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Europe Schengen Zone

Spain Residency by Investment

Spain offers multiple residency pathways in 2026: the Non-Lucrative Visa (passive income), the Digital Nomad Visa with Beckham Law tax benefits, and the Golden Visa via financial investment.

€0 (Non-Lucrative) / €1,000,000 (Golden Visa)

Min. Investment

1–6 months

Processing Time

Yes

Schengen Access

10 years

Path to Citizenship

About the Program

Spain offers one of the most diverse residency ecosystems in Europe, with several distinct pathways depending on your profile and goals.

⚠️ Golden Visa — Real Estate Route Abolished (April 3, 2025)

Spain's real estate Golden Visa was permanently abolished on April 3, 2025 under Organic Law 1/2025, driven by housing affordability concerns. Applications submitted before that date with completed purchases are still being processed, and existing holders can renew. The broader Golden Visa programme remains active via non-property investment routes.

Golden Visa — Financial Investment Routes (Still Active)

€1,000,000 in shares of Spanish companies or investment funds
€1,000,000 in Spanish bank deposits
€2,000,000 in Spanish government bonds
Business projects creating jobs or of strategic national interest

Grants a 2-year renewable residency (5 years after renewal), no minimum stay required to maintain the visa. Path to citizenship after 10 years.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — No Investment Required

The most accessible pathway. Designed for retirees, passive income earners, and anyone who can support themselves without working in Spain.

Income requirement: €28,800/year (~€2,400/month) passive income — pensions, dividends, rental income, investments
Employment: Not permitted — passive income only
Health insurance: Private full coverage, no copays, min. €30,000/year
Stay requirement: 183+ days/year in Spain to maintain status
Duration: 1-year initial, renewable for 2-year periods
Path to citizenship: After 10 years of legal residency

Digital Nomad Visa — Remote Workers

Launched in 2023, designed for remote workers and freelancers whose income comes primarily from outside Spain.

Income requirement: ~€2,700–€2,800/month (200% of Spain's minimum wage)
Eligibility: Must work remotely for a company outside Spain, or freelancers with 80%+ income from foreign clients
Duration: 3 years (renewable for 2-year periods)
Family: Spouse and children under 25 can join

Beckham Law — Special Tax Regime

Flat rate: 24% on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000/year (47% above)
Foreign income: Generally exempt from Spanish tax
Duration: Up to 6 years
Apply within 6 months of arrival (Modelo 149)

Comparison: Which Spain Programme is Right for You?

Programme	Min. Requirement	Can Work?	Tax Advantage	Best For
Non-Lucrative Visa	€28,800/yr passive income	❌ No	Standard IRPF	Retirees, passive investors
Digital Nomad Visa	~€2,700/month remote income	✅ Remote only	24% Beckham Law	Remote workers, freelancers
Golden Visa (financial)	€1,000,000 investment	✅ Yes	Standard or Beckham	HNW investors

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Lifestyle & Quality of Life

What daily life actually looks like

$2,000 – $4,000/month

Monthly Budget

✅ Safe

Safety Rating

☀️ Varied — Mediterranean coast warm and sunny, Madrid continental, north Atlantic

Climate

Why People Choose Spain

✦ Exceptional food culture, nightlife, and festivals

✦ Warm climate across most of the country

✦ World-class healthcare system (ranked top 10 globally)

✦ Affordable compared to UK, Germany, or France

✦ Barcelona and Madrid are global cultural hubs

✦ High quality public and private schools

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Tax Implications

Key tax information for residents

Beckham Law: 24% flat on Spanish income for 6 years (foreign income exempt). Non-Lucrative Visa holders taxed at standard IRPF (19–47%). Golden Visa: Beckham Law available if qualifying.

⚠️ Tax rules change. Always verify with a qualified local tax advisor before making decisions based on tax considerations.

Investment Options

Option / Category	Min. Amount	Description
Non-Lucrative Visa	€0 investment (€28,800/yr income)	Passive income residency — no investment, no work. Ideal for retirees and passive investors.
Digital Nomad Visa	~€2,700/month income	Remote workers and freelancers. Unlocks Beckham Law 24% flat tax for 6 years.
Golden Visa — Financial	€1,000,000	Shares, funds, or bank deposits in Spanish institutions. Real estate route abolished April 2025.
Golden Visa — Government Bonds	€2,000,000	Spanish public debt. No stay requirement to maintain.

Requirements

Clean criminal record
Private health insurance
Proof of income or investment
No prior Spanish tax residency (for Beckham Law)
Employer operating 1+ year (Digital Nomad)

Key Benefits

Schengen zone access
Beckham Law: 24% flat tax for 6 years
Non-Lucrative Visa requires no investment
Digital Nomad Visa — work legally as remote worker
World-class lifestyle (climate, food, culture)
Family included
Path to citizenship (10 years)

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Important Notices & Recent Changes

• Real estate Golden Visa ABOLISHED — effective April 3, 2025
• Digital Nomad income threshold set to increase in 2026 — verify current figure
• Non-Lucrative Visa does not allow any employment income
• Beckham Law must be applied for within 6 months of arrival

Information Notice: This page is for informational purposes only. CRP World is an independent information resource, not a licensed immigration advisor. Program requirements, investment thresholds, and processing times change frequently. Always verify details with official program sources and consult a qualified licensed professional before making any decisions.

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Questions about Spain?

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Program at a Glance

Monthly Budget $2,000 – $4,000/month

Safety Safe

Path to Citizenship 10 years

Schengen Access Yes ✓

Climate Varied

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