Alternatives to the Golden Residence Permit in Spain 2026

Following the Spanish government's announcement that the Golden Residency Program will be permanently abolished in 2025, many people wishing to reside or invest in Spain are looking for real legal alternatives that will allow them to enter and settle in Spain.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the best residency options—which are among the most prominent alternatives—for anyone interested in Spain’s 2026 Golden Residence Program, whether you’re an investor, a businessperson, a freelancer, or a startup founder.

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Why was the Golden Residency canceled in Spain?
In April 2024, the Spanish government officially announced the discontinuation of the Golden Residency program, which allowed its holder to obtain a residence permit in Spain by purchasing a property worth 500,000 euros. This decision came as part of the country's efforts to curb the inflation in housing prices, which had become evident in major cities and tourist areas such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga (including Marbella).
The program was officially terminated on April 3, 2025, and new applications for golden residency can no longer be submitted, with previously granted residencies remaining valid until their expiration.

• Digital Nomad VisaDigital Nomad Visa):

An ideal option for freelancers or employees of companies outside of Spain. This visa grants a stay of up to 3 years, with the possibility to renew and apply from within Spain or from the consulate in your home country.

Prerequisites:

• A contract of employment or self-employment for an entity outside of Spain.
• A fixed monthly income of at least €2,850 (this amount increases annually in line with Spain's minimum wage).
• University degree or at least 3 years of professional experience.

And one of the advantages of this stay:

•  Allows the inclusion of family members.
• Eligible for long-term residency after 5 years.
• Reduced taxes (depending on your situation).Entrepreneur or Startup Visa (Entrepreneur Visa):

(Startup/Innovative Projects) is the second type so that if you have an innovative project or business idea that can grow, you can apply for the Entrepreneur Visa, which is a real alternative to the Golden Visa especially if you intend to build a business within Spain.

Prerequisites:

• An ENISA-approved business plan.
• Demonstrate economic impact (job creation or digital/scientific activity).
• Application is possible from inside or outside of Spain.

Among the advantages of this residency are that it grants a renewable 3-year residency, allows for family inclusion, and is a clear pathway to permanent residency later on.

• Non-Lucrative Visa (Non-Lucrative Visa):

Non-profit residency (for retirees or passive income earners), a suitable alternative for those who do not want to work in Spain but have a stable source of external income (retirement, investment, rentals...).

Basic conditions:

• Fixed income (about €28,800 per year per person)
• Private health insurance
• No work is allowed during residency

You can only apply through the consulate, and residency is renewed annually and then every two years. After 5 years, long-term residency can be requested.

• Company Formation with Admin Residency (Company Formation with Admin Residency) :

This is a type of residence permit that can be obtained if you set up a company in Spain with the founder as its managing director (Administrador). It is an effective alternative to the Golden Residency, especially after it was canceled.

Who is eligible for this residency?

• Any non-European can:
• Create a legal company in Spain (usually a limited company - SL)
• Physically own or manage this company
• Proof that the company is real and economically active

Basic conditions:

Establishing a company: Register a new company in Spain (usually SL) - you need a NIE number first.

A clear business plan: A compelling business plan must be presented that demonstrates the feasibility of the project.

Sufficient capital is not specified: A minimum of €50,000 in funding is preferred.

Tax and commercial registration: The company must be registered with the Spanish Commercial and Tax Registry (CIF).

Company director residency is applied for from within Spain or from the Spanish consulate in your country, and is usually granted for one year, renewable as long as the company is active.

Company Formation with Admin Residency (Company Formation with Admin Residency):

• Include your spouse and children after your residency has been approved.
• It doesn't require huge capital like the Golden Residency.
• It gives you the right to reside and work in Spain.
• A clear path to permanent residency after 5 years.The cancellation of Spain’s Golden Visa program does not necessarily mean there are no alternatives; on the contrary, the Spanish government is constantly working to provide flexible solutions and alternative options that offer legal and secure opportunities to those wishing to reside or invest in the country. As we’ve outlined in this article, there are several types of residency permits you can apply for to settle in Spain, depending on your personal or professional circumstances. If you have any further questions on this topic, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you overcome any challenges and provide step-by-step support—just message us, and we’ll be there for you in seconds. Are you interested in Golden Visa programs in Europe in general? Don’t miss our article on The Golden Visa in Greece and How to Obtain It...you might find the perfect option there.