Which are the top European countries for Residency By Investment In 2024?

Culturally diverse, economically stable, and highly living—this is Europe, mostly an elusive dream for many to aspire to a better life.

Residency by Investment Programs is mostly coined as the Golden Visa, providing the key to access into some of the most sought-after European countries.

These programs present the most unique opportunity for the acquisition of residency rights among all, having an extremely high investment in the host country. Free travel across the Schengen Area, exposure to world-class health and education facilities are some of its pros.

Moreover, the landscape of European RBI is highly heterogeneous: every country will show its own requirements and benefits. That said, to be able to make the best possible decision, this article provides the details for four of the top opportunities for 2024: Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Spain.

Portugal Residence by Investment

For quite a time now, the Portugal Golden Visa has been the most popular, simply because it is the most flexible and relatively cheapest pathway to citizenship. After 2023 changes, though, this shift in focus will come from real estate investment to other ways contribution can be made towards the economic development of the country.

Investment Options:

• Transfer of Capitals: The investment should be of at least €1.5 million transferred to a Portuguese bank account or, in alternative, invested in investment funds.
• Investment Funds: A qualified investment of at least €500,000 in an investment fund composed of a Portuguese investment.
• Company Formation: It requires the formation or investment in a company in Portugal, which generates at least 10 new jobs.
• R&D: The investment must be equal to or greater than €500,000 in research work conducted by public or private scientific research organizations that operate in Portugal.
• Cultural Heritage: A sum of at least €250,000 must be used in the construction of national cultural heritage preservations.

Benefits:

• Visa-free movement within the Schengen Area
• Road to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residency; physical presence is not obligatory
• Good healthcare and educational systems accessible
• Attractive tax system for residents, either through the NHR regime or the regular tax system with just a few specific guidelines
• Family Inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, dependent parents are included in the application.

Changes in recent years:

• Withdrawal of real estate investment from the golden visa eligibility options.
• Increase of the minimum amount invested in some of the existing investment options.
• New investment options: research and development, cultural heritage.

Greece Residence by Investment

Greece’s Golden Visa program had an outpouring of interest in recent years due to its comparably low investment threshold and the beckoning call of Mediterranean living. That said, there are a few changes to note that have affected investment thresholds in certain locales.

Investment Options:

Real Estate:

• A minimum investment of €250,000 in most regions of Greece.
• A minimum investment of €500,000 in areas that include Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Benefits:

• Visa-free travel to the Schengen Area. 
• Greek citizenship after 7 years of residency. 
• Residency in a beautiful country with a great history, wonderful landscapes, and an easy way of life. 
• No residence in Greece full time is required to maintain residency. 
• Family members: Spouse, dependent children, and both parents can be included.

Changes in recent years

The minimal investment amount in real estate for some areas in excess of demand has increased from €250,000 to €500,000.

Malta Residency by Investment

The Permanent Residence Program of Malta, widely referred to as the Malta Golden Visa, brings together an unrivaled combination of European benefits with authentic Mediterranean flair. It’s an especially excellent destination for families looking to resettle to a safe and secure environment with good educational facilities and equally good healthcare facilities.

Investment Options:

• Government Contribution: A non-refundable contribution of €68,000, plus additional fees for dependents.
• Real Estate Investment: The acquisition of an immovable property with a minimum value of €300,000, or €270,000 if the property is located in Gozo or the South of Malta.
• Property Lease: Leasing a property for a minimum annual rent of €10,000, or €8,750 if the property is situated in Gozo or the South of Malta.

Benefits:

• Permanent residency in Malta.
• Visa-free travel to all countries in the Schengen Area.
• Access to high-quality healthcare and education systems.
• Attractive personal tax regime.
• Family: Spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included.

Spain Residence by Investment

Spain’s Golden Visa program is another profitable approach to acquiring residency in mainland Europe; it provides various investment choices at an ordinary success path on gaining residence.

Investment options:

• Real Estate: You must invest at least €500,000 in real estate.
• Capital Transfer: Invest a minimum of (e.g., 1 million euros) into a Spanish bank account or in securities or debt issued by Spain for the same amounts.
• Business Project: A business project for the workplace that generates employment helps to develop the national economy.

Benefits:

• Travel visa-free in Schengen Area
• A route to Spanish nationality after 10 years of living in Spain
• Cultural and natural diversity is within your reach.
• You do not have to be a full-time resident of Spain during the year.
• The whole family can be included, including the spouse and dependent children and even aged parents.

Choosing the Right Program

Which residency by investment program is right for you will eventually depend on your priorities and personal circumstances. Consider factors such as:

• Minimum Investment: Varies program to program.
• Preferred Advantages: Choose between the benefits of no visa travel, EU access, or savings on taxes.
•  Lifestyle Preferences: Are you happier in a cold or warm climate?
• Future: Do you have any present thoughts of becoming a citizen or long-term resident?

FRR Immigration: Your Trusted Partner

Residents through an investment program can be huge and often difficult to manage. FRR Immigration has a team of skilled professionals that can help you at every step. We provide personalized assistance to get a better understanding of your individual goals and will help you choose the right program.

We offer comprehensive support, including:

• Individual Assessments: We will evaluate your eligibility and provide personal consultation.
• Detailed Program Information: We’ll give you the inside scoop on every program—funding options, perks, and even job conditions.
• Help with your Application: We will help you to complete and lodge an application, including ensuring that all details are accurate.
• Continued Support: Each step of the way, we are here for you with updates on where we’re at and to answer any questions that come up.

DO NOT let the complexities of immigration be a deterrent!

Get in touch with FRR Immigration today for further assistance and to make your dream of residing permanently in Europe a reality.