Immigration

Immigration

Latest Immigration news and updates about Spain

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Spain's Golden Visa Program Nears Its End: What Expats Need to Know

In a significant development that will impact many expats and foreign investors in Spain, the country's Golden Visa program is on the verge of being abolished. Here’s a detailed look at the recent events and what this means for those affected.

The Legislative Journey

The Golden Visa program, which allowed non-EU nationals to obtain residency in Spain in exchange for significant investments, such as purchasing property worth €500,000 or more, has been a contentious issue. In April 2024, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to terminate the program, citing concerns that it was inflating property prices and potentially enabling foreign criminal activity[5].

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immigration

Expats in Spain: Understanding Recent Changes in Residency Programs

As the expat community in Spain navigates the complexities of residency and investment programs, a significant development has emerged that could impact many foreign residents. Here’s a detailed look at the recent changes and what they mean for you.

The End of the Golden Visa Program

One of the most notable changes is the impending end of the Golden Visa program, a popular pathway for non-EU investors to gain residency in Spain. This program, which has been in place for several years, allowed foreign investors to obtain residency by investing at least €500,000 in Spanish real estate. However, as of April 2025, this program will officially come to a close[4][5].

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immigration

Significant Changes in Spanish Immigration Policies: What Expats Need to Know

As of 2025, Spain has introduced a series of significant updates to its immigration policies, which are set to impact both current and prospective expats. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key changes and how they might affect you.

End of the Golden Visa Program

One of the most notable changes is the abolition of the Golden Visa program, which has been a popular route for non-EU nationals to gain residency in Spain through property investment. The program, launched in 2013, allowed investors to obtain residency by investing at least €500,000 in Spanish property. However, due to concerns that this program has contributed to rising housing costs, the Spanish government has decided to end it. The last date for submitting new Golden Visa applications is April 3, 2025. Existing visas can still be renewed, but no new applications will be accepted after this date[2][4].

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immigration

Significant Updates to Spanish Immigration Policies for 2025: What Expats Need to Know

As Spain continues to evolve its immigration policies, several key changes are set to impact expats and foreign nationals residing in or planning to move to the country. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the updates and their implications.

Faster Processing for Residency Applications

In a bid to streamline the immigration process, the Spanish government has committed to reducing the processing times for residency applications. Specifically, applications under the arraigo (Spanish roots) and family reunification programs will now be resolved within 3-6 months, a significant improvement from previous delays. The digitalization of procedures is a key factor, with more applications able to be completed online, including uploading documents, paying fees, and tracking application statuses through Spain’s new unified immigration portal[1].

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immigration

Trump Administration Moves to End Deportation Protections for Hundreds of Thousands of Venezuelans

In a significant and contentious move, the Trump administration has decided to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 348,000 Venezuelans living in the United States. This decision, announced on February 3, 2025, by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is part of President Donald Trump's broader crackdown on immigration and humanitarian programs.

Impact on Venezuelan Migrants

The TPS program, which was extended by the Biden administration, provided crucial protection against deportation and allowed Venezuelans to work legally in the U.S. However, with this new decision, these protections will expire in April 2025, leaving many Venezuelans facing the prospect of deportation back to their home country.

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immigration

Spain's Golden Visa Program to End: What Expats Need to Know

In a significant development that will impact many expats and investors, Spain's Golden Visa program, a highly popular residency-by-investment scheme, is set to be discontinued as of April 3, 2025. This decision, announced by the Spanish government, aims to address housing affordability concerns and mitigate real estate market pressures.

History and Impact of the Golden Visa

Introduced in 2013, the Golden Visa program was designed to attract foreign investment, particularly in real estate. It allowed non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals to obtain residency in Spain by making a significant financial investment. The most common route involved investing a minimum of €500,000 in Spanish real estate, free of any mortgage or financing. Other options included capital investments of at least €1 million in Spanish businesses or bank deposits, or €2 million in government bonds.

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