Best European Golden Visa 2025

Practically, some investor visas programs have closed namely Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, but several EU options remain compelling. Choose based on presence requirements / path to PR/citizenship / investment type / and processing practicalities.

Portugal — Golden Visa (funds & cultural support)

Why choose it: Minimal physical presence with a potential route to citizenship.

How it works: Real estate is out; typical paths include €500k into regulated funds or €250k/€200k cultural patronage (location-dependent). Expect light stay (about 7 days/year). Lawmakers have proposed extending the citizenship timeline (most applicants could face 10 years instead of 5—7 for CPLP nationals), but as of Aug 2025 it’s not yet enacted.

Important: Policy still evolving; diligence on fund terms and fees is essential.

Greece — Golden Visa (tiered property + financial options)

Why choose it: Property-led residence with broad family coverage.

How it works: Since 2024, thresholds follow a three-zone map—€800k in prime areas (e.g., central Athens, Thessaloniki, major islands), €400k for Zone B, and €250k for targeted conversions/heritage projects (Zone C). Financial routes (bonds/deposits/funds) also exist.

Important: No stay required for residence, but citizenship has separate, longer requirements; processing backlogs can occur.

Hungary — Guest Investor Residence Permit

Why choose it: Long card, low friction.

How it works: 10-year residence permit (renewable for another 10) via €250k in an approved real-estate fund or €1M donation. Schengen mobility; family can be included.

Watch-out: Newer framework—expect procedural fine-tuning.

Malta — MPRP (permanent residence)

Why choose it: Permanent EU residence from day one (Schengen included).

How it works (2025): Buy €375k property or rent €14k/yr for 5 years plus €37k contribution, €60k admin fee (split €15k + €45k), and €2k NGO donation. Dependant admin fee €7.5k (exemptions for spouse/minors/differently-abled adult children). Temporary card available during processing.

Important: Higher all-in outlay; strict compliance over five years.

Cyprus — Permanent Residence

Why choose it: Quick PR in an EU country (note: not in Schengen yet).

How it works: Invest €300k (property, company equity, or eligible funds) and show €50k+ annual foreign income (higher with dependants). Visit at least once every 2 years to keep PR.

Important: Schengen access requires a separate visa until Cyprus joins.

Latvia — Golden Visa 

Why choose it: Lower entry point inside the EU/Schengen.

How it works: Options include €250k real estate (plus state levies), €50k company investment (conditions apply), or instruments/deposits. Residence is typically granted up to 5 years, renewable; PR/citizenship need time and language integration.

Important: Smaller market; longer road to a passport.

Programs already closed 

Spain: investor routes ended Apr 3, 2025.

Netherlands: investor visa ended 2024.

Ireland: IIP closed Feb 15, 2023.

How to choose a right program that suits your goal:

Simplest long permit: Hungary.

Permanent residency immediately: Malta (MPRP).

Light presence + potential EU passport: Portugal (fund/culture routes), but budget for possible nationality-law changes.

Property-centric: Greece (zone thresholds); Latvia as a budget alternative.

Conclusion:
Match the program to your priorities—presence, permanence, citizenship horizon, and investment risk—then verify current rules before filing, as several regimes are evolving in 2025.