As a non-EU citizen, moving to Europe and finding good visas and residency programs can be overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: if you have the funds and the determination, Europe Golden Visas can open the door to permanent residency, and in some cases, even citizenship.
Several countries across the EU continent offer these investment-based visas and residency programs, each with its own benefits.
In this guide, discover in detail the best Golden Visas in Europe to consider. One thing’s for sure, there’s a good option for you here!
Europe Golden Visas – Overview
Before going through the list of European golden visas, let’s look at some quick details, such as what is a Golden Visa, the benefits of getting such a visa, its duration, and more.
But to summarize, these are the top 8 Europe Golden Visa countries:
- Greece
- Hungary
- Spain
- Portugal
- Italy
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Latvia
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program in various European countries. In return for an investment in things such as real estate, government bonds, or local businesses, you get residency rights.
Minimum investment fluctuates by country, and these programs are increasingly common for wealthier people willing to have a bit more freedom on the road or simply take another step towards acquiring citizenship.
Some Europe Golden Visa programs also have tax benefits. Just keep in mind that requirements and qualifying investments could eventually be subject to change.
What are the Benefits of Golden Visas in Europe?
There are many advantages to Golden Visas. Each country issues these residence certificates through investment, so you can live, work, and study in the issuing country, as well as, in most cases, travel visa-free throughout Europe’s Schengen Zone.
This can be a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after some time. Family members often fare equally well, with spouses and children being among the other beneficiaries.
Apart from that, some countries feature tax breaks or other business-friendly conditions, which is great, being in the EU.
How Long Do Europe Golden Visas Last?
The typical residency Golden Visa is for 5 years, but it depends on the country. Almost all programs allow you to renew your visa as long as you abide by the terms of your initial investment and, in some cases, other requirements like minimum stay.
Portugal, for instance, only requires that a person be physically present seven days a year and Greece does not require any minimal stay.
Keep in mind that renewal procedures can be subject to additional charges or current documentation; it pays off to do things early on.
Can You Live in Europe with Golden Visas?
Sure, a Golden Visa will allow you to reside legally in the issuing country. Some programs, such as Portugal (or Malta) do not require you to be present full-time to maintain your status.
Plus, with most Europe Golden Visas, you can travel across the Schengen Zone. However, the rules vary – some countries may require you to spend a certain amount of time within their borders to renew your visa or qualify for permanent residency.
While you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, the standard rule applies that you can stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
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Top 8 European Golden Visas
Now that we’ve covered a brief overview of the European Golden Visas and their benefits, let’s go through the full list of countries that offer one.
Greece
First on this list of Europe Golden Visa countries is Greece.
Greece’s Golden Visa program offers non-EU citizens a pathway to residency through investment. As of September 1, 2024, the program introduced a tiered investment structure:
- €800,000 Investment: Applicable in high-demand areas such as Attica (including Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations of over 3,100 residents. This tier requires the purchase of a single property that is at least 120 square meters.
- €400,000 Investment: Targets all other regions of Greece, offering a more accessible entry point.
- €250,000 Investment: Specialized real estate investment allocated towards the conversion of commercial properties into residential use or the restoration of listed buildings, regardless of location or size.
Besides real estate investments, there are other investment routes available, such as investing in Greek government bonds, fixed-term deposits, the purchase of Greek shares, etc.
The Greek Golden Visa grants a five-year residency permit, which can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained. It also allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. As an investor, you can include family members, including spouses and children under 21, in the application.
The program does not impose strict residency requirements, making it attractive for those seeking flexibility. However, recent changes have increased investment thresholds in certain areas, so make sure to stay informed about the latest regulations.
After maintaining residence for seven years, you may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship.
Hungary
Hungary reintroduced its Golden Visa program, known as the Guest Investor Program (GIP), on July 1, 2024. This initiative allows you to get a 10-year residence permit through one of three investment options:
- €250,000 Investment: In a local real estate investment fund.
- €1,000,000 Donation: To a public trust supporting Hungarian universities and colleges.
You will initially receive a six-month Guest Investor Visa, allowing you to spend 90 out of 180 days in Hungary. Then, within 93 days of entering Hungary, you must fulfill the chosen investment condition.
The program does not require investors to reside in Hungary to maintain their residency status, and the permit can be renewed every ten years, which is a great bonus.
Family members, including spouses, children under 18, and parents over 65, can be included in the application.
