Overview
Spain remains open to qualifying entrepreneurs, international teleworkers, highly skilled professionals, researchers and intra-company transferees. The former investor or “golden visa” route was eliminated for new applicants in 2025, so planning should focus on an active, lawful residence basis rather than a passive property purchase.
Entrepreneur residence
For an innovative business activity with special economic interest for Spain.
- No fixed minimum investment or job-creation number
- ENISA evaluates the founder, business plan, financing and added value
- The project requires a favourable entrepreneurial assessment
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International teleworker
For qualifying third-country nationals working remotely for organizations outside Spain.
- Employment or professional-relationship rules differ
- Income, qualifications and company-history evidence applies
- Family members may have connected routes
Highly qualified professional / EU Blue Card
For qualifying managerial or highly skilled roles with a Spanish employer.
- Higher-education qualifications or qualifying experience
- Role and salary thresholds must be met
- The employer and job offer form part of the application
Intra-company transfer and research
For eligible assignments within a corporate group or qualifying research activity.
- Corporate relationship and assignment evidence
- Role, history and host-entity requirements
- EU mobility rules may apply in defined cases
Eligibility considerations
General factors that typically apply to this route:
- Valid travel document and lawful application channel
- Clean criminal record and health-insurance requirements
- Sufficient resources for the applicant and accompanying family
- Program-specific employment, business or professional evidence
- Spanish social-security and tax issues reviewed where relevant
- No reliance on the discontinued new-investor route
Typical process
Stage 1
Identify the active residence category that matches the real activity
Stage 2
Prepare the business, employment or remote-work evidence
Stage 3
Confirm whether application begins through a consulate or from lawful status in Spain
Stage 4
Submit through the responsible authority and pay required fees
Stage 5
Complete identity-card, registration and ongoing compliance steps after approval
A general outline. Actual timing and requirements depend on current official rules and your specific file.
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