The Best Golden Visa Programs in 2025

In 2025, Golden Visa programs are evolving. Once centered on real estate, many golden visa countries now favor fund investments, entrepreneurship, and national projects. Governments are shifting toward attracting long-term, sustainable investors instead of short-term property buyers.

For investors and families, this means today’s best Golden Visa programs are more transparent, faster to process, and offer broader benefits, from family inclusion and education access to clear paths toward citizenship.

This guide highlights the top Golden Visa programs in Europe and beyond, recent policy changes, and the real advantages of Golden Visa options to help you choose the right destination for your investment.

(Article Updated October 2025)

What is the Golden Visa and Why is it Changing?

The term Golden Visa is the popular name for residency-by-investment programs. These programs allow foreign nationals to obtain a residence permit by making a qualifying investment in a host country. Typically, qualifying investments include government bonds, private funds, business ventures, or philanthropic donations.

Key Advantages of Golden Visa Programs

The best Golden Visa programs share three main benefits that continue to attract global investors:

• Pathway to citizenship: Many programs offer permanent residency or citizenship after several years of legal stay, giving investors long-term security and EU access.
• Visa-free travel: In Europe, holders enjoy freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, making it easier to live, travel, and conduct business across multiple countries.
• Family inclusion: Most golden visa countries extend residence permits to a spouse and dependent children, allowing families to relocate together.

Why Are Golden Visa Programs Changing?

Over the past few years, Golden Visa programs in Europe have faced greater scrutiny. Governments are rethinking how to attract investment without putting pressure on housing markets or national security. As a result, the 2025 landscape looks very different:

• Closures and reforms: Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program in April 2025, following concerns about rising property prices and speculative investment. Other nations, like Ireland, closed their schemes earlier.
• Stricter EU oversight: The European Union has been pushing for tighter regulation, urging member states to increase transparency and reduce real estate’s role as the primary investment route.
• Shift to sustainable investments: Instead of property purchases, programs now emphasize contributions that foster innovation, job creation, and long-term economic growth. This includes investments in funds, startups, or cultural projects.

If you’re exploring your options, you can speak with an immigration lawyer to understand the latest eligibility criteria and find the Golden Visa countries that best match your goals.

Best Golden Visa Programs in 2025

In 2025, the best Golden Visa programs are moving away from purely real-estate investment toward funds, entrepreneurship and innovation-driven contributions. Below are some of the most attractive and reliable golden visa countries, with key details such as why the country’s program stands out, minimum investment thresholds, and the residency or citizenship pathway.

Portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa Program remains a top choice thanks to its flexible rules, Schengen access and a straightforward pathway to citizenship.

• Minimum Investment: €250,000
• Key Investment Options:
  • Venture capital or private equity fund subscription (€500,000)
  • Investing in an existing Portuguese business (€500,000)
  • Contributing to science or technology research (€500,000)
  • Support the arts or the reconstruction of national cultural heritage (€250,000)
• Residency Requirements: Only 14 days every two years in Portugal, one of the lowest in Europe.

Italy

Often known as the Italian Golden Visa, but officially the Investor Visa for Italy. This program is attractive for those who don’t want to trigger tax residency, as there’s no minimum stay requirement to renew. It’s also ideal for high-net-worth individuals from the U.S. and beyond.

• Minimum Investment: €250,000
• Key Investment Options:
  • Investment in an Italian innovative startup (€250,000)
  • Investment in an Italian limited company (€500,000)
  • Philanthropic donation in culture, education, or research (€1 million)
  • Government bonds (€2 million)
• Residency Requirements: No minimum stay requirement to maintain the visa.

Greece

The Greece Golden Visa Program is one of the last in Europe to still offer residency through real estate investment. This makes it particularly appealing to investors who still want to buy property to get residency while benefiting from Europe’s lifestyle and travel freedom.

