TL;DR
European residency through investment programs offers non-EU nationals a fast-track pathway to live, work, and travel freely across Europe. With minimum investments starting at €250,000, countries like Portugal, Malta, Greece, and Hungary provide Golden Visa programs that grant residency permits with minimal physical presence requirements. These programs allow family inclusion, offer visa-free travel across 29 Schengen Area countries, and provide pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. Portugal focuses on investment funds and donations after removing real estate options in 2023, while Greece offers the most direct real estate investment routes. Malta combines property investment with government contributions, and Hungary presents the newest program with fast processing times. Most programs require maintaining investments for 5 years and offer renewal options, making them attractive for high-net-worth individuals seeking European residency with flexibility and long-term benefits.
Introduction
With growing political and social uncertainty around the world, European residency has become a serious consideration for high-net-worth individuals and their families. The appeal is driven by several attractive factors. First, Europe offers political stability and strong economic opportunities for investors. In addition, many countries provide a high quality of life, with safe cities, clean environments, and access to well-developed, and affordable public services and healthcare.
Another key factor is the freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. Residency in a Schengen country typically grants visa-free travel across 29 nations (25 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries being Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).
To meet this growing demand, several European countries have developed residence-by-investment programs. These programs offer a streamlined path to residency in exchange for a qualifying financial contribution. Eligibility for these programs vary by country but often include real estate purchases, business investments, or purchasing government bonds.
In comparison to traditional immigration routes, which usually involve a lengthy application process, receiving job offers, or extensive or complicated family reunification requirements, investment-based immigration programs offer a faster, more flexible solution, especially for those seeking the best place to live in Europe with long-term benefits and lifestyle advantages.
Portugal’s Golden Visa: A Leading Residency Option
Portugal’s Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), more commonly known as Portugal’s Golden Visa Program offers non-EU investors an opportunity to gain Portuguese residency through qualifying investments.
Portugal’s Golden Visa was launched in October 2012 as a way to help stimulate economic recovery after the financial crisis. The program was updated in October 2023, which removed some of the previous investment options, including:
- Capital transfers of €1.5 million (approx USD 1.7 million) or more
- Direct purchases of real estate
- Fund investments tied directly or indirectly to real estate
Investment Options and Requirements
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must satisfy the investment requirements. Eligible investment options under the Residence Permit for Investment Activity include:
Investment funds
Investors who invest a minimum of €500,000 (approx USD 566,000) in a qualified investment or venture capital fund. The investment must be in a fund that supports Portuguese companies, has a minimum term of five years, and invests at least 60% of its money in businesses based in Portugal.
Please note that funds linked to EU residency by real estate investment are not eligible for the application process.
Donations
The Portugal Golden Visa also offers eligibility to investors who make a capital transfer of at least €250,000 (approx USD 283,000). This donation must be made to programs that support artistic production or the preservation and restoration of national cultural heritage. The donation can only be made to approved public institutions or private foundations with recognized public status.
The amount of the Donation requirement can be reduced to €200,000 if located in a low density area.
Business
Another potential investment option for investors is through business investments. Eligible investments under the business category include:
- The creation of at least ten new jobs in a Portuguese business (or eight new jobs in a designated low population density area).
- A €500,000 (approx USD 566,000) investment to incorporate a commercial company that is registered and headquartered in Portugal. This business must create a minimum of five permanent jobs for at least three years.
- Investors may also make an investment that increases the share capital of an existing company. This investment must result in the creation of at least five permanent jobs or maintaining at least ten jobs for a three-year period.
Scientific Research
Investors can also satisfy the eligibility requirements by making a minimum investment of at least €500,000 (approx USD 566,000) in research activities. The research must be done by public or private institutions within Portugal’s national scientific and technological system.
If the funds are invested in projects that operate in areas that are designated as low population density areas, a reduced investment of €400,000 (approx USD 450,000) is available.