A guest investor can become eligible for permanent residence in Hungary by lawfully living there for three years prior to application. You also have the option of applying for Hungarian citizenship after eight years of residence.
Spain
Spain’s Golden Visa program was established in 2013 and allowed non-EU nationals to obtain residency through significant investments, such as purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000.
However, in November 2024, the Spanish Congress approved the elimination of this program, aiming to combat real estate speculation and alleviate housing market pressures in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
This legislative change reflects a broader European trend of reassessing the golden visas due to concerns over housing affordability and security.
The Spain Residence by Investment Program was concluded on 4 April 2025.
If you’re reading this blog post on Europe’s Golden Visas, make sure to apply as soon as possible before the program ends.
Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program has been one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs since its launch in 2012, attracting over 12,000 investors and more than 20,000 accompanying family members.
However, just like in Spain, significant changes have been implemented recently. As of October 2023, real estate investments are no longer eligible for Portugal’s Golden Visa.
The program now focuses on other investments, such as:
- Investment Funds: A minimum of €500,000 in qualifying venture capital or private equity funds in Portugal.
- Business and Job Creation: Establishing a business that creates at least ten jobs for Portuguese citizens.
- Research and Development: Investing €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private entities within Portugal’s national scientific and technological system.
Just like other European golden visas, you must be a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national to apply and maintain your investment for a minimum of five years.
The program requires an average stay of seven days per year in Portugal, which facilitates your pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
This is a more stable program compared to Portugal’s D8 visa for digital nomads, so consider it if you have the funds.
Given the evolving nature of the program, and since the future of Europe Golden Visas isn’t guaranteed in all countries, make sure to check the updates and regulations frequently before applying.
Italy
Italy’s Golden Visa, officially known as the Investor Visa for Italy, offers non-EU nationals a pathway to residency through various investment options:
- Innovative Startups: Invest a minimum of €250,000 in an Italian innovative startup.
- Italian Companies: Invest at least €500,000 in shares of an Italian limited company.
- Government Bonds: Allocate €2,000,000 to Italian government bonds.
- Philanthropic Donation: Contribute €1,000,000 to a project of public interest in areas like culture, education, or scientific research.
There are a few conditions to apply for this European Golden Visa: Applicants must be over 18, have no criminal record, and demonstrate the legality of their investment funds.
The initial visa is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years, provided the investment is maintained.
Citizenship is attainable after ten years. Note that while this is more than other countries like Malta and Hungary, the passport is slightly more powerful based on the Global Passport Index, which is something to look at when considering a second passport.
The program also allows family members, including spouses and dependent children, to obtain residency permits.
Note that as of August 2024, Italy has increased the flat tax for new residents from €100,000 to €200,000 per year on foreign income. This adjustment applies to those who have not been tax residents in Italy for at least nine of the previous ten years.
The regime remains valid for 15 years and can be extended to family members for an additional €25,000 per member.
Despite the increase, Italy’s favorable inheritance tax setup continues to be attractive if you’re in the high tax bracket in your home country.
Malta
Malta’s Golden Visa, officially termed the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), allows you to obtain permanent residency through a combination of property investment and government contributions.
There are two property investment options:
- Property Purchase: Acquire real estate valued at a minimum of €300,000 in the south of Malta or Gozo, or €350,000 in other regions.
- Property Lease: Lease property with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in the south of Malta or Gozo, or €12,000 elsewhere.
In addition to the property investment, you have to make a non-refundable government contribution of €28,000 if purchasing property, or €58,000 if leasing. An additional donation of €2,000 to a Maltese non-governmental organization is also required.
The MPRP allows the inclusion of family members, including spouses, children, parents, and grandparents (provided they are financially dependent on the main applicant).
The program does not impose a minimum stay requirement, which gives much more flexibility to investors. Permanent residency permits are valid indefinitely, subject to maintaining the qualifying investment for at least five years. After maintaining residence for five years, investors may be eligible to apply for Maltese citizenship.
Malta’s strategic location, stable economy, and favorable tax environment make it an attractive destination for investors seeking access to the European Union.
Despite Malta offering a digital nomad visa with no tax, this golden visa is one of the best on this list of Europe’s Golden Visas.
Cyprus
The Cyprus Golden Visa, officially part of the Cyprus Permanent Residence Program (PRP), offers non-EU citizens a chance to secure permanent residency through investment. It’s a popular choice due to its relatively straightforward process and the option to access the broader EU market.
