How Long Can a Property Owner Stay in Spain — Rules and Key Details
Find out how long a property owner can stay in Spain, the rules for EU and non-EU citizens, and important details about residency when owning real estate.
Spain attracts many people not only with its sun and sea but also with the opportunity to buy an apartment or a house here. However, owning property is just the first step. The important question is: how long can you truly enjoy this wonderful place and stay in the country if you’re not an EU citizen?
For Europeans, it’s simple — they can live and enjoy life without restrictions, as they are free to come and stay in Spain for as long as they wish. But for non-EU property owners, the rules are stricter. Having the keys to your apartment alone doesn’t give you a magic ticket for long-term residence — without an additional visa or residence permit, you can only stay for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
In this article, we’ll explain how residence rules work in Spain for property owners, what differences there are depending on your nationality, and which options exist for those who would like to stay longer.
For Europeans, it’s simple — they can live and enjoy life without restrictions, as they are free to come and stay in Spain for as long as they wish. But for non-EU property owners, the rules are stricter. Having the keys to your apartment alone doesn’t give you a magic ticket for long-term residence — without an additional visa or residence permit, you can only stay for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
In this article, we’ll explain how residence rules work in Spain for property owners, what differences there are depending on your nationality, and which options exist for those who would like to stay longer.
- A Brief Overview of Residency in Spain for Property Owners
Many people believe that buying property in Spain automatically gives them the right to live there long-term. In reality, property ownership by itself does not extend the period of lawful stay. Foreigners without a visa or residence permit are allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To remain longer, you need to apply for a visa or a residence permit.
Differences Between EU Citizens and Non-Europeans
EU citizens can live and move freely in Spain without time restrictions — for them, property ownership mainly helps with registration and access to various services.
For non-EU citizens, the limit without a visa is the same 90 days in every six months, regardless of property ownership. To stay longer, they must apply for a visa or residence permit. Spain’s Golden Visa program (residency by investment) was officially closed in April 2025, and it can no longer be used to obtain long-term residence.
So, for non-Europeans, the right to long-term residence in Spain does not directly depend on owning property — without additional documents, their stay is restricted to short visits only.
For non-EU citizens, the limit without a visa is the same 90 days in every six months, regardless of property ownership. To stay longer, they must apply for a visa or residence permit. Spain’s Golden Visa program (residency by investment) was officially closed in April 2025, and it can no longer be used to obtain long-term residence.
So, for non-Europeans, the right to long-term residence in Spain does not directly depend on owning property — without additional documents, their stay is restricted to short visits only.
Visas and Residence Options for Property Owners
If you own property in Spain, you’ve probably heard about the popular “Golden Visa.” While this program was abolished in 2025, there’s no need to be discouraged — there are still other residence options available that allow you to live in and fully enjoy Spain.
So, for non-Europeans, the right to long-term residence in Spain does not directly depend on property ownership — without additional documents, their stay is limited to short visits.
2. Visas and Residence Permits for Property Owners
If you own property in Spain, you’ve probably heard of the well-known “Golden Visa.” In 2025, this program was abolished, but there is no need to worry — there are other types of residence permits (residencia) that allow you to live in and enjoy Spain.
Temporary Residence Permit
Let’s take a closer look at the options currently available for property owners.
Non-Lucrative Residence Permit (Residencia Temporal no Lucrativa)
Requirements:
- Property in Spain (preferably owned or a long-term rental).
- Proof of stable passive income of at least €2,400 per month (e.g., rental income, dividends, or savings).
- Bank account showing at least €28,800, plus an additional €7,200 per family member.
- Valid medical insurance covering your stay in Spain.
- Criminal record clearance from your country of residence.
- A commitment to reside in Spain for at least 183 days per year; otherwise, renewal may be denied.
Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements:
- Housing in Spain (either owned or a long-term rental).
- Proof of remote work for a foreign company with a monthly income of at least €2,762 (about 200% of Spain’s minimum wage).
- Employment contract with a foreign company valid for at least 3 months, as well as at least 3 years of proven work experience.
- Medical insurance covering your stay in Spain.
- Clean criminal record.
Family Reunification Residence
Requirements:
- Proof of family relationship with a residence or permanent residence permit holder in Spain (e.g., spouse, children).
- Documents confirming cohabitation (if necessary).
- Sufficient income of the sponsor to support the family.
- Medical insurance for all family members.
Student Residence Permit
Requirements:
- Proof of enrollment in a Spanish educational institution.
- Financial means of at least €750 per month to cover living expenses.
- Valid medical insurance.
- Documents confirming accommodation in Spain.
For property owners in Spain, the most logical and accessible option remains the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit, where you can use rental income from your real estate to meet the requirements. This residence permit does not require employment and allows for comfortable living with the added benefit of traveling across Europe.
If you work remotely, consider applying for a Digital Nomad Visa. And for family reunification or studying, there are special options available.
3. Advantages and Limitations of Owning Property in Spain from a Residency Perspective
- Freedom of movement within the Schengen Zone. Holders of a Spanish residence permit, even a temporary one, can freely travel across all Schengen countries without needing additional visas. This is a significant advantage for those who value mobility and want to use Spain as a base for traveling throughout Europe.
- Taxation rules and tax residency. Simply owning property in Spain does not automatically make you a tax resident. Tax residency applies if you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, or if your main economic interests are based in the country. This is essential to keep in mind when planning your tax obligations correctly.
- Impact of extended absence on residence status. While the minimum stay requirements in Spain are more flexible for some types of residence permits, prolonged absence from the country can still affect renewal or the possibility of converting a temporary residence permit into permanent residency. Property owners should carefully monitor their periods of stay and comply with the conditions of their specific residence type in order to maintain their status and enjoy all the benefits of residency.
The Impact of Residency Requirements on Different Types of Residence Permits in Spain: Examples and Features in 2025
The Impact of Residency Requirements on Different Types of Residence Permits in Spain: Examples and Features in 2025
For the Digital Nomad Visa in 2025, the “183 days” rule has been relaxed, and strict compliance is not required. For the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit and Family Reunification, it is advisable to live in Spain more extensively, particularly if planning to obtain permanent residency. The higher the residency status (temporary → permanent), the stricter the residency requirements become.
Conclusion
In 2025, property owners in Spain have several options for legal residency, even after the cancellation of the so-called “Golden Visa.” Depending on the type of residence permit chosen, the requirements for time spent in the country may vary: for Digital Nomads, the 183-day residency rule has become more flexible, while for the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit and Family Reunification it is recommended to spend more time in Spain — especially if you plan to obtain Permanent Residency in the future.
It is advisable to plan your stay in advance, taking into account the requirements of your specific residence type, to avoid losing your status or facing renewal issues. It’s also important to maintain a complete set of documents: proof of property ownership or long-term rental, evidence of stable legal income or savings, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Professional guidance from Virto Property can help you choose the most suitable residence permit type and correctly prepare the required documents, ensuring comfortable and legal living in Spain with maximum freedom of movement across Europe.
It is advisable to plan your stay in advance, taking into account the requirements of your specific residence type, to avoid losing your status or facing renewal issues. It’s also important to maintain a complete set of documents: proof of property ownership or long-term rental, evidence of stable legal income or savings, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Professional guidance from Virto Property can help you choose the most suitable residence permit type and correctly prepare the required documents, ensuring comfortable and legal living in Spain with maximum freedom of movement across Europe.
Thank you for your attention! For more information please contact the managers of our agency. It is our pleasure to assist you on a way to your dream!
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