The golden visa is a permanent resident visa issued to foreign individuals. Getting this requires the applicants to spend a certain amount of money in the issuing country through the purchase of property (Real Estate), purchase the Government issued bonds, investment in shares in a company, or deposit in the bank.
The program offers foreign nationals not only permanent residency but also citizenship after spending some years. It is directed at wealthy foreign nationals who want to acquire housing in a particular country by spending a lot of money or buying a property.
If you apply for a golden visa you and your immediate family members (spouse and children) will receive residency permits that can be renewed ultimately while your investment is maintained.
Immigrant investor programs
Immigrant investor programs are programs designed to attract foreign investors’ businessmen by providing them with the right to reside and citizenship. They are also known as citizens through investment, golden visas, or golden passport programs. However, if you want to obtain permanent residence or citizenship through investment, most countries will take 5 to 10 years for all the process.
Why get a Golden Visa from Europe?
A golden visa is especially required for an EU country because it allows the holder and his or her family freedom of movement throughout the Schengen area. If the golden visa eventually moves to EU citizenship, it will in turn offer visa-free travel to more than 100 countries depending on the state issuing the passport. Golden visa programs usually have a number of criteria to qualify for investment, often related to job creation, real estate purchases, nonrefundable partnerships, or specific target industries. Most of these programs are designed to ensure that investments play an important role in the welfare development and economic development of the country in which they want to live or belong to, but when it comes to economic partnership, it’s more than just an investment.
Benefits of the European Golden Visa
Europe offers stability, security, and many other benefits. Get the freedom of movement. You are allowed to travel freely throughout the Schengen countries. Change your life by living in Europe. Access all European opportunities and stay safe and secure. Your children will have access to the most advanced European education system at a moderate cost; get a European accommodation that is the most satisfactory alternate.
Permanent residency and citizenship with European Golden Visa Permanent Residency
With European residential investment you have the right to live and work, and in many cases work in your new country – but only in that country. You can access the medical system; your children can go to school in this country. You will be a European citizen, so you have free access to Europe as a traveler and as a businessman. Holding a European residence permit makes it easier and free to travel across Europe and obtain visas from other countries, e.g. the United States, and the UK You can get permanent residency by investing in an EU country after living there for five years. Once you get a permanent residence permit, it is usually renewable automatically, although some details will depend on the country issuing it. You still need to renew your residence permit but don’t actually apply for a new card – like an ID card. Some countries, such as Portugal, do not require a residence permit to obtain a permanent residence permit.
The minimum amount for investment for a single applicant
How much you have to spend to be eligible for a Golden Visa depends on the country.
| Country Name | The investment amount for a single applicant |
| Latvia | |
| business | € 60000 |
| property | € 282500 |
| government bonds | € 30800 |
| bank deposit | € 325000 |
| Cyprus | |
| slow track property | € 160000 |
| fast track property | € 350000 |
| Malta | |
| government bonds | € 330000 |
| finance option | € 125000 |
| Greece | |
| property | € 125000 |
| other investment | € 430000 |
| Portugal | |
| old property | € 300000 |
| new property | € 540000 |
| Spain | |
| property | € 540000 |
| Italy | |
| property | € 540000 |
Some countries provide housing by investing in real estate, companies, government bonds, or some industries. In these cases, the amount required for the investment usually does not exceed €500000. There are EU countries such as Switzerland, Italy, and Austria that require more proactive investment approaches, such as job creation. Investment requirements are high in these countries.
Which investment cannot be used?
If you want to invest in a residential acquisition, you will need to prove that the money being spent is actually in your name, so no loans are allowed. However, if you plan to buy a property, depending on the country, a mortgage may be granted. You still desperately need the minimum amount you need upfront, and you can get a mortgage or loan for more than the minimum required amount. But remember, the exact same principles vary from country to country, so it may not always be right.
Types of Golden Visas
A temporary residence permit is limited to time (usually 1-5 years), while a permanent residence permit is issued for your lifetime. Regarding your rights, temporary and permanent residences are the same. A temporary license must be renewed after it expires, which may incur time and additional costs. Both options give you all the rights and benefits that citizens enjoy. The only exception is that you are not eligible to vote or hold a passport in a national government election.
A residence permit is a residence permit in your country. Work Permit Employment in the country (for employment) is allowed to work. If you run your own business, you do not need a work permit because you are not employed by another company. Some residency permits (Latvia, Malta, etc.) enable you to work in this country, while others (Greece, Cyprus, etc.) do not allow you to work in this country. The European Visa Program offers you and your family EU permanent or permanent residence. You will have the right to live, in many cases, you will work in your new country of residence, and you will travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area of the European Union.
