The Spanish Government has recently announced the end of the Golden Visa programme, a scheme that has allowed non-EU nationals, including British citizens, to obtain Spanish residency through investment since 2013. Over the past decade, this visa has been a popular route for those seeking to relocate, retire, or invest in Spain, particularly in real estate, financial assets, and business ventures.
However, while the programme is coming to an end, applications are still being accepted until 2 April 2025. This means that British citizens considering applying for a Golden Visa still have time to do so under the current regulations.
Blog post written by Chamber Member, Klev & Vera Law Firm.
What does this mean for British citizens?
Following Brexit, British nationals are no longer EU citizens and therefore must apply for a visa to reside in Spain for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. The Golden Visa has been one of the most attractive options, as it provides Spanish residency through investment without requiring applicants to spend more than 183 days per year in the country—thus allowing the posibility to maintain the tax residence in the UK.
With the recent changes, the final deadline to apply is 2 April 2025. Those who successfully submit their applications before this date will still be processed under the existing rules. After this deadline, the opportunity to apply for a Golden Visa will no longer be available.
Can I renew my Golden Visa?
For those who already hold a Golden Visa, renewals will only be allowed for investors in real estate. This means that if your visa was granted based on investments in financial assets, company shares, or business projects of general interest, renewal will not be possible. If you are in this situation, we strongly advise consulting an immigration lawyer to explore alternative residency options.
What should I do next?
If you are considering applying for a Golden Visa before the deadline, now is the time to act. The process involves preparing documentation, investment transfers, and legal procedures that require careful planning. Seeking professional legal advice can help ensure a smooth application process within the short remaining timeframe.
This article has been written by Anna Klevtsova, Managing Partner at Klev & Vera International Law Firm. She has more than 20 years of legal practice in International Law, and is a Certified Lawyer with the Bar Association of Barcelona. She holds a LLM in International Law from England, and in Abogacía Internacional from Spain.
