Residence by investment programs, also known as golden visa programs, enable high-net-worth individuals to extend their lifestyles and business interests internationally. These programs offer the right to live, work, study, and access healthcare in new, safe and stable countries.
For our clients, the need and flexibility to establish residence in key global locations is an essential part of their lifestyle and wealth management strategies. At Soland, we specialize in guiding you through the world’s leading residence by investment programs, known for their excellent business environments, high quality of life, and opportunities for eventual citizenship.
What is a Golden Visa and How Do You Get One?
Golden visa acquisition, or residence by investment, is a process where eligible applicants gain full residency rights through a specific economic investment in the host country. These programs offer high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) the opportunity to relocate to a desirable jurisdiction—either immediately or at retirement—and secure full legal residency. This includes rights to live, work, study, and access healthcare services in that country.
What are the benefits of a Golden Visa?
A golden visa grants investors and their families access to new markets and provides a wealth of opportunities in business, career, education, healthcare, taxation, and lifestyle on a global scale, benefiting both current and future generations. Several golden visa programs, including Portugal’s Golden Visa and Greece’s Golden Visa, permit successful applicants to pursue citizenship after a period of residency – five years in Portugal without the need to reside in the country, and seven years in Greece with a requirement to reside in the country.
Golden visas offer high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and their families increased flexibility worldwide and a means to mitigate potential risks and market volatility. They enable:
- Establish residency in an alternative safe haven
- Enhance and broaded their lifestyle and business prospects
- Experience a high standard of living and access to excellent infrastructure
- Benefit from world-class healthcare at premier facilities
- Enroll in first-rate educational institutions
Want to see how our EU Golden Visas compare?
While Golden Visa benefits are similar across programs, some may offer advantages over others. Want to discover benefits of each Golden Visa program in detail? Download our comparison table.
Requirements for Obtaining a Golden Visa
Investment options vary by program, but real estate remains the favored choice among investors. International real estate is a historically stable asset for global investors due to its durability over time. Consequently, buying or leasing property is often a central component and requirement of residence by investment programs.
Real estate-based golden visa programs offer additional benefits, such as enhancing relocation or retirement options, along with the well-established advantages of investing in international property. The potential long-term benefits of this type of investment include asset appreciation, rental income, and global access, serving as a comprehensive hedge against market and political instability.
Other investment avenues for these programs include government bonds, corporate stocks, or starting a new business. Some golden visa programs also have a residency requirement, where new residents must spend a designated amount of time in the country to maintain their residency status.
What are your Golden Visa options for 2024?
Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal is highly regarded as one of the world’s most globalized and peaceful countries, offering a high quality of life and a strong Human Development Index ranking. It is one of Europe’s oldest nations, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, beautiful beaches, and picturesque countryside.
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence by investment program designed for non-EU nationals. As a full member of the EU, Portugal offers a residence permit that provides visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area and requires only a stay of seven days per year in Portugal over a five-year period. Following the submission of their application for the Portugal Golden Visa, investors and their family members can apply for a Portuguese passport after five years.
Overview:
- Processing time: from 12 to 18 months
- Investment cost: Starting from €500,000
- Investment type: Capital transfer
- Visa-free travel: All 27 countries in the Schengen Area
- Time to citizenship: Eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency
- Family dependents: Spouse, financially dependent children, financially dependent parents
Strategic Investment Options:
- Arts and culture: Support Portuguese arts and culture with a capital transfer of €250,000, or €200,000 in low-density areas, enhancing the vibrant local heritage.
- Scientific research: Invest €500,000 (or €400,000 in designated low-density areas) to support cutting-edge scientific research within Portugal.
- Business development: Invest €500,000 into a commercial venture, establishing at least 5 new job opportunities and fostering economic growth.
- Investment in funds: Invest €500,000 to qualified Portuguese investment funds, offering robust returns and contributing to Portugal’s economy.