Requirements for Golden Visa
You will need documents according to the country in which you apply, which varies from country to country conditions. The basic requirements are almost the same with a few changes according to the country’s rules and regulations. You must:
- Have the source of your investing money in legal form
- Have a history of clean record
- Have owned the money intended for investment
- Have enough money to bear your and your family’s costs in the applying country
European countries offering Golden visa scheme
- Spain
- Italy
- Austria
- Portugal
- Malta
- Greece
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Cyprus
- Germany
1- Spain Golden Visa
Spain launched the Golden Visa Program in 2013. The Spanish Golden Visa program has proven to be one of the most popular citizenship investment programs in Europe. Getting a Golden Visa in Spain is easier, straightforward, faster, and cheaper than other EU citizenship programs. The Golden Visa for Spain is a resident visa issued to a non-EU citizen who wants to make investments in the Spanish economy. In this visa, investors and their families who meet the requirements and invest a minimum of €500,000 in real estate, business, government bonds, or a bank deposit will find it easier to obtain a Spanish residence permit and the fast way is offered. Spanish investor visas can be renewed every two years. It is possible to get permanent residence after five years and citizenship after ten years. Usually, you need to invest in a property in Spain with a minimum amount of €500,000
Advantages of the visa:
- You can get permanent residency in 5 years and Spanish citizenship/Passport in 10 years
- No time limit requirements to stay in Spain
- You and your family members can use visa-free travel in Schengen areas
Basic terms and conditions for the visa
- Investment in Spanish public debt with a minimum €2000000.
- Investment in Real Estate with a minimum amount of €500,000
- Bank deposit or having shares in a Spanish company with a minimum of €1000000.
2- Italy Golden Visa
The Italian investment scheme is different from citizenship through Portugal and Spain’s Golden Visa programs. The Investor Visa Program targets high-income individuals who can make a significant contribution to the Italian economy and society. Italy has joined the ranks of countries that have activated investment citizenship programs, also known as Italy’s Golden Visa. Non-EU foreign nationals interested in immigration through investment in Italy will first obtain a permanent residence permit, which can later be converted into an Italian passport. Italy does not offer residency or citizenship through the purchase of any property. To get an Italian Golden Visa (Investor Visa), you must invest in a company or donate.
Advantages of the visa:
- Visa-free travel to the Schengen zone for yourself and your family members
- If you have retained the investment, the visa can be renewed every two years
- After five years of residence, you can apply for permanent residence
- After ten years, you can apply for Italian citizenship
Basic terms and conditions for the visa
- Make humanitarian donations in the areas of culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, cultural and natural heritage conservation
- Invest in government bonds issued by the Italian Republic
- Invest at least €500,000 in companies in Italy and operate.
- Invest at least €250,000 in a modern startup
3- Austria Golden Visa
The applicant cannot obtain an Austrian Golden Visa by purchasing real estate or a similar passive investment. To get housing in Austria by investing, you have to invest in something that will create jobs and have an impact on the Austrian economy.
- You can invest in govt. development fund with a minimum amount of €3 million
- You can invest in govt. into a business with a minimum amount of €10 million
Unlike some other European countries, Austria does not offer a golden visa for passive investment. Other European countries, such as Malta, Portugal, and Spain, provide housing by investing in government bonds or real estate. Such investments require minimal contact with the country but allow for freedom of movement within the European Schengen zone and may ultimately lead to permanent residence (PR) and citizenship.
4- Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal’s “Golden Visa” scheme has been very famous over time. Many of the richest from China and Brazil and from around the globe have been showing more and more interest in this. Established back in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit Program (ARI) enables non-EU/EEA citizens to obtain a special residence permit in exchange for a Portuguese passport is one of the strongest passports in Europe. The minimum amount for investment is €250000, which looks affordable for a rich person. You only need to spend two weeks each year in Portugal to renew your visa, without the need to live in Portugal; you can apply for citizenship after five years. However, relations with Portugal and language-learning citizenship are required.
- Buy property in an urban reconstruction area that is at least 30 years old of worth €350,000
- Transfer at least 1 million capital or Create at least €10 job positions
- Invest at least € 350,000 in scientific research
- Invest at least € 250,000 in the arts, culture, and heritage
- Invest at least € 500,000 in a small and medium business
- Buy at least € 500,000 in real estate
5- Malta Golden Visa
Malta offers two types of so-called golden visas. One leads to citizenship while the other leads to non-permanent residence The program does not guarantee citizenship, but you will be allowed to live in Malta and travel visa-free in the Schengen zone. The Maltese Passport is currently the 9th strongest passport in the world with visa-free travel to 168 countries, including the European Union and Canada. Value at least € 250,000 in government bonds or shares for at least five years Invest at least € 30,000 in the Malta State Fund Stay in Malta, either by buying or renting a property.