• Minimum Investment: €250,000
• Key Investment Options:
  • Real Estate:
    • €800,000 for properties in central, north, or south Athens, Thessaloniki, the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, and any island with a population above 3,100.
    • €400,000 for properties in all other regions of Greece.
    • €250,000 for commercial properties converted into residential use, provided the conversion is completed before the application — ideal for those seeking the previous threshold.
  • Capital Transfers:
    • €500,000 to increase shares in a Greek company, a Real Estate Investment Company, or a Venture Capital Company operating in Greece.
  • Financial Instruments:
    • €500,000 in Greek Government bonds (minimum 3-year term).
    • €500,000 time deposit in a Greek bank (minimum 1 year, renewable).
    • €800,000 in private company shares or Greek Government bonds traded on Greek exchanges.
    • €350,000 in a mutual fund (minimum assets €10 million) investing in Greek shares or bonds.
• Residency Requirements: No minimum stay to maintain residency, but must meet physical presence requirements for citizenship.

Malta

Why it’s a Top Program: Malta offers a direct and transparent path to EU residency and, uniquely, one of the fastest routes to citizenship via investment.

• Main Investment:
  • €600,000 if you have lived in Malta for 36 months, or
  • €750,000 if you have resided for 12 months.
• Property Requirement:
  • Purchase a residential property worth at least €700,000 and keep it for a minimum of five years, or
  • Lease a residence with an annual rent of at least €16,000.
  • Note: The property cannot be sublet or sold during this five-year period.
• Donation: Contribute €10,000 to a registered Maltese non-profit organization, such as one focused on culture, science, sports, philanthropy, or animal welfare.
• Residency Card: Hold a valid residence permit before applying for citizenship (issued as an e-ID card upon purchasing or leasing property).
• Health and Background: Applicants and family members must be in good health and pass Malta’s due diligence checks, among the most rigorous in Europe.
• Residency Requirements: Must maintain property in Malta and meet minimum stay obligations for citizenship.

Best Golden Visa Programs Outside the EU in 2025

Mexico

While not branded as a golden visa, Mexico offers one of the most accessible residency-by-investment routes. Investors can qualify for Permanent Residency from the start if they meet the financial thresholds.

• Minimum Investment: Around $300,000–$350,000 USD shown in investments, savings, or consistent monthly income (varies by consulate).
• Key Investment Options:
  • Bank account statements showing substantial savings or investments
  • Proof of high monthly passive income (e.g., pensions, dividends)
• Time to Residency/Citizenship: Immediate permanent residency possible; citizenship after 5 years of residence.
• Residency Requirements: Light residency requirements; but must spend time in Mexico to naturalize.

Singapore (Global Investor Program – GIP)

Singapore’s investor visa is among the most exclusive globally, ideal for entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. It grants long-term residency in one of the world’s top financial hubs.

• Minimum Investment: SGD 10 million (~€6.8 million) in a new or existing business, or SGD 25 million (~€17 million) in an approved fund.
• Key Investment Options:
  • Investment in a Singapore-based business
  • Investment in a government-approved fund
  • Option for family office setup
• Time to Residency/Citizenship: Permanent residency in 6–12 months; citizenship eligible after 2 years of PR (discretionary).
• Residency Requirements: Must live in Singapore to maintain PR and progress to citizenship.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE offers one of the most prestigious golden visa programs globally, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals with its tax-free environment, global connectivity, and modern lifestyle.

• Minimum Investment: AED 2 million (approx. €500,000) in real estate.
• Key Investment Options:
  • Real estate purchase
  • Company setup with significant capital
  • Special eligibility for scientists, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents
• Time to Residency/Citizenship: 10-year renewable residency (not a direct path to citizenship).
• Residency Requirements: No minimum physical stay required; ideal for globally mobile investors.

Golden Visa Programs with Recent Changes

The best Golden Visa programs are constantly evolving, with some countries tightening requirements or even closing their doors entirely. Staying informed about these updates is critical for investors considering long-term relocation, mobility, or citizenship.

Below are two of the most notable program changes in 2025:

Spain

Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program in April 2025, bringing an end to one of Europe’s most popular Golden Visa countries. The government cited the ongoing housing crisis as the main reason, arguing that the program drove up real estate prices and put pressure on locals.

No new applications are being accepted under the Spanish Golden Visa, but current visa holders will not lose their residency rights and can continue to renew under the existing terms.

While the Golden Visa is no longer an option in Spain, non-EU investors may still explore other residency routes. One in particular is the Non-Lucrative Visa, though it does not provide the same investment-linked pathway.

This change demonstrates the EU’s increasing scrutiny of Golden Visa in Europe programs and the shift away from real estate–driven residency models.

Portugal

Portugal remains one of the most attractive Golden Visa countries, but its program underwent significant reforms. While the Portugal Golden Visa is still available in 2025, real estate investment is no longer an eligible route.

