European Golden Visa Programmes

Golden Visas Europe

There are a number of countries in Europe now offering golden investor visas that result in residency and potential citizenship of the EU, including Portugal, Spain and Malta. The minimum amount of investment can vary depending on the programme, ranging from 250,000€ to 600,000€. Contact our specialist team below for expert advice on the options available in Europe.

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EU Golden Visa Programs

A selection of the most popular golden visa investor programs in Europe.

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Benefits of a European Golden Visa

An EU Golden Visa provides an opportunity for foreign investors to live, work and study in the European Union and enjoy other benefits that come with, including but not limited to:

Visa free travel throughout the EU Schengen zone
Potential citizenship after a period of residency
Full family residency
Increased access to EU markets

Each programme has its own benefits and requirements.

Requirements for European Golden Visa Programmes

There are differences in requirements between each country and there are often changes to each individual programme. But some of the common requirements which can be found are as follows:

A clean criminal record
Proof of funds and financial records
No previous Schengen visa refusals
Currently Non-EU resident (includes UK residents post Brexit)

For further advice about family requirements, due diligence fees and background checks for each of the EU Golden Visa programmes, contact our specialist team.

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Latest News on European Golden Visas

See our blog section for all the news related to EU Golden Visas.

Insight: 68% of American Investors Choose Portugal’s Golden Visa

12 September 2025

Latvia Golden Visa Applications Surge

28 August 2025

Malta Permanent Residency Programme – Pricing Refresh

12 August 2025

Malta’s Permanent Residency Program has been upgraded for 2025. See what has changed…

Portugal’s Potential Citizenship Changes: What Investors Need to Know

25 June 2025

European Golden Visa FAQ’s

What is a European Golden Visa?

European Golden Visas are offered by individual countries within the EU. They allow foreign investors to have a temporary residence permit which can be renewed provided the investment, often into real-estate, is maintained. They offer visa-free travel throughout the Schengen zone.

How much do I need to invest to get a Golden Visa in Europe?

The investment you need to make depends on the programme you choose. For example, in Portugal, the amount is €500,000, plus fees. For real estate investment in Spain, the minimum required amount is €500,000.

Which is the best EU Golden Visa?

The best and most popular option in our experience of offering all the EU programmes is undoubtedly Portugal with investment from just €500,000. Other countries in Europe offer different benefits within their golden visa programmes and these may appeal. For example, Spain offers low government fees and Greece the lowest investment at €250,000.

Which is the cheapest European country for a Golden Visa?

There are a number of nations that which are financially competitive, such as Portugal and Greece with an investment amount of 250,000-500,000€ on any real estate. Each Golden Visa programme has its own requirements and fees. Contact us, and we will give you further information regarding the details.

How many countries can one visit with an EU Golden Visa?

Having a European Golden Visa allows individuals to travel visa-free in the Schengen zone, which includes 26 countries in Europe.

Which European country gives fastest citizenship?

Malta offers the fastest citizenship through investment in a period of one to three years with the benefit of a Maltese Passport, one of the strongest worldwide.

Which is the fastest Golden Visa in Europe?

If you’re looking for the quickest way to get a golden visa and residency through investment in Europe, Greece is a rapid option with an average time of three months. However, obtaining citizenship can take up to seven years. Spain is also fast. Portugal can take longer due to the popularity of the programme but is still broadly considered the best option for several reasons.

Can I get EU citizenship through investment?

There are no programmes currently available in Europe that offer direct citizenship by investment. Cyprus did offer this but the programme closed in 2020. Malta is the closest to this but still requires a period of residency and connection with the country before citizenship is granted.

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Why La Vida for Golden Visas in Europe

La Vida has over eight years’ experience promoting and advising on the golden visa options in Europe starting with Spain and Portugal back in 2014. Based in London our team of advisors are not tied to any one country and can give impartial advice across all the programmes. La Vida is a major player in EU Golden Visas and the largest provider of applicants for the Portuguese Golden Visa, the most established and popular programme in Europe.

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Why La Vida?

La Vida offers all the EU Golden Visa programmes.

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