Spanish Visas & Residency
A practical introduction to the main visa and residency routes for international buyers planning to spend more time in Spain.
Living in Spain
Plan Your Stay Before You Buy
Buying a property in Spain does not automatically give a non-EU buyer the right to live in Spain permanently. Property ownership and residency permission are separate issues, so it is important to understand your visa position before making long-term plans.
For many Costa del Sol buyers, the question is not simply whether they can buy a home, but how long they can stay, whether they can work, how tax residence may be affected and which visa or residency route fits their lifestyle.
This guide gives a practical overview of the main routes often discussed by international buyers, including non-lucrative residence, digital nomad arrangements, EU/EEA rights, family circumstances and the end of Spain’s property-linked golden visa route.
At a Glance
Common Visa & Residency Questions
Can I Buy Without Residency?
Yes. Foreign buyers can generally buy property in Spain without being Spanish residents, but buying does not automatically grant residency rights.
How Long Can I Stay?
Many non-EU visitors are limited by Schengen short-stay rules unless they obtain a suitable visa or residence authorisation.
Do I Need an NIE?
Most property buyers need an NIE number for the purchase process, even if they are not applying for residency.
Read NIE Guide →Can I Work Remotely?
Spain has a route for international teleworkers, often called the digital nomad visa, but eligibility depends on your work, income and documents.
Can I Retire in Spain?
Some buyers explore the non-lucrative residence visa, which is commonly used by people with sufficient passive income or savings who do not plan to work in Spain.
Does Property Investment Qualify?
Spain’s investor or golden visa route linked to property investment was abolished from 3 April 2025, so buyers should not rely on outdated information.
Important Advice
Get Immigration and Tax Advice Early
Visa and residency rules can affect how you use your Spanish property, how long you can stay, whether you can work, whether family members can join you and whether you become tax resident in Spain.
Before buying with the intention of relocating, retiring, working remotely or spending extended periods on the Costa del Sol, speak to a qualified immigration lawyer and, where relevant, a tax adviser.
This page is for general information only. It should not be treated as immigration, legal, tax or financial advice.
Main Routes
Spanish Visa & Residency Routes to Explore
1. Short stays for non-EU visitorsMany non-EU citizens can visit Spain for short periods under Schengen visitor rules. This may suit holiday-home owners who only plan to use their property for limited stays, but it may not be enough for those planning to live in Spain for longer periods.
2. Non-lucrative residence visaThis route is often considered by retirees or financially independent buyers who have sufficient income or savings and do not plan to work in Spain. Applicants usually need to show financial means, private health insurance and supporting documentation.
3. Digital nomad / international teleworker routeThis route may be relevant for buyers who work remotely for clients or employers outside Spain. Eligibility depends on the nature of the work, the relationship with the employer or clients, income, qualifications and other supporting evidence.
4. EU, EEA and Swiss citizensEU, EEA and Swiss citizens have different rights from non-EU citizens, but may still need to complete registration formalities if they plan to live in Spain. Family members may also need specific documentation depending on nationality and circumstances.
5. Family and other residence routesSome buyers may have family links, employment plans, business reasons or other circumstances that create a different route. These should be reviewed individually with an immigration specialist.
6. Property-linked golden visa routeSpain’s golden visa route linked to significant investment, including qualifying property investment, was abolished from 3 April 2025. Buyers should therefore seek current advice rather than relying on older articles or sales material.
Non-Lucrative Residence
For Retirees and Financially Independent Buyers
Who It May Suit
This route may suit buyers who want to live in Spain without working, such as retirees or those with sufficient passive income, savings or pension income.
Financial Means
Applicants normally need to show sufficient funds or regular income. Official consular guidance commonly refers to 400% of IPREM for the main applicant, plus additional amounts for family members.
No Work in Spain
The non-lucrative route is not designed for working in Spain. If you plan to work, run a business or work remotely, seek advice on a more suitable route.
Remote Work
Digital Nomad and International Teleworker Route
Spain’s international teleworker route may be relevant for non-EU buyers who want to live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients outside Spain.
