Global demand for Golden Visa programs soared in 2024, with leading residency and citizenship investment firm La Vida reporting a 47% year-on-year increase in client applications. The sharp uptick signals a growing interest among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking greater global mobility, financial security, and lifestyle advantages.
According to La Vida, the firm saw particularly strong interest in European programs, with countries like Portugal, Greece, and Spain remaining the top destinations despite recent regulatory changes. The company noted that its growth was not only due to traditional markets such as the Middle East and Asia, but also due to a noticeable increase in interest from North American clients, particularly from the United States.
La Vida’s Managing Director Paul Williams emphasized that global uncertainty, inflation, and concerns over personal freedom and taxation were major drivers behind the surge. “High-net-worth individuals are seeking options. They want freedom of travel, access to better healthcare and education, and the ability to diversify their investments across borders,” Williams stated.
The appeal of Golden Visa programs has been growing steadily over the past decade, but 2024 marked a significant turning point. Rising political instability in some regions, coupled with a desire for access to Europe’s Schengen Zone, has pushed more individuals to secure alternative residency options through investment.
In Europe, Portugal and Greece continue to lead the field. While Portugal’s Golden Visa underwent notable changes in 2023, removing real estate from the list of eligible investments, fund-based investment options have continued to attract serious interest. Greece, on the other hand, has retained its real estate investment model, though with increased minimum thresholds in key regions. Spain’s program is expected to phase out in April 2025, driving urgency among applicants eager to enter before the deadline.
Outside of Europe, Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs also saw rising demand in 2024, particularly among clients seeking faster processing times and visa-free travel access to a wide range of countries. However, La Vida noted that Golden Visa programs tied to European residency continue to be the preferred option for those looking at long-term relocation and eventual citizenship.
La Vida’s report also highlighted that the average client is becoming younger and more globally mobile. Many new applicants are business owners, tech entrepreneurs, and professionals in remote industries, seeking a “plan B” that allows for seamless international movement and greater geopolitical flexibility.
This 47% growth has not gone unnoticed by governments either. Some countries are reviewing their own programs to enhance security checks and introduce more transparency, while others are updating thresholds or investment routes to meet rising demand and economic development goals.
Looking ahead to 2025, La Vida predicts continued momentum, especially as global tensions remain high and demand for freedom of movement, lifestyle diversification, and secure investment vehicles increases. The firm is also expanding its advisory network and platform tools to better serve a growing international client base.
The rise in Golden Visa applications shows no sign of slowing down. As wealthy individuals seek greater control over their futures, Golden Visa programs have become more than just a residency option—they are now a key part of global wealth and lifestyle planning.
