Residency by Investment

Second Residency by Investment

There are several residency by investment programmes in Europe that grant residency through real estate or fund investment but without the requirement to reside. Commonly referred to as golden visas or investor visas, these programmes are especially popular with investors not wishing to emigrate and move their family, but require flexibility should they ever need to reside. They often come with accompanying travel freedom across the EU Schengen zone. Eventually, if permanent residency is undertaken by the investor and their family, citizenship of the country can usually be applied for.

Please note our website remains a guide. Contact our advisors at La Vida for up-to-date information and an assessment of your personal circumstances.

CONTACT ADVISOR

Related Residency by Investment Programs

View All

Residency by Investment Overview

It is possible to gain a residency visa through investment in several countries across Europe. Portugal, Spain and Greece all offer golden visa residency programmes, granting applicants and their families residence permits following a qualifying real estate purchase or via a fund investment. Other countries such as Malta require government donations in return for residency.

Asides from the main investment, each country has its own application requirements that investors must comply with. Our experienced team of experts will be able to guide you through the process and advise on which documents are required.

YOUR FREE QUOTATION

Why Get a Golden Visa Residency Permit?

By investing in a second residency programme, investors are able to broaden their travel access and widen their economic and business opportunities. A second residency permit for many also offers the security of a ”Plan B” should they ever need to leave their country.

Second Residency by investment benefits

Second residency provides you with improved security for you and your family members, political freedom and a ”Plan B” country to reside in should you ever need to.
Having residency may grant you certain tax advantages along with additional economic freedom.
Depending on the country you choose, a second residency permit could open up the possibility of working and living abroad.
A second residency may also widen your children’s education opportunities, giving them access to some of the world’s top universities and schools. In some cases, university fees may be lower if you are applying as a local resident as opposed to an international student.
Residency by investment allows for new business opportunities and development.
Second residency grants you access to a new area of the world, allowing you to be immersed into different cultures and environments.
Some residency programmes offer a clear and flexible path to later apply for citizenship providing you meet set requirements.

Residency Through Real Estate Investment

Some countries such as Greece allow investment into qualifying real estate projects in return for residency. See below a selection of the best options on offer.

Get Started

Selected Residency Investments

A selection of investments available for residency in Europe.

St Kitts

$325,000

Citizenship

Fractional ownership of a 3-bedroom luxury villa in St. Kitts’ longest standing resort – from $325K with rental income and…

Property, Resort, Villa

Grenada

$742,500 +

Citizenship

Set on a secluded stretch of Grenada’s south coast, this limited collection of beachfront residences qualifies for Grenada’s Citizenship by…

Apartment, Property

Italy

€250,000

Residency

Invest in Italy’s Golden Visa via this innovative business route. Passive investment option from €250,000. Gain residency for you and…

Business, Commercial

What is Residency by Investment?

Residency by investment is a process of acquiring a residency permit in a foreign country through real estate or financial investments. The practice has grown significantly in popularity over recent years. There are numerous advantages associated with this type of investor visa including increased visa-free travel, access to improved healthcare, education systems and employment opportunities, which can all be beneficial for those looking to immigrate abroad.

What is the difference between a Golden Visa and Residency Visa?

Effectively there is no difference. The term ”Golden Visa” is just another name that some countries are using and has become increasingly popular to describe Residency by Investment programmes. Investor Visas and Golden Residency are also terms that are commonly used. Read more on common Golden Visa misconceptions here.

Which countries offer second Residency through investment?

There are a number of nations that offer residency by investment programmes, also known as golden visa programmes. The key EU programmes include:

It is also possible to gain residency through investment in

What is the most popular Residency by Investment Programme?

All the Golden Visa residency programmes in the EU have been very successful. Portugal has been one of the most popular options due to its low cost (starting from €280,000) and the fact that is has a clear and flexible pathway to later apply for citizenship.

Can I get Permanent Residency through Investment?

Yes. Some countries, such as Greece, offer a permanent residency permit straight away following investment. Other countries such as Portugal or Spain will issue temporary residency permits initially, with the option to apply for permanent residency (PR) after a period of time, usually five years.

What is the fastest country programme for residency by investment in Europe?

The Spanish Golden Visa offers the quickest route to residency out of the European programmes. The initial temporary residency visa can be issued in just one month.

What is the cheapest residency investment?

In Europe the Golden Visa in Portugal requires an investment of €280,000 and in Greece €250,000. But as those lower limits there are restrictions on where in the country certain properties can be purchased.

View All

Latest News

Latest news on residency by investment programmes.

Why Global Investors are Choosing New Zealand Residency

4 September 2025

Citizenship and Residency Investment Under $100,000

1 September 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

Our Customer Testimonials

”It was great working with your team, they are all rock stars!”

Mr SSerbia
January 2023

”Even with the long wait and us being impatient Chelita and Jude did a very good job, and Rebecca was excellent during initial stage. Good looking web page and easy-to-read information. ”

Mrs InyushinRussia / France
January 2023

”Daniel from La Vida and Keith have both been very polite, solution oriented and quick to respond. I also valued cost transparency from the beginning.”

Mr UGermany
January 2023

”Everything is perfect. Miss Edwina is the only point of contact so far and I appreciate the professionalism.”

Mr KumarUAE / India
November 2022

”This was a much better experience than I had expected. Keith and Mtonya were my main points of contact during the process. We were able to have video calls with constant contact during the process. the communication was fantastic, and the expectations that were set was exactly what happened. It is refreshing to work with a group that does what they say they will do. I am very pleased and would recommend La Vida to anyone that is looking”

Mr HUSA
January 2023

”Credit to Luke, who supported me really well. Luke was very responsive to all my questions at the beginning. He gained my trust in engaging further with La Vida. I also love La Vida’s website which is very comprehensive.”

Ms ChenUSA / China
October 2022

”I am glad I chose La Vida, they updated me every step of the way even when they were delays. The service was impeccable and I would definitely recommend.”

M. InyangNigeria
October 2022

”Competent, friendly and very polite and helpful.”

AnonymousGermany
September 2022

”We made calls to several companies and after talking to Charlie Filleul, we choose La Vida based on that conversation. Charlie listened to what we were interested in and presented several options and answered all of our questions. When we made our choice she quickly moved the process forward. We found Charlie and La Vida to be knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful. The process moved smoothly, everyone was competent and easy to work with.”

Elizabeth Walsh and Daniel KoczurUSA
August 2022

Very good service , and special thanks for Mr Paul Mandrinos for the advice he gave me to obtain Saint Lucian passport , and thanks to Jude Clemoes for all the support along the process.

AnonymousLibya
November 2019

Second Passport by Investment With La Vida

La Vida has developed an expertise in helping those seeking a second residency by investment. Whether it’s for residency, tax savings or for other personal reasons, our advisors understand each individual’s specific needs and can provide them with tailored solutions within a strict timeframe. La Vida has extensive global reach with our expert team having helped clients in over 150 countries worldwide. Contact Us today on the form below.

GET STARTED TODAY

Why La Vida?

La Vida offers all the main citizenship investment programmes.

18+

Programs we offer Worldwide

164

Countries where we have served clients

117144

Advice given to prospective investors