Matthew RileyNo Matthew I do not have a golden bloody visa. I arrived here in 1975, before most of the people who dreamt all this up were even born . How nice it is to write that, almost makes me feel like a local.

tranq tranquerYou must not have a Golden Visa. This Yank is thrilled with the program. Make sure you have a responsible attorney and beat the deadline. You might even beat the new 100% tax law for foreigners and pay the formerly, seemingly outrageous 8% sales tax on properties purchased for 500€ or less. Current sales tax rates gradually rise from there. You’ll need to prove up cash in bank for living expenses, as well. Stressful? Absolutely. Being handed a tarjeta de residencia? Priceless.

Richard PearsonI suspected you were probably already bankrupt. But ok, they can't squeeze the penalties and back taxes out of you, but can take whatever you have, and deport you back to benefits street and force you to get a council house and live on benefits. You know, like bloody foreigners do.

The Golden Visa does not end till 31st April for final applications.

I never want to see the words Golden Visa in a headline ever again.

Morgan Williams“bankrupting those without much money” and penalties as well. Is that at all possible ? Seems like an oxymoron to me. I furnished my flat and I’m not a criminal. That’s what my Mum says, and I believe her.

CompoMoving anywhere abroad is never a doddle, unless of course you just fly in and never leave, like many do. But that comes with the (increasing) risk of getting caught, and the penalties can be very expensive and harrowing. Possibly bankrupting for those without much money in the first place. So it's better to just take the legal route. But yes, it's pretty much as laid out here. If you can support yourself and aren't a criminal (and can furnish solid proof of that), you can stay. But it's always been that way. Here or elsewhere.

Marvin Le MartianI suspect most who want to try and take advantage are existing home owners that want to get around the 90 day rule. So less an increase in ‘rich retirees’ but more an opportunity for existing visitors to spend more and boost the economy. There are also other schemes for skilled workers.

It’s not a new way as you say, but I thought it was more restrictive than this article suggests. The only difference, if the article is correct, between this and the golden visa is that it you don’t have to own a property in Mallorca (or if you do the value doesn’t matter) but you do have to have a certain level of income from home or cash in the bank. Is that correct?

Why are you promoting this like some sort of agency? Does this island really need more rich retirees? I thought we needed more skilled workers. Ah, but the pay is pants so they go elsewhere, like your article about the nautical sector identifies.