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 +1 844 312 4979.
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.
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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 +1 844 312 4979. We are here to help.
Advice Package
Get clear, expert advice on your visa options, eligibility and application before you commit to applying.
Application Package
Let our immigration lawyers prepare, check and manage your application so you can apply with confidence.
Fast Track Package
Need to apply quickly? Get priority handling by our immigration lawyers from preparation to submission.
Appeal Package
Been refused or received an unfavourable decision? Get expert legal help to challenge it or determine your next step.
The Advice Package
During this Advice Session, an immigration lawyer will assess your circumstances, explain your options and tell you what you need to do to make a strong application.
We review your circumstances, explain the relevant requirements, identify potential problems or refusal risks, and advise you on the evidence and next steps.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will assess your case, prepare your application, check your supporting documents and submit your forms on your behalf.
We check your application for missing information, inconsistencies and potential issues before submission, helping you avoid common mistakes that could affect your case.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package gives your case priority with our immigration lawyers, helping you get your application prepared, checked and submitted as quickly as possible.
Your case receives priority handling, including accelerated document reviews, application preparation, communication with your caseworker and submission support.
The Appeal Package
Our immigration lawyers will review the decision, explain why it was refused and advise on the strongest option available to you, including an appeal, review or fresh application where appropriate.
We will examine the reasons for refusal, identify weaknesses or errors, assess your available options and provide the legal support and representation your case requires.
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.
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