Getting a “Golden Visa” or joining a residency-by-investment program is now a common plan for high-net-worth people who want better movement around the world, a safe place to live in Europe, and several investment choices. These programs can provide an easy way to get a second residency. They can also lead to getting citizenship in some cases, along with an EU passport. Countries like Portugal and Greece have made huge updates to their packages.
Navigating these changes starts with staying informed, keeping up with evolving policies, and knowing where the smartest opportunities lie. Investors and entrepreneurs alike should be clear about their goals, adapt quickly, and position themselves for long-term growth in an industry that’s constantly shifting.
There has been a big change in the last few years, with many countries moving away from using real estate as the main way to invest.
This is true for the Portugal Golden Visa investment fund.
Since late 2023, Portugal’s program does not let people buy property directly in the most busy areas.
Now, it asks investors to put money into venture capital or investment funds that focus on different areas, like technology, the arts, culture, and science. You need at least €500,000 to join this way.
This new method has several good points:
- Diversification: Funds put the money in several projects, so this can help lower risk.
- Professional Management: A professional fund manager, who knows the local market well, will handle your investment.
- Tax Savings: Putting money in the fund can save on taxes compared to real estate, with lower costs for deals and lower taxes.
- No Property Management: You do not need to deal with looking after or fixing a property yourself.
Why Portugal Made The Change
In recent years, many European countries have moved away from real estate as the primary vehicle for investment. The Portugal Golden Visa is the best example of this shift.
As of late 2023, direct property purchases in high-demand areas are no longer eligible. Instead, investors must commit at least €500,000 to qualified investment funds that target sectors such as technology, science, and culture.
Advantages of Fund Investments
- Diversification: Capital is spread across multiple projects, reducing exposure to risk.
- Professional Management: Investments are handled by seasoned fund managers with expertise in the Portuguese market.
- Tax Efficiency: Lower transaction costs and potential tax benefits compared to property ownership.
- No Property Maintenance: No need to manage, rent, or renovate physical real estate.
This change has pushed many investors toward funds as a more flexible, modern approach to obtaining a residency permit in Portugal.
Key Considerations for Your Investment
When you look at a Golden Visa program, it’s important to think about more than just the lowest amount you have to invest. Here are some main things you should look at:
- Residency Requirements: Some programs ask for very little physical stay, while others need you to stay more. For example, Portugal lets you stay just 7 days a year. This can be perfect if you don’t want to move from where you are.
- Path to Citizenship: The time and steps for getting citizenship can be very different. Portugal lets you apply for citizenship after five years of living there. This is faster than many other places. In Greece, you have to live there for 7 years before you can ask to be a citizen.
- Inclusion of Family Members: With most Golden Visa programs, you can add your spouse, their kids that need help, and in some cases, parents who depend on you.
Key Considerations Before You Apply
When evaluating the best Golden Visa programs, minimum investment is just one piece of the puzzle.
- Residency Requirements: Portugal only requires 7 days per year in-country. Greece offers flexibility too, but with slightly different rules.
- Path to Citizenship: Portugal allows investors to apply for citizenship after just 5 years. By comparison, Greece requires 7 years of residency before you can pursue a Greece passport by investment.
- Family Inclusion: Most programs allow you to include your spouse, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents.
Understanding these factors upfront can save time, money, and stress later.
Portugal vs. Greece: A Golden Visa Comparison
When you think about a residency-by-investment program, it helps to look closely at the main choices. The Greece investment visa has been a top pick for many people.
This is because it focuses on real estate and used to need a lower minimum investment. Still, from 2024, the amount you must spend has gone up a lot in places that many people want.
Now, if you want a property in Athens or on certain islands, you need to invest €800,000.
In some other parts of Greece, the lowest amount is €400,000.
There is still a way to get in for €250,000 if you buy a property that needs to be fixed up.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Portugal: The main focus now is on investment funds with at least €500,000. It gives you a way to get citizenship in five years. There is a very low residency requirement. You can work and open a business too.
Greece: This program still centers on real estate, but you need to spend more in many places. It also has a low residency requirement. However, it will take seven years to get citizenship, and there are rules about what work you can do.
Portugal Golden Visa (2025)
- Minimum €500,000 in approved investment funds Portugal.
- Citizenship possible after 5 years.
- Just 7 days per year residency requirement.
- Flexibility to work or start a business.
Greece Golden Visa (2025)
- Program remains real estate-focused.
- €800,000 minimum in Athens or key islands.
- €400,000 minimum in less central regions.
- €250,000 option for renovation properties.
- Citizenship after 7 years.
- Certain limits on employment.
The Portugal Golden Visa and Greece Golden Visa are two of the most popular residency-by-investment programs in Europe, but the right choice depends on your financial goals, family needs, and long-term lifestyle plans.
Both countries remain competitive in the Golden Visa Europe market, but Portugal now appeals to investors who value diversification and speed, while Greece attracts those who still prefer real estate.
In the end, the best choice is different for each person.
For investors seeking a faster path to citizenship, fewer residency requirements, and modern fund-based options, Portugal continues to stand out in 2025 as one of the best Golden Visa programs available.
Before making a decision, consult with a specialist who can help you understand the full picture — from Portugal citizenship requirements to long-term planning, including how to get an EU passport through investment.
It all depends on your own money goals, what you like, and what you plan for the future. You should talk to a specialist in residency-by-investment.
This will help you with the hard parts and let you make a better choice.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article may contain sponsored content and affiliate links. Respect My Region may receive compensation if you click on certain links or choose to invest through partners mentioned here. Our editorial team strives to provide accurate, independent insights, but this content should not be taken as financial, investment, or legal advice. Residency-by-investment programs carry risks, and regulations may change quickly. We strongly recommend consulting with a licensed professional or advisor before making any financial or immigration decisions.
