The End of the Spanish ‘Golden Visa’: What Swiss Investors Need to Know Now
The Spanish government has officially ended the popular “Golden Visa” programme. While this news is making headlines worldwide, Swiss citizens are asking: what are the consequences of this for our investment and relocation plans in Spain? On 3 April 2025, the Spanish government abolished the legal basis for the so-called “Golden Visa” (Residency by Investment). Previously, non-EU citizens could obtain a Spanish residence permit through a real estate investment of at least €500,000. The aim of the abolition is to ease the severely strained housing market in Spain’s major cities and coastal regions.
The most important news first: Swiss citizens are not affected
Reports recently caused confusion suggesting that Swiss investors would now also face greater obstacles in Spain. This is legally incorrect. Thanks to the bilateral agreements (Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, AFMP) between Switzerland and the European Union, Swiss nationals enjoy full freedom of movement in Spain.
- No visa requirement: Swiss citizens never needed a Golden Visa in the past, nor do they need an alternative visa today (such as the Digital Nomad Visa or the Visado No Lucrativo) to live, work, or invest in Spain.
- Simple registration: If you plan a stay of more than three months, you simply need to register locally in the central register for EU citizens (Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión). The requirements are straightforward: proof of health insurance and sufficient financial means is all that is needed.