• New Qualifying Investments:
  • Fund subscriptions (venture capital or private equity funds)
  • Donations to cultural or scientific projects

Investors continue to benefit from Portugal’s minimal stay requirement (7 days per year) and one of the shortest pathways to EU citizenship, typically 5 years. 

Portugal’s reforms highlight a broader European trend: programs are moving away from passive property investments and encouraging strategic investments that directly support the economy.

Greece

In 2024, Greece introduced new tiered investment thresholds for its Golden Visa program. The minimum real estate investment now starts at €400,000, rising to €800,000 in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands.

Some limited options remain at €250,000, mainly for properties converted from commercial to residential use. Greece remains one of the most sought-after EU Golden Visa countries, though the higher entry points have reduced the number of lower-cost opportunities.

UAE (Dubai)

The UAE Golden Visa program was expanded in 2022–2023, and in 2024 it clarified rules on real estate investments. Minimum requirement is now AED 2 million (~€500,000) in real estate, plus broader eligibility for entrepreneurs and skilled workers.

This was a major update because it made the UAE one of the most flexible residency-by-investment programs globally.

Benefits of a Golden Visa

A Golden Visa is more than just a residency permit. It is a tool that unlocks mobility, lifestyle, and financial advantages for investors and their families. The advantages of a Golden Visa go beyond living in a new country, offering long-term benefits that can shape wealth planning and global opportunities.

Global Mobility

One of the most sought-after Golden Visa benefits is visa-free. This is particularly attractive in the EU, allowing travel within the Schengen Area, which covers 27 European countries. For non-EU citizens, this significantly simplifies business travel, family holidays, and international networking.

Family Inclusion

Most Golden Visa countries allow applicants to include their immediate family members (typically a spouse and dependent children) under the same application. This means the entire family gains the right to live, study, and work in the host country without needing to apply for separate visas.

Path to Citizenship

A Golden Visa can provide a clear route to permanent residency and citizenship. While timeframes vary by country, most programs offer:

• Permanent Residency: Typically after 5 years of legal residence.
• Citizenship: Usually after 5–10 years, depending on the jurisdiction and level of integration (e.g., language requirements, cultural knowledge).

Tax Advantages

In addition to lifestyle and mobility benefits, several Golden Visa countries offer attractive tax incentives for new residents. For example, Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime allows qualifying individuals to benefit from reduced taxation on foreign-sourced income for up to 10 years. Italy and Greece also have special tax regimes tailored to high-net-worth individuals, further increasing the appeal of these programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Golden Visa Programs in 2025

Can I still get a Golden Visa in Spain?

No. Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program in April 2025, primarily due to concerns about housing affordability. While existing visa holders are not affected, new applicants can no longer apply through real estate or investment routes.

Why did Portugal change its Golden Visa?

Portugal’s Golden Visa in Europe remains active, but real estate investment is no longer a qualifying option. The government shifted focus to more sustainable contributions, such as investment funds, scientific research, donations, or job creation. The goal was to redirect capital away from housing pressures and into sectors that stimulate innovation and employment.

How long does it take to get a Golden Visa?

The timeline varies by country, but generally:

• Initial Golden Visa residency permit: 3–6 months after application approval.
• Permanent Residency: After 5 years of continuous residence in most EU countries.
• Citizenship: Between 5–10 years depending on the country and applicant integration.

What is the difference between a Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment?

A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program, which grants legal residence (and often a path to citizenship after several years). In contrast, Citizenship by Investment programs grant citizenship directly, usually in exchange for a one-time investment or donation.

Need Support Choosing the Best Golden Visa Program For You? 

The global Golden Visa landscape in 2025 is evolving rapidly. While some countries have tightened or closed their programs, others continue to offer attractive pathways for investors seeking residency by investment. 

The key to a successful application lies in understanding the latest golden visa requirements and tailoring your investment strategy to match your personal and financial goals. With the right program, you can unlock benefits like global mobility, family inclusion, tax advantages, and a pathway to citizenship.

Working with an experienced advisor is essential. At Lexidy, our immigration experts specialize in guiding individuals through the complexities of residency-by-investment programs, ensuring compliance while maximizing benefits.

Ready to explore the best Golden Visa programs in 2025? Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your goals!