Golden visas are pure residency schemes, should not be confused with citizenship by investment (Cbi) programs. A golden visa program is an ideal choice for investors who seek permanent residency and dont want citizenship in initial stages and aim for EU citizenship after some years of patience .
If your country does not accept dual citizenship, probably a residency program fits best for you.
These are the list of EU countries that offer golden visas for third country nationals.
- Portugal – €280,000 Real estate (TRP)
- Greece – €250,000 Real estate (PRP)
- Netherlands – €1,250,000 Investment funds / Venture capital startups (TRP)
- Ireland – €500,000 Endowment (PRP)
- United Kingdom – £2 million – Share capital or Bonds (TRP)
- Italy – €500,000 Startups / €2 million Govt bonds (TRP)
- Spain – €500,000 Real Estate (TRP)
- Luxembourg – €500,000 (TRP)
- Malta – €125,000 (Financing Govt bonds) (PRP)
- Cyprus* – €300,000 Real Estate (TRP)
- Bulgaria* – €250,000 Real Estate / Business (PRP/TRP*)
- France – €300,000 Talent passport (TRP)
- Latvia – €250,000 Real Estate / Bonds (PRP)
TRP – Temporary residence permit valid for 1-2 years
PRP – Permanent residence permit issued for 5 years
*Non-Schengen countries
Note: UK will divorce from EU from 1 Jan 2021
As you can see, Malta has the inexpensive and low cost option. Germany does not have official golden visa program but it is possible to acquire TRP by investing €50,000 plus legal costs.
In many cases, a PRP is more advantageous for investors, avoiding the hassle to renew permits. Most golden visa programs do not have any residence requirements except you have to visit for few days.
Citizenship is also important and you must not miss out on this considering the future of your children. EU citizenship will provide them a great future and opportunity to study abroad.
Golden visa programs do not offer preferential or fast track path to citizenship. You must remember that EU citizenship is not easy, you have to live continuously for some years and also pass language and civic tests despite investing in golden visa scheme.
- Portugal – 5 years
- Greece – 7 years
- Netherlands – 5 years
- Ireland – 5 years
- United Kingdom – 5 years
- Italy – 10 years
- Spain – 10 years
- Luxembourg – 5 years
- Malta – 5 years
- Cyprus – 5 years
- Bulgaria – 5 years
- France – 5 years
- Latvia – 9 years