In one paragraph. The investor-by-investment residency route (formerly known as the investor visa) was wound down in Spain. For readers searching for post-investor-visa options, the active 2026 residency pathways are the Non-Lucrative Visa (passive income), the Digital Nomad Visa (remote workers for non-Spanish employers), and the Beckham-regime tax election for qualifying new residents. This page covers all three side-by-side.
Who reviewed. María Luisa de Castro, Expert in Off-plan Property Investment, over 20 years advising international clients on Spanish residency and related property matters.
Next step. personalised quote, no percentage. Email marialuisa@costaluzlawyers.es for a fixed quote within 24 hours.
Last updated: April 2026.
Direct to the CEO: marialuisa@costaluzlawyers.es · personalised quote · No percentage.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still any investor-visa route into Spanish residency in 2026?
Not through the former investor-by-investment programme. The active 2026 paths for non-EU nationals are the Non-Lucrative Visa (passive-income-based) and the Digital Nomad Visa (remote-work-based). For HNWI investors whose profile previously fit the investor route, the practical replacement is usually NLV plus the Beckham-regime tax election once in Spain.
Which pathway is cheapest overall for a HNWI moving to Spain?
It depends on income mix. Passive-income-heavy HNWI typically qualify for NLV; if they later take qualifying work activity, the Beckham election adds a favourable tax regime for the first 6 years. DNV fits those continuing remote employment. A side-by-side cost + tax model is required per case.
If I already paid a deposit on a Spanish property expecting investor-visa residency, can I still get residency?
Yes — through a different pathway. The property purchase is independent of your visa route; you still proceed with the conveyancing. For residency we assess NLV or DNV fit separately. Costaluz handles both the property legal review and the visa application as a coordinated mandate.
How long does each visa take to process at the consulate in 2026?
NLV: roughly 45-90 days per historical observation. DNV: faster, 2-6 weeks in many consulates. Specific timing depends on the consulate handling your application; we confirm current turnaround before quote.
What does Costaluz charge to handle my 2026 Spanish residency application?
personalised quote per applicant, no percentage. Email marialuisa@costaluzlawyers.es with your citizenship, employment setup, and intended Spanish AC. We reply within 24 hours with a fixed quote.