Your Guide to the Best European Golden Visa Programs

If you are a non-European investor looking for a way to gain residency or citizenship in a European country, a Golden Visa program may be the solution. These programs typically require a minimum investment in the country's economy, such as purchasing property or investing in a local business, in exchange for residency or citizenship. Here are some of the best European Golden Visa programs you can consider:

Spanish Golden Visa

In 2013, Spain introduced its Golden Visa program, which offers family residency in exchange for a €500,000 investment in real estate. The Spanish investor visa can be renewed every two years, and after five years, individuals can apply for permanent residency, while citizenship can be applied for after ten years. Retaining and renewing the residency visa permit does not require living in Spain.

Compared to Portugal's Golden Visa program, Spain's program offers more flexibility in terms of real estate options, with no restrictions other than the minimum investment limit. The program's benefits include the speed at which a residence permit is issued, low government and renewal fees, and visa-free travel throughout the EU Schengen zone.

To be eligible for the Spanish Golden Visa, applicants must have a clean criminal record, sufficient funds, and healthcare to cover their stay, and no previous Schengen visa refusals. While the temporary residency permit can be easily renewed without living in the country, permanent residency and citizenship require the investor and their family to reside in Spain. The Spanish Golden Visa program is popular with those who wish to either reside full-time in Spain or maintain a second residency in Europe without a path to citizenship.

Since hitting a low in 2015, property prices in Spain have been steadily increasing from around €1450 per square meter to approximately €1700 per square meter in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 2%. Despite this growth, prices have not yet reached the peak of €2101 per square meter in 2008, which suggests that real estate in Spain may offer good value for investment opportunities. To apply for a golden visa, an investment of €500,000 is required. Investors seeking our services may wish to review our procedure or find further details about the Spanish Golden Visa program.

Italian Golden Visa

The Italian Golden Visa is a program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residency permit in Italy in exchange for making an investment in the country. The program was introduced in 2017 and is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who are interested in investing in Italy and eventually obtaining Italian citizenship. Non-EU nationals can dwell and work in Italy for an extended period of time with an Italian Golden Visa. It is given to people who make a sizable investment in the nation.

This program offers four investment options, including a €2 million investment in Italian government bonds, a €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company, a €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative startup, and a €1 million donation to a philanthropic initiative in Italy. Through these investment options, the Italian government seeks to encourage international investors to support the growth and development of Italy's economy and society. Although obtaining an Italian investor visa does not directly grant citizenship, individuals who reside in Italy continuously for ten years may petition for naturalization. Italy also permits dual citizenship, meaning that individuals can keep their current citizenship while acquiring Italian citizenship. Before processing an application, it is recommended to consult with immigration experts and authorities in one's home country.

All tax residents in Italy must pay income tax on their worldwide earnings. For foreign financial assets, the tax percentage is 0.2 percent, while it is 0.76 percent for foreign real estate. To attract high-net-worth individuals, Italy offers an optional tax structure. This regime allows new residents to replace regular taxation on all income earned outside of Italian territory with a €100,000 lump sum payment once a year. To be eligible, applicants must move their tax residence to Italy and must not have been a resident for at least nine out of the last ten years. The regime is valid for 15 years and can include family members for an additional fee of €25,000 per dependent. If the annual payment is not made, the status will immediately lapse, and individuals can opt out of the program at any time.

Greek Golden Visa

Due to its low investment thresholds, Greece’s Golden Visa Program is one of the most popular of these programs in the European Union. Based on a recent survey, the program was one of the top programs in Europe, along with those offered by Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Montenegro. In addition, the same survey showed that Greece’s Golden Visa showed some of the highest demand in Europe. Apart from this, the Greece Golden Visa Program significantly contributes to the country’s economy, as it attracts international investment.

Launched by the Greek government in 2013, the Greek Golden Visa Program allows you and your family to obtain a five-year residence permit in Greece in return for investing in the country. As we’ll see below, this investment can take several forms. No matter what type of investment you choose, though, the Greek Golden Visa is ideal if you want residency in Greece and the ability to move freely throughout the European Union.

To be eligible for the Greek Golden Visa program, you must choose one of the following investment options:

• Make a minimum investment of EUR 500,000 in real estate in Regional Units of Northern, Central, and Southern Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini or EUR 250,000 in any other city.?
• You can also invest in shares in alternative investment funds or bonds,?to qualify for the Greece Golden Visa with a minimum investment of?EUR 400,000.
• Furthermore, you can purchase government bonds for a minimum of EUR 800,000. These shares or bonds should be traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading mechanisms in Greece.
• You can also contribute a minimum of EUR 400,000 to a company in Greece.
• Lastly, you can also qualify for the Greek Golden Visa Program by making a?deposit of a minimum of EUR 400,000 to a Greek credit institution with a standing order for renewal.

European Golden Visa programs offer non-European investors an attractive opportunity to access the European Union and its benefits. Spain, Italy, and Greece are among the best and most popular Golden Visa programs in Europe, each with its own requirements and benefits. Obtaining European residency can offer a wide range of benefits for individuals, including access to quality healthcare and education systems, a high standard of living, and the opportunity to travel freely throughout the European Union.

European residency can also provide greater security and stability, particularly for individuals seeking to invest, work, or study in the region. In some countries, residency can eventually lead to citizenship, which offers additional benefits such as the right to vote and access to EU-funded programs. Additionally, European residency can be an attractive option for individuals seeking to diversify their personal and business interests, particularly in the context of uncertain political or economic conditions in their home country.

Overall, European residency provides a valuable gateway to one of the most prosperous and diverse regions in the world and can offer a range of benefits for those seeking to improve their quality of life and expand their horizons. When considering a Golden Visa program, it is important to do your research, seek professional advice, and make an informed investment decision.