These two routes no longer stand side by side. Spain ended its golden visa in April 2025, while Cyprus continues to offer permanent residence through investment.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Spain's golden visa, created under Law 14/2013, ended on 3 April 2025, so it is no longer a route you can start. Cyprus Permanent Residence, granted by the Civil Registry and Migration Department under the Ministry of Interior, remains open through a property investment combined with proof of secure income from abroad. If you want an open route today, Cyprus is the live option of the two.
Spain introduced its golden visa in 2013 and ended it on 3 April 2025, citing pressure on housing in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Since that date no new application can be submitted. Applications filed before the deadline are processed as normal, and existing holders may renew provided they continue to meet the original conditions. Confirm the position for any existing case with the Spanish authorities.
Spain's former route required a property investment of at least EUR 500,000, which no longer applies because new applications have closed. Cyprus requires a property investment from EUR 300,000 plus VAT, generally in newly built residential property from a developer, with the funds transferred from abroad. Cyprus also requires proof of a secure annual income from abroad, reported at around EUR 50,000 for the main applicant with additions for family members. Add government, legal and professional fees, and confirm every current figure with the authority.
Spain has no current application timeline because the route is closed to new applicants. Cyprus offers a fast track procedure that has typically taken around two to three months from a complete submission, though timing depends on documentation and the authority's workload. Confirm current processing times before you plan.
Both Spain and Cyprus are European Union member states. Spain's golden visa was a residence route, with citizenship generally available after ten years of residence, but the route is closed. Cyprus Permanent Residence is a residence status that does not expire, and it may lead to naturalisation after a qualifying period of lawful residence with further conditions. Neither permanent residence nor a residence permit is a passport on its own. Confirm the current naturalisation rules with the authority.
If you want an open route in the European Union, Cyprus is the live option here, suited to someone who wants a permanent residence status that does not expire and can show secure income from abroad. If you were focused on Spain, the golden visa is closed, so look at Spain's other residence routes or alternatives elsewhere and confirm the rules with a licensed professional.
| Item | Spain legacy golden visa | Cyprus Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Status for new applicants | Closed since 3 April 2025 | Open |
| Outcome | Was a residence permit | Permanent residence that does not expire |
| Headline route | Was property from EUR 500,000, now closed | Property from EUR 300,000 plus VAT, generally from a developer |
| Income requirement | Not applicable, closed | Secure annual income from abroad, around EUR 50,000, confirm current figure |
| Processing | Not applicable | Fast track, around two to three months, confirm current time |
| Official authority | Spanish government | Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Spanish government (programme ended) and the Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. It ended on 3 April 2025. Applications filed before that date continue, and existing holders may renew under the original conditions. Confirm any case with the Spanish authorities.
A property investment from EUR 300,000 plus VAT, funds transferred from abroad, and proof of secure annual income from abroad. Confirm the current amounts and income level with the authority.
No. It is a residence status that does not expire and may lead to naturalisation after a qualifying period of residence with further conditions. Confirm the current rules with the authority.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The rules for this route changed recently. Confirm the current position with current guidance before you act.
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