December 21, 2023

What investment opportunities does Europe offer for obtaining a passport?

Becoming a citizen of the Old Continent may seem like a dream, but it's more achievable than you might think, if you use the right mechanisms. In that sense, Golden Visa programs, which grant residency through investment followed by a passport, offer a number of advantages.

Permanent residency grants you the right to live, work, and study in the host country, and the freedom to travel within the 27 countries of the Schengen Area. But the most appealing aspect is that it provides expedited access to a passport. This explains the success of so-called "golden visas."

The most popular Golden Visa programs among Latin Americans are offered by Portugal, Spain, Malta, Greece, and Cyprus. These countries have varying eligibility requirements and costs, so it's important to research them thoroughly before beginning the application process.

At AIM Global, we offer expert advice on residency and citizenship by investment programs, enabling our clients to access unique opportunities in various countries. Based on our experience in identifying programs that align with our clients' financial and personal goals, the programs that offer the best opportunities are the following:

  • PortugalThis is one of the most attractive programs in Europe for foreign investors, as it allows them to obtain citizenship (passport) in just 5 years, without the actual requirement of residing in the country. Investment options include funds starting at €500.000 or contributions to artistic and cultural projects starting at €200.000.
  • SpainIt stands out for the speed with which the Golden Visa is granted and the opportunity to diversify wealth through a property investment starting at €500,000. It is relevant to note that Chileans, as well as other citizens of Latin America, can obtain citizenship (passport) with only 2 years of residence in the country.
  • GreeceTheir Golden Visa program is attractive to those seeking quick residency with a moderate investment, starting from €250,000 in real estate, and obtaining residency in just 1-2 months. However, it's worth noting that the possibility of applying for citizenship (passport) arises after 7 years of residency in the country.
  • MaltaMalta offers various programs; however, the most attractive in terms of speed for obtaining a passport is the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) program, which requires a contribution of €600,000 or €750,000 to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF). The amount depends on the waiting period the investor is willing to maintain for their passport (12 or 36 months), in addition to a real estate investment through the purchase of a property worth at least €700,000, or a rental income of at least €16,000 per year. This program is the fastest among European programs, but it also requires the largest initial outlay from the investor.

Do all of these options seem appealing to you? Do you need more information to help you decide? Then get in touch with us and Schedule a meetingWe take care of all the legal and tax aspects, giving you the freedom to focus on your business, professional, and personal goals.

[hubspot portal=”25945504″ id=”f1107688-f389-41af-a48c-fb6f7815647b” type=”form”]