Golden Visa is Portugal's program, launched in 2012, is the most well-known in Europe, though the real estate route was closed in October 2023. Other EU countries including Spain, Greece, and Malta offer similar programs.
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment (Portugal) | EUR 500,000 in qualifying investment funds, EUR 500,000 in company capitalization, or EUR 250,000 in arts/culture |
| Investment (Greece) | EUR 250,000-800,000 in real estate depending on location |
| Investment (Spain) | EUR 500,000 in real estate (program under review) |
| Clean Record | No criminal record in home country or country of investment |
| Health Insurance | Valid health insurance covering the country of residence |
Which Countries Offer This?
Processing Time & Cost
Processing Time: Portugal: 6-12 months. Greece: 2-3 months. Spain: 1-3 months.
Cost: Government fees vary: Portugal EUR 5,000-6,000 for processing + investment amount. Legal fees typically 1-3% of investment.
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Get Your Free VerdictFrequently Asked Questions
Is Portugal's Golden Visa still available?
Yes, but the real estate route was closed in October 2023. Qualifying investments now include funds, company capitalization, research, and cultural donations starting at EUR 250,000.
Do I need to live in the country?
Portugal requires only 7 days per year of physical presence. Greece requires no minimum stay. Spain requires at least one visit per year.
Can I get citizenship through a Golden Visa?
Portugal allows citizenship after 5 years. Greece requires 7 years. Spain requires 10 years of legal residence.
Which Golden Visa program is cheapest?
Greece offers the lowest entry point at EUR 250,000 (in certain regions). Portugal's non-real-estate options start at EUR 250,000 for cultural/research contributions.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Spouse, dependent children, and in many programs dependent parents can be included in the application.