Applicants usually need to show evidence of their professional or employment relationship, the ability to work remotely, income, qualifications or experience, health insurance and other supporting documents. The exact evidence depends on whether the applicant is employed or self-employed.
If you are buying a property because you plan to work remotely from the Costa del Sol, speak to an immigration lawyer before relying on this route.
Important Update
Spain’s Property Golden Visa Has Ended
What Changed?
Spain abolished the investor visa route from 3 April 2025. Older information about obtaining Spanish residency by buying property worth €500,000 or more may now be outdated.
Can You Still Buy?
Yes. Foreign buyers can still buy property in Spain, but property ownership alone should not be treated as a residency solution.
What Should Buyers Do?
If your aim is to spend extended time in Spain, ask an immigration specialist which route fits your income, work position, nationality and family circumstances.
Property Planning
How Residency Plans Affect Your Property Search
Holiday home useIf you only plan to visit for holidays, your search may focus on lock-up-and-leave convenience, airport access, community maintenance, rental rules and easy year-round services.
Longer seasonal staysIf you plan to spend longer periods in Spain, consider walkability, healthcare access, supermarkets, community life, winter comfort, heating, parking and broadband.
Full relocationIf you plan to move permanently, the right property choice may depend on schools, commuting, healthcare, residency paperwork, tax residence, pets, storage and day-to-day services.
Remote workingIf you will work from Spain, look closely at office space, internet quality, noise, year-round comfort and whether the visa route allows the work pattern you have in mind.
Retirement planningIf you are retiring to Spain, think beyond views and terraces. Healthcare, transport, community fees, stairs, lift access, winter sun and proximity to services can matter just as much.
Before You Buy
Questions to Ask Before Making Long-Term Plans
How Long Will You Stay?
Clarify whether the property is for holidays, seasonal living, remote work, retirement or permanent relocation.
Can You Work?
Do not assume a residence route allows employment, self-employment or remote work. Check the rules before planning around it.
Will You Become Tax Resident?
Spending more time in Spain can affect tax residence. Take specialist tax advice before changing your living pattern.
Will Family Join You?
Family members may need their own documentation, and financial thresholds or evidence can change when dependants are included.
Do You Need Health Insurance?
Many residence applications require suitable health insurance. The policy type and provider requirements should be checked carefully.
Is the Property Suitable?
A perfect holiday home is not always a perfect relocation home. Match the property to the lifestyle your visa route makes possible.
Planning Ahead?
Match Your Property Search to Your Spanish Lifestyle
Tell us how you plan to use your Costa del Sol property. We can help you focus on areas and homes that fit your likely lifestyle, while your lawyer or immigration adviser confirms the correct visa and residency position.
Send Us Your Property Brief →Questions
Spanish Visas & Residency FAQs
Does buying property in Spain give me residency?No. Buying property does not automatically give a non-EU buyer the right to live in Spain. Property ownership and residency permission are separate issues.
Has the Spanish golden visa ended?Yes. Spain abolished the investor visa route from 3 April 2025, including the property-linked route that was often described as the golden visa.
What visa is suitable for retirees?Some retirees explore the non-lucrative residence visa, but eligibility depends on income, savings, health insurance, documents and personal circumstances.
Can I work remotely from Spain?Possibly, but you should take specialist advice. Spain has a route for international teleworkers, but it has specific requirements and does not suit every remote worker.
Do EU citizens need a visa to live in Spain?EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have different rights from non-EU citizens, but they may still need to complete registration formalities if living in Spain.
Can Holiday Homes Spain advise on visas?We can help you think about how your intended lifestyle affects your property search, but visa, residency and tax advice should come from qualified professionals.
Useful Next Steps
Continue Your Buying Journey
Buying Property in Spain
Understand the buying process, practical stages, legal checks and how to prepare before viewing seriously.
View Buying Guide →NIE Number
Learn why foreign buyers usually need an NIE number and why it is better to organise it early.
Read NIE Guide →Purchase Costs & Taxes
Understand ITP, IVA, AJD, notary, registry, legal fees and buyer budgeting in Andalucía.
View Purchase Costs →Still planning your move?
Download our free Costa del Sol Buyer Guide →