Introduction: Spain’s Evolving Investment Landscape
In a world defined by economic uncertainty and geopolitical realignment, global investors are shifting strategies. They’re looking for jurisdictions that offer more than just returns — they want stability, transparency, and long-term legal security.
Spain, often celebrated for its Mediterranean lifestyle and cultural richness, is now stepping into the spotlight for another reason: it’s becoming one of the most strategic places to live, invest, and launch global operations.
The termination of Spain’s Golden Visa program in April 2025 initially sent ripples of concern through international investor circles. However, seasoned legal advisors at Vázquez & Barba International Legal Consultants (VBILC) suggest a different narrative is emerging — one that reveals new opportunities for non-EU investors to live and thrive legally in Spain.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Why Spain ended the Golden Visa
- What legal residency options remain for investors and entrepreneurs
- How Spain is re-positioning itself as a strategic global hub
- What sectors are attracting foreign capital
- Why legal advice is now more important than ever
- Explore Portugal’s Golden Visa as an option to obtain EU residency. Read more here: https://vbilc.com/the-gateway-to-europe-portugals-golden-visa/
The End of the Golden Visa: A New Chapter Begins
Why Did Spain Cancel the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa program, which allowed residency for non-EU citizens who invested a minimum of €500,000 in real estate, was officially discontinued in April 2025. The move was largely framed around concerns over housing affordability and speculative investment, especially in high-demand urban areas like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
Yet according to Adriana María Barba, Managing Partner at Váquez & Barba, this is not the end of investor migration to Spain:
“The end of the Golden Visa is not the end of international investment in Spain — quite the opposite. It marks the beginning of smarter, more sustainable pathways for non-EU investors.”
What’s Replacing the Golden Visa?
Rather than shutting the door on foreign investors, Spain is refining its immigration framework. New and updated residency routes are being developed to attract entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, remote workers, and corporate investors — people and entities that contribute value beyond financial capital.
This includes:
- Entrepreneur Visa (Ley de Emprendedores)
- Highly Qualified Professional Visa
- Remote Work/Digital Nomad Visa
- Residency via Corporate Expansion
- Non-Lucrative Residency (NLR) for retirees and lifestyle migrants
These avenues reflect a pivot toward strategic, long-term immigration and investment, rather than short-term real estate speculation.
Legal Residency Options Still Available for Non-EU Citizens
1. The Entrepreneur Visa: Innovation Meets Residency
One of the most compelling alternatives to the Golden Visa is Spain’s Entrepreneur Visa, governed by the Law on Support for Entrepreneurs and Internationalization.
This visa is designed for individuals launching innovative projects with a positive economic impact on Spain. Applicants must present a detailed business plan evaluated by Spain’s commercial office.
Who it’s for:
- Tech founders
- Green energy startups
- Biotech and health innovation
- Cross-border eCommerce entrepreneurs
Benefits:
- Initial residency of 1 year, renewable
- Fast-tracked processing
- Family inclusion
- Path to permanent residency and citizenship
2. Highly Qualified Professional Visa: For Top Talent
Spain is actively recruiting executives, researchers, engineers, and specialists through this streamlined visa, ideal for international companies relocating staff or hiring top-tier talent.
This visa allows foreign workers to legally reside in Spain if they have an employment offer with a salary that meets government-defined thresholds.
3. Digital Nomad Visa: Remote Work Made Legal
Introduced as part of the Startup Law reforms, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers legal residency for remote workers and freelancers employed by non-Spanish companies.
Key Features:
- Live in Spain for up to 5 years
- Pay reduced taxes (IRNR) for 5 years
- Include spouse and dependents
- Apply remotely or in-country
This visa is gaining popularity among investors who manage international portfolios and want lifestyle residency while maintaining global business operations.
4. Non-Lucrative Visa: Lifestyle Residency for Retirees & Passive Income Earners
Although not investment-based, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLR) remains an attractive option for retirees and financially independent individuals who can show sufficient funds without working in Spain.
