European Golden Visa - What Are Your Options

Countries offering the European Golden Visa

European Golden Visa are residency by investment programmes that allow non-European Union citizens to obtain a residency permit in exchange for a significant investment in the host country's economy. Several European countries offer this program, including Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Austria. Overall, each country's Golden Visa programme has its unique advantages, making it important for investors to research and compare their options carefully.

Malta Golden Visa

Malta offers a Golden Visa programme, officially known as the MPRP (Malta Permanent Residency Programme) which grants Maltese residency to individuals who choose to invest in the country. To be eligible for the programme, applicants must make a non-refundable contribution to Malta's government. The application process takes approximately four months, and successful applicants are granted residency in Malta for five years, which can be renewed for all the years to come. The Golden Visa programme provides a unique opportunity for individuals who wish to establish a foothold in the European Union and take advantage of Malta's attractive tax and business environment.

Malta Golden Visa Requirements

Malta's Golden Visa programme offers non-EU citizens the opportunity to obtain a permanent residence in Malta by investing in the country. To be eligible for the programme, applicants must meet several requirements, including a minimum investment of EUR 100,000 made up of mixed capital requirements.

Additionally, applicants must have a clean criminal record, be in good health, and provide proof of health insurance. They must also demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family members during their stay in Malta. Successful applicants can enjoy numerous benefits, including visa-free travel within the Schengen area, access to Malta's excellent education and healthcare systems, and a pathway to citizenship after five years of residence.

Malta Golden Visa Benefits

Malta offers a Golden Visa programme that provides numerous benefits to investors and their families who are looking to relocate to the island nation. One of the main advantages of this program is that it offers permanent residency status to successful applicants, allowing them to live and work in Malta indefinitely. Other benefits include access to high-quality healthcare, education, and a safe and stable political environment. The programme also offers visa-free travel to the Schengen area, which includes 26 European countries, making it an excellent option for those seeking greater mobility within Europe. Overall, the Malta Golden Visa programme is an excellent option for investors seeking to secure long-term residency in a safe, stable, and prosperous country.

Malta Golden Visa Obligations 

To obtain a Malta Golden Visa investors must:

• Hold qualifying property, which can be purchased or rented:
  • If purchased, the property value must be a minimum of EUR375,000 for a property situated in Malta or Gozo.
  • If rented, the lease value must be for a minimum of EUR14,000 per year for a property situated in Malta or Gozo.

• Make a Government Contribution which amount will depend if the qualifying property is rented or purchased, as it follows:
  • If the property is purchased, the contribution will be EUR30,000.
  • If the property is rented, the contribution will be EUR60,000.

• Make a Donation of EUR2,000 to a local non-governmental organisation registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, or as otherwise approved by the Agency.

• Also, an administrative fee of EUR50,000 for the main applicant and EUR10,000 for each dependent, per application will be due.

Golden Visa holders are required to maintain their investment for only the first five years. They are also obligated to have a health insurance policy and must not have a criminal record.

Expert Guidance on Acquiring Your Dream Property and Meeting Investment Requirements

Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal's Golden Visa programme is a popular investment-based immigration program that grants residency to non-EU citizens who invest in the country. To be eligible for the program, an applicant must carry out one of the following investments:

•       EUR 1.5 million minimum capital transfer into a Portuguese bank;
•       EUR 500,000 for the acquisition of particular investment fund or venture capital fund units committed to the capitalization of Portuguese companies;
•       EUR 500,000 for research, scientific or technological activities;
•       EUR 250,000 in support of the arts of of national cultural heritage

 The applicant would also need to purchase a property with a minimum value of EUR350,000.

Once the investment is made, the applicant can obtain a residence permit and enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area. The application process typically takes about six months to complete, and residency is granted for an initial period of one year, which can be renewed for two-year increments. The program has become an attractive option for foreign investors looking to gain residency in Europe, with Portugal's stable economy, high standard of living, and pleasant climate adding to its appeal.

Portugal Golden Visa Requirements

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Programme, investors must meet certain requirements, including investing in real estate, creating jobs for Portuguese citizens, or transferring capital in different sectors. Additionally, applicants must have a clean criminal record and be able to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and their dependents while in Portugal. Successful applicants will receive a residency permit that allows them to live and work in Portugal, as well as travel throughout the Schengen Area.

Portugal Golden Visa Benefits

The Golden Visa programme offers several benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in Portugal, as well as travel visa-free within the Schengen area. Investors can also benefit from the tax advantages offered by Portugal, as well as the country's high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and favourable climate. Additionally, after holding the residency permit for five years, investors can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship, making it an attractive option for those seeking long-term relocation.

Portugal Golden Visa Obligations 

The programme has a set of obligations that must be fulfilled by the investor to maintain their residency status. These obligations include spending a minimum of seven days in Portugal during the first year and a minimum of 14 days in subsequent years, maintaining the investment for a minimum of five years, and complying with tax obligations in Portugal. Additionally, the investor must not have a criminal record and must provide evidence of health insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions about the European Golden Visa

How long does it take to obtain a European Golden Visa?

This varies depending on several factors such as the specific country, the complexity of the application. Typically, the processing time for a Golden Visa can range from a few weeks to several months, with some countries taking longer than others.

Can family members also apply for a European Golden Visa?

Family members of the main applicant can typically apply for a European Golden Visa programme, depending on the specific requirements of the country's programme. The definition of family members may vary depending on the country, but usually includes the spouse and dependent children under a certain age. Some programmes may also include parents and dependent siblings. It is important to check the specific requirements of the programme you are interested in to determine who is eligible to apply as a family member.

Can I work in the EU with a European Golden Visa?

Having a European Golden Visa may allow individuals the opportunity to work within the European Union, subject to meeting the relevant employment and immigration requirements.

Can I apply for citizenship after obtaining a European Golden Visa?

Yes. However, obtaining a European Golden Visa does not automatically grant citizenship. Having said this, it may make the process of applying for citizenship in that country easier.

How long can I stay in Europe with a Golden Visa?

There are various EU Golden Visa programmes that offer different lengths of stay, so the duration of your stay would depend on the specific program and country you choose.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations on the European Golden Visa

The European Golden Visa Programmes are aimed at individuals and families seeking to reside, settle and stay in the EU and therefore gain EU Residency. The success of the programmes comes as no surprise when considering the stability of the EU and all of the benefits which come with being an EU resident.