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Yes — absolutely. Non-EU citizens buy property in Sotogrande every year, from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Latin America and beyond.

Purchasing property in Spain remains open to all nationalities with no restrictions. What has changed is the pathway to residency.

Spain’s Golden Visa was launched in 2013 and allowed non-EU nationals to obtain Spanish residency by investing a minimum of €500,000 in real estate.

Between 2013 and 2023, a total of 14,576 visas were granted under the programme. Idealista But as demand surged — rising from 997 visas in 2021 to 3,270 in 2023 Idealista — the Spanish government concluded the scheme was contributing to housing unaffordability for local residents, particularly in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and the Balearic Islands.

In late 2024, the Spanish Congress approved Organic Law 1/2025, which effectively discontinued the Golden Visa programme for all investment categories as of 3 April 2025. Gulf News Applications submitted before that date were honoured. Existing visa holders can continue to renew and retain their benefits, unaffected by the change. Gulf News

The Golden Visa is gone — but there are several excellent alternatives, and for many buyers they are actually a better fit.

Yes — without any restrictions. The abolition of the Golden Visa does not mean the end of foreign property investment in Spain.

It remains perfectly legal for a non-resident to buy property — the purchase simply no longer automatically qualifies for a residence permit. Terreta Spain

You buy the property, then choose the residency route that best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.

There are four main routes, depending on your situation:

The Non-Lucrative Visa — ideal for retirees and those with passive income

This is the most popular alternative for buyers who want to live in Spain without working. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sufficient passive income — as of 2026, approximately €2,400 per month for a single applicant, with additional financial requirements for dependents. Citizen Remote This could be a pension, investment income, rental income or savings.

The Non-Lucrative Visa grants access to the Schengen Zone, the right to live in Spain, and the option of family reunification for financially dependent family members. Global Citizen Solutions After five years you can apply for permanent residency, and after ten years for Spanish citizenship. Crucially, this visa does not permit you to work — including remotely. If you work, the Digital Nomad Visa is the right route.

The Digital Nomad Visa — ideal for remote workers and freelancers

Launched in January 2023 under Spain's Startup Act, the Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live and work in Spain for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency. Citizen Remote

To qualify in 2026, applicants must earn a minimum of approximately €3,000 per month gross — 200% of Spain's current minimum wage — and work for a company or clients based outside Spain. Moving To Spain You must also hold a university degree or have at least three years of professional experience in your field.

The visa also offers a significant tax advantage: eligible applicants can opt for a special tax regime with a reduced rate on Spanish income for the first four years of their stay. Get Golden Visa

The Entrepreneur Visa — ideal for business founders

If you can demonstrate innovation and economic impact — such as job creation — through a business plan, you may be eligible for a three-year Entrepreneur Visa. IAS This is designed for those starting or relocating a business to Spain, and is particularly relevant for buyers who intend to be active in the local or international business community while based in Sotogrande.

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa — ideal for senior professionals

This visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain in specialised, technical or management positions with a Spanish employer. It grants a two-year residence permit that can be renewed, and requires a confirmed job offer. Global Citizen Solutions

Not directly — property ownership no longer grants or accelerates a residency application.

However, owning a home can demonstrate ties to Spain and gives you a place ready to live once your residency is approved.

Many clients buy first and apply for their visa in parallel. We can connect you with trusted independent immigration lawyers who specialise in guiding international buyers through the process.