On April 3, 2025, the investor residence category established by Law 14/2013—commonly known as the “Golden Visa”—was officially cancelled. This measure, included in the Final Provision 21 of the Ley Orgánica 1/2025, de 2 de enero, de medidas en materia de eficiencia del Servicio Público de Justicia, has created considerable uncertainty for those who were already holding or applying for residence under this scheme.
To clarify the legal situation, Spain’s General Directorate for Migration Management has issued a note outlining the new criteria that will now apply. The main points are as follows:
- Residence permits may still be granted to applicants whose visa was issued before April 3, even if it takes effect at a later date.
- Renewals will be accepted, provided that the initial residence authorization was lawfully granted.
- Family members who already hold a valid residence permit may keep it, but new applications based on family ties will no longer be accepted.
- Preliminary purchase agreements (contratos de arras), inheritance-based transfers, and conversions to real estate investment after the cutoff date will not be accepted.
- Transfers of ownership between individuals and legal entities are not valid, as the residence right is strictly personal and non-transferable.
This official interpretation marks a significant shift in Spain’s model for attracting foreign investment, favoring now the general regime set out in the new Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024).
You can access the full text of the criteria published by the General Directorate for Migration Management here:
⏺️ Do you currently hold a Golden Visa or are you in the process of renewing it?
At ARC Legal, we will analyze your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the available alternatives under the general immigration framework. Get in touch with our team to secure your residence in Spain with full legal guarantees.
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Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: ¿Tienes una Golden Visa? Esto es lo que debes saber tras su derogación
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations in Spain are subject to frequent legal and administrative changes. ARC Legal makes every effort to keep information up to date and verified against official sources, but we always recommend consulting with a qualified professional before initiating any procedure or making legal decisions. If you need personalized assistance, feel free to contact our team.