January 2025 marked a significant month for Golden Visa programs across multiple countries, with policy changes, increased investor demand, and new opportunities shaping the global investment migration landscape. From Spain’s official decision to end its Golden Visa program to Australia’s push to revive its Significant Investor Visa, the residency-by-investment market continues to evolve.
This month’s key highlights include:
• Spain officially confirms the termination of its Golden Visa program by April 2025.
• Greece experiences a surge in Golden Visa applications as Spain’s exit creates new demand.
• Australia’s opposition leader proposes the return of the Significant Investor Visa (SIV).
• New Zealand simplifies its investor residency visa to attract global capital.
• The Caribbean remains a leading destination for Citizenship by Investment (CBI) amid growing EU restrictions.
Investment experts, including Yusuf Boz, analyze the implications of these shifts and what they mean for investors seeking alternative residency options.
Spain’s Golden Visa Program to End in April 2025
One of the biggest announcements in January 2025 was Spain’s decision to officially terminate its Golden Visa program by April 3, 2025. The move follows concerns that the scheme contributed to rising real estate prices, making housing unaffordable for locals, particularly in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
Under the current program, non-EU investors could obtain residency in Spain with a minimum real estate investment of €500,000. However, with Spain’s withdrawal from the Golden Visa market, investors are redirecting their focus to alternative European residency options, including Greece, Portugal, and Latvia.
Greece Sees Record Growth in Golden Visa Applications
As Spain phases out its Golden Visa, Greece has emerged as one of the top alternatives. January 2025 saw a significant surge in applications, particularly from investors who had originally planned to apply in Spain.
Key advantages of Greece’s Golden Visa program include:
•A minimum investment of €250,000 (increased to €500,000 in high-demand areas).
• Fast processing times, with approval in 60-90 days.
•No residency requirements, allowing investors to maintain their primary residence elsewhere.
•Visa-free Schengen access, making it an attractive option for international investors.
Industry experts predict that Greece’s Golden Visa applications will continue to rise, especially as investors seek a cost-effective route to European residency.
Australia Considers Reviving the Significant Investor Visa (SIV)
While Europe sees some countries tightening their investment residency rules, Australia is taking a different approach. In January 2025, opposition leader Peter Dutton proposed reviving the Significant Investor Visa (SIV)—commonly known as the “Golden Ticket Visa.”
The SIV previously required a AUD 5 million investment, allowing high-net-worth individuals to obtain Australian residency. The program was abolished in 2023, but with increasing global competition for investors, Australia is now reconsidering its stance.
Critics, however, argue that reintroducing the SIV could allow wealthy foreign investors, particularly from China, to purchase Australian real estate, potentially driving up housing prices. A final decision is expected in mid-2025.
New Zealand Introduces a Simplified Investor Visa Program
New Zealand made headlines in January 2025 by simplifying its Investor Visa program, making it easier for global investors to obtain residency.
Key changes include:
• Eliminating the English language requirement.
• Reducing the minimum stay requirement to 21 days over three years.
• Allowing direct investment in local businesses, rather than real estate.
This move reflects New Zealand’s strategy to compete with global investment programs, offering a more accessible path to residency for high-net-worth individuals.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs Remain Strong
Despite increasing EU scrutiny on Golden Visa programs, the Caribbean region continues to dominate the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) market. January 2025 saw strong demand for CBI programs in St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, and Grenada, with investors seeking:
•Quick processing times (typically 3-6 months).
•Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and Schengen Zone.
•Competitive pricing, with minimum investments starting at $100,000.
However, with the EU considering stricter regulations on visa-free travel for CBI holders, Caribbean nations may soon introduce stricter due diligence measures to maintain their program’s credibility.
Yusuf Boz’s Insight: What Investors Should Consider in 2025
Investment migration expert Yusuf Boz sees 2025 as a turning point for the Golden Visa industry, advising investors to act strategically in response to these policy changes:
“Spain’s exit from the Golden Visa market is a major shift, but it opens doors for Greece, Portugal, and Latvia to attract more investors. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand are actively competing for global capital, offering structured investor residency programs.”
Boz also emphasized the importance of due diligence when choosing a program:
“With increased scrutiny from governments, investors need to focus on transparency and compliance when selecting a residency or citizenship program. Greece and Portugal remain strong options for EU access, while the Caribbean continues to be a leader in fast-track citizenship.”
What to Expect in the Coming Months?
As January 2025 set the stage for major shifts in the Golden Visa landscape, here’s what investors should watch in the coming months:
✔ Greece and Portugal will see increased application numbers as Spain exits the market.
✔ Australia’s decision on the SIV will influence Asia-Pacific investment migration trends.
✔ New EU regulations may impact Caribbean CBI programs, leading to policy adjustments.
✔ Golden Visa price increases are expected in high-demand markets like Greece and Portugal.
With Golden Visa programs evolving, staying informed and acting early is key to securing the best investment opportunities.
For expert guidance on choosing the right Golden Visa program, contact NotteGlobal today and explore the best residency-by-investment options before policy changes take effect.
