🚫 Spain Has Cancelled Its Golden Visa Program
Spain has officially abolished the Golden Visa, a program that once granted residency in exchange for high-value property investments.
The government has shifted its immigration policy to prioritize talent over capital — and that’s why the Digital Nomad Visa is now the top route for non-EU citizens seeking to live in Spain legally.
🧠 What Was the Golden Visa?
Introduced in 2013, the Golden Visa granted Spanish residency to non-EU nationals who:
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Bought property worth €500,000+
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Invested in Spanish companies or public debt
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Created jobs or launched “strategic” businesses
It offered:
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Fast-track residency (no minimum stay)
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Family inclusion
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EU-wide mobility
🧨 Why Spain Cancelled the Golden Visa
The Spanish government ended the Golden Visa to:
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Combat housing inflation: It was blamed for rising property prices, especially in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga.
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Prevent speculative investment: Many investors never lived in the property — they rented it out or left it empty.
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Focus on talent & innovation: Spain now favors entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers who contribute directly to the economy.
🔎 According to the government, over 94% of Golden Visas were issued for real estate — not job creation or innovation.
✅ What You Can Do Instead: The Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is now Spain’s most accessible residency option for skilled non-EU nationals who:
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Work remotely for a non-Spanish company OR
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Are freelancers with international clients
Key benefits:
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Live and work in Spain legally
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Bring your partner and children
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Qualify for the Beckham Law (flat 24% tax)
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Access public services, open a bank account, and rent long-term
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Start the residency clock toward permanent residence
🆚 Golden Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa
| Feature | Golden Visa ❌ | Digital Nomad Visa ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | €500,000+ | €0 |
| Must work remotely | No | Yes |
| Tax breaks available | No | Yes (Beckham Law) |
| Active contribution | Often passive | Yes – work & taxes |
| Government preference | Declining | Growing |
| Still available? | ❌ Cancelled | ✅ Yes |
🏡 What If You Planned to Get the Golden Visa?
If you were preparing to apply for the Golden Visa, your best options now include:
1. Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa
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If you work online, this is the fastest and most tax-friendly route.
2. Non-Lucrative Visa
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For retirees or those with passive income (e.g. rental, dividends). No work allowed.
3. Entrepreneur Visa
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For launching a high-impact startup (requires a business plan and approval).
⚠️ All of these require proof of income, private health insurance, and residence in Spain for 183+ days/year.
💼 Why the Digital Nomad Visa Is the Better Choice Today
✅ No large capital needed
✅ Remote workers, freelancers, and digital founders can all qualify
✅ Apply from your home country or within Spain
✅ Enjoy legal long-term residence, not just tourist stays
✅ Includes family reunification
✅ Makes you eligible for Spain’s 6-year Beckham tax break
🎯 In short: it’s Spain’s way of saying “we want you here — if you bring talent, not just money.”
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We assist former Golden Visa candidates and remote workers with:
✅ Legal analysis of the best visa path for you
✅ Digital Nomad Visa application and documentation
✅ Health insurance and tax registration
✅ Beckham Law setup
✅ NIE + TIE application
✅ Spanish property guidance if you’re still planning to invest
📣 Missed the Golden Visa Window? There’s a Better Door Open.
The end of the Golden Visa isn’t a dead end — it’s a new beginning for skilled remote professionals. Spain now offers a clear path to live, work, and thrive.
👉 Start your Digital Nomad Visa application today with expert legal support from Borderless Lawyers.