If you’re looking to invest in Europe, there are a number of countries that offer Golden Visas. These visas provide investors with a fast track to residency and citizenship. With a Golden Visa, you can live, work, and travel freely throughout the European Union.
Not sure which country is right for you? We’ve put together a list of some of the best options for Golden Visas.
European Countries That Offer Golden Visas
The European Union is home to some of the world’s most stable and prosperous countries. If you’re looking for a safe investment, these countries offer a variety of options for Golden Visas.
The countries that currently offer Golden Visas include Portugal, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Malta, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland.
Portugal
The Portuguese Golden Visa program is one of the most popular in Europe. Being a Portuguese Golden Visa holder gives you access to Portugal’s healthcare system and allows you to live and work in the country. You can also travel freely throughout the Schengen Area.
To qualify for a Portuguese Golden Visa, you must make an investment of at least €250,000 in their culture, economy, or scientific research or €500,000 in real estate. Investing in Portugal not only gives you residency but also a path to Portuguese citizenship. After five years of living in Portugal, you can apply for naturalization.
Investment options:
- A real estate investment of at least €500,000
- A Capital transfer of at least €1 million
- An investment of a minimum €500,000 in a startup or venture capital fund
- The creation of at least 10 jobs
- An investment of at least €350,000 in scientific or technological research
- A minimum investment of €250,000 in culture, arts, or heritage conservation
Benefit:
- Within 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You don’t even need to live in Portugal to qualify.
- Free movement within the Schengen Area
- Renewal of visa only requires 1 to 2 weeks of physical presence in Portugal every year.
- One of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe starting at €250,000
Spain
Spain’s Golden Visa program offers residence permits to non-EU citizens who make a significant investment in the country. With a Golden Visa, you can live and work in Spain and travel freely throughout the Schengen Area.
To qualify for a Spanish Golden Visa, you must make an investment of at least €2 million in Spanish government bonds or €1 million in business investments. You will also need to show proof of financial solvency and have health insurance.
Investment options:
- A real estate investment of at least €500,000
- A minimum investment of €2 million in Spanish government bonds
- An investment of a minimum €1 million in shares of a Spanish company
Benefit:
- Permanent residence in Spain in 5 years should you decide to live there
- Free movement within the Schengen Area for you and your family
- The option to apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years
- No minimum stay requirements
Greece
Greece is another great option for Golden Visas. Their Golden Visa program offers many benefits that make it an attractive choice for investors. With a relatively low investment threshold of €250,000, the Greek Golden Visa is one of the most accessible in Europe.
To qualify for a Greek Golden Visa, you must make an investment of at least €250,000 in real estate or €400,000 in government bonds. You will also need to show proof of financial solvency and have health insurance.
Investment options:
- A real estate investment of at least €500,000
- An investment of a minimum €800,000 in corporate or Greek government bonds
- A €400,000 deposit in a Greek bank
- Investment of €400,000 in a Greek company or real estate development
Benefit:
- Permanent residence in Greece in 5 years should you decide to live there
- Free movement within the Schengen Area for you and your family
- Greek education and healthcare benefits for you and your family
- The option to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years
- You can rent out the properties you invest in and receive income from them
- No minimum stay requirements
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the world’s most stable and prosperous countries, making it a desirable destination for investors. Switzerland’s Golden Visa program offers many benefits, including access to the country’s world-class education and healthcare system.
To qualify for a Swiss Golden Visa, you must form a company in Switzerland that creates jobs or pay a lump sum tax of CHF 200,000 to the canton in which you plan to reside. You will also need to show proof of financial solvency and have health insurance.
Investment options:
- Pay a lump sum tax of CHF 200,000 to CHF 600,000 to the canton in which you plan to reside
- Form a company in Switzerland that creates jobs for Swiss citizens
Benefit:
- You can live, study, and work in Switzerland
- Free movement within the Schengen Area for you and your family
- Access to Switzerland’s world-class education and healthcare system
- The option to apply for Swiss citizenship after 12 years
Austria
Austria is a beautiful country with a rich culture and many benefits, including access to the country’s world-class education and healthcare system. Their Golden Visa program is one of the most generous in Europe, offering a fast track to citizenship.
The country, however, has a steeper investment requirement of €3 million.
Investment options:
- An investment of at least €3 million in an Austrian Development fund
- Business investment of at least €10 million
Benefit:
- You get to live in one of the safest countries in the world
- Free movement within the Schengen Area for you and your family
- High-quality education and healthcare
Italy
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, making it a desirable place to live. The country’s Golden Visa program offers many benefits, including access to the country’s world-class education and healthcare system.
To qualify for an Italian Golden Visa, you must make an investment of at least €250,000 in an innovative startup or €500,000 in a company incorporated and operating in Italy. You will also need to show proof of financial solvency and have health insurance.
Investment options:
- An investment of at least €500,000 in an Italian company
- At least €250,000 investment in an innovative startup
- Italian government bond investment
Benefit:
- Permanent residence in Italy in 5 years should you decide to live there
- Free movement within the Schengen Area for you and your family
- Access to Italy’s world-class education and healthcare system
- The option to apply for Italian citizenship after 10 years
Malta
Malta is an attractive destination for Golden Visas due to its Mediterranean climate and culture. The country’s Golden Visa program offers many benefits, including access to the country’s world-class education and healthcare system.
To qualify for a Maltese Golden Visa, you must make an investment of at least €600,000 in a Maltese development fund, a real estate purchase, and a €10,000 donation to a philanthropy fund.
Investment options:
- €600,000 or €750,000 investment in a Maltese development fund. Going for the latter will let you receive your passport in 12 months instead of 36 in the former case
Benefit:
- Permanent residence in Malta in 1-2 years should you decide to live there
- Free movement within the Schengen Area for you and your family
- Access to Malta’s world-class education and healthcare system
- The option to apply for Maltese citizenship after 1-3 years
Ireland
Ireland is a popular destination for Golden Visas due to its English-speaking environment and high quality of life. The country’s Golden Visa program offers many benefits, but it requires at least €500,000 investment.
To qualify for an Irish Golden Visa, you must make an investment of at least €500,000 in an eligible enterprise or €2 million in eligible venture capital funds. You will also need to show proof of financial solvency and have health insurance.
Belgium
Belgium also offers a Golden Visa program with a variety of investment options. The country is known for its quality of life, making it an attractive place to live and work. However, you can’t get Golden Visa by simply purchasing real estate, you need to make an active economic contribution.
A €350,000 to €500,000 investment in a new business in Belgium will get you citizenship within 5 years. The investment can be in the form of cash, equity, or intellectual property.
Bulgaria
Another good choice for a Golden Visa is Bulgaria. The country offers a variety of investment options and many benefits, including access to the country’s healthcare and education system. Bulgaria however, is not part of the Schengen Area, so you will not have automatic free movement within Europe.
To qualify for a Bulgarian Golden Visa, you must make an investment of at least €512,000 in either government bonds, a bank deposit, or real estate. You will also need to show proof of financial solvency and have health insurance.
Germany
Germany doesn’t have an official Golden Visa program, but they have a residence permit that is available to wealthy investors. The requirements for this permit are an investment of at least €360,000 in a business that creates an impact, has a social benefit, or promotes innovation.
Final Words
Living in an EU country has many benefits, including free movement within the Schengen Area, access to world-class education and healthcare, and the option to apply for citizenship. If you’re looking for a Golden Visa, there are many options available to you. Hopefully, this article has helped you narrow down your choices.
