A clear guide to buying property in Sotogrande as a non-EU citizen — and the residency options available in 2026, now that the Golden Visa has ended.
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
Take independent legal and immigration advice before you buy — not after. The right visa route depends entirely on your personal circumstances: income sources, family situation, nationality, and how you intend to use your Sotogrande property.
It depends on the visa. Under the Non-Lucrative Visa, staying in Spain for at least 183 days per year is a mandatory requirement for renewal under regulations in force since May 2025. My Spain Visa The Digital Nomad Visa has similar residency requirements if you wish to maintain tax residency in Spain.
This guide reflects visa regulations as of March 2026. Immigration rules change — always seek current independent legal advice before making any application.
DISCLAIMER The information contained in this guide is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects our understanding of Spanish immigration and visa regulations as of March 2026. Immigration law is subject to frequent change — rules, thresholds, and eligibility criteria may have been updated since this guide was published. This content does not constitute legal, immigration or financial advice. BM Sotogrande is a real estate agency and is not qualified to provide immigration or legal counsel. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified, independent immigration lawyer and tax advisor before making any visa application or property purchase decision. BM Sotogrande accepts no liability for decisions made in reliance on the information contained in this guide.
Visa routes depend on your personal circumstances. We can introduce trusted independent immigration lawyers and tax advisors so you get the right advice before you buy.