Residency Requirements
Holders of Portugal’s Golden Visa are required to spend a minimum of 14 days in Portugal every 2 years (including 7 days in the first year).
Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa
Flexibility
A major advantage of the program lies in its flexible requirements. By investing in a qualifying investment, individuals can gain residency while only being required to stay in Portugal for an average of seven days annually. After five years, they may apply for permanent residency and even Portuguese citizenship (citizenship in the european union). Portugal also permits dual citizenship, so investors can retain their original nationality without issue.
Access to the Schengen Area
Investors who have received Portugal’s Golden Visa and the associated residency benefits can travel freely across 29 nations within the Schengen Zone. This access simplifies and improves travel throughout Europe, whether for business or leisure purposes.
Family inclusion
Applicants can include their family members in their applications. Family members gain the right to live, work, study, and travel within the country, with the potential to qualify for permanent residency or citizenship in the future.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouse/partner (partners do not have to be legally married)
- Children under 18
- Children of any age who are unmarried, studying full-time, and financially dependent on their parents
- Parents over 65 (of the main applicant and/or spouse)
- Parents under 65 (if financially dependent on the main applicant and/or spouse)
Read More : Portugal Golden Visa: A Strategic Investment in 2025
Malta’s Residency by Investment: A Gateway to Europe
Malta’s Residency by Investment Program offers a structured pathway for non-EU nationals and their families to obtain Maltese residency through a combination of real estate investment, economic contribution, and administrative fees. Malta’s Golden visa program provides a secure and straightforward process for high net worth individuals who are seeking European residency with minimal physical presence requirements.
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria, which includes property investment or leasing, a financial contribution to the Maltese economy, and a charitable donation. Government fees also apply.
Investment Options and Requirements
To qualify for the Maltese Residency by Investment Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Purchase or Rent a Property in Malta
An investment of at least €375,000 (approx USD 425,000) in residential real estate anywhere in Malta. The property must be held for a minimum of five years. Alternatively, applicants can lease a residential property. The rental fee must be no less than €14,000 (approx USD 16,000) per year, and the period of the lease agreement must be for at least five years.
Economic Contribution
A one-time contribution of €30,000 (approx USD 34,000) must be made to the Maltese government if purchasing a property, or €60,000 (approx USD 68,000) if the investment is made through the rental of a property.
Make a Donation to a Non-Governmental Organization
Applicants are required to make a philanthropic donation of €2,000 (approx USD 2,300) to a registered Maltese NGO.
Government Administration Fees
A standard fee of €50,000 (approx USD 57,000) is applicable for the main applicant, plus an additional fee of €10,000 (approx USD 11,000) is required for each dependent included in the application.
Investors must be aware that these investment requirements must be fulfilled simultaneously and maintained over the designated 5 year period to ensure compliance and maintain residency status.
Benefits of the Maltese Residency Program
Malta’s residency program offers a wide range of benefits for successful applicants:
Visa-Free Travel
Residency in Malta grants visa-free access to the entire 29 members of the Schengen Area.
Family Inclusion
The program is also available to the immediate family members, including spouses or partners, dependent children below 29, and parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse. This allows the applicant to be able to relocate their extended family with them.
Access to Public Services
Residents gain access to Malta’s high-quality public healthcare and education systems, along with the safety and stability of life in an EU member state.
No Minimum Stay Requirement
There is no minimum amount of time that the applicant has to be in Malta. Travel to Malta is only required after approval, to submit biometrics.
Read Also : Golden Visa Rush: US Citizens Seeking New Residency Abroad
Greece’s Golden Visa: Access to European Living
Introduced in 2013, Greece’s Golden Visa Program was designed to attract foreign capital and stimulate the real estate market through international investment. The Greek Golden Visa program grants residency permits to non-EU nationals and their families, offering a simple and efficient route to European residency with minimal bureaucracy.
This program has quickly become regarded as one of the most competitive investment-based residency programs in Europe.