Contact us to discuss the options currently available and to discover the best investment option for your needs.
Timeline and Application Process:
- Week 1-2: Preliminary KYC check, Contract signing, Inital collection of documents
- Weeks 4-8: Obtaining Tax Registration Number (NIF), Bank account opening, Transfer of the funds
- Months 3-6: Collection of document, Online submission of the application at AIMA
- Months 10-18: Preliminary approval, Traveling to Portugal for biometric collection
- Months 20-24: Receiving final approval and obtaining your residency card
Greece Golden Visa
As an EU member state, Greece provides its residents and citizens with numerous advantages, such as high safety and security standards, superior educational opportunities, strong healthcare systems, and a reliable legal framework.
The Greece Golden Visa Program is recognized as one of the most cost-effective residence by investment programs offering entry into Europe. Successful applicants and their families can enjoy visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area within three to six months of submitting their application. Notably, from September 1st, 2024, the minimum investment threshold is scheduled to increase to €800,000 in areas of high demand, and €400,000 in other areas of Greece.
Overview:
- Processing time: from 3 to 6 months
- Investment cost: Starting from €250,000
- Investment type: Real estate investment
- Visa-free travel: All 27 countries in the Schengen Area
- Family dependents: Spouses and children below 21 years old. Parents and parents-in-law may qualify as well
Strategic Investment Options:
- Real Estate Option 2: Investment of €250,000 in any property in all other areas of Athens and Greece. Rising to €400,000 from September 1st, 2024.
- Real Estate Option 1: Investment of €500,000 in any property in centre, north and south Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini. Rising to €800,000 from September 1st, 2024.
Investors may still apply under the current prices provided they pay a 10% deposit by August 31st 2024, and finalize the investment by December 31st 2024.
Timeline and Application Process:
- Week 1-2: Preliminary KYC check, Contract signing, Inital collection of documents
- Weeks 4-8: Complete property purchase, and handle government and processing fees.
- Months 3-6: Submit residency documentation, travel to Greece for biometrics, receive final approval
Prices rise soon. Contact us today to secure your Greece Golden Visa at the current price of €250,000.
Hungary Investor Visa
Hungary, with its vibrant cultural heritage, dynamic lifestyle, and robust economy, offers an outstanding quality of life for its residents. Positioned centrally in Europe, it serves as an excellent base for investors aiming to tap into European markets.
As a prime destination for those seeking a superb living environment and attractive investment prospects in the center of Europe, Hungary invites investors from outside the European Union to apply for the 10-year Hungary Investor Visa. This allows them and their families to secure long-term, legal residency in Hungary, along with access to Europe’s Schengen Area.
Overview:
- Processing time: from 2 to 4 months
- Investment cost: Starting from €250,000
- Investment type: Real estate funds or real estate property purchase
- Visa-free travel: All 27 countries in the Schengen Area
- Family dependents: Includes spouse and children under 18; dependent parents and adult children up to 27
Strategic Investment Options:
- Real estate funds: Invest €250,000 in a government approved real estate fund
- Real estate property purchase: Invest €500,000 in a residential property anywhere in Hungary within 3 months of residency approval
Timeline and Application Process:
- Week 1: Sign the Client Faciliator Agreement and pay initial professional fees. Submit pre-screening documents.
- Weeks 2-3: Collecting and Submitting Documents for D-Visa Application.
- Weeks 3-4: Getting a D-Visa Approval.
- Weeks 4-5: Signing an Obligation to make an Investment and Applying for a Residence Permit
- Weeks 6-10: Receiving the Residence Permit
- Months 3: Making the Investment
Program launches soon. Contact us today to learn how to secure your spot in Hungary Investor Visa program.
Spain Golden Visa
Located in Southwestern Europe, Spain is celebrated as one of the world’s favorite vacation spots. It is a dynamic country known for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, rich historical heritage, and distinct culture and traditions. Spain boasts one of the most important economies within Europe and is a full member of both the EU and the Eurozone.