Requirements include:
- Proof of passive income (pensions, dividends, real estate income, etc.)
- Private health insurance
- Clean criminal record
Spain’s Real Estate Market: Still Ripe for Investment — With Legal Oversight
Despite the Golden Visa’s cancellation, real estate remains one of the strongest pillars of Spain’s investment landscape. According to Manuel Vázquez, Real Estate Specialist at Vázquez & Barba:
“Investors who take the time to understand local frameworks are the ones seeing the best returns.”
Trends in 2025:
- Moderate price growth in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, and Valencia
- Shift toward long-term rentals and build-to-rent projects
- Regulatory tightening on short-term tourist rentals (Airbnb, etc.)
What This Means for Investors:
Real estate is no longer a passive play. Today, legal compliance is your strongest competitive advantage. With increased scrutiny on licenses, zoning, and tenant protections, working with an experienced legal advisor ensures your assets are secure and profitable.
Spain’s Strategic Value: More Than Just Real Estate
A Launchpad to Europe, Latin America & North Africa
Spain’s geographic and cultural positioning makes it an exceptional base for international expansion. As a gateway to:
- The European Union’s 450 million consumers
- Latin America via language, treaties, and trade relationships
- North Africa through strategic maritime routes
This makes Spain a hub for logistics, tech, finance, and manufacturing.
Infrastructure and Talent
Spain offers:
- World-class transport infrastructure
- Thriving tech hubs in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga
- A multilingual, highly educated workforce
- Competitive cost of living and labor compared to Northern Europe
Corporate Investment on the Rise: Legal Structures That Work
More international businesses are choosing Spain as a corporate headquarters, satellite office, or EU launchpad. Thanks to streamlined processes and business-friendly reforms, foreign investors can now:
- Open companies remotely or in-person
- Choose from multiple entity types (SL, SA, branch, rep office)
- Optimize tax exposure with double taxation treaties
- Hire internationally with legal immigration pathways
At Vázquez & Barba, we help clients navigate every stage, from incorporation to labor law compliance to intellectual property protection.
Why Work with Vázquez & Barba?
In this new chapter, compliance is key. Gone are the days of fast-tracked visas and unchecked investment flows. Today’s high-net-worth individuals and international companies need:
- Custom legal strategies
- Transparent tax planning
- Immigration support for families and staff
- Real estate due diligence
- Ongoing regulatory updates
Vázquez & Barba International Legal Consultants (VBILC) has built a reputation for precision, trust, and cross-border expertise.
“We don’t just help clients move to Spain — we help them succeed here,” says Adriana María Barba.
Case Studies: Who’s Investing in Spain Now?
Indian Tech Entrepreneurs
Leveraging Spain’s Entrepreneur Visa to launch AI and SaaS ventures, taking advantage of EU grants and proximity to European customers.
Middle Eastern Families
Acquiring luxury properties in Marbella and Barcelona via family trusts and shifting toward long-term residential leasing models.
Latin American Multinationals
Using Spain as a springboard to the European market, opening subsidiaries under the EU’s single-market benefits.
Key Takeaways: Why Spain Remains a Top Investment Destination
Golden Visa gone, but legal pathways remain robust
Real estate — with proper legal due diligence is a solid investment
Multiple visa options for entrepreneurs, professionals, and remote workers
Corporate-friendly environment with EU access
Legal guidance essential for long-term success
Spain Is Open for Strategic Investors — Are You Ready?
The end of the Golden Visa didn’t close the door on Spain. It opened a new one — one that prioritizes legal compliance, innovation, and value creation.
Whether you’re relocating your family, starting a business, or expanding your portfolio, Spain remains one of the most attractive countries in the world for legal residency, quality of life, and investment.
Ready to move to Spain — legally, securely, and strategically?
Let the experts at Vázquez & Barba International Legal Consultants guide you.
Contact Us
Vázquez & Barba International Legal Consultants (VBILC)
🌐 www.vbilc.com
📧 info@vbilc.com
📞 +34 93 189 1680