Investment Options and Requirements
To qualify for the Greek Golden Visa, applicants must choose from one of several approved investment routes:
Real estate
- €250,000 (approx USD 280,000): Investment in projects that convert commercial properties into residential units or the restoration of historic or listed buildings.
- €400,000 (approx USD 450,000): Purchase of a single residential property located in non-high-demand areas. The property in which the investment is made, must be a single property with a minimum size of 120 sqm.
- €800,000 (approx USD 900,000): Real estate purchase in high-demand locations such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands (with more than 3,100 inhabitants), including Mykonos and Santorini.
One major opportunity using EU residency by real estate investment as the qualifying criteria is that the applicant does not have to live in that property, merely own it. This means the owner can rent out the investment property to earn income.
Alternative Investment Routes
Investors may also choose to make a capital investment in certain approved areas. For example:
- A time-sharing or leasing contract for hotel units or furnished tourist residences lasting at least 10 years, with a minimum value of either EUR 400,000 (approx USD 450,000 )or EUR 800,000 (approx USD 900,000), depending on the property’s location zone.
- A fixed-term deposit of no less than EUR 500,000 (approx USD 566,000) made with a financial institution operating in Greece.
- A capital investment of at least EUR 500,000 (approx USD 566,000 in one of the following:
- a publicly listed real estate investment company focusing exclusively on Greek properties;
- a closed-end investment firm; a mutual fund;
- or a Greek-registered company through a capital increase or by purchasing bonds intended for trading on regulated or multilateral Greek markets.
- The acquisition of Greek bonds valued at a minimum of EUR 500,000 (approx USD 566,000, with at least three years of maturity remaining. The purchase must be made through a Greek financial institution.
- The purchase of listed shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds made on regulated Greek exchanges or multilateral trading platforms. The total investment must be at least EUR 800,000 (approx USD 900,000).
- An investment of at least EUR 350,000 (approx USD 396,000) in a mutual fund that invests solely in listed shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds on official or multilateral markets in Greece; or in an alternative investment fund based in Greece or another EU country, provided the fund only invests in Greek assets.
Holders of the Greek Golden visa are also permitted to receive income from the dividends of these investments in Greece, but not permitted to be employed in Greece.
All of the above investments must be maintained by the applicant in order to retain residency status.
Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa
Greece’s Golden Visa Program offers a number of key advantages including:
No Minimum Stay Requirement
Residency is granted to eligible applicants without the need to live in Greece full-time. Applicants will receive residence permits that are valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the investment is maintained.
There are also no minimum requirements for the amount of time the holder has to be in Greece in order to maintain residency.
After seven years of legal residency and meeting the language and integration requirements, applicants may apply for Greek citizenship and a European passport. Please note that, to be eligible for citizenship in the european union, the Greek government requires applicants to have actually resided in Greece for seven years prior to the application. This means the applicant must have been physically present in Greece for more than six months each year for the seven years leading up to the application.
Family Inclusion
The program is also available to the spouses, children (up to age 21), and the parents of both the main applicant and spouse.
Read Also : Easiest European Countries To Get Citizenship in EU in 2025
Hungary’s Guest Investor Program: A Newcomer to the Scene
Hungary’s Guest Investor Program (or Hungary Golden Visa) is a recent addition to Europe’s residency-by-investment schemes. Much like the Portuguese and Greek programs, Hungary’s Guest Investor Program, launched in 2024, was introduced as a way to attract foreign investment to help strengthen the economy. The Guest Investor Program is designed for non-EU nationals and their immediate family members. It provides an efficient residency process in exchange for qualifying financial contributions, through the issuance of a golden visa valid for ten (10) years, renewable for an additional ten (10) years
Investment Options and Requirements
To qualify for Hungary’s Guest Investor Program, applicants must choose one of the following investment routes:
€250,000 (approx USD 283,000): Investment in approved Hungarian real estate funds that support residential and commercial developments across the country. The investment must be held for at least 5 years.
