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A European residence permit is not just a document that grants the right to live in another country. It is a key to freedom of movement, new opportunities for business and investments, access to quality education, and reliable healthcare. In today’s world, full of uncertainty, a residence permit becomes a guarantee of stability and significantly expands the rights of its holder.
There are many ways to legalize your stay in Europe—finding a job, enrolling in a university, or obtaining a digital nomad visa. However, the Golden Visa remains one of the fastest, most reliable, and most effective options. It allows you to obtain a residence permit in a European country in exchange for investments in the economy or real estate.
What Are the Advantages of Golden Visas?
Interest in investment immigration is growing every day. Golden Visas attract those who seek new opportunities and greater freedom thanks to their unique advantages over other types of residency.
Simple Participation Conditions
The main advantage of these programmes is their clear requirements. Unlike other types of residence permits, Golden Visas do not require permanent residence in the country. The minimum stay requirements are so lenient that they can be considered symbolic — if you do not plan to apply for citizenship. There is no need to drastically change your life and relocate permanently.
Tax Options
Another advantage is new possibilities in taxation. Golden Visa holders can decide for themselves whether to become tax residents of the country or not. If relocation is not planned, changing tax residency is not mandatory. If you decide to settle in the new country, you can take advantage of existing beneficial tax programmes and preferential conditions.
Stability of Status
A Golden Visa is easy to renew and can only be canceled in cases of serious legal violations or fraudulent activity. Other types of residence permits may simply not be extended, even if all rules are followed.
Investment Returns
Many investor programmes offer the possibility of generating income. Purchasing real estate or investing in funds can provide passive income that is legal and transparent. In many cases, the investments can be recovered by selling the assets after the required holding period.
Family Opportunities
Golden Visas allow you to obtain residency not only for yourself but also for family members—spouses, children, and often the parents of both spouses.
Additional Benefits
In addition to the main advantages, Golden Visa holders receive:
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Access to international banks.
- Opportunities to relocate a business.
- Access to European education and quality healthcare.
- The chance to obtain EU citizenship if certain conditions are met.
- Life in a European country with high living standards and safety.
- A reliable backup plan in case of unforeseen circumstances.
A Golden Visa is a tool for freedom of movement, capital protection, and risk reduction. The choice of a specific programme depends on your goals and resources.
Available Residence programmes in Europe
As of today, several investment residency programmemes are available. Each programme has its own specifics, requirements, and advantages, allowing you to choose the best solution for your goals and budget.
Greece
The Greek Golden Visa is one of the most popular in Europe due to its affordability and straightforward requirements. The programme continues to attract investors with high returns and broad status opportunities.
In 2024, a record number of residence permits were issued—more than 18,000. According to the Migration Service, almost 80% of applications were related to initial permits, while the remaining 20% were for renewals.
Real estate prices in Greece continue to rise steadily, with a similar trend in the rental market. According to the Bank of Greece, in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, the annual increase was 6.6% nationwide, with the highest growth in Athens and Thessaloniki.
programme Requirements
As of September 1, 2024, the Greek Government increased the minimum investment thresholds, dividing the country into two zones:
- Zone 1 (from €800,000):
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- Athens and all of Attica.
- Thessaloniki.
- Crete, Mykonos, Santorini.
- Cities and islands with populations over 3,100.
- Zone 2 (from €400,000):
- All other regions.
Property requirements:
- Only 1 real estate property, directly from a developer.
- Minimum size of 120 sq.m.
- Short-term rentals prohibited.
Preferential Threshold of €250,000
The minimum threshold remains at €250,000 for properties that:
- Are converted from commercial to residential use (warehouses, factories, offices, etc.).
- Require renovation (old buildings in need of repair). The investor must complete the renovation within 5 years—a mandatory condition for renewal.
The renovation option is especially popular in Athens and its suburbs, where there is plenty of real estate eligible for the Golden Visa at the lowest investment amount.
Status Conditions:
- Residence permit valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Processing time: 3-6 months.
- The application can include spouses, children under 21, and parents.
- Permanent residence in the country is not required.
- Citizenship possible after 7 years, subject to residence requirements and passing exams on language, traditions, and laws.
H3: Portugal
Obtaining an investment residence permit in Portugal takes 1-1.5 years. However, the Portuguese Golden Visa is worth the wait—it is one of the fastest ways to gain European citizenship.
programme Advantages:
- Short timeframe—you can apply for a passport after 5 years of residency.
- Waiting time counts—the period between application and issuance is included. For example, if you wait 1.5 years, you can apply for citizenship in 3.5 years.
- Flexible residence requirements—no strict rules on continuous stay. Experts advise spending 2-3 months in the country before applying.
- Simple language test—level A2 Portuguese is required.
programme Conditions
- Minimum residence requirement: 14 days every 2 years (if not seeking citizenship).
- Eligible family members: spouse, children, parents.
Applicant requirements:
- Age 18+.
- No criminal record.
- Proof of lawful source of funds.
Investment Options:
- From €500,000 — funds: purchase of shares in venture or investment funds, 6-year holding period.
- From €500,000 — business: investment in a Portuguese company’s capital and creation of 5 jobs.
- From €250,000 — donations: non-refundable contribution to research projects or cultural heritage funds.
Funds option is the most optimal:
- Placement in assets of successful international companies.
- Stable return of about 8% annually for 6 years.
- Capital returned after 6 years without losing residency status.
Cyprus
Cyprus is not yet part of the Schengen Zone, though the government aims to join in the near future. For now, a Schengen visa is required to travel within the area. The minimum investment is €300,000 + VAT.
programme Conditions
Real estate requirements:
- One or several properties allowed.
- Must be new, purchased directly from a developer.
- Secondary market properties not eligible.
- Properties can be rented out (4-6% yield) or used for personal residence.
Permanent residency requirements:
- Proof of stable income.
- Visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years for one day.
- Employment not allowed (own business permitted).
Permanent residence can be obtained for the investor and family members. Processing takes about 6 months.
A preferential Non-Domicile regime is available for new tax residents of Cyprus. This helps to optimise taxation and reduce costs. You can become a tax resident within 60 days.
Citizenship is possible after 8 years with permanent residence, subject to residence requirements and language proficiency.
Hungary
Hungary’s investment residency programme has been active since late 2024 and involves a two-step process: first, obtaining a long-term visa for relocation, followed by fulfilling investment obligations.
programme Advantages:
- Ability to conduct business.
- Opening of bank accounts.
- Visa-free Schengen travel.
- Citizenship possible after 8 years, subject to language exam and integration.
Investment Options
- From $1,000,000 — non-refundable donation to a Hungarian university.
- From €250,000 — contribution to real estate funds (SPRINT and Gránit Fund Management).
The residence permit is issued for 10 years for the investor and family, renewable for another 10 years with maintained investments. No minimum residence requirements — investors can live anywhere in the world.
Choosing European Residency
A residence permit in Europe is an opportunity to live in a country with a stable economy and reliable political system. It serves as a safety net in times of change and offers the chance to obtain European citizenship in the future.
Greece, Portugal and Cyprus remain among the most popular destinations for obtaining European residency through investment, but we also recommend considering programmes in Italy, Monaco and Malta — the right investment residency strategy will lay a solid foundation for a successful European future.