Maltese citizens are citizens of the European Union and can live, work and study in any country within the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. You and your family will have European citizenship without relinquishing your current nationality. To qualify for citizenship, key applicants must provide proof of residency in Malta for 12 months prior to the issuance of the certificate of naturalization. The Malta Investment Program or Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP) allows individuals and their families to be granted citizenship through a certificate of naturalization that contributes financially. And Malta’s social development. Citizenship is granted to applicants and their dependents in exchange for such contributions, under a strict supervision and diligence process, which includes a full background check.
6- Greece Golden Visa
You can obtain a Greek Golden Visa by purchasing at least € 250,000 in real estate or any other type of investment. Although a minimum stay is not required for a visa renewal, you must stay in Greece for seven years if you want to obtain citizenship.
Visa advantages and conditions
There is no minimum stay required and children up to the age of 21 are included in the family application. In case of retention of property investment, the visa is issued for five years and is renewed every five years. It is not necessary to stay in the country to maintain and renew an investor visa. However, citizenship can only be granted after seven years of residence. Freedom of movement in the Schengen zone for all family members visa can include both spouses, children up to the age of 21, and both parent sets, no minimum stay requirements Relatively low investment options If the investment continues, the visa can be renewed every five years After seven years of residence you can get Greek citizenship by at least € 250,000 real estate. Invest at least € 400,000 in Greek government bonds Invest at least € 400,000 in a Greek company Invest at least € 400,000 in bank deposits in Greece.
7- Belgium Golden Visa
After obtaining the Belgium golden visa you will be able to:
- You and your family will obtain full residency
- Investment of up to € 500,000
- You and your family can freely travel in the Schengen area
- No requirement to reside in Belgium
- After obtaining permanent residency you will become a citizen of Belgium with terms and conditions
Invest at least € 650,000 in the government’s National Development Fund and € 150,000 in government-approved bonds or shares. Rent or buy property in Malta, and pledge to live there for at least 5 years. The value of the property purchased cannot be less than € 350,000. You can only become a Belgian citizen after five years of residence. To be eligible for a Belgian Golden Visa, you must set up a company and invest € 350,000,000 over a five-year period.
8- Switzer land Golden Visa
Switzerland is a popular choice and a dream for those looking for a place to live or a golden visa. But the reality of obtaining housing or citizenship through investment in Switzerland is quite different. After preliminary research, most investors consider alternative options. Not only is the need for investment very high, but the conditions are also very strict. Quotas apply to countries outside the EU.
- You can invest in a company that offers job opportunities for Switzer Land citizens.
- Pay taxes between CHF 150000 and CHF 1000000, as per the canton regulations
9- Cyprus Golden Visa
It offers two types of golden visas. One leads to citizenship while the other leads to permanent residence and both have the desired results. To get citizenship by investing in Cyprus, you have to invest 2 million. You will also have to make an additional contribution of € 75,000 to the Cyprus Research and Development Fund and € 75,000 to the Land Development Organization for a total of € 2,150,000. You can become a Cypriot citizen within six months through this program.
10- Germany Golden Visa
Germany is a developing center of industry, manufacturing, and engineering, and is recognized as one of Europe’s leading economic powerhouses. The combination of business and immigration invites foreign nationals to invest in a regional development fund to become permanent residents. The total capital expenditure, including all fees, is as low as €360,000. Permanent Residence is issued after 3 years of temporary residence permit for Central Applicants and 5 years for Dependents.
After residing in Germany for 8 years, residents can apply for citizenship. In addition to the booming economy, Germany provides its residents with a very high standard of living, free education at some of Europe’s most prestigious schools and universities, modern and affordable healthcare service, and unparalleled travel infrastructure. Over the years, Germany has built a reputation for actively supporting diverse multicultural communities across the country, making it a welcome and prosperous destination for overseas investors.
Visa requirements and visa facilities
If you want to obtain permanent residence you must meet the following basic requirements you must not be less than the age of 18 with a clean record (character certificate). The application may include children dependent on your spouse and children under 18. Temporary residence visas will be issued initially, with the option to apply after three years for central applicants for permanent residence and five years for other family members. It is possible for family members to apply for German citizenship after 8 years of residence, provided they have resided permanently in Germany for 8 years and passed the German language test.
A German passport is one of the world’s top passports and will enable holders to live, work or study anywhere within the European Union. Choosing the best program for you is not as easy as there are many factors to consider. Help you find the best option in an easy and fast way. Your wishes and your budget. Your desire and what you can achieve. Hope and reality.