€1,000,000 (approx USD 1,132,500): Donation to a Hungarian public trust that supports cultural, educational, or scientific initiatives to protect Hungarian national interest.
Benefits of the Hungarian Guest Investor Program / Hungary Golden Visa
Hungary’s program offers a range of advantages for those looking to establish European residency:
No Minimum Stay Requirement
Applicants are not required to reside full-time in Hungary, and there is no minimum amount of time that the applicant has to be in Hungary.
However, once the applicant has received their Guest Investor Visa, they must travel to Hungary. The applicant is required to travel to Hungary in order to complete their investment. The investment must be made within three months of receiving their Guest Investment Visa. During this time, the applicant must apply for a Guest Investor Residence Permit with the immigration authority or via the electronic platform, within 93 days of their entry into Hungary.
Once this process has been completed, no further travel to Hungary is necessary.
Fast-Track Processing
Residency permits can be issued within 2–3 months of application approval, offering a quicker pathway than many traditional immigration routes. The applicant, and their dependents will receive a long-term residence permit valid for 10 years. This residence permits us renewable for a further 10 years as long as the minimum investment is maintained.
Family Eligibility
The program allows for the inclusion of spouses and dependent children (under the age of 18), allowing families to relocate together.
Cost-Effective Entry Point
With an investment threshold starting at €250,000 (approx USD 283,000), Hungary presents one of the more affordable options among EU residency programs.
Navigating the Application Process
Applying for residency permit in Europe through investment may seem complex at first, with a lot of requirements and compliance procedures to deal with, but with the right preparation and guidance, it can be a smooth process.
Please see the following for a breakdown of the typical process:
Selection of Investment Type and Property
The first step is to identify the country and investment route that best suits your financial goals and lifestyle preferences. This is an important consideration as each program has specific eligibility criteria and minimum investment thresholds.
Due Diligence and Legal Considerations
Undertaking due diligence is important as each program requires a significant investment. It is highly recommended to check and ensure that your potential investment would satisfy the eligibility requirements and compliance. Some examples of this include confirming the fund or property eligibility, reviewing contracts, and preparing any necessary translations or certifications.
Submission of Application and Required Documentation
Once the investment is made, applicants must submit their residency application along with supporting documents such as proof of investment, background checks, medical insurance, and identification for all family members included in the application.
Processing Times and Approval Stages
Processing times will vary by country. Applications for Portugal and Greece generally take a few months, while Malta and Hungary may offer slightly faster approval timelines. Most programs will issue a temporary or renewable residency permit in Europe first, with options for permanent residency or citizenship in the european union after a set number of years.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While these programs offer a clear and relatively easy path to European residency, applicants often face a few problems along the way. Some common challenges include:
Understanding Local Regulations and Compliance Requirements
Each program has strict rules on what qualifies as an eligible investment, how long the investment must be held, and the required administrative procedures. Understanding these requirements is important as failure to do so could lead to delays or even rejection of the application.
Managing Language Barriers and Cultural Differences
Legal documents, property transactions, and government forms and processes will often be completed in the local language. It is highly recommended to work with multilingual legal and EU residency by real estate investment professionals who can help address the communication issues.
Conclusion: Is a European Golden Visa Right for You?
Obtaining a European Residence Permit (RP), also sometimes known as a Golden Visa, grants the holder European residency in some of the best places to live in europe . Having European Residency as a Non-EU offers significant advantages for the holder. For example, European Residency allows non-EU citizens to live and work legally within the EU, travel visa-free across the Schengen Area, and access healthcare and education.
European Residency can be temporary or permanent. Temporary residency permits are often granted for reasons like work, family reunification, or study. Permanent residency is typically granted after an applicant has met a country’s specific requirements, which usually include being a resident in that country for a set period of time. Permanent residency can then also lead to citizenship in the european union in some countries
However, each program comes with its own considerations, requirements, and potential issues. Taking the time to conduct thorough research, will help ensure you make the right decision and your application process is smooth, compliant, and ultimately successful.
