Visa & Residency — July 2026
After the Golden Visa: Legal Paths for Americans to Live in Spain in 2026
The Golden Visa was abolished on April 3, 2025 (Organic Law 1/2025, BOE-A-2025-76). Americans can no longer obtain Spanish residency by purchasing property. But four clear legal paths remain: the Non-Lucrative Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, the Entrepreneur Visa, and the Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) visa. Here is what each requires in 2026.
The Golden Visa is gone. What replaces it?
On April 3, 2025, the Spanish government abolished the Golden Visa program through Organic Law 1/2025 (BOE-A-2025-76). The law removed the pathway that granted residency to non-EU nationals who invested €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate. For Americans, this means property purchase no longer comes with a visa.
The good news: four alternative visas remain viable for Americans in 2026. Each has clear financial requirements, a defined application process, and a path to permanent residency after five years. The key is choosing the right visa for your income profile and lifestyle.
Four legal paths for Americans in 2026
| Visa | Income requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) | €28,800/year (400% IPREM) | Retirees with passive income |
| Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) | €2,849/month (200% SMI, 14 pays ÷ 12) | Remote workers for non-Spanish employers |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Viable business plan + investment | Founders starting a business in Spain |
| Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) | Job offer from a Spanish company | Executives and skilled professionals |
Sources: exteriores.gob.es, BOE-A-2025-76. Figures as of 2026.
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