Neither of these routes still exists. Spain abolished its golden visa in 2025 and Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme in 2023. This page exists so the position is clear and you do not plan around figures that no longer apply.
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 ended its golden visa on 3 April 2025. The route had granted residence in return for investments such as property of at least 500,000 euro. New applications are no longer accepted, though files lodged before the closure date continue to be processed and existing holders may renew.
Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme on 15 February 2023, by decision of the Department of Justice. Applications on hand at closure are being handled, but the programme no longer takes new investors.
Both closures reflect a wider European turn against investment migration. The Spanish government linked its golden visa to housing affordability pressures. Ireland cited changed economic circumstances and concerns raised by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and the OECD about security, money laundering and tax.
The direction of travel matters for planning. Routes that look attractive can be withdrawn quickly, so any current programme should be confirmed as open before you commit.
If you were counting on Spain, residence there now requires a different visa category, such as routes based on work, passive income or other grounds, none of which grant residence simply for buying property.
If you were counting on Ireland, there is no direct investment residence route to replace the closed programme. People set on Ireland generally look at employment, business or other immigration permissions instead.
Start from your goal, your nationality and where your family will live, then look only at programmes confirmed open today. Compare them on total cost, presence rules, processing time and whether they can lead to citizenship.
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| Item | Spain, legacy golden visa | Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Closed since 3 April 2025 | Closed since 15 February 2023 |
| Former basis | Investment such as property from 500,000 euro | Approved investment for non European Economic Area nationals |
| New applications | Not accepted | Not accepted |
| Authority position | Programme abolished | Department of Justice no longer accepts applications |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice (Ireland) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. The Spanish golden visa closed on 3 April 2025 and the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme closed on 15 February 2023. Neither accepts new applications.
Both governments said existing applications and approved investors would be handled. Spanish holders may renew under the original conditions, and Ireland said it would process applications on hand. Confirm your own position with the relevant authority.
There is no direct replacement in either country. Spain offers other residence visas based on work or passive income, and Ireland uses standard employment and business permissions. Other countries still run investment routes, which should be confirmed as open before you plan.
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.
This route is reported closed or paused. Do not rely on older figures. Get the current position, and the routes that are still open, before you commit time or money.
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Related programmes and comparisons, each dated and sourced to the official authority.