Sunshine on your skin. A basket full of local olives and fresh figs in your arms. The sound of the sea from your own balcony. A golden visa isn’t just a permit – it’s your ticket to living the European life you’ve always dreamed of.
Whether you’re itching to start your new life on warmer shores or you’re looking to invest now and move later, golden visas offer a unique route to living – or just having a base – in some of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
As well as gaining residency in the country you buy in, many schemes offer visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries across Europe. Let’s explore how it all works and which country is the best fit for you…
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Contents
- What is a golden visa?
- How does it work?
- Typical investments
- How to apply
- Top golden visa destinations
- Tax benefits
- Next steps
What is a golden visa?
A golden visa is a residency-by-investment scheme. In short, if you invest a certain amount into a country’s economy – often through property, a business or a government fund – you can gain the legal right to live there. Some schemes also provide a path to citizenship over time.
The idea took off across Europe following the 2008 financial crisis, as countries sought foreign investment to revive their economies. Today, golden visas appeal to everyone from early retirees and remote workers to high-net-worth individuals securing a European base for their families.
How does it work?
Each country has different rules, but most allow you to include your spouse and dependants, keep your existing citizenship and spend minimal time in-country to maintain your visa. While most programmes offer temporary residency initially, some (like Cyprus and Malta) grant permanent status right away.
You’ll typically need to prove your funds are legally obtained, pass a criminal background check and choose from a list of approved investment options. In return, you may gain access to healthcare, tax advantages and travel freedom across much of Europe.
Many golden visas allow you to include your family members
Typical investments
Investment routes vary but here are the most common:
- Property: residential options are now limited to countries like Greece and Cyprus. Portugal and others have shifted to commercial only.
- Capital: invest in venture capital funds, company shares or government bonds.
- Donations: Malta and Hungary include options to make a charitable donation to gain residency.
- Job creation: countries like Portugal and Turkey offer residency for starting a business that hires local people.
How to apply
- Choose your country and investment: consider lifestyle, climate, investment budget and how soon you want residency.
- Get expert help: a visa lawyer or advisor will help you navigate the paperwork and meet legal requirements.
- Prepare your documents: these often include proof of funds, a clean criminal record and sometimes biometric data.
- Make your investment: you must complete the investment before submitting your visa application.
- Submit the application: most countries issue a decision within 2-12 months*.
*Note that processing times can vary greatly. For example, in Turkey it typically takes three to six months, while in Portugal it can take up to two years.
Top golden visa destinations
Douro Valley, Portugal
From the whitewashed villages of Greece to Portugal’s vineyard-covered hills, golden visa destinations span some of Europe’s most attractive – and lifestyle-rich – locations. Each country offers its own blend of benefits: some with sunshine year-round, others with fast-track residency or attractive tax perks. But which is right for you?
To help you compare, we’ve put together this easy-to-read table summarising the key details of each golden visa programme – including investment amounts, eligible routes, family inclusion and residency requirements.
| Country | Minimum investment | Options | Time required | Schengen access | Dependants included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €250,000–€500,000 | Commercial real estate, fund subscription, arts/culture, scientific research, job creation | One week per year | Yes | Spouse, children under 21, parents |
| Greece | €250,000 | Residential/commercial property, bonds, funds, shares, bank deposits | None | Yes | Spouse, children under 21, parents |
| Cyprus | €300,000 | Residential/commercial property, company shares | One visit every two years | No | Spouse, children under 25 |
| Malta | €180,000 | Real estate, charitable donation | None | Yes | Spouse, children under 29, parents, grandparents |
| Italy | €250,000 | Company equity, bonds, startup investment, philanthropic donation | None | Yes | Spouse, children, parents |
| Turkey | $400,000 | Property, bank deposit, capital investment, job creation | None | No | Spouse, children |
| Hungary | €250,000 | Property, donation to public trust | None | Yes | Spouse, children under 25, parents |
Tax benefits
It’s not just about sunshine and travel – many countries offer tax advantages that can make a real difference in retirement or while running a business abroad. Cyprus, for example, has no tax on foreign income or inheritance and low income tax overall. Malta also offers generous tax incentives, particularly for retirees with foreign pensions.
Portugal’s non-habitual resident regime (NHR) was another strong draw for years, though it is being phased out and replaced with new options for professionals and investors. Italy offers a flat-tax regime for foreign residents with wealth overseas, and Hungary’s low cost of living means your money simply stretches further.
Next steps
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to golden visas. It depends on what stage of life you’re in – and what you’re aiming for. Retirees may be drawn to Greece or Cyprus for the sunshine and property options. Investors might prefer the flexibility of Portugal or Hungary. And if permanent residency is your goal from day one, Malta is a standout choice.
Wherever you’re heading, the most important thing is getting trusted advice from people who understand both the legal process and your lifestyle goals.
Speak to a property consultant
Summary
A golden visa can offer more than just residency – it can open the door to a lifestyle, a legacy or a long-term investment. Whether you’re ready to relocate or just want to keep your European options open, this route is worth exploring – and we’re here to help guide you through every step.
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