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Madrid HIGRH NEWS; The regulations governing Visa, Residency, and Citizenship in Spain are undergoing a significant transformation aimed at modernizing the administrative system and streamlining procedures for expats and investors. These amendments respond to economic and social changes, as the Spanish government seeks to digitalize all transactions to reduce waiting times and ensure greater transparency in processing applications. Understanding these changes is vital for anyone planning to live or invest in the Spanish Kingdom.
Digitalization of Visa, Residency, and Citizenship in Spain
One of the most prominent features of the change is the launch of a central digital platform that will manage all files related to Visa, Residency, and Citizenship in Spain. This system will allow applicants to upload their documents electronically and track their application status in real-time, reducing the need for in-person appointments at immigration offices (Extranjería). This approach aims to unify standards across different Spanish regions, ensuring no inconsistency in requirements between cities.
Updates to Non-Lucrative Residency and Digital Nomad Visas
The conditions for Visa, Residency, and Citizenship in Spain have seen an update in the minimum income required for the Non-Lucrative Visa. Since financial requirements are linked to the IPREM index, applicants must now prove higher financial solvency to ensure they can support themselves.
Digital Nomad Visa: The conditions have stabilized to become clearer, focusing on proving remote work for companies outside Spain and facilitating residency renewal for up to three years in the first stage.
Changes in the Path to Spanish Citizenship
Regarding the citizenship file, the laws for Visa, Residency, and Citizenship in Spain still grant special facilities to citizens of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea to obtain citizenship after only two years of legal residency. For other nationalities, there is stricter monitoring of “continuity of residence,” where periods of absence from Spanish territory are scrutinized to ensure no interruption in the required time sequence (usually 10 years).
Phasing Out the Golden Visa for Productive Investment
Recent reports confirm that the Spanish government is moving forward with a plan to cancel the “Golden Visa” linked to property purchases exceeding €500,000. This change is part of the reforms to the Visa, Residency, and Citizenship in Spain system to direct foreign investment toward more productive sectors and create real job opportunities, rather than relying on real estate investment which indirectly affected housing prices for citizens and residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I still apply for the Golden Visa through real estate? New laws are moving toward the final closure of this path; it is recommended to look for alternatives such as investor visas in startup projects or public bonds.
2. What is the current minimum income for Non-Lucrative Residency? It requires proving a monthly income approximately equivalent to 400% of the IPREM index for the main applicant, with additional amounts for each dependent.
3. Does digitalization affect the speed of obtaining citizenship? Yes, the new digital platform is expected to accelerate the pace of security screenings and document verification, reducing the waiting period for a final response.
4. How long can I spend outside Spain without losing my residency? Absences should not exceed 6 months within a single year for most types of temporary residency to ensure the ability to renew later.