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Golden Visa
What is it?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program: it lets a foreign national obtain a residence permit in a country in exchange for a significant investment, typically in real estate or in a business.
Legal residency in exchange for an investment.
Freedom of movement in certain countries.
A possible route to citizenship.
Citizenship vs. residency: what is the difference?
Residency lets you live, work and study in a country, but without the full rights of a citizen — you cannot vote and you do not get a passport.
Citizenship gives you every right and benefit the country offers, including a passport and the vote, and it is permanent.
Both have advantages. It depends on your plans. Which one fits you better?
FAQ
Do all European countries have Golden Visa programs?
No. Only some European countries offer Golden Visa programs. The best known are Portugal, Spain, Greece and Malta — though several countries have changed or closed their programs in recent years.
Do I have to travel to the country to apply for a Golden Visa?
In most cases, yes. The initial application can often be filed remotely, but applicants usually have to travel to the country to complete biometrics and other administrative steps.
Do I have to move my tax residency to the country I am applying to?
In most cases, no. That said, if you spend more than 183 days a year in the country you may be treated as a tax resident and fall under its tax rules.
Is there a double taxation treaty with these countries?
Most European countries have double taxation treaties with a wide range of countries, which prevents the same income being taxed twice. It is worth checking the specific treaty between your country of residence and the country where you are applying.
What is the approval rate for Golden Visas?
It depends on the country and on meeting the requirements. As a rule, if every document is filed correctly and the investment conditions are met, the approval rate is high — although some countries have tightened their checks in recent years.
Which investments qualify for a Golden Visa?
It depends on the country, but the most common options are buying real estate above a set minimum value, investing in venture capital funds, setting up a company that creates jobs, or buying government bonds.
Can I buy the property for a Golden Visa with a European mortgage?
In most cases, no. The investment normally has to come from your own funds, and the minimum amount cannot be financed with a loan. In some countries you can finance part of the property's value, as long as the amount invested without financing meets the minimum requirement.
How do I move the capital to my European account?
Usually by international bank transfer. Anti-money-laundering rules apply, so European banks may ask for documentation on the source of the funds.
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