In this article, we’ll be discussing the best golden visa options in Europe. If you’re looking for a golden visa to give you access to Europe, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll cover everything from the requirements to the benefits of each option. By the end of this article, you should have a good idea of which golden visa is right for you.
In recent years, many countries have begun offering golden visas to wealthy individuals in exchange for investment.
Golden visas provide a path to citizenship or residency in a country, and they have become an increasingly popular way for wealthy individuals to live and work in Europe.
There are many advantages to golden visas, including the ability to live and work freely in Europe, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and the potential for economic stability.
Golden visas also offer a way for investors to diversify their portfolios and reduce their tax burden.
Table of Contents
The best golden visa programs in Europe
There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a golden visa program. You have to think about things like the investment requirements, the benefits, and the restrictions.
But don’t worry. We’ve done the research for you.
Here are the best golden visa programs in Europe:
Portuguese golden visa
Portugal’s Golden Visa program was launched in 2012 as a legal process based on the law that invites foreign investors from non-EU countries.
To obtain fully valid residency permits in Portugal for themselves and their families in exchange for a qualifying investment into the country.
The requirements are straightforward: invest €280,000 in real estate or other Portugal golden visa investment options.
It has a minimum stay of 7 days in the country, and hold the investment for five years to be eligible for citizenship.
Portuguese citizenship pathway
Once you get a golden visa, you must meet the criteria to apply for citizenship:
Five years of living in Portugal, on average seven days per year
Having no unpaid taxes in Portugal
A2 Portuguese language exam
No criminal record in the home country
Greek golden visa
The Greek Golden visa requires applicants to spend a minimum of €500,000 (previously €250,000) on real estate in Greece.
Greece offered the cheapest investment option a month ago with no residency requirements. On September 20th, the Greek government announced the minimum investment increase from €250,000 to €500,000.
This is sufficient to qualify for a Greek residence visa for the primary applicant and many family dependents. There is also no necessity to spend any time in Greece.
This is sufficient to qualify for a Greek residence visa for the primary applicant and many family dependents. There is also no necessity to spend any time in Greece.
A major plus for the Portuguese program is the ability to apply for a Portuguese passport five years before obtaining residency, contrary to the seven years needed to acquire a Greek passport.
Greek citizenship
Once you get a golden visa, you must meet the criteria to apply for citizenship:
- Seven days of living in Greece for more than 183 days each year
- Greek citizenship examination
- No criminal record in your home country
Spanish golden visa
Spain’s Golden Visa program was launched in 2013 to encourage foreign investment and welcome their families in exchange for a qualifying investment to boost the state economy.
The Spanish golden visa requires applicants to spend a minimum of €500,000, there’s no residence rule to maintain your visa, and you’re only required to visit the country once in the first year.
The downside with Spain’s golden visa is that you’ll get a permanent residency until year five, and you’ll be eligible for citizenship if you prove you lived in the country for ten years.
Spanish citizenship
Once you get a golden visa, you must meet the criteria to apply for citizenship:
- After 10 years of living in Spain uninterruptedly
- No criminal record in the home country
- A2 Spanish language exam
- Take a test on knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and social-cultural customs
Why Portugal’s golden visa is still worth it?
In short, Spain and Greece apply more economic restrictions to their foreign residents than Portugal.
While Portugal Golden Visa holders can work without restrictions in Portugal, this is not the case in Greece, where you can live but not work (unless you create your own business).
Spain taxes investors on their worldwide income, if you live in Spain for over 183 days per year. Tax is charged at 24.75% on income derived in the country, like rental income.
In short, looking to reduce the burden of taxes is the best option, you can take advantage of the Non-habitual residence scheme.
Portugal offers you stability, quality of life, and more opportunities as a foreigner.
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