Golden Visas in Europe: Where Can You Still Secure Residency Through Investment in 2025?
As European countries tighten their Golden Visa policies, investors looking for residency through investment are adapting to new regulations and evolving programs. While Spain has officially announced the termination of its Golden Visa program by April 2025 and Portugal has moved away from real estate investments, several countries still offer viable residency options for high-net-worth individuals.
For those seeking Golden Visas in Europe, 2025 presents a crucial window to apply before further restrictions take effect.
Which Countries Still Offer Golden Visas in Europe?
Despite the growing scrutiny on investment-based residency programs, several European nations continue to attract foreign investors through structured Golden Visa schemes.
🇬🇷 Greece
Greece remains one of the most affordable and popular options for securing a Golden Visa in Europe.
•Minimum Investment: €250,000 (raised to €500,000 in high-demand areas like Athens and Mykonos).
• Residency Benefits:
•Fast-track residency processing within 60-90 days.
•No requirement to live in Greece.
• Schengen visa-free travel.
•Strong real estate appreciation and rental income potential.
💡 Why Greece? With Spain’s withdrawal, Greece is now Europe’s most attractive real estate-based Golden Visa program. However, further investment increases may be introduced, making 2025 a key year for investors to act.
🇵🇹 Portugal
Portugal has shifted its Golden Visa program away from real estate and now focuses on business, innovation, and capital investments.
•Minimum Investment: €500,000 (venture capital, tech startups, or cultural initiatives).
• Residency Benefits:
•Citizenship eligibility after 5 years.
•No physical residency requirement.
•Strong business-friendly environment.
💡 What’s Changing? Portugal eliminated real estate investments in the Golden Visa program, aligning with EU recommendations.
🇱🇻 Latvia
One of Europe’s most cost-effective Golden Visa programs for those prioritizing a low investment threshold.
•Minimum Investment: €75,000 (business investment).
• Residency Benefits:
• Schengen visa-free access.
•Business-friendly tax incentives.
•Lower competition compared to Greece or Portugal.
💡 Why Latvia? For investors seeking a lower-cost entry to European residency, Latvia remains one of the last affordable options in 2025.
🇮🇹 Italy
Italy’s Golden Visa program, known as the Investor Visa for Italy, requires investments in businesses, innovation, or government bonds.
•Minimum Investment: €500,000 in an Italian company or €2 million in government bonds.
• Residency Benefits:
•A pathway to Italian citizenship after 10 years.
•Residency in one of Europe’s largest economies.
•Strong opportunities for business growth.
💡 Why Italy? A strong choice for investors seeking a long-term foothold in the EU’s third-largest economy.
Why Are Golden Visa Rules Changing?
In recent years, the European Union has increased scrutiny on investment-based residency schemes. Countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK have already abolished their Golden Visa programs, citing concerns about real estate speculation and security risks.
✔ Housing Affordability Concerns: Countries like Spain and Portugal have faced rising property prices, leading to restrictions on real estate-driven residency programs.
✔ EU Pressure on Investment Migration Programs: The European Commission has urged stricter oversight, particularly for countries offering fast-track EU residency.
✔ Shift Toward Business Investment: Portugal and Latvia now prioritize business-related investments over real estate to boost economic growth.
Yusuf Boz’s Perspective: The Future of Golden Visas in Europe
Investment migration expert Yusuf Boz believes that Golden Visas in Europe are shifting towards a more regulated and selective model:
“We are witnessing a major transition in the European residency-by-investment landscape. While Spain is closing its doors, Greece and Portugal remain attractive—but investors need to move quickly before further changes occur.”
Boz also highlights the importance of diversifying investment strategies:
“Real estate is no longer the default investment choice for Golden Visas. Business, venture capital, and government-backed projects are becoming the new norm. Investors should assess the long-term benefits of each program carefully.”
What’s Next for Golden Visas in Europe?
While some countries phase out or restrict their programs, others are adjusting to meet new economic and political priorities. Investors should keep an eye on:
✔ Further restrictions in Greece and Portugal—investment thresholds may increase.
✔ Potential new business-based programs emerging in Latvia and Italy.
✔ Greater EU oversight on fast-track residency schemes.
For those considering a European Golden Visa, 2025 is a critical year to secure investment before further regulatory changes take effect.
To explore the best Golden Visa options, contact NotteGlobal today for expert guidance.
