Since the Golden Visa was abolished in April 2025, buying property grants no residency, so you use one of the standard routes instead. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) suits those living on passive income — roughly 2,400 euros/month of proven means, with no right to work in Spain. The Digital Nomad Visa suits remote workers employed by a non-Spanish company — roughly 2,760–2,850 euros/month of income. Separately, the Beckham Law is a favourable impatriate tax regime (a flat 24% up to 600,000 euros of income). A property purchase can serve as your registered address for the application but no longer creates any right itself. Confirm with a Spanish immigration lawyer.
Non-Lucrative Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is designed for people who can support themselves without working in Spain — retirees, or those living on investments and passive income. The headline requirement is around 2,400 euros/month of proven, stable means (higher with dependants), plus private health cover; critically, it does not permit you to work in Spain. It is the natural route for a buyer who wants to live on the Costa del Sol on non-Spanish income.
The Digital Nomad Visa, created under the 2022 Startups Law, is for remote workers and self-employed people whose clients or employer are outside Spain. It requires higher income — roughly 2,760–2,850 euros/month — but, unlike the NLV, it lets you work remotely while resident. Which one fits depends entirely on whether your income is passive or earned.
The Beckham Law and the role of the property
The Beckham Law (régimen de impatriados) is a tax regime, not a visa: qualifying newcomers can be taxed as non-residents on a flat 24% up to 600,000 euros of income for several years, which can be very favourable for high earners relocating to Spain. It pairs with a work-based residence route rather than replacing the immigration step.
In all cases, owning a Marbella home no longer grants any residence right after the Golden Visa's repeal — but it does give you a registered Spanish address and demonstrates ties, which supports an NLV or Digital Nomad application. Structure the immigration route first, then let the property fit it, and confirm the current income thresholds and paperwork with a Spanish immigration lawyer, as figures are periodically updated.
Sources
Primary and expert sources behind this answer:
- Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores — Spanish visas (Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa) ↗
- BOE — Ley Orgánica 1/2025 (repeal of the Spanish Golden Visa, in force 3 April 2025) ↗
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Spanish property tax, residency and letting rules are complex, regional and change frequently; every figure and rule here must be confirmed with a Spanish abogado (lawyer), a fiscal adviser (asesor fiscal) or a notary for your specific situation before you act.
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