Read Also : Europe Golden Visa Programs: Status Updates for 2025 and Beyond
Key Takeaways
European Golden Visa programs represent a compelling opportunity for non-EU nationals to establish legal residency in some of the world’s most desirable countries. The investment thresholds are accessible, with entry points starting at €250,000 across multiple countries, making European residency achievable for a broader range of investors compared to traditional immigration routes.
The flexibility of these programs stands out as a major advantage. Unlike conventional residency pathways that often require extensive physical presence, most European Golden Visa programs allow investors to maintain their global lifestyle while securing European residency rights. Portugal requires just 14 days every two years, while Malta and Hungary have no minimum stay requirements whatsoever.
Family inclusion is another significant benefit that extends the value of these investments. All programs allow spouses and dependent children to gain the same residency rights, with some countries like Malta including extended family members such as parents and grandparents. This creates a comprehensive solution for multi-generational families seeking European residency.
The diversity of investment options ensures that investors can align their residency goals with their financial preferences. Greece offers direct real estate investment for those seeking tangible assets, Portugal provides opportunities in investment funds and cultural donations, Malta combines property with government contributions, and Hungary focuses on real estate funds with streamlined processing.
Perhaps most importantly, these programs offer genuine pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. Portugal allows citizenship applications after five years, Greece after seven years with physical residence requirements, and other countries have similar timelines. This long-term perspective transforms what begins as an investment into a genuine opportunity for European citizenship and all the associated benefits.
The political and economic stability of European Union membership, combined with access to world-class healthcare, education, and quality of life, makes these programs particularly attractive in an increasingly uncertain global environment. For high-net-worth individuals and families seeking security, opportunity, and flexibility, European Golden Visa programs represent a strategic investment in both financial and personal terms.
FAQ
What is European residency and how can it benefit me?
European residency means having the legal right to live in a European country, either temporarily or permanently, without being a citizen. It comes with significant benefits including access to healthcare, education, and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area covering 29 nations. Harvey Law Group specializes in European residency solutions, helping high-net-worth individuals and families secure political stability, economic opportunities, and quality of life in Europe through our expertise in residence-by-investment programs.
Can I get residency in Europe if I buy a house?
Yes, buying property can qualify you for European residency through certain Golden Visa programs. Greece offers residency for real estate purchases starting at €250,000 for property conversions/restorations, €400,000 for single properties in non-high-demand areas, or €800,000 in high-demand locations like Athens. Malta requires purchasing property worth at least €375,000 plus additional government contributions and fees. However, Portugal’s Golden Visa program removed direct real estate purchases as an option in 2023. Harvey Law Group can guide you through the specific property investment requirements for each European country based on your budget and residency goals.
Which European countries offer Golden Visa programs for investors?
Portugal, Malta, Greece, and Hungary currently offer Golden Visa or Residency by Investment programs for non-EU nationals. Each country has specific investment criteria, minimum thresholds, and unique benefits tied to their programs. Portugal focuses on investment funds, donations, and business investments, while Greece emphasizes real estate purchases, Malta combines property with government contributions, and Hungary offers real estate fund investments starting at €250,000. Harvey Law Group has extensive experience with all these programs and can help you choose the best option based on your investment capacity and residency objectives.
What is the minimum investment required for European residency programs?
The minimum investment varies by country: Portugal starts at €250,000 for cultural donations, Greece at €250,000 for property conversions, Hungary at €250,000 for real estate funds, and Malta requires €375,000 for property plus additional fees. These thresholds can be lower in designated low-density areas for some programs. Harvey Law Group can analyze your financial situation and recommend the most cost-effective European residency pathway that aligns with your investment preferences and long-term goals.
