EU Golden Visa programmes in Portugal, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, and Latvia — starting from €50,000 with Schengen access from day one.
Residency by Investment — commonly known as a Golden Visa — is a government-approved immigration pathway that grants long-term residency rights in a new country in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution.
Unlike citizenship by investment, an RBI programme grants a residency permit rather than a passport. In practice, this means the right to live, work, and travel within that jurisdiction — and in most European programmes, unrestricted Schengen access — without the immediate commitment of full citizenship.
For many investors, an EU residency programme is a deliberate long-term strategy: establish residency today, maintain the investment, and qualify for full EU citizenship after meeting the programme's standard naturalisation period — typically five to seven years.
Purchase qualifying property in approved locations and obtain a renewable residency permit with regional travel access.
Channel capital into government-approved investment funds, national bonds, or qualifying financial instruments.
Establish or invest in a qualifying local business, creating economic activity in exchange for residency rights.
Certain jurisdictions accept contributions to cultural preservation, scientific research, or national development funds.
Seven government-approved EU residency programmes reviewed and managed by BFG Global Mobility.
Portugal residency by investment requires a minimum investment of €500,000 through mutual fund, research investment, cultural donation (€250,000), or company formation, with only 7 days per year physical residency and a path to EU citizenship after 5 years.
Greece residency by investment requires a minimum real estate investment of €250,000 (€500,000 in Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, and parts of Athens), with permanent 5-year renewable residency and a path to citizenship after 7 years.
Hungary residency by investment requires a minimum of €250,000 (property fund), €500,000 (real estate), or €1,000,000 (donation), with Schengen access and a 10-year residence permit; no full-time tax residency required.
Italy residency by investment requires €250,000 (innovative startup), €500,000 (company shares), or €2,000,000 (government bonds), with access to 26 Schengen countries and family reunification.
Latvia residency by investment requires €50,000 in an existing Latvian business or a new business with monthly tax contributions of €850+, with 5-year renewable residency and access to the EU market.
Malta residency by investment requires a lease (€10,000–12,000/yr rent + €58,000 contribution) or purchase (€300,000–350,000 property + €28,000 contribution), with indefinite stay and Schengen visa-free travel.
Cyprus residency by investment requires real estate from €300,000 (permanent residency) or €500,000+ (fast-track PR), with lifetime PR, low taxes, and no strict stay requirement.
A Golden Visa is more than a residency permit — it is a long-term strategy combining EU access, investment returns, and a clear pathway to one of the world's most powerful passports.
A Golden Visa grants you the legal right to live, work, and travel freely within the issuing EU country — and in most cases, visa-free access across all 26 Schengen member states from the day your permit is issued.
Unlike a government donation, many EU residency routes are backed by a tangible asset — real estate or an investment fund — that can appreciate over time and be resold or redeemed after the required holding period.
A residency by investment programme is not just a permit — it is the foundation for a future EU passport. Portugal allows citizenship after just 5 years, Greece after 7 years. That EU passport then provides access to 180+ countries and the right to live anywhere in the Union.
Several EU residency programmes come with powerful tax incentives. Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme offers favourable tax treatment on foreign income for 10 years. Malta and Cyprus offer low flat-rate tax environments. Latvia has no minimum tax residency obligation.
EU residency programmes accept several types of qualifying investment. The right route depends on your available capital, risk appetite, and whether you want a tangible asset or a simpler contribution model.
Purchase qualifying residential or commercial property in government-approved locations. Thresholds vary by country and zone — from €250,000 in Greece to €300,000+ in Cyprus. The property can typically be sold or leased after a holding period.
Subscribe to a government-approved investment fund, venture capital vehicle, or national bond instrument. Portugal and Hungary both offer fund-based routes. Capital may be returned at the end of the investment period.
Establish or acquire a qualifying business that creates local employment or contributes to economic growth. Latvia's programme is structured around this model, starting from €50,000 for an investment in an existing Latvian business.
Some EU programmes accept donations to government-approved cultural preservation projects, scientific research, or national heritage funds. Portugal's cultural donation route starts from €250,000 — the programme's most accessible entry point.
BFG Global Mobility guides clients through every stage — from initial eligibility assessment to residency permit issuance and long-term citizenship planning.
We assess your profile, preferred EU jurisdiction, investment capacity, and long-term goals to identify the most suitable Golden Visa programme.
We compare residency options across Europe — weighing investment type, annual presence requirements, tax benefits, family inclusion, and citizenship pathway.
Our team compiles all required personal documentation, investment evidence, and supporting legal materials to meet the specific government requirements.
Execute the qualifying investment — property purchase, fund subscription, or business formation — under our guidance and in full compliance with programme rules.
Attend biometrics registration, receive your official residency permit, and access the full benefits of your chosen EU residency programme.
Answers to the most common questions about EU Golden Visas, investment requirements, annual stay obligations, and pathways to EU citizenship.
It depends on the programme. Portugal requires just 7 days of physical presence per year — the most flexible in Europe. Greece has no minimum annual stay requirement. Malta imposes no strict stay conditions either. Hungary requires no tax residency. Latvia's business route requires active investment management but no fixed residency. BFG confirms country-specific requirements upfront.
In most cases, yes. EU residency permits grant full rights to live and work in the issuing country. The right to work freely across all EU member states comes with EU citizenship or specific cross-border agreements — not the initial residency permit itself. Your Golden Visa grants working rights specifically in the country where the permit is held.
Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime is a 10-year tax incentive available to new residents. Qualifying foreign income — including pensions, dividends, capital gains, and certain professional income — may be taxed at a flat rate or exempt altogether under the scheme. It is one of the most favourable personal tax regimes in the EU and a key reason many investors prioritise Portugal alongside their residency application.
Yes, in several programmes. Malta's Permanent Residency Programme explicitly allows dependent parents and in-laws. Portugal and Greece permit dependent parents or parents-in-law subject to demonstrating financial dependency. Cyprus includes financially dependent children. BFG Global Mobility confirms eligibility for extended family members based on the specific programme chosen.
Standard documents across most EU programmes include: a valid passport, proof of investment (property deeds, fund agreements, or business registration), bank statements confirming source of funds, criminal background certificates, health insurance, and proof of address. Some programmes require additional due diligence documentation. BFG provides a complete programme-specific checklist at the start of each application.
After 5 years of holding a valid Portuguese Golden Visa — with the 7-day annual presence requirement met each year — investors become eligible to apply for Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship. Portuguese citizenship provides an EU passport with visa-free access to 180+ countries and the right to live and work in any EU member state. BFG Global Mobility supports clients through the naturalisation process when the time comes.
Yes. Greece's Golden Visa continues in 2026 with updated thresholds: €250,000 for qualifying properties in standard zones, and €500,000 for premium zones including Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, and parts of Athens. The programme grants a 5-year renewable residency permit with no annual stay requirement and immediate Schengen access. It remains one of the most competitive EU residency by investment programmes available.
Whether you are exploring a second passport or a European Golden Visa, the first step is a frank conversation. Our advisors will assess your eligibility, outline your options, and give you a clear picture of the path ahead — with no cost and no commitment.
Every conversation and document shared is handled with absolute confidentiality. Your investment intentions are never disclosed.
We do not offer generic advice. Every assessment is prepared specifically for your nationality, family structure, and financial objectives.
Your enquiry is handled by experienced professionals with direct knowledge of programme requirements, processing timelines, and government liaison.
Prepared individually by a senior BFG Global Mobility advisor within 24 hours of receiving your enquiry.
Completely free of charge. No obligation to proceed. Your information is treated in strict confidence.
