Golden Visa programs across Europe have experienced significant changes in 2024, with many countries revising or discontinuing real estate options for residency by investment. If you’re looking to invest in a European residency program, here’s what you need to know about the latest changes:

 

Golden Visa Program Updates by Country

 

1. Portugal Golden Visa 2024

Portugal’s Golden Visa program has undergone a major restructuring in 2024. The real estate route has been limited, with new focus areas including venture capital funds, cultural projects, and science or technology research. Investors can still maintain residency with minimal physical presence (just seven days per year). This makes Portugal an attractive option for investors seeking alternative investment opportunities.

2. Spain Golden Visa Changes 2025 (updated 6th Jan 2025)

Spain’s Golden Visa program will be discontinued for real estate investment as a qualifying route for residency by investment, effective from 3rd April 2025. This has led to a surge in Golden Visa applications and will continue up until this deadline. However, other investment options, such as business investments and public debt securities, remain available for applicants.

3. Greece Golden Visa Update

Greece has raised the minimum real estate investment required for certain high-demand locations (e.g., Athens, Santorini) from €250,000 to €500,000. Despite this, more affordable investment options are still available in less popular regions of Greece, providing flexibility for potential investors.

4. Malta Golden Visa Program

Malta’s Golden Visa program targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals with a combination of property investments, government contributions, and donations. The minimum investment required ranges from €600,000 to €1 million, depending on the details of the program. Malta remains one of the fastest routes to European citizenship, offering a pathway in just 1 to 3 years.

5. Turkey Golden Visa (Residency & Citizenship)

Although not fully part of the European Union, Turkey offers one of the most attractive Golden Visa programs, with a minimum real estate investment of $400,000 (plus fees). This investment offers a clear path to Turkish citizenship, becoming a popular choice for international investors seeking both residency and citizenship.

Broader Trends in European Golden Visa Programs

 

• Increased EU Scrutiny: The European Union has ramped up scrutiny of Golden Visa programs due to concerns about security risks, tax evasion, and the impact on local housing affordability.

• Rise of Alternative Investment Routes: As real estate investments become more restrictive in some countries, alternative investment options—such as starting a business, funding scientific research, or contributing to cultural projects—are gaining traction.

What This Means for Investors

 

With these recent changes, it is crucial for potential investors to act quickly if targeting countries that still offer real estate-based Golden Visa routes.

Alternatively, exploring other investment strategies such as business ventures or cultural contributions may provide lucrative options.

For expert guidance and tailored advice, it’s essential to consult local legal and financial professionals. Europe Properties is pleased to recommend these trusted services to help you navigate the evolving Golden Visa landscape. Select your Country here for recommended Partners.