For a number of people and households looking for a toe in the door of Europe, the concept of a Golden Visa provides a seductive route. Such schemes, commonly known as “residency by investment” programs, offer access to residency in an EU state in return for a qualifying financial investment. The advantages go beyond mere the right to reside in the host nation; they usually involve visa-free movement in the Schengen Area, quality healthcare, and education, and possible access to economic citizenship. However, with active European Golden Visa Programs in place, one of the most common inquiries is: which country is the simplest to Get Golden Visa in Europe?
Comprehending “easiest” is more than the lowest amount of money required. It also includes aspects such as processing time, residency requirements, application ease, and the general stability and desirability of the nation. We’ll examine two of the most well-known EU Golden Visa programs: Portugal and Greece.
Read more on European Golden Visa Program Benefits
Key Considerations for a European Golden Visa Programs
When considering which Golden Visa program could be the “easiest,” there are several things one has to consider:
Investment Size: How small is the smallest investment?
Investment Options: Are there various options such as real estate, fund subscription, or transfer of capital?
Processing Time: How long is it typically between application and approval of the visa?
Residency Requirements: Is there a mandatory stay time for residency to be maintained?
Path to Citizenship: Does the program provide a well-defined and reasonably direct path to acquiring citizenship?
Program Stability: Is the program likely to experience substantial alterations or cessation?
Exploring Prominent European Golden Visa Programs
Portugal Golden Visa
For many years, Portugal’s Golden Visa program was widely considered one of the most attractive choices. While it has undergone significant changes, it remains popular.
Investment Options (Current):
Portugal’s Golden Visa no longer includes direct real estate acquisition as a qualifying investment option (effective October 2023). Yet, a number of other options are still available:
Investment Funds: Minimum investment of at least €500,000 in private equity or venture capital funds that invest in companies in Portugal. The funds are required to be regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
Donation to Scientific Research: A minimum investment of €500,000 to public or private scientific research institutions.
Donation to Artistic Production or Cultural Heritage: A minimum of €250,000 contribution towards the recovery or upkeep of national cultural heritage or artistic production.
Job Creation: The creation of a minimum of 10 new full-time positions for Portuguese nationals.
Investment in an Existing Business: Investment of a minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese enterprise, along with creation or retention of a minimum of 5 full-time positions for Portuguese nationals for a minimum period of three years.
Residency Requirements:
One of the greatest draws of the Portugal Golden Visa is still its low physical presence requirement. The applicants must be present in Portugal for a mere average of 7 days annually, or 14 days for every two years, to ensure that their residency is not revoked.
Path to Citizenship:
Once they have lived in Portugal for 5 years under the Golden Visa programme, the applicants qualify for Portuguese citizenship upon passing simple language exams and being free of any criminal record. This relatively rapid process to acquire EU citizenship is a strong attraction.
While the abandonment of straight real estate investment was the most severe compromise, Portugal’s offer continues to be among the front-runners due to the short residence requirement and tested path to citizenship.
Greece Golden Visa
Greece has traditionally offered one of the cheapest European Golden Visa Programs, notably through its real estate investment scheme. It is popularly known as the Cheapest Golden Visa Europe due to its relatively low threshold and relaxed residence requirement.
Investment Options:
The Greek Golden Visa scheme was modified to some extent in August 2024, increasing levels of investment for certain of the most sought-after areas. But it still presents promising property investment opportunities:
Real Estate Investment:
€250,000: For real estate acquisitions in areas that are specified, normally less urban sites or converted commercial to residential structures, or restoration of registered structures.
€400,000: For rural areas or less populated city and island properties.
€800,000: For high-end properties like central Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Thessaloniki.
Other Investment Options: The below include a 10-year lease contract for accommodation in a hotel or tourist furnished residential homes (€400,000 or €800,000 depending on the location), investment in Greek government debt (€500,000+), or investment in shares/corporate bonds/investment funds (€350,000+).
Residency Requirements:
One of the largest positives of the Greece Golden Visa is that it has no minimum stay requirement. This is ideal for those investors who want European residency and Schengen travel allowances without moving.
Processing Time and Path to Citizenship:
Processing time for the Greek Golden Visa is typically 3 to 6 months. There is no required stay, but the applicant may make an application for Greek citizenship after a stay of 7 years on condition of demonstrating language proficiency and other qualifications.
Greece stands out in having comparatively limited real estate investment options as well as no need for physical presence, making it a strong contender for those looking to Get Golden Visa in Europe without too much disruption of their current lifestyle.
So, Which is the Easiest?
Based on a combination of factors, primarily the investment threshold and residency requirements, Greece often emerges as one of the easiest, if not the easiest, European country to Get Golden Visa in Europe.
Greece’s €250,000 real estate option (in specific areas) remains one of the lowest financial entry points among the active European Golden Visa Programs. Importantly, it does not have a minimum stay requirement, which significantly eases the process for those who do not want to move straight away.
Though Portugal’s scheme is very appealing due to its quicker route to citizenship, eliminating the real estate route and slightly increased investment requirements for others means it may not be thought of as the “easiest” strictly in terms of up-front cost and immediate flexibility, when compared to Greece. Still, for those who value EU citizenship above all else, Portugal’s low residency requirement and 5-year naturalization route make it extremely desirable.
It’s important to be current on program updates, since immigration policy can change. What may be the “easiest” now may not be so in the future.
How FRR Immigration Can Help You Get Golden Visa in Europe
Navigating the complexities of European Golden Visa Programs is best left to experienced hands. At FRR Immigration, we possess insider information on all programs and are dedicated to providing you with meticulous, customized guidance to make your immigration process smooth and effective.
This is where FRR Immigration comes in:
In-Depth Consultations: We review your profile, financial objectives, and strategies to suggest the most suitable EU Golden Visa program, whether that is the Cheapest Golden Visa Europe or the fastest way to citizenship.
Legal & Compliance Know-how: Our professionals keep themselves abreast of all policy updates, so your application is compliant with all legal and compliance guidelines.
Streamlined Application Process Management: We handle the entire application filing process, from preparation, filing, and follow-up, leaving you more time and reducing errors.
Post-Landing Support: Our service doesn’t stop when you get your visa approved, assisting you in obtaining your residency card, opening a bank account, and other essential relocation services.
Golden Visa schemes bring the dream of European residency within reach more than ever before. Working with trustworthy consultants, like FRR Immigration, makes this stress-inducing situation a viable reality. Our seasoned staff stands ready to assist you in opening doors to fresh potential.
Contact FRR Immigration today to schedule your own consultation and begin your journey in applying for your Golden Visa Europe. https://frrimmigration.com/schedule-a-consultation/
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