How long does it take to get European residency through investment?
Processing times vary by country and program complexity. Hungary’s Guest Investor Program offers the fastest processing at 2-3 months, while Portugal and Greece applications typically take several months to complete. Malta may offer slightly faster approval timelines than traditional immigration routes. Most programs issue temporary or renewable residency permits first, with options for permanent residency after meeting specific requirements. Harvey Law Group’s streamlined process and expertise in documentation preparation can help minimize delays and ensure your application progresses efficiently.
Can my family members be included in European residency applications?
Yes, all European Golden Visa programs allow family inclusion with some variations in eligible relatives. Portugal includes spouses, dependent children of any age, and dependent parents. Greece covers spouses, children up to age 21, and parents of both applicants. Malta extends to spouses, dependent children below 29, and parents/grandparents. Hungary includes spouses and dependent children under 18. Harvey Law Group ensures your entire family’s eligibility is properly documented and that all family members receive the same residency benefits and future citizenship pathways.
Do I need to live in Europe to maintain my residency status?
Most European Golden Visa programs have minimal or no physical presence requirements. Portugal requires only 14 days every 2 years, Malta and Hungary have no minimum stay requirements, and Greece has no residency obligations for maintaining the permit. However, citizenship applications typically require actual physical residence for several years. Harvey Law Group helps clients understand and plan for both short-term residency maintenance and long-term citizenship requirements based on their lifestyle and business needs.
What are the main benefits of European Golden Visa programs?
Key benefits include visa-free travel within the 29-nation Schengen Area, family inclusion, access to quality public healthcare and education systems, potential permanent residency or citizenship pathways, and minimal residency requirements. Additional advantages include political stability, economic opportunities, and the ability to live and work legally within the EU. Harvey Law Group maximizes these benefits for our clients by selecting the optimal program based on their specific needs, ensuring compliance with all requirements, and providing ongoing support for renewals and citizenship applications.
Can I eventually become a European citizen through Golden Visa programs?
Yes, most European Golden Visa programs offer pathways to citizenship after meeting specific requirements. Portugal allows citizenship applications after 5 years of residency, Greece after 7 years with physical presence requirements, and other countries have similar timelines. Requirements typically include language proficiency, integration tests, and actual residence periods. Harvey Law Group provides comprehensive citizenship planning from day one, ensuring clients understand the pathway and meet all requirements for successful naturalization in their chosen European country.
What investment options are available for Portugal’s Golden Visa program?
Portugal’s Golden Visa offers several investment routes: €500,000 in qualifying investment funds, €250,000 in cultural donations, €500,000 in business investments creating jobs, and €500,000 in scientific research activities. Lower thresholds apply in low-density areas. Direct real estate purchases were removed in 2023. Harvey Law Group has established relationships with approved funds and cultural institutions, ensuring our clients access the most suitable and compliant investment options for their Portugal Golden Visa applications.
What are the real estate investment requirements for Greece’s Golden Visa?
Greece offers multiple real estate investment tiers: €250,000 for property conversions or historic building restorations, €400,000 for single properties in non-high-demand areas (minimum 120 sqm), and €800,000 in high-demand locations like Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands. Alternative investments include hotel time-shares, bank deposits, and various fund investments starting at €350,000. Harvey Law Group’s Greek real estate network helps clients identify qualifying properties and investment opportunities that meet Golden Visa requirements while offering strong return potential.
How much does Malta’s Residency by Investment program cost in total?
Malta’s total investment includes property purchase (€375,000 minimum) or rental (€14,000/year), government contribution (€30,000-€60,000 depending on property choice), NGO donation (€2,000), and administration fees (€50,000 plus €10,000 per dependent). The program requires maintaining these investments for 5 years. Harvey Law Group provides detailed cost analysis and structures the investment efficiently to minimize total outlay while ensuring full compliance with Malta’s residency requirements and maximizing the return on your European residency investment.
