What changed on 3 April 2025 regarding Spanish investor residence permits?

As of 3 April 2025, new applications for investor residence permits (Golden Visa) under Law 14/2013 are no longer accepted. This date marks the formal closure of new investor visa admissions under the previous framework.

Can existing investor visa holders renew their permits?

Yes, renewal applications for existing investor visa holders remain valid. The closure applies only to new applications; holders with active permits retain the right to renew under the established criteria.

Are applications submitted before 3 April 2025 still being processed?

Applications submitted before the 3 April 2025 deadline continue to be processed according to the existing legal framework. The cutoff date applies to new submissions, not to pre-deadline applications in the queue.

What are the official management criteria issued on 10 June 2025?

The June 2025 criteria clarify which residency situations remain admissible post-closure, including renewals and pre-deadline applications, while defining which new circumstances are now inadmissible. These criteria provide administrative guidance for implementation.

Can international investors still obtain Spanish residence permits through other pathways?

While the investor visa under Law 14/2013 is closed, Spain offers alternative residence permit pathways such as self-employed status, remote worker visas, and other investment-based programs. Alternative routes depend on individual circumstances and current regulations.

Investor Residence Permits Spain

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.

TL;DR
As of 3 April 2025, new investor (Golden Visa) applications under Law 14/2013 are no longer accepted. The Spanish Administration has issued official management criteria (10 June 2025) clarifying which situations remain valid (e.g. renewals, pre-deadline applications) and which are now inadmissible (e.g. new family members, inheritance-based claims, conversion into real estate investments from other categories). If you hold or expected to rely on this permit, understanding these rules is essential for renewal and legal continuity.

What the June 2025 criteria confirm

✅ Visas applied for before 3 April 2025 may still be processed, even if their effectiveness occurs after that date.
✅ Existing residence authorisations remain valid and can continue if they were lawfully granted.
✅ Family members who already hold valid residence after 3 April 2025 keep their permits.
❌ New family applications after 3 April 2025 (e.g. spouse, partner, child born or married later) are inadmissible and must apply under the general immigration regime (RLOEx – RD 1155/2024).
❌ Heirs cannot inherit the residence right, which is considered strictly personal.
❌ Investments made through inheritance or donation after 3 April 2025 cannot justify residence.
❌ Contracts of ‘arras’ (deposit contracts) are not valid evidence of investment, as they are not the final purchase contract and have a waivable nature.
✅ Conversions between non-real estate investment types remain admissible.
✅ Conversions from real estate investment to another eligible investment type are permitted, as long as minimum thresholds are maintained.
❌ Conversions into real estate investment from other categories are no longer accepted.
✅ Renewals are admissible if the original permit met all requirements at the time of issue.
❌ Changes in investment ownership from individuals to legal entities (or vice versa) are not accepted, as residence rights are personal and non-transferable.
✅ Unemployment does not automatically terminate the residence, provided the holder is lawfully receiving unemployment benefits (under general regime criteria).
✅ Part-time work is allowed in the ‘highly qualified’ context, but holders must still meet 100% of the required annual salary threshold.

Quick scenarios under the June 2025 rules

Scenario	Result	Reason
Investor visa filed on 1 April 2025, approved in May 2025	✅ Admissible	Filed before the deadline
Renewal of a residence granted in 2024	✅ Admissible	Renewal accepted if original was valid
Spouse married in June 2025 applying as family member	❌ Inadmissible	Must use general regime (RLOEx)
Child born in July 2025 added as dependent	❌ Inadmissible	Post-deadline family additions excluded
Real estate investment converted to financial assets	✅ Allowed	Conversion permitted
Financial assets converted to real estate after April 2025	❌ Rejected	Real estate investment no longer valid route
Residence claimed via inherited investment in May 2025	❌ Rejected	Investment cannot be inherited for residence purposes

FAQs – Based strictly on the June 2025 criteria

Can I still renew my investor residence?
Yes, if your original authorization was correctly granted and you continue to meet its conditions.

I filed before 3 April 2025. Will my application be accepted?
Yes, even if the visa takes effect afterwards.

Can I bring new family members now?
Not under the investor route. They must apply under the general immigration regime.

Can I transfer the investment after my death so my heir continues with the permit?
No. Rights are strictly personal and cannot be inherited or acquired via donation after 3 April 2025.

Can I change my investment type and still renew?
Yes, if converting from real estate to another category or between non-real estate types. No, if you are trying to convert into real estate post-deadline.

What to do now if you hold or expected to hold this permit

✔ Confirm whether your residence was lawfully granted before the cut-off.
✔ Check whether your renewal remains feasible under the June 2025 criteria.
✔ Avoid ownership changes or conversions that may lead to inadmissibility.
✔ If family members are pending, assess entry through the general regime.
✔ If planning restructuring or alternative residence, seek legal review promptly.

We can help you

We review your current status, confirm renewal eligibility under June 2025 rules, prepare compliant documentation, and advise on next legal options where investor residence is no longer accessible.

Email: web@costaluzlawyers.es · Phone: +34 919 499 342

Author

Reviewed by María de Castro, Abogado no. 2745, Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Cádiz.
Updated: October 2025. Costaluz Lawyers has advised expats and international residents since 2006.

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Legal Notice: The content on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No action should be taken based solely on this content without first seeking independent professional legal counsel. Each case requires individual assessment based on its specific circumstances. CostaLuz Lawyers accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.

Investor Residence Permits in Spain After 3 April 2025: Official June 2025 Criteria Explained