At Dylsi, we are committed to providing our clients with valuable and up-to-date information. In collaboration with immigration lawyer Natalia Tur Wood, we want to inform you about the recent changes to the Golden Visa regulations in Spain and the alternatives available for those wishing to reside in our country.
Natalia Tur Wood is a lawyer specializing in immigration services and assists her clients every step of the way to obtain Spanish nationality, the NIE (National Identity Number), visas, or residence permits, among many other procedures required by foreigners who are living or want to live in Spain. At the beginning of April 2025, the country introduced significant regulatory changes that may affect many clients, acquaintances, or family members.
As of early April, the figure of the ‘Golden Visa’ for residence permits has disappeared; in addition, the reform of the immigration regulations will come into effect on May 20. Our strategic partner, Natalia Tur Wood, explains the changes and what to expect.
What is the ‘Golden Visa’?
The Golden Visa is a program that allows citizens of countries outside the European Union to obtain residency permits in Spain in exchange for making significant investments in the country. This program started in 2013 and has since facilitated residency for thousands of investors and their families. It allows them to live and work in Spain for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional five years, provided they maintain their original investment.
End of the ‘Golden Visa’ in Spain
Since April 3, 2025, Spain has stopped issuing new ‘Golden Visas’ This decision responds to various political and economic pressures and seeks to curb real estate speculation and make housing more affordable in the country.
“It’s important to note that applications submitted before April 3, 2025, will be processed under the previous regulations. Furthermore, those who already hold a Golden Visa will maintain its validity and may continue to renew it according to the established deadlines: the first renewal is for three years, the second for five years, and subsequently, residency becomes permanent,” explains immigration lawyer Natalia Tur.
All non-EU citizens who visit Spain—for example, because they own a house in Mallorca—without a residence permit are staying as tourists and must comply with the 90-day rule. This rule establishes a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days. “That is, they cannot stay for more than three consecutive months and must wait another three months outside the Schengen area before returning,” explains the lawyer. Failure to comply with this rule can lead to severe sanctions, including a ban from entering the Schengen area for up to 10 or 20 years.
Alternatives for non-EU citizens
With the elimination of the Golden Visa, non-EU citizens, including British citizens, will have to consider other options for residing in Spain. The main options are:
1. Non-profit residence
This type of residency is for people who do not plan to work in Spain. You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses without working to obtain it. According to current regulations, the following are required, among other things:
o Financial Resources: Prove passive income of at least 2,400 euros per month or 28,800 euros in a bank account.
o Health Insurance: Take out private health insurance without co-payments.
o Prove the absence of a criminal record
Natalia Tur warns: “It’s essential to remember that, for the first renewal, i.e. after one year, you must demonstrate double the average annual income, i.e., €57,600 in your bank account.” This requirement “can be challenging for some people, as it requires greater financial solvency.”
2. Residence and employment visa
For those wishing to work in Spain, there are different options depending on the situation:
o Job offer from a Spanish company: The company must publish the job offer with the State Public Employment Service (SEPE) and demonstrate that it has not found suitable candidates within Spain or the EU. Only then can it hire a person from outside the EU.
o Job search visa: This visa, intended to cover hard-to-fill jobs, will come into effect from May 2025.
It is essential to highlight that the process of hiring non-EU workers is subject to the national employment situation and the accreditation of the lack of suitable candidates in the local labour market. “This type of residence aims at highly qualified personnel, here in Mallorca they are typically jobs on ships or shipping companies,” explains the lawyer.
3. Student residence
A third option is for university or language students. This permit can be requested in Spain shortly after entering the country or in advance from the student’s home country.
Non-European relatives of British residents
“One of the biggest challenges after Brexit is residency for non-European family members of British residents under the Withdrawal Agreement (WA),” observes the immigration law specialist, based on the experience of the applications that arrive at her office.
The United Kingdom and the European Union set up the Withdrawal Agreement following Brexit. This agreement allows British citizens living in Spain before December 31, 2020, to continue living, working, or studying here with the same rights.
British citizens arriving in Spain after January 1, 2021, are no longer protected by this agreement and must follow the general rules for non-EU citizens, such as the procedures for applying for a residence or work visa mentioned above.
Natalia Tur explains that there are two scenarios for couples in which one spouse is a British citizen residing in Spain under the WA and the other a non-EU citizen.
- First, if they got married before December 31, 2020, the non-EU citizen can join the WA as a resident in Spain once they enter the country.
- The second case affects marriages contracted after December 31, 2020; in this scenario, the spouse cannot join the WA but will be considered family reunification under the general regime.
Family reunification
“The unique feature of this family reunification is that a British resident in Spain who applies for family reunification here, while their spouse is in their country of origin and cannot come to live here before the permit is granted. However, they can stay as a tourist, respecting the maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period.” “If they spend over 90 days in Spain, the authorities will deny family reunification! Many people aren’t aware of this, and it’s crucial,” warns Natalia Tur.
Contrary to what one might think, marriage to a British citizen under the Withdrawal Agreement does not automatically grant the right to reside in Spain.
Natalia Tur adds that the process can take up to eight months. Furthermore, British residents with children under 21 years of age or older with disabilities or who depend on them can incorporate the children into the WA once the children are in Spain.
Seek Expert Advice
Eliminating the Golden Visa in Spain represents a significant change in immigration and residency policies for non-EU citizens. Those interested in residing in Spain must inform themselves adequately about the available alternatives and the specific requirements for each type of visa. At Dylsi, and thanks to collaborating with immigration experts such as Natalia Tur, we are committed to providing the support and advice necessary for our clients to make informed decisions tailored to their needs.
This article has been created in collaboration with immigration lawyer Natalia Tur Wood.
This is how you can contact Natalia:
Social media: LinkedIn
Telephone: (0034) 692 255 623
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://nturwood.com/
Languages: 
