These 12 Countries in Europe With Golden Visa Program Make Relocating Almost Too Easy

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Are you looking for countries in Europe with golden visa programs? Do you want to learn more about them and how they work? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you’ve come to the right place.

For those who don’t know, a golden visa program, also known as a residence-by-investment program, is a unique method of obtaining residency in a country. These programs allow people to obtain residency through investment and are designed to make it quicker and easier for individuals to get residency.

Here are 12 popular European countries offering golden visa programs.

Italy

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Italy’s Golden Visa Program is considered one of the most underrated residence-by-investment programs in the world, never mind Europe. It’s one of the fastest residence application processes in the world. Wannabe residents could obtain residency in as little as three months.

However, to become an Italian resident, you must invest at least €250,000 ($267,022). Honestly, if you have the funds, that could be the best investment you ever make. Your days will be filled with world-famous architecture, warmer weather, and delicious food and drinks.

What’s not to like? Once you’re a resident, make sure you visit Rome, Florence, Pisa, and the Amalfi Coast.

Portugal

You only need to spend seven days a year in Portugal to maintain your Golden Visa. Oh, and don’t forget about the €500,000 ($534,275) investment into an approved investment fund. Applying for a golden visa in Portugal might cost a lot, but your investment is worth the rewards.

For starters, you’ll have the freedom to work and live in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Portugal is a breathtaking destination best known for its strong culture, rich history, fascinating architecture, and mind-blowing natural beauty. When you’re not working hard, you’ll play even harder.

Beachgoers can relax on the beaches in the Algarve. History buffs can explore iconic landmarks in Lisbon, and wine drinkers can sample local delights in the Douro Valley.

Spain

Portugal’s neighbor, Spain, is also one of the European countries that have a golden visa program. Spain is one of the world’s most highly sought-after countries, so obtaining a residency can be difficult. However, the Spanish Golden Visa makes life easier for individuals with wealth.

The Spain Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that offers investors residency in Spain in return for an investment in certain types of businesses. Like Portugal, the minimum investment to obtain residency through this program is €500,000 ($534,275).

As of January 2025, Spain discontinues the real estate option from its Golden Visa Program to combat the housing crisis.

Some of Spain’s most popular places to live include Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia. The Canary Islands are also a big hit.

Malta

Malta is one of the best countries with a golden visa program for individuals who want to live a Mediterranean lifestyle. Tucked away in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta enjoys a reputation for good weather, high living standards, rich history, and scenic coastlines. Obtaining a residency through investment costs a minimum of €175,000 ($186,850).

However, this figure can rise dramatically depending on capital requirements and residence permit duration. In Malta, most people explore historic landmarks, travel around the small archipelago, and indulge in local cuisine.

Notable points of interest include Popeye Village, Ramla Beach, Golden Bay, and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Meanwhile, Valletta, the capital, and Gozo are popular living places.

Austria

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Austria is one of Europe’s wealthiest nations, but obtaining residence by investment isn’t as costly as in other countries. Wannabe Austrian residents can apply for Austria Residence by Investment if they have a minimum of €40,000 ($42,670) in liquid funds.

This is an excellent price, considering you’ll have access to all the perks of living in Austria. These include visa-free access to all of Europe’s Schengen Area states, a high standard of living, and exceptional facilities and amenities.

Austria is a beautiful country with many things to see and do. Potential places to live in Austria include the capital, Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz.

Hungary

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The Hungary Golden Visa Program has a minimum investment of €250,000 ($267,022). If your application is successful, you’ll be granted residency in the country and visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area. You’ll also have the right to live and work in Hungary.

Hungary is an underrated European country best known for its historic cities, picturesque landscapes, thermal waters, and delicious cuisine. Budapest, the nation’s capital, is an excellent place to base yourself. You’ll have easy access to essential facilities and amenities and amazing opportunities here.

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Budapest is also home to many fascinating attractions, so you won’t be short of things to see and do. Noteworthy points of interest include Buda Castle, the Hospital in the Wall, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian Parliament Building.

Latvia

Another underrated European country that offers a golden visa program is Latvia. Latvia is a gorgeous country on the Baltic Sea between Estonia and Lithuania. It’s best known for its rich history, natural beauty, and magnificent architecture.

The Latvia Golden Visa Program is one of Europe’s most cost-effective residency by-investment programs. Foreign nationals can obtain residency in the country for as little as €50,000 ($53,330). This residency comes with the huge incentive of visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

Riga, the Latvian capital, is one of the best places to live in Latvia. This beautiful city offers many exciting things to see and do, and the average monthly cost of living is only $1,169.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the best European countries with a golden visa program for individuals who seek a strong economy, a business-friendly environment, and excellent investment opportunities in a Central European location.

However, you’ll have to invest a minimum of €500,000 ($534,275) to obtain a golden visa. A Luxembourg Golden Visa can be obtained in approximately six months.

Like many of Europe’s golden visa programs, Luxembourg’s program also offers visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Therefore, you can freely explore Europe in your free time. Having said that, there is much to see in Luxembourg.

You don’t want to miss Vianden Castle, Palais Grand-Ducal, Casemates du Bock, and Cathédrale Notre-Dame.

Montenegro

Individuals who want to live somewhere with impressive natural beauty, rich culture, and stunning coastlines should consider applying for the Montenegro Golden Visa. This visa allows people to live and work in Montenegro. However, how much you’ll pay for the Montenegro Golden Visa varies.

The minimum investment required to obtain residency can range from €250,000 ($267,022) to €450,000 ($480,000). Real estate in the southern part of the country is more expensive.

In Montenegro, you’ll likely spend your free time exploring the historic towns and cities, relaxing by the sea, and hiking in the scenic national parks. Podgorica, the capital city, is one of the most popular places to live.

Greece

If you dream of spending your free time relaxing on white sand beaches, discovering ancient landmarks, and tucking into world-class cuisine, apply for the Greece Golden Visa Program.

The Greece Golden Visa allows you to live in Greece and travel freely across Europe if you invest in real estate property in the country. The investment starts at a minimum of €250,000 ($267,022), although this goes up to €800,000 ($852,170) in the most popular parts of the country.

Besides the obvious perk of becoming a resident of Greece, you’ll also have several reassuring benefits. This includes free education, reliable healthcare, and high levels of security and safety. However, there’s no escaping the main draw to Greece, the islands.

The Greek islands are home to sunny skies, turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and breathtaking towns and villages. Noteworthy destinations include Crete, Rhodes, Kefalonia, and Mykonos.

Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its high quality of life, stable economy, and tax advantages, making it one of Europe’s best countries with a golden visa program. The Swiss golden visa program requires individuals seeking residency to agree to a predetermined annual tax, which usually starts at approximately CHF 200,000 ($227,610).

Once you’ve become a resident, you’ll have the right to live and work in Switzerland. You’ll also benefit from the high standard of living, access to the Schengen Area, exceptional business opportunities, and family reunification. Regarding places to live in Switzerland, Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, and Basel are top choices.

Monaco

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If you want to live the high life, you’ll be pleased to hear that Monaco offers one of Europe’s best golden visa programs. However, you’ll have to invest a minimum of €500,000 ($534,275) to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. The Monaco Golden Visa requires individuals to invest this money in real estate or a Monaco-registered bank account.

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, with France as its only border, Monaco is well known for its wealth and luxury. It also has a high standard of living, a low crime rate, exceptional infrastructure, and favorable tax laws. Must-visit attractions in Monaco include Casino de Monte-Carlo, Prince’s Palace of Monaco, and Cathédrale de Monaco.