- Program Overview
The Complete Guide to Golden Visas
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants foreign investors and their families the right to live, work and study in a country in exchange for a qualifying investment. Europe’s Golden Visas are especially prized for the mobility, lifestyle and long-term security they offer — including access to the Schengen Area and, in several cases, a pathway to citizenship.
Golden Visa programs compared
The table below summarises the leading programs VH Citizenship advises on. Figures are indicative starting points; routes and thresholds change periodically and are confirmed during your eligibility assessment.
How to choose a Golden Visa
For a route to citizenship, Portugal remains a leading choice, offering naturalisation eligibility after five years with only minimal stay. For lifestyle and value, Greece offers one of Europe’s most affordable real-estate routes with no minimum stay. For flexibility, Latvia and Hungary provide accessible, low-presence options.
What every Golden Visa offers
While each program differs, the shared benefits are compelling: the right to reside in a stable European country, visa-free movement across the Schengen Area, world-class healthcare and education, and the ability to include your family. Learn more about permanent residency pathways, investment options, and family inclusion.
Our advisors will help you compare programs against your goals and manage the application from start to finish.
Programs 7 Options Europe & Beyond
Compare Europe’s most sought-after residency-by-investment routes.
Entry From €100,000 Latvia
Accessible European residency starts from as little as €100,000.
Schengen 29 States Visa-Free Movement
European residency unlocks travel across the Schengen Area.
Pathway To Citizenship Long-Term Route
Several programs lead to permanent residency and citizenship.
Family Included One Application
Cover your spouse and children under a single application.
Stay Minimal Flexible Presence
Most programs require little or no physical presence.
Frequently asked questions
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants the right to live in a country in return for a qualifying investment, such as real estate, funds or a government contribution. Many also offer a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
Portugal is widely regarded as the leading route to European citizenship, offering eligibility to apply for naturalisation after five years with only a minimal stay requirement.
Most European Golden Visas require little or no physical presence — often just a few days per year — making them ideal for globally mobile investors.
Yes. A single Golden Visa application typically covers your spouse and dependent children, and several programs also include dependent parents.
A Golden Visa grants residency in the issuing country and visa-free travel across the 29 Schengen states, though the right to live and work is tied to the country that issued your residency.
Explore Your Residency by Investment Options
Every investor’s circumstances, family objectives, and international mobility goals are unique. Our advisors help you assess which Residency by Investment programme aligns with your long-term plans for global mobility, business expansion, family security, and international diversification.
Receive a confidential assessment and discover how European residency could support your future opportunities, including enhanced global mobility and long-term family security.