The Spanish government has officially confirmed the end of the Golden Visa real estate investment option, a decision that has reshaped the country’s residency-by-investment landscape. The move follows ongoing debates surrounding property affordability and housing accessibility for local citizens.
Key Details of the Decision
The termination of the real estate investment pathway means that foreign nationals can no longer obtain Spanish residency by purchasing properties valued at €500,000 or more. However, other routes within the Golden Visa framework, such as job-creating business ventures and capital investments, remain active.
This regulatory shift aligns with Spain’s broader housing policy reforms aimed at curbing property price surges caused by international investors, particularly in major cities like Barcelona and Madrid.
Impact on the Market
The end of the real estate option is expected to:
•Reduce competition for residential properties in sought-after areas.
•Shift investor focus toward alternative residency-by-investment programs across Europe.
•Increase demand for commercial and entrepreneurial investment options within Spain’s remaining Golden Visa categories.
European Alternatives to Spain’s Golden Visa
For investors affected by this policy change, other European countries still offer residency-by-investment programs, such as:
•Portugal: Known for its diverse property and fund-based Golden Visa options.
•Greece: Recently extended its own real estate investment deadline, with minimum thresholds starting at €250,000 for select areas.
Spain’s decision to phase out its Golden Visa real estate option marks a significant shift in the European residency landscape. While the program’s removal may cool property markets in urban hotspots, it also presents an opportunity for international investors to explore alternative options within Spain and across the EU.
