European Golden Visa programs allow investors and their families to obtain residency or citizenship rights through specific investments in real estate, funds, or local businesses. We will explore and compare the programs in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta to identify the most affordable Golden Visa option.
1. Portugal
Investment amount: Starting at €500,000 in investment funds or a contribution from €200,000.
Residency requirements: A minimum of 14 days over two years.
Estimated time to citizenship: 5 years of residency.
Advantages: Low minimum stay requirement. Attractive opportunities to invest in startups.
Disadvantages: Real estate investment is no longer an option.
2. Spain
Investment amount: From €500,000 in real estate.
Residency requirements: 6 to 9 months per year to qualify for a passport.
Estimated time to citizenship: For Latin Americans, citizenship can be obtained after two years of legal residence.
Advantages: Flexible residency requirements. Option to study or work in Spain.
Disadvantages: The program is set to be discontinued starting in 2025. (Read more here)
3. Greece
Investment amount: Starting at €250,000 for two specific cases: restoring a historic building or converting an industrial/commercial property into residential units. Other real estate investments start at €400,000. Startup investments of €250,000 will be available from 2025.
Residency requirements: At least 6 months per year to qualify for a passport.
Estimated time to citizenship: 7 years.
Advantages: Unrestricted travel within the Schengen area. Flexibility for visa holders and their families.
Disadvantages: The citizenship process can be complex and lengthy. Minimum investment amounts for real estate increased in 2024.
4. Cyprus
Investment amount: Starting at €300,000 in properties, businesses, or funds.
Residency requirements: Visit once every two years.
Estimated time to citizenship: 5 years of legal residence, with a minimum stay of 6 months per year.
Advantages: Low residency requirements. Processing time of only 2 months.
Disadvantages: High cost of living in major investment areas.
5. Malta
Investment amount: Donation starting at €600,000, plus real estate investment from €700,000.
Residency requirements: A minimum 12-month residency period to apply for citizenship (36 months for the €600,000 donation).
Estimated time to citizenship: Approximately 1–3 years.
Advantages: Faster citizenship process compared to other European countries. Direct access to citizenship with residence in the country.
Disadvantages: High investment requirements. Rigorous evaluation process.
We Help You Find the Most Affordable Golden Visa for You
Each European residence-by-investment program has its advantages and limitations. Choosing the right one will depend on factors such as available investment amounts, residency requirements, and whether citizenship is a goal.
At AIM Global, we can guide you to the best option based on your investor profile. With offices in Europe and a team of experts, we’re here to help. Don’t wait—schedule a free consultation with us today. Your new life in Europe can begin now!
