Spain Home Ownership FAQ: Residency, Visas, Long-Term Stays

Can you get residency in Spain if you buy property?No. With the termination of the Golden Visa program, acquiring Spanish residency directly through property ownership is no longer possible.
EU citizens seeking long-term residency may simply register with local authorities within 90 days of entering Spain.
Non-EU citizens, however, may choose from a range of residency permits. The Non-Lucrative Visa, for example, enables applicants and their families to reside in Spain by demonstrating financial self-sufficiency. Meanwhile, the Digital Nomad Visa is suitable for freelancers or remote employees working for non-Spanish companies. Finally, the Employment Visa and Family Reunification Visa are also among the easiest pathways if you meet the requirements.
You can apply for permanent residency after completing 5 years of lawful residence under any visa category, which brings similar rights to citizenship, including visa-free travel to 132 countries.

How long can I stay in Spain as a property owner?Without an additional residency permit, property owners may stay in Spain as tourists for up to 90 days within every 180-day period. If you want to stay in Spain for longer than this period, you need to apply for one of the residency visas mentioned above.

How many years to get permanent residency in Spain?To qualify for permanent residency, you must have resided in Spain as a tax resident for 5 consecutive years (a minimum of 183 days per year). Upon completing this period, you may apply for a permanent residence permit. This is also the most common route toward Spanish citizenship.

When do you become a tax resident in Spain?Tax residency is a key criterion for permanent residency and citizenship applications. You must live at least 183 days in Spain to be a tax resident. If you choose to do so, you must declare your income and fulfill your tax obligations.

Can I get citizenship if I buy a house in Spain?You cannot directly buy real estate in Spain and get citizenship, but that doesn’t mean citizenship is out of your reach.
1. You must first obtain a valid residency permit. Listing your own property as your primary address may support your application.
2. After 5 years of living in Spain, you may apply for permanent residency.
3. After 10 years of total residence, you may apply for Spanish citizenship, which requires passing a Spanish language examination.

How long can I stay in Spain if I own a property but do not have residency?Without a residency permit, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within every 180 days under a standard tourist visa. Longer stays require an appropriate residency permit.

Is there a specific visa available for property owners in Spain?Not anymore. The Golden Visa, Spain’s property investment visa, was a popular method to buy a property in Spain and get permanent residency. However, the program ended in April 2025, and homeowners need to choose from other residency visa options like Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Employment Visa, and apply for permanent residency after 5 years of stay.

Can I buy property in Spain without being a resident?Yes. Non-residents may purchase property in Spain by obtaining an NIE number and opening a Spanish bank account. Working with a professional real estate agency and taking legal support is highly recommended for an error-free process. You can refer to our property-buying guide for a step-by-step overview.