The Golden Visa program has long been a gateway for individuals seeking residency in Spain, offering unparalleled benefits such as Spanish residency and access to the Schengen Zone for travel. If you’ve ever dreamed of relocating abroad, Spain’s Golden Visa has likely been on your radar. However, major changes are on the horizon that could significantly impact this popular residency-by-investment program.
Here’s everything you need to know about the suspension of Spain’s Golden Visa program—and what it means for you.
What Is the Golden Visa Program?
For those unfamiliar, residency-by-investment and citizenship-by-investment programs are pathways for individuals to gain residency or citizenship in a country by making qualifying investments. In Spain’s case, this could mean purchasing real estate, investing in government bonds, or funding local businesses.
The Golden Visa program in Spain has been particularly attractive to expats, offering the opportunity to live in this vibrant country while also providing visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone. But all of that is set to change soon.
Gran Vía Madrid, Spain
Spain Votes to Suspend the Golden Visa Program
On December 19, 2024, Spain’s Congress of Deputies voted to suspend the Golden Visa program, citing concerns about housing affordability and the program’s impact on rising property prices. The decision is scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025, leaving potential applicants with a narrow window to take advantage of the current program.
Key Updates and Deadlines
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Grace Period for Applications
If you’re considering applying for a Golden Visa under the current program, you have until March 1, 2025, to complete your investment and submit your application. After this date, the real estate investment route will no longer be an option.
2. Alternative Investment Options
Although the real estate investment route is being discontinued, there are other pathways to secure a Golden Visa, including:
- Investing €1 million in Spanish company shares.
- Investing €2 million in government bonds.
- Starting a business in Spain that creates jobs locally.
These alternatives are expected to remain valid even after the suspension of the real estate-focused Golden Visa program.
3. Application Surge
Since the announcement, there’s been a significant uptick in Golden Visa applications. If you’re serious about applying, it’s important to act quickly to avoid missing the deadline.
Marbella’s coastline, Spain
Don’t Miss Out—The Clock Is Ticking
Since the suspension was announced, there has been a surge in applications. With the March 1, 2025 deadline approaching, the time to act is now. Whether you’re looking to secure residency in Spain or explore alternative options, the window of opportunity is closing fast.
Spain’s decision to suspend the Golden Visa program is a turning point for many aspiring expats, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your relocation plans. With the right information and guidance, you can still achieve your dream of living overseas. Stay informed, act quickly, and embrace the adventure ahead.
Stay Informed: Join the “Abroad in a Year” Masterclass
To keep you informed about other residency and citizenship-by-investment programs available globally, we’re hosting an exclusive “Abroad in a Year” Masterclass. This exclusive session will provide updates on changes to visa programs, including Spain’s Golden Visa, and guide you through your options for relocating abroad, including insider tips, strategies, and resources to help you confidently make your move abroad without the stress and confusion.
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The doors are closing soon for registration, and I don’t want you to miss the chance to make your move abroad while the opportunity is hot.
Ready to make your move? Let’s make it happen together.
