Does buying a house in Spain grant residency?
Year after year, Spain attracts thousands of foreigners. Some of them simply want to visit the country for a few weeks, while others wish to settle down and start a new life in a new country.
Does buying a home in Spain grant residency? Since 2013, Spain has been operating a residency-by-investment program to encourage foreign investment and boost economic prosperity. The shortanswer is : No, buying a home in Spain no longer automatically grants residency. This was previously possible through the “Golden Visa” program (by purchasing a property worth 500,000 euros or more), but this program was officially discontinued in April 2025. There are still other legal alternatives for residency, which we explain in detail below.
Important Update: Spain officially announced the cancellation of the Golden Visa program through real estate investment on April 3, 2025. For a detailed explanation of all the alternatives available today (non-profit visa, remote work, entrepreneurship), read our comprehensive guide: [Will Buying Property in Marbella Grant Spanish Residency in 2026? ←
Permanent residency and Spanish citizenship.
After five years of living in Spain, investors can apply for permanent residency. Citizenship in Spain can be obtained after ten years (to qualify, applicants must have resided in the country for at least 6 months each year). Once applicants obtain permanent residency or citizenship, investment is no longer required. The Spanish visa application process is quick and straightforward.
Here are some common questions about buying a house in Spain and obtaining residency through it.
What are the requirements for a Spanish residence permit?
- You must be over 18 years old.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have a valid health insurance policy, whether public or private.
- All foreign documents must be legalized and legally translated into Spanish.
- You must have sufficient funds to stay in Spain.
How much does it cost to apply for a residence permit?
Legal costs are usually around €9,000 for a family of four on initial application and €2,500 per renewal.
How long can you stay in Spain if you own real estate?
If you own property in Spain, you are entitled to stay for 90 days in a 180-day period without applying for a residence permit or visa.
Are there requirements to buy a house in Spain?
YesIn order to buy real estate in Spain. Any foreigner wishing to buy real estate in Spain must must obtain a number (NIE) NIE number. which is the number that is unique to each individual It is necessary for all transactions in Spain, as this number appears in all government transactions and documents.
What taxes do I have to pay when I buy a house?
As is the case with any real estate investor in any country, there are taxes, but they vary from country to country. According to the website myspanishresidency , all property owners in Spain, regardless of the type of property, are required to pay three different taxes annually. Resident property owners are subject to income tax—including capital gains tax—and property tax (IBI), while non-resident property owners in Spain are also subject to income tax, including capital gains tax, property tax (IBI), and the additional property tax for non-residents.
HOW MUCH IS THE NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY TAX IN SPAIN (IBI)?
Non-resident property tax in Spain (IBI) ranges from 0.405% to 1.166% of the cadastral value of the property depending on the province.
Is buying a house as an investment in Spain a good idea?
The Spanish real estate market has diversified significantly in recent years… Buying real estate in Spain is currently considered an excellent investment thanks to the market’s recovery and continued strong foreign demand, even after the Golden Visa program was discontinued.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home in Spain and Residency
Does buying a home in Spain grant residency?
Previously, it was possible to obtain a Golden Visa by purchasing a property worth 500,000 euros or more. However, this program was discontinued in April 2025. Currently, you can still obtain residency in Spain by
Other alternatives, such as a visa for financially well-off individuals or starting a business.
What happens if I buy a house in Spain?
Owning property in Spain grants you the right to reside
for 90 days every 180 days without a visa.
For permanent residency, you need a separate residence permit
based on your financial or employment status.
What are the requirements for buying a home in Spain?
You will need: an NIE number (foreigners’ tax ID),
a Spanish bank account, a notarized purchase contract,
and to pay property transfer taxes ranging from 6% to 10%.
How much do I need to invest in Spain to obtain residency?
Following the cancellation of the Golden Visa program,
obtaining residency through financial investment
requires a minimum monthly income of €2,400
per month for the Financial Contributor Visa.
Can I live in Spain on $4,000 a month?
Yes, $4,000 a month is enough to live comfortably
in most Spanish cities. In Marbella specifically
This amount covers rent, living expenses, and entertainment
at a good standard of living, especially outside of luxury areas.
How do you obtain permanent residency in Spain?
To obtain permanent residency, you need to have
legally resided in Spain for 5 consecutive years.
After that, you can apply for permanent residency,
and after 10 years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
If you are looking for an opportunity to invest or buy a great apartment to live in Spain, Maxisthomes offers you the perfect opportunity to discover a variety of available real estate in Marbella and take advantage of the special attraction. For more information, please leave your question here And contact our team via WhatsApp on the following link https://wa.me/message/747GSLD5K2SPC1
📌After the cancellation of Spain's golden residency program, the search for strong European alternatives has become even more important. Check out our article on Greece's program:
Golden Residency in Greece - the best alternative after the cancellation of Spain's program
