Editorial transparency and use of artificial intelligence
This article forms part of the CostaLuz Lawyers blog and is published for general informational and educational purposes only. It was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and, before publication, was substantively reviewed and editorially approved by Maria de Castro, a Spanish-qualified lawyer registered with the Cádiz Bar Association under number 2745, founder of CostaLuz Lawyers and the person responsible for the editorial review of the published content.
This article does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, employment, estate-planning or investment advice and does not replace an individual assessment and the professional work of the appropriate CostaLuz Lawyers specialist. No action or omission should be based solely on this information.
In one paragraph. The investor-by-investment residency route (formerly known as the investor visa) was wound down in Spain. For non-EU investors + HNWI previously considering residency-by-investment, 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.