3 New ways: How to move to Spain in 2025 without the Golden Visa

New days, new ways. Thinking of starting a new life under the Spanish sun? With the Golden Visa officially scrapped in 2025, many would-be expats are left wondering what their options are . But don’t pack away your dreams just yet.

There are still perfectly legal – and surprisingly smart – ways to move to Spain this year. Here are new ways foreigners are doing it without the Golden Visa. The Spanish government has driven the final nail into the coffin of the Golden Visa.



As of April 3, Pedro Sánchez’s administration has officially scrapped the scheme that once allowed non-EU nationals to bag residency by investing €500,000 or more in Spanish property. The reason? Supposedly to stop housing prices from spiralling further out of reach for ordinary Spanish residents. Most Read on Euro Weekly News Is moving to Spain in 2025 still worth it? Here’s what you really need to know Spain brings back €10,000 electric car grants – here’s who qualifies Storm Nuria unleashes fury across Spain: Is your area at risk? But has the government really tackled the root of the problem – or simply thrown a flashy policy on the bonfire while house prices keep going up? Luxury flats in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and the Costa del Sol still fetch eye-watering rents and prices keep going up – Golden Visa or not.

So, is this really about housing, or just another headline-grabbing gesture? Adiós visa, hola loopholes Despite the political posturing, Spain remains the perfect ground for foreign investment. And as any good tax advisor will tell you, when one door closes, another offshore holding company opens. There are still highly effective legal alternatives, like operating through a foreign holding company.

Luxembourg is a favourite – allowing investors to control Spanish property without triggering Spain’s personal income tax (IRPF). Prefer to stay local? Set up a Spanish limited company instead. You’ll pay 25% corporation tax, but enjoy deductible business expenses and avoid the sky-high IRPF rates.

The golden crown: SOCIMIs and silent partners For the high rollers, Spain’s SOCIMIs (REIT-style listed investment vehicles) remain tax heaven: 0% corporate tax 20% rent exemptions 95% reduction on transfer tax (ITP) All perfectly legal – if you’ve got three assets, a €5 million portfolio, and 50 or more investors on board. A niche club, but a lucrative one. Another clever trick? The little-known ETVEs – Spain’s version of offshore holding companies.

Beckham Law still scores You don’t have to launch a company to enjoy tax perks. Moving to Spain as an employee (not self-employed) opens the door to the Beckham Law – a regime that taxes only Spanish income at a flat 24% up to €600,000 . Everything else? Untaxed in Spain.

Perfect for well-paid execs wanting sun with their salary. But there’s a catch: apply within six months of arrival, or you’re out. “Get it wrong and you – and your family – lose the benefit for good.

Where taxes go to die If you do become a tax resident, there’s still hope. Several regions – Madrid, Andalucia, and Galicia – offer juicy deductions and exemptions. Think: 100% wealth tax relief 99% off inheritance and gift tax Up to 20% IRPF deduction for investing in startups or state bonds, thanks to the so-called Mbappé Law .

And if you’re a remote worker, the Digital Nomad Visa may be your golden ticket. All you need is a foreign work contract, stable income, and about €25,000 in the bank. It’s become a quiet backdoor for many eyeing Spain’s lifestyle and tax advantages – without the red tape of traditional residency.

Fun fact: Did you know that Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa doesn’t just let you live by the beach – it can also cut your tax bill in half? As long as you work remotely for a non-Spanish company and have a stable income, you could enjoy the sunny lifestyle and pay just 24% tax on your Spanish earnings for up to 5 years. Sun, sangría, and savings? ¡Sí, por favor! Policy theatrics with little impact? At the end of the day, ditching the Golden Visa might look bold on paper- but it’s unlikely to cool housing markets in high-end postcodes. So while Sánchez may have won a few headlines by axing the scheme, the reality is this: foreign money isn’t leaving Spain – it’s just using different doors.

The winners? Those with smart advisors and deep enough pockets to play the game better than ever. Spain might have slammed the visa shut. But for the savvy investor, the welcome mat is still out – just around the side.

Get more news for people living or thinking about living in Spain . Stay tuned to the Euro Weekly News for the latest Spanish news in English. Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Readers are strongly advised to seek professional advice from a qualified tax advisor or legal expert before making any decisions related to investment, residency, or taxation in Spain..