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Why Most Investors Prefer European Countries for Investment
Written by
Varun Singh
Last updated
Read time
5 min

European Continent is made of a variety of cultures and traditions. The continent has many countries which are unique in their own way. The continent is famous for its beauty, its richness, and the culture it offers. Many of the countries are chosen to invest in because they are rich and offer the best opportunities for their residents. Many European countries exchange residency or citizenship with high-net-worth individuals who intend to invest in the country through their Immigrant Investor Visa Program. The few countries mentioned here provide the best immigration solutions to obtain residency in Europe.

However, it is important that high-net-worth individuals work with the right international investment immigration company. Such companies have teams of international investment experts and strong connections with multiple business houses. The Europe PR process is not complicated, although it requires the investor to provide accurate documentation. Hence, it is best to work with the right immigration experts to ensure that investments bring in the desired returns.


Portugal – Golden Visa Program

This visa program is also known as the Portugal Golden Visa. The Investment Visa in Portugal program has two paths for investors to choose from — the Portugal Angel Investor Program and the Golden Visa Program. The Angel Investor Program is one of the most affordable ways to relocate to Europe. It is for those who intend to invest in Research and Development projects in Portugal and France. The investor can also choose to invest in the arts in Portugal.

For the Golden Visa, the investor must invest in real estate in Portugal. You can choose to invest €350,000 in a property that is at least 30 years old or €500,000 in a newer property. To invest in arts or R&D projects, the investor needs to invest only €175,000.

To maintain the Golden Visa, the investor must spend a minimum of 7 days in the first year of investment followed by 14 days every 2 years. Portugal allows residents to apply for citizenship after 6 years of residency, subject to passing a Portuguese history exam and demonstrating language proficiency.


Cyprus – Residency and Citizenship by Investment

To obtain Cyprus residency, a high-net-worth individual must spend a minimum of €300,000 in Cyprus real estate. Such property should be new and approved by the Government. Unlike many programs, Cyprus allows the property to be owned by the applicant, their spouse, or an entity belonging to them. Residency holders are required to live in Cyprus only once every two years.

Investors become eligible to apply for Cyprus citizenship after 7 years of residence, including 12 months of continuous stay before applying. For direct citizenship, investors can invest €2,500,000 in real estate, maintaining the investment for at least 3 years.


Greece – Golden Visa Program

Greece requires investors to invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate, making it one of the most affordable European residency options. If a single property does not meet this threshold, multiple properties can be combined. The Greece Residency Program (Golden Visa) does not require investors to live in Greece. However, to obtain Greece citizenship, the investor must live in Greece for a specific duration and learn the Greek language.


Latvia – European Union Residency Program

Latvia offers one of the most accessible European Union residency programs. Investors can qualify by investing €250,000 in real estate in Latvia. In exchange, the investor receives Latvian residency. To maintain this status, one must visit Latvia at least once a year.

After 5 years of permanent residency, investors can apply for Latvian citizenship, provided they meet residence requirements and pass a Latvian language test. The typical route includes 5 years of temporary residency followed by 5 years of permanent residency, granting the right to live and work in Latvia.


Malta – Residency and Citizenship by Investment

Malta is a beautiful island nation that welcomes foreign direct investors. It offers both residency and citizenship in exchange for investment. Investors can invest €250,000 in government bonds or €330,000 in real estate to obtain Malta Permanent Residency. Additionally, a non-refundable government donation is required. The Malta Residency Program is a fast-track process, often completed in two months.


France – Talent Passport Visa

France is one of the most advanced economies in Europe and offers a multi-year residency permit under the Talent Passport visa program. This visa is renewable every four years and is ideal for highly skilled professionals or high-net-worth individuals who wish to start or manage a business in France.


Conclusion

What works best for any of the above European investment programs is having the right immigration partner who understands international investments. You can rely on XIPHIAS Immigration — experts in European Residency and Citizenship by Investment — to guide you every step of the way.

To know more about the application process and your eligibility

Please contact our expert consultants at +91-9019-400-500 or email [email protected].


FAQs

1. Which European country offers the most affordable residency by investment program? Greece offers one of the most affordable residency by investment programs with a minimum real estate investment of €250,000.

2. How long does it take to get citizenship through the Portugal Golden Visa program? Investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 6 years of maintaining residency and meeting the language and history test requirements.

3. What are the benefits of investing in European residency programs? Investors gain visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and the option to obtain European citizenship over time.

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Why Most Investors Prefer European Countries for Investment | XIPHIAS Immigration