The Spain Golden Visa program provides a straightforward pathway to EU residency and the potential for future citizenship. Applicants and their families receive visa-free access throughout Europe’s Schengen Area.
Overview:
- Processing time: from 3 to 5 months
- Investment cost: Starting from €500,000
- Investment type: Real estate investment
- Visa-free travel: All 27 countries in the Schengen Area
- Time to citizenship: Eligible for citizenship after 10 years of living in the country
- Family dependents: Includes spouse and children under 18
Strategic Investment Options:
- Real estate investment: Invest €500,000 in Spanish real estate
- Capital investment: Invest €1,000,000 in Spanish public debt or significant business ventures that create jobs
- Bank deposit: Deposit €1,000,000 in a Spanish bank
Timeline and Application Process:
- Week 1-2: Contract signing and property purchase, with investment documentation preparation.
- Weeks 2-8: Submission to the Government and residency visa approval.
- Months 4-5: Issuance of the residency visa.
Cyprus Permanent Residency
Cyprus, known for its picturesque beaches and warm Mediterranean climate, is deemed a perfect location for permanent residence for non-EU nationals.
The Cyprus Permanent Residency program offers foreign nationals the advantages of the country’s comparatively low cost of living, absence of inheritance tax, and the lowest crime rates in the EU. Additionally, residents can access its high-quality healthcare system and top-tier medical facilities.
Overview:
- Processing time: from 3 to 4 months
- Investment cost: Starting from €300,000 plus applicable taxes
- Investment type: Real estate or business investment
- Visa-free travel: Currently covers Cyprus only; extended travel benefits upon Cyprus joining the Schengen Area
- Family dependents: Includes spouse and children up to 25 years old
Strategic Investment Options:
- Real estate investment: Invest €300,000 in new residential properties or commercial real estate
- Shares of Cypriot companies: Invest €300,000 in companies that have a physical presence and employ at least five people in Cyprus
- Cypriot investment funds: Invest €300,000 in funds focusing on local economic development
Timeline and Application Process:
- Month 1-2: Initial consultation, selection of investment, and submission of application documents.
- Months 3-4: Review by the Cyprus Immigration Office, approval of residency application.
- Month 5: Travel to Cyprus for biometric data submission and finalizing residency status.
Malta Permanent Residency
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is renowned for its wonderful climate, hospitable population, low crime rates, and high quality of life. It is an appealing location for living or owning a second home, bolstered by excellent air connections.
Malta has become one of Europe’s premier destinations for investment, known for its stability, predictability, and safety. The Malta Permanent Residence program offers residence rights to foreign nationals looking for an alternative residency in Europe.
Overview:
- Processing time: from 8 to 10 months
- Investment cost: Starting from €150,000
- Investment type: Real estate purchase or rental
- Visa-free travel: Visa-free across all 27 countries in the Schengen Area
- Family dependents: Includes spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents
Strategic Investment Options:
- Real estate purchase: Invest €300,000 in a real estate property + non-refundable contribution to a government fund
- Rental: Rent a property for 5 years with a lease of €12,000 per annum + non-refundable contribution to a government fund
Timeline and Application Process:
- Week 1-2: Initial consultation and document collection.
- Week 3-7: Selection of real estate and completion of investment conditions.
- Months 3-4: Submission of application and completion of due diligence procedure.
- Months 7-9: Approval and issuance of residency cards.
Let Us Help You Choose the Best Golden Visa for You
Although no single Golden Visa program suits everyone perfectly, each has its own unique benefits. Our experts are dedicated to understanding your specific needs and providing a tailored solution that aligns with your personal and familial goals. By collaborating with us, you’ll be equipped to make the most informed and advantageous decision for your future, ensuring that your investment opens doors to new opportunities and a lifestyle that meets all your expectations.
Contact us to get your Golden Visa, today.
