Europe Golden Visa: Best Countries to Get Residency by Property

Europe golden visa

As more people around the world look for security, mobility, and lifestyle upgrades, Golden Visas have become a popular way to gain legal residency—or even future citizenship—in Europe by making an investment in real estate or other qualifying assets.

Although some European nations have shut down their property-based visa programmes, many still welcome investors with open arms. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the countries where you can still secure a Golden Visa, what it costs, and what benefits it brings.

We’ll also include government links, fresh 2025 updates, and expert insights so you can make an informed decision.

What Is a Golden Visa?

Europe Golden Visa is a type of Residency by Investment (RBI) programme. It allows foreign nationals to gain temporary or permanent residency by making a significant financial investment—most commonly through purchasing property.

While Europe Golden Visa offer residency, they may also lead to citizenship after several years. This is different from Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes, which grant a passport upfront, often in return for a donation or direct investment.

Official EU guidance: Investor Citizenship and Residence Schemes – European Commission

European Countries Offering Golden Visas

1. Greece 

Minimum Investment:

  • €250,000 for property in select areas
  • €400,000 to €800,000 in popular regions like Athens or Thessaloniki

Benefits:

  • Visa-free Schengen access (90/180 rule)
  • No obligation to live in Greece full-time
  • Apply for citizenship after 7 years

Greek Ministry of Migration

2. Malta 

Minimum Investment:

  • Buy property worth €375,000 or rent long-term
  • Government contribution of €30,000

Benefits:

  • Permanent residency for you and your family
  • Live and work in Malta
  • Visa-free Schengen travel

Residency Malta Agency

3. Cyprus 

Minimum Investment:

  • €300,000 in new real estate

Benefits:

  • Immediate permanent residency
  • Fast-track processing
  • Note: Cyprus is not in the Schengen Zone

Civil Registry & Migration Dept.

4. Latvia 

Minimum Investment:

  • €250,000 in real estate
  • Limitations on the number of properties allowed

Benefits:

  • Fast approval (1–3 months)
  • 5-year renewable residency
  • Apply for citizenship after 10 years

Latvian Immigration Office

5. Spain 

Minimum Investment:

  • €500,000 in Spanish property

Benefits:

  • Residency for entire family
  • Schengen visa-free travel
  • No stay requirement for renewal

Note: Spain is phasing out this programme in 2025. Check timelines before applying.

La Moncloa – Spain’s Official Portal

6. Hungary  (New 2024 Relaunch)

Minimum Investment:

  • €250,000 in real estate funds or bonds

Benefits:

  • 10-year residence card
  • Fast-track for permanent residency
  • Schengen access

Hungarian Immigration Office

7. Bulgaria 

Minimum Investment:

  • €512,000 through company shares (can include property projects)

Benefits:

  • Permanent residency within 6 months
  • Tax advantages
  • Citizenship after 5 years

Bulgarian Ministry of Justice

8. Italy 

Minimum Investment:

  • €500,000 in an Italian company
  • €1 million donation to a public-interest project

Benefits:

  • 2-year visa (renewable)
  • Path to long-term EU residency
  • Real estate indirectly possible via company holdings

Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development

9. North Macedonia 

Minimum Investment:

  • €200,000 in real estate or local business

Benefits:

  • Residency within 3 months
  • Lower cost of living
  • Visa-free travel in the Balkans

Ministry of Interior – North Macedonia

10. Turkey 

Minimum Investment:

  • $400,000 in real estate

Benefits:

  • Full citizenship, not just residency
  • Turkish passport issued in 3–6 months
  • 110+ visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries

Turkey Migration Directorate

11. Portugal  (No Longer Property-Based)

Minimum Investment:

  • €250,000 in arts, culture, or research
  • €500,000 in venture capital funds or businesses

Benefits:

  • 5-year renewable visa
  • Schengen access
  • Apply for citizenship after 5 years

Portuguese Immigration Service

Pros and Cons of Golden Visas Europe

Pros:

  • Residency for you and your family
  • Freedom to live and travel in Europe
  • Strong healthcare, education, and lifestyle
  • Possible future citizenship

Cons:

  • High upfront cost
  • Programmes may close or change
  • Not always a fast path to citizenship
  • You must follow tax and compliance laws carefully

 

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