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Golden Visa program

September 8, 2025
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The Golden Visa program is a formal immigration program that allows foreign investors to obtain residency or citizenship in exchange for investing in a specific country. These programs are often referred to as "residency by investment" and are implemented to encourage capital inflow worldwide.

 Legal Basis

  • Golden Visa programs the immigration and investment regulations .

  • In European Union countries, these programs have been developed in accordance with EU directives.

  • The aim is to attract capital to the country, create jobs, and ensure economic development.

Types of Investments

1. Real Estate Investment

  • It is the most common method.

  • The investor purchases residential or commercial property up to a specified minimum amount.

  • Example:

    • Greece: 250.000 €

    • Spain: 500.000 €

    • Portugal: €280,000 – €500,000 (varies by region)

  • Advantage: Both rental income and property value appreciation are possible.

2. Government Bonds and Fund Investments

  • The investor invests in government bonds or public funds designated by the country.

  • Example:

    • Italy Golden Visa: €2,000,000 in government bonds.

    • Hungary Golden Visa (program reopened in 2024): €250,000 investment in government bond-like funds.

  • Advantage: It is a safe and low-risk type of investment.

3. Company Formation and Capital Investment

  • Investors can benefit from the program by establishing a company in the country or by investing a certain amount of capital in an existing company.

  • Job creation may be required.

  • Example:

    • Italy Golden Visa: €500,000 investment in existing company.

    • US EB-5 Program: $800,000 investment + creation of 10 jobs.

  • Advantage: Provides direct entry into the business world.

4. Start-up Investment

  • Investing in innovative ventures is also accepted in many countries.

  • Example:

    • Italy Golden Visa: €250,000 investment in innovative start-ups.

    • Portugal: Investment opportunities in new technology-focused startups.

  • Advantage: Entry to the program is possible with low capital.

5. Donation

    • Non-refundable donations can be made to public benefit projects or state funds.

    • Example:

      • Italy Golden Visa: €1,000,000 donated to public benefit.

      • Malta: Granting to state funds is a requirement for citizenship.

    • Advantage: A quick and easy way to obtain residency/citizenship.

 Rights Provided

  1. Residence Permit: The right to reside in a building for the investor and their family.

  2. Free Movement: Visa-free travel within the Schengen area or according to relevant country agreements.

  3. Family Reunification: Includes spouse, children, and dependent family members.

  4. Path to Citizenship: Citizenship applications can be submitted after long-term residency.

  5. Education and Health Rights: Access to public schools and the health system.

 Major Countries Offering Golden Visa

  • Europe: Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta

  • Others: USA (EB-5), Canada, UAE, Australia

 Advantages

  • 1. Residence Permit and Legal Residency Rights

    • With the Golden Visa, the investor and their family obtain a residence permit in the relevant country

    • This right is usually for periods of 2-5 years and can be renewed as long as the investment continues.

    2. Free Movement within the Schengen Area

    • Thanks to Golden Visa programs in European countries, investors travel visa-free within the Schengen area .

    • For example, a person holding a Golden Visa from Italy, Greece, Spain, or Portugal has the right to free movement in 26 Schengen countries.

    3. Opportunity for Family Reunification

    • Spouses, children under 18, and in most cases dependent family members can be included in the program.

    • The entire family benefits from education, health, and social rights.

    4. The Path to Citizenship

    • While the Golden Visa doesn't automatically grant citizenship, it does make you eligible to apply for citizenship after a long period of residency.

    • For example:

      • Italy: Citizenship application after 10 years of residency.

      • Spain: 10 years, 2 years for Latin American citizens.

      • Portugal: 5 years

    5. Return on Investment

    • Real estate investments can generate rental income and capital appreciation.

    • Capital gains are possible in government bond or corporate investments.

    • Therefore, the investment offers both residency rights and economic benefits

    6. Tax Advantages

    • Many countries special tax regimes .

    • Example: In Italy, the flat tax system , foreign income can be exempt from tax by paying a fixed annual fee of €100,000.

    7. Absence of Physical Residence Requirement

    • In some countries (e.g., Italy, Greece), investors are not required to reside permanently in the country.

    • This gives the investor the flexibility to live or do business in other countries.

    8. Education and Future Opportunities for Children

    • Children of families with a Golden Visa free education at state schools in the country.

    • EU citizenship provides advantages such as lower tuition fees and limited quotas when applying to universities.

    9th International Prestige and Security

    • The Golden Visa, obtained from EU countries, provides investors with international prestige and a secure living environment .

    • It offers advantages in global trade, especially for business people.

📌 Result

The Golden Visa program is a strategic tool, particularly residency or citizenship by investing in the European Union . This legally sound program provides investors with both improved quality of life and freedom of movement, as well as economic advantages .

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