Spain Golden Visa Alternatives
The Golden Visa in Spain is no longer an option and was fully closed in April 2025 for all investment routes under the Golden visa. You can instead explore the Portugal Golden visa. Alternatively, you can explore Spanish alternatives to the Golden visa, such as the Entrepreneur visa or EU Blue Card.
To discuss your circumstances and find out whether you are eligible for a Spanish visa or for Golden visas or Citizenship by Investment schemes in Europe or around the world, contact our team of expert immigration lawyers online, or call us on +1 844 290 6312.
What is the Spanish Golden Visa Program?
The Spain Golden Visa program was a pathway that closed fully in April 2025. It was intended for non-EU nationals to obtain a visa to reside, work, study, and invest capital into Spain, and also travel freely within the Schengen zone.
Many European countries have had Golden visas or similar types of visa to encourage non-EU nationals to move to their country by making a significant financial contribution into the country’s economy, through the likes of a property investment program or capital investment options.
However, due to certain challenges such as housing shortages and unaffordable homes for local residents, an effort clamp down on potential acts of money laundering, and concerns for national security, Spain, amongst other EU countries have closed their programme.
Our immigration lawyers can discuss the Spanish visas, as well as the Portugal Golden visa, as well as pose alternatives for you.
Alternatives to Spanish Golden Visa from Canada
As the Spain Golden visa ceases to exist, many are looking for alternative options to live and invest in Europe. The alternatives depend on your ultimate motivations.
Direct alternative to the Spanish Golden visa
- If your main aim is to live and invest in Europe, the Portugal Golden visa is the most applicable alternative.
Alternatives to the Spanish Golden visa in Spain
- If you wish to invest in Spain specifically and take on a more “active” business role, the Entrepreneur visa may be the most appropriate option.
- If you plan to live and work in Spain or the EU, the EU Blue Card is a viable option, while the Highly-Qualified Professionals visa presents a similarly-positioned option for skilled workers.
- The Non-Lucrative visa is an option for retirees or those who do not intend to work and instead rely on passive income
- Digital Nomad visas are a good option for global freelancers or sole proprietors to live and do remote work for an overseas employer
How To Apply for a Visa in Spain?
Spanish Embassies and Consulates in Canada
To apply for a Spanish visa as a Canadian citizen, you must apply from Canada and book an appointment at one of the following locations:
Spain Embassy, Ottawa
74, Stanley Avenue
Ottawa, On
K1M 1P4
Spain Consulate General and Promotion Center, Montreal
1200 Avenue Mcgill College,
Suite 2025
Montreal, Qc
H3B 4G7
Spain Consulate General and Promotion Center, Toronto
2 Bloor Street East,
Suite 1201
Toronto On
M4W 1A8
Spain Consulate General, Vancouver
2185 Capilano Road
North Vancouver (B.C.)
British Columbia
V7P 3C1
Spain Consulate General, Winnipeg
788 Coventry Road
Winnipeg, Mb
R3R 1B7
Can I Get Permanent Residency in Spain with the Golden Visa?
The Golden visa is not accepting new applicants, therefore renewal information and the permanent residence pathway only applies to those already on the route.
If you already hold a Golden visa in Spain you will be eligible for Spanish residency after 5 years. When you first obtained a Golden visa, you would’ve been given a temporary residence permit (TIE) which is valid for up to one year. Once this first permit ended, you would have needed to renew your visa and permit valid for up to three years. After this, you are able to renew the permit another year and after 5 years obtain residency in Spain on a permanent basis.
Each time you renew your visa, you will need to demonstrate that you still meet the eligibility criteria for the Golden visa and have maintained your investments.
How Total Law Can Help
Applying for the golden visa is an exciting process for many Canadians who wish to begin a new chapter in Spain, or who wish to participate in and contribute to the Spanish economy.
However, the investor visa is one of the more complicated Spanish visa applications, and it is very difficult to navigate alone, particularly if you intend to bring your family members with you.
That’s why Total Law exists. We have a team of expert immigration lawyers who can guide, support and represent you throughout the process. If you wish to chat to one of our team about your Golden visa application, you can contact us online or call us today on +1 844 290 6312. We are here to help.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
Yes, it has already been cancelled. The Spanish government announced in 2024 that it intends to phase out its Golden visa program with regards to property purchasing and investments. It has since ended with the programme closed in April 2025.