In early 2025, a statement by the Spanish government shook up a lot of people interested inimmigrantsEurope's investor-golden visa policy may be coming to an end. The 'fast track', which has attracted a large number of non-EU investors, particularly high net worth individuals from China, the Middle East and Russia, is now being revisited and tightened. So.Spain property immigrationHow will it change next? Is there still an opportunity for the average family to enter Spain? This post will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the latest developments and advice on how to deal with the Spanish Golden Visa policy in 2025.

The past and present of the Golden Visa: why does it attract so many people?

The Golden Visa was first introduced by Spain in 2013 to attract foreign capital into the country's economic system. As long as you buy a property worth more than 500,000 euros in Spain, you can apply for residency without having to work, and you can even apply for permanent residency after five years. Compared with traditional immigration methods, this "investment for identity" mode of low threshold, fast process, and become the first choice of many families seeking "spare tire status" or for the preparation of children's education.

By the end of 2023, more than 10,000 Chinese applicants have been granted residency in Spain through the Golden Visa, and the property market has benefited greatly as a result, particularly in popular cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Valencia, where demand from foreign investors has pushed up local prices.

Why is the Golden Visa "on the rocks"?

While the Golden Visa has brought in a lot of foreign investment, it has also brought in a series of side effects:

1. rapid rise in house prices, exacerbating the difficulties of local young people in purchasing a home;

2. Over-tourism of cities, a decline in the long-term resident population and a decline in the vitality of the community;

3. The problem of "paper migration"Some investors do not live in the country for a long time and only hold a residence card.

As a result, countries such as Portugal and Ireland have been calling off similar programs since 2023. The Spanish government has also formally proposed to end the Golden Visa program in mid-2024 for similar reasons - to prevent the negative impact of "capital-driven immigration" on the quality of life in the country.

The proposal is currently (May 2025) under preliminary consideration by the Spanish Parliament and a more definitive legislative decision is expected before the end of 2025.

New Trends in Homebuyer Immigration in 2025: Policies are "Closed", but not "Sealed"

If the Golden Visa is canceled, does it mean that the purchase of housing immigration is completely hopeless? In fact, it does not.

Here are a few avenues that may replace the Golden Visa or be a transition program:

1. Non-Industrial Entitlement (NIE) + Home Purchase Combo

Foreigners can still legally buy Spanish property despite the Golden Visa facing abolition. By applying for aNon-Profit Residence Visa(No need to work, but need to provide sufficient assets and income), combined with real estate investment, is expected to achieve a balance of "life + investment". Although the residency requirements are higher, this approach is more in line with the logic of "real life" immigration.

2. Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Officially introduced in Spain from 2023digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to stay legally in Spain, has a low threshold for Internet workers, freelancers, and remote entrepreneurs. While not equivalent toinvestment immigrationBut if the goal is a change in lifestyle, it's not a bad compromise.

3. Family reunification, children's education oriented migration paths

For some families, instead of pursuing the "Golden Gateway", it is better to choose a pragmatic way - for example, letting the children study in international schools or universities on student visas, and then the parents applying for accompanying visas, and then slowly switching to permanent residence after their stay has stabilized.

Advice on how to deal with the situation: what you can do after the cancellation of the Golden Visa?

1. Families interested in purchasing a home act earlyThe policy will be implemented as soon as possible. There is still a window period before the official landing of the policy, if you have completed the home purchase inspection and financial arrangements, you can submit an application as soon as possible to lock the current policy dividends.

2. Adjustment of mindset from "identity change" to "real life" planning. The Golden Visa, as a special regime, is an exception in itself. The policy change is essentially a desire to attract people who are genuinely interested in living in Spain for a long time and integrating into the local community.

   

3. Pay attention to official notices, do not blindly follow the wind investmentAvoid false information such as "hearings" and "referrals". Avoid misinformation such as "heard" and "proxy referrals".Immigration to SpainLa Moncloa or the Embassy in China.

4. Seek professional advice from formal sourcesLegal immigration is a long-term planning process. Legal immigration is a long-term plan, and different family backgrounds and financial structures lend themselves to different paths, so it may be worthwhile to find a reputable international immigration lawyer or immigration consultant to do a personalized assessment.

put at the end

Spain Golden VisaThe destiny of Spain is changing, but this does not mean that you have lost all opportunities to move to Spain. 2025 will be a critical period for the transition of policies, and the trend of "from capital migration to migration for life" is already very clear. For families who really want to integrate into European life, enjoy the Mediterranean sun, and plan for better educational resources for their children, Spain is still a destination worth considering.