

Beckham Law (Special Tax Regime)

Flat 24% tax on Spanish-source income vs progressive rates up to 47%. Foreign income generally exempt. Lasts 6 years. Particularly relevant for executives relocating to the Costa del Sol.

Why Buy Property Without a Golden Visa?

• Capital appreciation: 8-12% annual growth in prime Costa del Sol since 2022
• Rental income: 4-6% gross from luxury short-term lets
• Lifestyle: 320 days sunshine, world-class golf, international schools
• Diversification: Euro-denominated asset outside UK market
• Residency still possible through routes above

How We Help with Spanish Residency

We are property advisors, not immigration lawyers. But residency and property are deeply connected. We introduce specialist immigration lawyers in Marbella, find the right property for your residency plan, coordinate timelines for your NIE application, property purchase and residency submission, and refer to tax advisors for Beckham Law structuring.

Property for Relocators

Nueva Andalucía is popular with families — Aloha College nearby, Golf Valley lifestyle. The Golden Mile and Sierra Blanca attract prestige buyers. Benahavís offers privacy and lowest tax. Estepona is where relocators wanting a real Spanish town end up.

Frequently Asked Questions