Editorial note: European residency and citizenship-by-investment programmes are subject to frequent legislative change. Investment thresholds, qualifying asset classes, physical presence requirements, and programme availability can all change with little notice. The information below reflects programme structures as reported at the time of original publication. Verify all current requirements directly with the relevant government authority or a licensed immigration adviser before taking any action. As of 2026, several programmes described here have been materially amended or suspended.
Europe offers more residency and citizenship pathways today than at any previous point in history — and the range of entry costs, time commitments, and long-term benefits has never been wider. Whether you are seeking a straightforward backup residency or an eventual second passport, the key variables are how much capital you are prepared to deploy and how much time you are willing to spend in the country.
Take Portugal as an example of the range available. A donation of €250,000 to approved cultural or artistic institutions can qualify an investor for residency and, in time, citizenship — with a physical presence requirement of just seven days per year. Alternatively, demonstrating a minimum monthly income of approximately €1,200 per person qualifies for residency on a non-investment basis, but requires a minimum of 183 days per year in the country. The right pathway depends entirely on what you are trying to achieve.
The programmes below represent the most well-established options available to non-EU investors seeking European residency or citizenship through investment.
Cyprus
To qualify for residency in Cyprus through property investment, a minimum purchase of €300,000 is required. The property must be newly built and located within a government-approved development. Cyprus permits the investment to be held through a legal entity — rather than directly in the applicant's name — which simplifies estate planning and probate. The physical presence requirement is a visit once every two years. Naturalisation is available after seven years of residency, with a period of full-time residence required in the twelve months immediately preceding a citizenship application.
Greece
Greece's Golden Visa requires a minimum real estate investment of €250,000 — historically the lowest threshold in the EU for property-based residency. This has made it one of the most popular programmes globally. There is no minimum physical presence requirement, and residency can be renewed indefinitely. Citizenship requires seven years of legal residence. Note that in recent years Greece has raised the investment threshold in certain high-demand areas; verify the current threshold applicable to your intended location of purchase.
Portugal
Portugal's Golden Visa has historically been one of the most sought-after in Europe, offering residency through real estate investment, capital transfers, or cultural donations. It leads to citizenship eligibility after five years, with only modest presence requirements. Significant legislative changes were introduced in 2023 restricting the residential real estate option in major urban areas. Investors should confirm the currently eligible investment categories directly with Portuguese immigration authorities.
Malta
Malta operates a formal citizenship-by-investment programme — the Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment — which combines a government contribution, a real estate commitment, and a charitable donation. Malta is a full EU member state, and Maltese citizenship confers the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union. The programme has minimum residency requirements and a qualifying period before citizenship can be granted. Thresholds and conditions are set by the Community Malta Agency.
Spain
Spain's Golden Visa requires a minimum real estate investment of €500,000 (unencumbered by mortgage financing). There is no minimum time-in-country requirement for visa renewal. Permanent residency is available after five years of legal residence, and citizenship after ten years. Spain's programme has attracted significant investor interest from Asia and Latin America due to the country's lifestyle appeal and linguistic reach.
Italy
Italy offers an investor visa requiring a minimum investment of €500,000 in an Italian company, or €250,000 in an innovative start-up. Government bonds and philanthropic donations are also qualifying categories. The investor visa leads to a two-year renewable residency permit. Italy's non-domiciled resident tax regime — a flat annual tax of €100,000 on foreign-source income — has made it particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals relocating from high-tax jurisdictions.
Latvia
Latvia has offered one of the more accessible European Golden Visa programmes, with investment thresholds lower than many Western European peers. As an EU and Schengen member, Latvian residency provides free movement across the Schengen Area. Programme conditions have been revised several times; confirm current requirements with Latvian authorities before proceeding.
Each programme above involves a meaningful financial and administrative commitment. Before investing, engage a licensed immigration lawyer with direct experience in the relevant jurisdiction. Programme terms, investment thresholds, and qualifying categories change — sometimes with very short notice — and the consequences of relying on outdated information can be severe.