Schengen Golden Visa Programs 2025: Best Countries for Investment Residency

Golden Visa programs have become an increasingly popular pathway for non-European Union nationals seeking residence rights in Europe. In 2025, several Schengen countries continue to offer investment-based residency options, providing affluent individuals and their families the chance to live, work, and travel freely across the Schengen Zone. These programs typically require a significant financial investment—whether through real estate, business, or government contributions—and reward investors with residency permits, which can eventually lead to citizenship in some cases.

Freedom of Movement:
Golden Visa holders can travel visa-free across the 27 countries in the Schengen Area.

Access to Education and Healthcare:
Residents can benefit from world-class education systems and public healthcare facilities.

Pathway to Citizenship:
Many Golden Visa programs offer a route to permanent residency and eventual citizenship after a qualifying period.

Investment Opportunities:
Applicants can diversify their portfolios by investing in stable European real estate markets or businesses.

Family Inclusion:
Immediate family members such as spouses and dependent children are usually included in the same application.

Portugal

Program Overview:
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most popular in Europe. Although recent reforms have redirected investments away from residential real estate in urban areas, opportunities still exist through investment in commercial real estate, venture capital funds, and cultural heritage projects.

Minimum Investment Required:
Starting from €250,000 for cultural projects; €500,000 for other types of investments.

Residency Benefits:
Applicants and their families can obtain residence permits with the right to live, study, and work in Portugal, along with visa-free travel across Schengen countries.

Path to Citizenship:
Eligible for Portuguese citizenship after five years without a mandatory physical presence requirement beyond a few weeks annually.

Greece

Program Overview:
Greece continues to attract investors with one of the lowest minimum investment thresholds in Europe. Investors typically purchase real estate to qualify.

Minimum Investment Required:
€250,000 for real estate purchases in most regions, rising to €500,000 in high-demand areas like Athens and Thessaloniki.

Residency Benefits:
Five-year renewable residency permit with no minimum stay requirement, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

Path to Citizenship:
Available after seven years of residency and integration into Greek society, including language proficiency.

Spain

Program Overview:
Spain offers an attractive Golden Visa that primarily involves real estate investment, though other routes like business investments and government bonds are available.

Minimum Investment Required:
€500,000 in real estate.

Residency Benefits:
Immediate access to residence permits for investors and their families, allowing them to live and work in Spain.

Path to Citizenship:
Requires ten years of residency; however, citizens from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, and a few others can apply after just two years.

Italy

Program Overview:
Italy’s Investor Visa program is tailored for individuals making substantial financial investments into the country’s economy, ranging from government bonds to strategic companies and philanthropic donations.

Minimum Investment Required:
Starting from €250,000 in innovative startups or €2 million in government bonds.

Residency Benefits:
A two-year residence permit, renewable for another three years, leading to permanent residency and citizenship eligibility.

Path to Citizenship:
Applicants may apply for citizenship after ten years of legal residence.

Malta

Program Overview:
While Malta is part of the Schengen Zone, its program offers residency with a high emphasis on financial contributions and property leasing or purchasing.

Minimum Investment Required:
Around €150,000 in government contributions, property rental agreements, and charity donations combined.

Residency Benefits:
Residents enjoy the right to live in Malta and travel freely in Schengen countries.

Path to Citizenship:
Although separate from the residency program, Malta also offers an individual investor program leading to citizenship under strict requirements and vetting.

Luxembourg

Program Overview:
Luxembourg offers a discreet yet powerful residency option through investments in new or existing businesses.

Minimum Investment Required:
€500,000 in a Luxembourg-based company, among other options.

Residency Benefits:
Residency permits allow investors and their families access to the Schengen Zone and a high standard of living.

Path to Citizenship:
Citizenship is available after five years, subject to language and integration requirements.

Other Notable Mentions

Several other Schengen nations, such as Austria and Switzerland (although not EU members), offer various investment migration programs, but they often require significantly higher investments and stricter qualifications. These are typically more suited for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Due Diligence and Background Checks:
Golden Visa applicants undergo strict financial background checks to ensure the legitimacy of investment funds.

Physical Residency Requirements:
Some countries require minimal physical presence, while others expect residents to live in the country for a certain number of days annually.

Changes in Regulations:
Golden Visa programs evolve frequently due to political and economic factors. Applicants should act promptly and seek expert advice to navigate the latest requirements.

Tax Implications:
Investors must understand the tax consequences of residency, especially in countries with worldwide income taxation.

Conclusion

Golden Visa programs in the Schengen Zone continue to offer an attractive bridge to Europe for investors in 2025. Countries like Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy stand out for their balanced combination of investment thresholds, residency benefits, and eventual pathways to citizenship. Whether you seek greater mobility, security for your family, or new business opportunities, the Schengen Golden Visa options present a golden opportunity for those ready to invest in their future. However, thorough research and professional advice are crucial to ensuring the success of your application and long-term satisfaction with your chosen country of residence.