Investments across the globe are an important proposition. They create profits for the investor and generate jobs and growth for the destination country. Some countries grant residency by investment while a few offer citizenship by investment (CBI). The status you receive depends on the program and investment selected.
Europe hosts multiple programs that invite foreign direct investment. While only a few offer citizenship, many provide permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship after meeting residence and other requirements.
Cyprus
Located south of Türkiye, Cyprus is a prosperous Mediterranean island with an economy driven by tourism, transportation, and telecommunications. Through its Cyprus Investment Immigration programs, investors have historically accessed:
- Cyprus Permanent Residency Program
- Cyprus Citizenship Program
Both routes have focused on approved real estate investments; the required amount varies by the status sought.
Malta
Malta is an advanced, stable economy between Sicily and North Africa. With strong tourism, agriculture, and an active film industry, its real estate is perennially in demand. Malta’s investment migration options include:
- Malta Permanent Residency
- Malta Citizenship
These pathways typically involve qualifying real estate and/or government contribution components; investment levels determine eligibility.
Portugal — Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal offers several routes to residency by investment via the Portugal Golden Visa:
- Real estate: €500,000 (new) or €350,000 (rehabilitation/older properties)
- Job creation: Create 10 jobs in a Portuguese business
- Culture/heritage donation: €250,000
- R&D funding: €350,000
- Share acquisition/funds: €350,000
The residency is renewable and has minimal stay needs (e.g., a few days per year). After 5 years, investors may become eligible for citizenship, subject to program rules.
France — France Talent Passport
France supports investors and entrepreneurs through the France Talent Passport with multiple pathways:
- Invest in or start a French business (startup or operating company)
- Direct Economic Investment: acquire ≥10% of shares in an approved French entity
- Support for innovative projects aligned with national priorities
Greece — Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Permanent Residency program grants residency to investors who purchase Greek real estate:
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (typical threshold)
- Processing time: approximately ~40 days
- Visit requirement: short in-person visit (e.g., 3–4 days) to complete formalities; after issuance, ongoing presence requirements are limited
Latvia — Latvian Residency Program
Launched in 2010, Latvia offers residency that enables Schengen travel. After 10 years of permanent residency, investors may become eligible for citizenship. Qualifying routes include:
- Company incorporation
- Real estate: minimum €250,000
- Bank deposit: €300,000 fixed for 5 years
Spain — Spain Golden Visa
To qualify for the Spain Golden Visa, investors typically need:
- Real estate investment: €500,000 (unencumbered)
- Applicant age: 18+
Monaco — Residency & Path to Citizenship
Long a hub for the global elite, Monaco offers residency based on investment (commonly real estate). To naturalize, a long-term residence period (e.g., ~10 years) is generally required.
Moldova — Citizenship by Investment
Moldova introduced its Citizenship by Investment program in 2018, offering a second passport with visa-free access to 120+ countries. Typical contributions to the Public Investment Fund:
- €100,000 for a single applicant
- €155,000 for a family of four
- €35,000 additional fee per application may apply
Montenegro — Citizenship by Investment
Launched in 2020, Montenegro’s CBI was planned to run until 2025 (or up to 3,000 applications). It grants a second passport with visa-free access to 120+ countries and generally requires approved real estate investment.
How to Choose the Right Program
- Status goal: Citizenship by Investment (CBI) vs Golden Visa/Residency by Investment
- Budget & asset mix: Donation vs real estate vs business
- Family coverage: Spouse, children, and (where allowed) parents/grandparents
- Timeline & presence: Processing speed and physical stay rules
- Mobility: Target visa-free destinations and regional access (e.g., Schengen)
- Exit/ROI: Real estate hold period, resale potential, and returns
FAQs
1) What’s the difference between a Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment (CBI)?
A Golden Visa grants residency with potential citizenship later (subject to residence and other rules). CBI grants citizenship directly after due diligence and investment.
2) Can I include my family members?
Most programs allow spouses and dependent children; some also include parents/grandparents for an additional fee.
3) Do these programs require me to live in the country full-time?
Residency programs often have minimal stay requirements; some CBI programs have no mandatory residence. Always check each program’s specific rules.
4) Is real estate the only route?
No. Many programs offer government contributions, fund/share investments, job creation, or business formation as alternatives to real estate.
5) How long does approval take?
Timelines vary by country and due diligence. Some CBI routes conclude in a few months, while golden visas may take several weeks to a few months for initial residency, with citizenship eligibility after the statutory period.