To qualify, you need to invest at least €300,000 in one of the following options:
- Real Estate: Purchase a new property from a developer. Resale properties don’t qualify.
- Business Investment: Invest in a Cypriot company that employs at least five people.
- Investment Funds: Put your money in investment funds or financial assets in Cyprus.
- You’ll also need to prove that you have a stable annual income of at least €50,000 (with bank statements or tax returns).
The visa allows your family members, including your spouse, children under 25, and even dependent parents, to obtain residency. Applicants must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain residency.
Residency is permanent, however, it does not lead to citizenship directly. In fact, after seven years, you can apply for Cypriot citizenship under the naturalization process, provided you meet the criteria.
Latvia
Last but not least for these Europe Golden Visas is Latvia, one of the most affordable options in the EU. It’s ideal for investors looking for a more affordable way to enter the Schengen Zone.
To qualify for a Latvian Golden Visa, you can choose from several investment pathways:
- Real Estate: Purchase property worth at least €250,000 in approved regions. You’ll also need to pay a government fee of 5% of the property’s value.
- Business Investment: Invest €50,000 to €100,000 in a Latvian company, depending on its size and location.
- Government Bonds: Invest €250,000 in interest-free government bonds, plus a €38,000 processing fee.
The visa is valid for five years, but you’ll need to renew it annually by proving that you’ve maintained your investment.
It doesn’t require you to live in Latvia, but spending significant time there can open the door to permanent residency. To obtain Latvian citizenship, you’ll have to renounce your previous citizenship.
Just like other European Golden Visas, family members, including spouses and dependent children, are eligible for residency under the same program.
Becoming a resident doesn’t automatically make you a tax resident unless you spend 183 days or more in the country each year. Latvia offers competitive tax rates, with personal income tax at 20% and corporate tax at 20%, but only on distributed profits.
Golden Visas in Europe – FAQ
Now that we have gone through the top 8 Europe Golden Visa programs, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
What are the Investment Requirements for Golden Visas in Europe?
Investment requirements in these Europe Golden Visa countries vary.
In Portugal, an investment of at least €250,000 in research or €500,000 in capital investment is required. You can qualify for Italy with an investment of €250,000 to start your own business or up to invest from €2,000,000 in Italian state bonds.
Others, such as Malta, also focus on contributions to the government beginning at €600,000.
In most cases, you will be required to keep the investments for a period of typically around five years. They also expect a legal source of income. You need to have a fit between the country you are targeting, your financial capacity, and your goals.
Can You Apply for Citizenship Through a Golden Visa?
Generally, Golden Visas lead to citizenship, however, the timeline and criteria for this also vary in each country.
For instance, Spain and Portugal allow citizenship applications after 10 and 5 years of residency, respectively, while Italy’s path takes at least 10 years.
Malta offers one of the fastest routes, with citizenship possible after 12-36 months, depending on the investment amount.
However, most programs require maintaining the investment and demonstrating ties to the country, like regular visits or integration efforts. Citizenship isn’t automatic; language exams, cultural tests, or other criteria may apply, which is yet another factor to consider.
Are There Any Risks or Downsides to Investing in a Golden Visa?
While Golden Visas can get you a return on investment, they also come with risk. You could experience a loss of your investment as real estate markets in some countries may be volatile.
The initial costs, mandatory government fees, and maintenance will start to add up.
Programs are also often place-based, but residency rules can make it logistically impossible to drop everything for a visit or brief stay. Plus, government policies or world politics can drive changes to your residency or citizenship.
Things can get a bit more complicated, though with respect to the taxation from your home country, as it may tax you on worldwide income even if part of that was made outside its borders, depending on where you newly reside.
How Do You Choose the Best Country For a Golden Visa Investment?
There’s no “best” country for a Golden Visa in Europe, as it depends on personal plans and budget.
Countries like Greece or Latvia may be ideal if you want an affordable option. For tax benefits, consider Cyprus or Malta, which offer attractive schemes.
If EU mobility or a strong passport is your priority, Portugal offers an excellent pathway to citizenship.
Evaluate the program’s stability, residency requirements, and the country’s overall quality of life before making a decision.
Conclusion – Europe Golden Visas
Golden Visas in Europe offer a unique opportunity to secure residency through strategic investments if you’re not an EU citizen.
The best part? There are several options available, which means you’re free to choose the country that has the best conditions and location for you.
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