A European Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain legal residency in European Union countries through qualifying investments. These programs typically require investments ranging from €250,000 to €2,000,000 depending on the country and investment type. Golden Visa holders can live, work, study in their chosen country and travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area.

The main European countries offering Golden Visa programs in 2025 include:

• Portugal: €250,000-€500,000 (funds, cultural heritage)
• Greece: €400,000-€800,000 (real estate)
• Italy: €250,000-€2,000,000 (startups, business, bonds)
• Hungary: €250,000-€1,000,000 (funds, property)
• Malta: €300,000+ (real estate)
• Cyprus: €300,000+ (real estate, business)

Note: Spain's program ended in April 2025.

Minimum investment amounts vary significantly by country and investment type:

Yes, most European Golden Visa programs provide a pathway to citizenship after maintaining residency for a specified period:

• Portugal: 5 years (fastest path to EU citizenship)
• Malta: 5 years (with English-speaking advantage)
• Cyprus & Greece: 7 years
• Italy: 10 years

Residency requirements vary significantly by country, making some programs very flexible:

These flexible requirements make Golden Visas attractive for investors who don't want to relocate permanently but want the security of European residency.

Yes, all European Golden Visa programs allow family inclusion with comprehensive coverage:

European Golden Visa programs offer diverse investment options to suit different investor preferences:

Important: The investment must be maintained for the duration of the residency permit, typically 5-7 years.

Processing times vary by country and current application volumes:

Benefits include: visa-free travel throughout the 27-country Schengen Area, right to live and work in the country of residence, access to high-quality healthcare and education systems, potential tax advantages, pathway to EU citizenship, inclusion of family members, and enhanced global mobility. Golden Visa holders also gain access to European business opportunities and can benefit from political and economic stability.

Yes, investments must meet specific criteria: funds must be legally obtained with proper documentation, investments typically cannot be financed through loans, some countries restrict real estate locations (Greece has different thresholds for high-demand areas), and the investment must be maintained for the entire residency period. Each country has detailed guidelines on qualifying investments and approval processes.

Selling your qualifying investment before meeting the minimum holding period typically results in loss of residency status. Most programs require maintaining the investment for 5-7 years or until citizenship is obtained. However, some programs allow reinvestment in qualifying alternatives. It's crucial to understand the specific requirements of your chosen program before making investment decisions.

Most Golden Visa programs do not require language skills for the initial residency permit. However, basic language proficiency (usually A2 level) is typically required when applying for citizenship after the residency period. Portugal requires A2 Portuguese for citizenship, while countries like Malta and Cyprus conduct procedures in English, making them attractive for English-speaking applicants.

A Golden Visa residency permit allows you to live and work in the country that issued it, not throughout the entire EU. However, you can travel freely for business or tourism throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To work in other EU countries, you would need to apply for work permits or establish residency in those countries.

Tax implications vary by country and individual circumstances. Some countries offer favorable tax regimes for new residents (Portugal's NHR program, Malta's tax advantages). Generally, you may become tax resident if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country. Many Golden Visa holders benefit from EU tax treaties and can optimize their tax situation. Professional tax advice is essential to understand obligations in both your home country and new residence.

Additional costs typically include: government application fees (€5,000-€15,000), due diligence fees (€5,000-€10,000 per applicant), legal fees (€10,000-€25,000), translation and documentation costs (€2,000-€5,000), and ongoing renewal fees. Total additional costs usually range from €25,000-€60,000 for a family application, varying by country and complexity.