Golden Visas, often called residency-by-investment schemes, let you become a legal resident of another nation by making a big financial commitment to its economy. People and families who want to move around the world more easily, have a better quality of life, get better education and healthcare, or just keep their possessions safe really want these services. The different investment alternatives available in different countries are very different, but they usually fall into a few main groups. Anyone thinking about getting a Golden Visa has to know about these choices.
Portugal Investment Residency Program
The Portugal Golden Visa, also known as the Portugal investment residency program, is one of the most popular and successful schemes in the world. Real estate investing used to be the most popular choice, but revisions in October 2023 made it less popular to buy homes directly in high-density areas. Some of the current investment possibilities that qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa are
- Fund Subscription: You need to put at least €500,000 into private equity or venture capital funds that qualify. The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) must oversee these funds, and they must mostly invest in Portuguese companies.
- A cultural heritage or arts donation is a non-refundable gift of at least €250,000 to organizations that support the arts, preserve national heritage, or promote cultural activities.
- Scientific Research: A contribution of at least €500,000 in money to governmental or private scientific research facilities.
- Starting a business and making jobs: making at least ten permanent jobs in Portugal.
- Putting at least €500,000 into an existing Portuguese business and either creating at least 5 new permanent employment or keeping 10 existing ones.
- Portugal’s program is still appealing because it just requires a short stay, and you can seek citizenship after five years.
Common Investment Categories
Most Golden Visa programs offer a wide choice of investment options to suit different budgets and client preferences. These usually include:
Investing in real estate is probably the most popular and easiest way to go. Investors buy homes or businesses that are worth at least the minimum amount stipulated by the program. This might often be just one property or a whole portfolio of homes.
- Capital Transfer/Fund Investment: This means putting a set amount of money into government bonds, investment funds (like private equity or venture capital funds), or other financial instruments. Most of the time, these funds are regulated and help the country’s economy grow.
- Business Investment and Job Creation: Some programs help local enterprises get foreign direct investment. This could mean starting a new business, putting money into an old one, or making a set amount of employment available to people in the area.
- Donations: Another typical choice is to give money to a government fund that can’t be returned. This money is usually set aside for certain areas, such as the arts, culture, research, or social projects. It doesn’t work like a regular investment, yet it gives you the same residence benefits.
Greece Residency by Investment
The Greece residency by investment program, often known as the Greece Golden Visa, is another very competitive alternative in Europe. It is well-known for its excellent real estate investment path. There have been recent adjustments in the minimum investment amounts for some popular places; however, the program is still flexible:
Real estate investment: the most typical way, which is buying real estate. The least amount of money you can invest can change.
- €250,000 in some regions, such as buildings that are going to be turned from commercial to residential or buildings that are going to be restored.
- €400,000 in areas with fewer people.
- €800,000 in places that are very popular, like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and the islands.
Moving Capital:
- At least €500,000 in Greek government bonds.
- At least €400,000 in corporate bonds or shares that are traded on Greek regulated markets.
- A Greek bank requires a minimum fixed-term deposit of €400,000.
Investment in Funds: You must invest at least €350,000 in units of investment funds or alternative investment funds that only invest in real estate in Greece.
The Greece Golden Visa lets you live there for five years and then renew it. It also lets family members live there, and there is no minimum stay needed to keep the visa.
