Spain Residency in 2026: What You Need to Know
Spain remains one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for foreign residents — but the landscape has changed significantly. The headline news: Spain’s real estate Golden Visa was permanently abolished on April 3, 2025. But that does not mean Spain is closed for residency-seekers. In fact, 2026 offers three compelling pathways that suit a wider range of profiles than the old property-only route ever did.
⚠️ Spain Golden Visa Real Estate Route — Abolished
Organic Law 1/2025, published January 3, 2025, officially ended Spain’s real estate Golden Visa after a 3-month transition period ending April 3, 2025. The government cited housing affordability concerns and speculative investment in cities like Madrid and Barcelona as primary reasons.
- Applications submitted before April 3, 2025 with completed purchases are still being processed
- Existing holders can continue to renew their visas
- No reinstatement is expected
However, the Golden Visa programme itself continues through non-property financial investment routes (see below).
Option 1: Non-Lucrative Visa — Live in Spain Without Working
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is Spain’s most accessible residency pathway for retirees, passive investors, and anyone who can support themselves without needing to work in Spain.
Requirements
- Income: €28,800/year (~€2,400/month) in passive income — pensions, dividends, rental income, investment returns
- Per dependent: +€7,200/year (~€600/month)
- Employment: ❌ Not permitted — passive income only
- Health insurance: Private, full coverage, minimum €30,000/year, no copays
- Stay requirement: 183+ days/year in Spain
Key Details
- Initial visa: 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods
- Path to permanent residency: 5 years. Path to citizenship: 10 years
- Family members (spouse + children under 25) can join under family reunification
Best for: Retirees, remote income earners who do not need to work, long-term lifestyle seekers.
Option 2: Digital Nomad Visa — Work Remotely from Spain
Launched in 2023, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers earning primarily from outside Spain. It also unlocks the highly attractive Beckham Law tax regime.
Requirements
- Income: ~€2,700–2,800/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage — threshold expected to increase in 2026)
- Work: Must be employed remotely for a company based outside Spain, or a freelancer with 80%+ of income from foreign clients
- Employer history: Your employer must have been operating for at least 1 year
- Health insurance: Required
- Clean criminal record
Key Details
- Duration: 3 years if applied in Spain (renewable for 2 years). 1 year if applied abroad, then renewed for 3 years in Spain
- Family: Spouse and children under 25 can join
- After 5 years: eligible for permanent residency
Best for: Remote employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs working for foreign clients.
The Beckham Law — Spain’s Most Powerful Tax Advantage
The Beckham Law (officially the Special Tax Regime for Workers Posted to Spanish Territory) is a remarkable tax regime available to new Spanish residents — including Digital Nomad Visa holders.
What it offers
- Flat tax rate: 24% on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000/year (47% above that)
- Foreign income: Generally exempt from Spanish tax
- Duration: up to 6 years
Eligibility
- Must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the 5 years prior to relocation
- Must relocate for work: employment with a Spanish or foreign company, Digital Nomad Visa, startup visa, or qualifying entrepreneurial activity
- Must spend 183+ days/year in Spain (making you a tax resident, but taxed at non-resident rates)
How to Apply
Submit Modelo 149 to the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) within 6 months of arriving or starting work. Missing this window means losing eligibility.
Real Example
| Annual Income | Beckham Law (24%) | Standard IRPF (~35%) | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| €100,000 | €24,000 | €35,000 | €11,000 |
| €150,000 | €36,000 | €52,500 | €16,500 |
| €300,000 | €72,000 | €105,000+ | €33,000+ |
Option 3: Golden Visa — Financial Investment (Still Active)
Spain’s Golden Visa remains available through non-property financial investment:
- €1,000,000 in shares, investment funds, or Spanish bank deposits
- €2,000,000 in Spanish government bonds
- Business projects of strategic interest or that create employment
No minimum stay required to maintain the Golden Visa. Family included. Path to citizenship after 10 years.
Spain Residency Options: Quick Comparison
| Programme | Min. Requirement | Can Work? | Tax Regime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative Visa | €28,800/yr passive income | No | Standard IRPF | Retirees, passive earners |
| Digital Nomad Visa | ~€2,700/month remote income | Remote only | Beckham Law 24% | Remote workers, freelancers |
| Golden Visa | €1,000,000 financial investment | Yes | Standard or Beckham | HNW investors |
Key Takeaways for 2026
- ❌ Real estate Golden Visa is gone permanently — do not apply
- ✅ Non-Lucrative Visa is the easiest entry if you have passive income
- ✅ Digital Nomad Visa + Beckham Law is exceptional for high-earning remote workers
- ✅ Golden Visa via financial investment remains available for HNW individuals
- ⚠️ Digital Nomad income threshold expected to increase in 2026 — verify before applying
- ⚠️ Always consult a licensed Spanish immigration lawyer before applying