A common question for those dreaming of a life in Spain is whether purchasing property there automatically grants residency rights. Following significant recent changes, the answer is now clearer: No, simply buying a house in Spain does not automatically grant you residency, regardless of its value.
This marks a major shift from the situation that existed for several years under Spain’s “Golden Visa” program. Here’s what you need to know as of April 2025:
The End of Residency Through Property Purchase (Golden Visa Change)
- What Was Possible: From 2013 until recently, Spain offered a specific pathway to residency through its Golden Visa program. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens could obtain a residency permit if they invested at least €500,000 (excluding taxes and loans) in Spanish real estate.
- What Changed: In April 2024, the Spanish government announced plans to abolish this real estate investment option for the Golden Visa. This policy change, aimed at curbing property speculation and improving housing affordability for locals, has effectively closed this specific route.
- Current Status (April 2025): The pathway to obtain residency solely based on purchasing property (the €500k+ Golden Visa route) is no longer available for new applicants. Buying a house, even an expensive one, does not qualify you for residency under this now-defunct scheme.
Does Owning Property Help with Other Spanish Visas?
While buying a house doesn’t grant residency on its own, owning property can be a supporting factor for certain other types of Spanish residency visas, although it’s never the main qualifying criterion:
- Non-Lucrative Visa: This visa is for individuals who can financially support themselves (and dependents) in Spain without working. You need to prove substantial passive income or savings.
- How Property Helps: Owning a property can demonstrate you have suitable accommodation arranged in Spain, which is a requirement. However, it does not replace the need to prove sufficient financial means – the core requirement of this visa. The value of the property is irrelevant here.
- Other Visas (Work, Student, Digital Nomad, etc.): These visas have specific requirements related to employment contracts, enrollment in studies, or meeting remote work income thresholds. Owning property is generally not a direct requirement or significant factor for eligibility for these visas, although having a stable address is always necessary once residency is granted.
Key Distinction: Property Ownership vs. Residency Rights
It’s crucial to understand the difference:
- Property Ownership: Buying a house in Spain grants you ownership rights according to Spanish property law. You can use it, rent it out (following regulations), and sell it. Non-residents can legally buy property in Spain.
- Residency Rights: This refers to the legal permission granted by the Spanish government for a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen to live in Spain for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period. This requires obtaining a specific visa or residence permit based on criteria unrelated to simply owning property (e.g., financial self-sufficiency, employment, study, family ties).
How Can Non-EU Citizens Get Residency Then?
If you want to live in Spain long-term, you need to qualify for and apply for a specific visa/residence permit before you move (or sometimes after arrival, depending on the visa type). Common options include:
- Non-Lucrative Visa: For retirees or those with sufficient passive income/savings.
- Work Visa: Requires a job offer from a Spanish employer.
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers meeting specific income requirements.
- Student Visa: For enrollment in recognised educational institutions.
- Family Reunification Visa: For joining eligible family members already residing legally in Spain.
- Other Investment Visas (Non-Real Estate): As mentioned previously, high-value capital transfers (e.g., €1M+ in deposits/shares, €2M+ in bonds) or significant business projects might still technically be routes under the Golden Visa umbrella, but require extreme caution and verification due to the recent political shift.
Following the abolition of the real estate investment option under the Golden Visa program, buying a house in Spain no longer grants residency. While property ownership can be a helpful supporting element for certain applications like the Non-Lucrative Visa (by proving accommodation), it does not fulfill the primary requirements for any Spanish residency permit on its own.
If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen aiming to live in Spain, you must research and qualify for a specific visa category based on your circumstances (e.g., income, work, study) and successfully navigate the application process. Consulting with a Spanish immigration lawyer is highly recommended to understand the current requirements and best options for your situation.
