AXJASKS: Has Spain Become the Country to Move to and Invest In?

Spain has become notably more attractive for relocation and investment in recent years, particularly as a European base for business, real estate, and as a perceived “safe haven.” Results, however, depend heavily on the sector, individual circumstances, and timing.

Investment Attractiveness

Recent data and reports highlight several clear strengths:

• Spain ranks as a top European destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) and real estate. It was named Europe’s leading real estate investment destination in the CBRE European Investor Intentions Survey 2026. Real estate investment volume reached €18.4 billion in 2025 — a 31% year-on-year increase. Madrid and Barcelona feature prominently among the most attractive cities.
• The country remains one of the world’s larger FDI recipients, with thousands of foreign-owned companies and strong U.S. involvement. Key fundamentals include EU market access, a skilled workforce, solid infrastructure, relatively competitive energy costs in certain areas, and a growing ecosystem in technology, renewables, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals.
• Geopolitical tensions elsewhere have drawn luxury property buyers from Poland, the United States, Gulf countries and beyond to Madrid and the Costa del Sol, pushing prices higher in prime and tourist areas.
• Official and business forums (including Invest in Spain summits) continue to position the country as stable, with opportunities in green energy, digital transformation and industry, supported in part by NextGenerationEU funds.

Counterpoints also exist. Some reports note a decline in certain FDI metrics under the current government compared with earlier periods, and productivity challenges remain. Regulatory screening applies to investments in critical sectors. The Golden Visa / investor residency programme was abolished in April 2025. Existing permits can generally be renewed, but new passive investment routes for residency are closed. Alternatives now focus more on entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals, or standard immigration pathways.

Moving and Living in Spain

Spain offers a high quality of life for many — climate, healthcare, culture, and a cost of living that remains competitive relative to some Northern European or U.S. cities (outside the most expensive zones). Recent economic performance has been solid: strong job creation, rising disposable incomes, and improvements in unemployment, poverty and inequality metrics in certain periods. Immigration has also contributed to growth.

Challenges include a significant housing shortage, rising property prices in popular areas, bureaucracy, and marked regional differences in language, cost of living and job markets. Proper visas and work authorisation remain essential for non-EU citizens. Political and social debates around immigration and housing continue.