9 European Countries Where You Can Get a Residency by Investment

Many people love to live in Europe and enjoy European life. Also, becoming a European resident, especially in an EU country, has many perks, including traveling easily to neighboring countries. You can get a residency by investment; here are the European countries offering Golden Visas.

As you have checked our other article, Countries Where You can Get a Citizenship (Second Passport) By Investment. There are only 3 European countries on the list – Montenegro, Malta, and Cyprus. In case that the financial requirement is too much for you, you can first get a residency by investment and apply for citizenship after a few years. Investing in a foreign country is one of the fastest ways to get a residence permit.

Countries Where You Can Get a Residency By Investment

1. Austria

Minimum Investment: EURO 50,000
Residency: 2 years
Official Government Website: migration.gv.at
Travel Perks: EU Freedom of Movement

Unlike other visas, for Austria, you will need to invest money and start a business. As a Start-up Founder, you can establish a company and run it with a capital of at least EURO 50,000. Another option is to be a Self-Employed Key Worker, but the investment capital is EURO 100,000 or something that benefits the country.

You will be given a ‘Red-White-Red Card,’ which is from Criteria Based Immigration. You can have 24 months fixed-term settlement. Also, your family members can get an ‘R-W-R Card Plus’ for family reunification.

2. Malta

Minimum Investment: EURO 220,000
Residency: 5 years
Official Government Website: cfr.gov.mt
Travel Perks: EU Freedom of Movement

Malta both offers Citizenship By Investment and Residency By Investment. If you feel that EURO 600,000 is too big, then the least amount in their Global Residency Program is EURO 220,000. You must own or rent a qualified property with a minimum amount per area; the stated amount is located in the South of Malta. For Gozo, you will need at least EURO 250K, while in other places, EURO 275K. There is also an option to invest in government bonds.

3. Latvia

Minimum Investment: EURO 250,000
Residency: 5 years
Official Government Website: pmlp.gov.lv
Travel Perks: EU Freedom of Movement

Latvia is a Schengen Country that offers Residency by Investment. You will need to invest at least EURO 250,000 in a property and be one of the first 800 applicants. It will become EURO 500,000 in case the 800 slots are already filled up. You can have 5-years renewable residency permit, which can include your family.

Permanent residence can be claimed after 5 years of living in the country. Then, after 10 years, citizenship is possible.

4. Italy

Minimum Investment: EURO 250,000
Residency: 2 years
Official Government Website: investorvisa.mise.gov.it
Travel Perks: EU Freedom of Movement

Italy is in many people’s dreams. If you invest here, then you can live. You can invest through 4 options – EURO 2M Italian Government Bonds, 500K Italian Limited Company, 250K Innovative Start-up, and 1M in Philanthropic Initiative.

You will need to apply first for a “Nulla Osta.” Afterward, you can apply for an Investor Visa. If approved, you can go to Italy and get a residence permit good for 2 years. It’s renewable in three-year periods.

5. Greece

Minimum Investment: EURO 250,000
Residency: 5 years
Official Government Website: enterprisegreece.gov.gr
Travel Perks: EU Freedom of Movement

Live like Mamma Mia as you get residence permits if you purchase real property or have a lease contract for at least 10 years. The value of it must be at least EURO 250,000 and be paid in full. Family members can also get a residence permit in Greece.

Another option is investing in securities in the country or depositing at a bank. The value should exceed EURO 400,000. As of September 2020, there have been 7,903 resident permits issued to real estate owners and investors.

6. Portugal

Minimum Investment: EURO 280,000
Residency: 2 years (renewable)
Official Government Website: imigrante.sef.pt
Travel Perks: EU Freedom of Movement

Portugal offers ARI or Golden Visas. The minimum amount for investing is EURO 280,000, usually for real estate property requiring restoration. There is also an option to donate to projects in the Portuguese arts and culture sector for EURO 250,000 which, in some cases, can be reduced to EURO 200,000.

You can get a golden visa, which is valid for two years initially. It can then be renewed. After 5 years of residency, you can apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship.

As well as the golden visa, Portugal also offers the HQA visa, which only requires an investment of EURO 175,000. This visa allows entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors to invest in a startup idea they have and have it developed in partnership with a Portuguese university over a 3-year period. The residency permit is renewable after 2 years and applicants can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.

7. Spain

Minimum Investment: EURO 500,000
Residency: 2 years
Official Government Website: exteriores.gob.es
Travel Perks: EU Freedom of Movement

You can get a Golden Visa Spain or Spanish Investor Visa if you invest in real estate with at least EURO 500,000. If so, you can go with your whole family. After 5 years, you can get permanent residence, and after 10 years, even Citizenship. You can apply for Residence Visa at Spanish Embassies or Consulates.

8. Monaco

Minimum Investment: EURO 1,000,000
Residency: 3 years
Official Government Website: en.service-public-particuliers.gouv.mc
Travel Perks: Freedom of Movement in France

One of the most luxurious country in Europe that allows residency is the Principality of Monaco. You will need to have at least EURO 1,000,000; half is to purchase real estate while the other is deposited in a Monaco bank. You will also need to have money on your account for your means of living in the Principality. You can apply for Citizenship after 10 years.

9. Ireland

Minimum Investment: EURO 1,000,000
Residency: 3 years
Official Government Website: inis.gov.ie

Irish Golden Visa is also available to those who want to live in Europe. You will need to invest at least EURO 1,000,000 to the country’s approved investment fund to gain residency. Aside from that, you must have a net worth of at least EURO 2M. Please note that Ireland is not a part of the Schengen Zone and the UK, so you may need additional visas.

Those are the European countries offering residency by investment. With your residence permit, especially in the Schengen Countries, you can travel to the area without an additional visa. Plus, after 10 years, you could apply for Citizenship and be a European Passport Holder. I hope this article helps you!

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.

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