Spain's immigration changes in 2025 and 2026: what you need to know

Between April 2025 and June 2026 Spain made three major changes to its immigration rules: ending the golden visa, a new immigration regulation, and an extraordinary regularisation. This article summarises them and what they mean for your plans.

1. The end of the golden visa (3 April 2025)

Every residency-by-investment option, including the €500,000 property route, was abolished. Existing holders can renew. Details and alternatives

2. The new immigration regulation (20 May 2025)

• Arraigo after 2 years of presence (instead of 3), with the right to work. Arraigo
• Students work up to 30 hours a week, and permits cover the whole programme. Studying in Spain
• 4-year work permit renewals and 2-year non-lucrative renewals.
• A 5-year permit for families of Spanish citizens, with children up to 26. Family reunification

3. Extraordinary regularisation (16 April – 30 June 2026)

People in Spain before 1 January 2026 with at least 5 months of continuous presence could get a 1-year residence and work permit. The window is now closed.

4. 2026 amounts

• Non-lucrative residence: €2,400 a month (IPREM unchanged at €600)
• Digital nomad: about €2,849 a month (2026 minimum wage)
• Highly qualified and Blue Card: €41,356 a year

Our advice

Spain now offers more flexible routes for people who genuinely want to live there; for investment with minimal presence, compare the Greek or Portuguese golden visas. Portugal vs Spain vs Greece

Based on the texts published in Spain's official gazette (BOE); position as of October 2026.