Top 4 countries for golden visas

Golden visa programmes, offering residency through investment, are seeing increased U.S. interest. In Greece, Americans account for half of this year’s applicants, according to Astons.

These schemes allow residency with minimal stay requirements—Portugal mandates just seven days per year. However, rising foreign demand has led Spain to end its programme on 3 April last year, citing housing concerns.

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Costs start at €250,000 in Greece and Portugal, typically through real estate or government investments. Processing times vary, with approvals in Greece taking as little as four months, while Portugal faces a backlog of nearly 50,000 applications.

Here are the top 4 countries for golden visas

Greece

Greece offers a five-year residency permit to investors and their families. The minimum investment required is €250,000 (about $259,000) in real estate, with some municipalities having higher requirements. This is the lowest-cost entry for the European Union. The residency permit is renewable as long as the investment is maintained. Holders of this visa can travel within the Schengen Zone.

Read also: 10 countries offering golden visas and attracting wealthy investors

Cyprus

Cyprus provides residency for investors and their families through a minimum real estate investment of €300,000 (about $310,484). The residency is valid as long as the investment is retained. Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Zone but allows long-term stay and travel benefits within the European Union.

Malta

Malta grants residency through its golden visa programme to investors and their families. A minimum investment of €182,000 (about $189,228) is required, along with proof of assets worth over €500,000 (about $518,192). The programme offers access to Schengen travel and the opportunity to apply for long-term residency or citizenship in the future.

Read also: Investment immigration: Countries still offering Golden Visas

Portugal

Portugal offers a golden visa that grants an initial two-year residency permit to investors and their families. The investment amount varies from €250,000 (about $259,000) to €500,000 (about $518,192), depending on the location and type of investment. The permit is renewable, and after five years, holders can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. The visa allows travel within the Schengen Zone and access to Portugal’s social and healthcare systems.