Top 5 EU Residency by Investment Programs in 2025: A Comparative Guide

The European residency-by-investment (RBI) landscape has continued to mature in 2025, with countries adapting their programs to balance economic impact, investor interest, and national priorities. This guide compares five of the most competitive European RBI programs: Portugal, Greece, Latvia, Hungary, and Cyprus. Whether your priority is cost-efficiency, property ownership, family inclusion, or a fast path to EU citizenship, this guide outlines the best-fit option for your needs.

Overview: Comparing Europe’s Top 5 Residency-by-Investment Programs

Residency-by-investment (RBI) programs allow non-EU nationals to acquire residency rights by making a qualifying investment in a host country. Often referred to as “Golden Visas,” these programs provide access to the Schengen Area, tax optimization opportunities, and a structured pathway to EU citizenship.

Country Main Investment Option Type Of Investment Processing Time Renewals Path to Citizenship Schengen Access
Portugal €500,000 Investment Fund (non real estate) 6-9 months Every 2 years After 5 years Yes
Greece €250,000 Property for renovation 3-4 months Every 5 years After 7 years Yes
Latvia €50,000 Shares in Business 1-3 months Every year After 10 years Yes
Hungary €250,000 Real Estate Fund 2-3 months Every 10 years After 8 years Yes
Cyprus €300,000 Real Estate 6-9 months Every year proof After 7 years Yes

 

Portugal: The Best Citizenship Route in Europe

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains highly attractive due to its clear and efficient path to citizenship. The program no longer includes real estate investments but instead prioritizes fund investments, cultural contributions, and business creation.

Investment Options:

  • €500,000 in approved venture capital or private equity funds
  • €500,000 Support of scientific research activities.
  • €250,000 donations to cultural heritage projects
  • Business creation with job generation

Advantages:

  • Citizenship eligible after 5 years with minimal physical presence (7 days in year one, 14 in following periods)
  • Application timeline starts at investment approval
  • Streamlined processing and reduced backlog in 2025

Portugal offers the strongest combination of long-term benefits and flexibility, especially for globally mobile investors focused on securing an EU passport.

 

Greece: Private Property Ownership with EU Residency

Greece’s Golden Visa is Europe’s most accessible real estate-based program. It uniquely offers full private ownership of property—an appealing feature for investors looking for long-term assets in a high-tourism country.

Investment Highlights:

  • €250,000 A specialized real estate investment focused on converting commercial properties into residential spaces or restoring listed buildings, irrespective of their location or size.
  • €350,000 Acquisition of shares in a mutual or alternative investment fund investing exclusively in shares, bonds, or Greek government bonds traded on regulated markets in Greece.
  • €400,000 Property purchace in all other low-demand regions of Greece with a minimum area of 120m².
  • €800,000 Real estate investment for high-demand areas, which have a population of more than 3,100 people.

Advantages:

  • 5-year renewable permit
  • Visa-free Schengen travel
  • Path to citizenship after 7 years of residency with language and integration requirements

Greece combines affordability with tangible property rights, making it ideal for those who want a stable, appreciating real estate asset.

 

Latvia: Europe’s Cheapest Residency Program

Latvia offers the lowest investment threshold in Europe, starting at just €50,000 for business investment. The country’s flexible residency options  budget-conscious investors and entrepreneurs.

Available Investment Routes:

  • Business investment: From €50,000
  • Real estate: €250,000
  • Bank deposit or government bonds: €280,000

Advantages:

  • Fast processing (1-3 months)
  • Multiple investment types to suit different goals
  • Strategic location in Northern Europe with Schengen access

While the path to citizenship takes longer (10 years), Latvia is an ideal entry-level option for gaining European residency at minimal cost.

 

Hungary: Stable Residency with Family Coverage

Hungary’s newly reintroduced Guest Investor Program offers a stable and long-term residency solution with wide family eligibility.

Available Investment Routes:

  • €250,000 Minimum investment in a real estate fund regulated by the Hungarian National Bank.
  • €1,000,000 Donation to a Hungarian public trust supporting higher education.

Advantages:

  • 10-year renewable residence permit
  • No minimum physical presence required
  • Centrally located in Europe with strong transport links
  • Fast 2-3 month application process

Though the path to citizenship remains undefined, Hungary offers one of the most comprehensive family residency packages available.

 

Cyprus: Immediate Permanent Residency and Lifestyle Appeal

Cyprus offers direct permanent residency to investors, setting it apart from countries that first issue temporary permits. With a Mediterranean lifestyle and tax benefits, Cyprus appeals to families and retirees alike.

Qualifying Investments:

  • €300,000 Real estate investment in new residential property. It is possible to buy 2 properties.
  • €300,000 Real estate investment in new or used commercial or touristic property. It is possible to buy 2 properties.
  • €300,000 Investment funds with a diverse range of assets, managed by professionals and regulated by the government.
  • €300,000 Investment in a share of a new or existing company based in Cyprus. They must have a physical presence in Cyprus and employ at least 5 people.

Advantages:

  • Permanent residency from day one
  • Citizenship possible after 5 years of physical residency over an 8-year period
  • Minimal requirement to visit once every two years

Cyprus offers lifestyle, security, and permanent status up front, which is ideal for families planning long-term relocation.

 

Investor Type Best Country Why Risks
EU Passport Seekers Portugal Offers the fastest and clearest path to citizenship (5 years) with minimal stay requirements and a non-real estate investment focus. Higher upfront cost
Real Estate Investors Greece Provides full private ownership, low thresholds (€250,000), and attractive tourism-based property value. Regional economic volatility
Cost-Sensitive Applicants Latvia Lowest entry point (€50,000) via business investments with fast processing (1–3 months). Delayed citizenship
Family-Focused Investors Hungary Long-term, stable residency with 10-year renewable permit and broad family coverage, minimal presence required. Program Stability and Political Risk
Lifestyle-Driven Relocators Cyprus Immediate permanent residency, Mediterranean lifestyle, and flexible asset classes for investment. Property dependency

 

 Core Conclusions

1. Portugal Leads for Citizenship and Investment Sophistication

  • Most attractive for long-term planning: A clear and efficient citizenship path (after 5 years), fund-based investment options (non-real estate), and low physical presence requirements.
  • Appeals to globally mobile investors seeking EU passports without relocating.
  • 2025 updates have improved processing times and streamlined requirements.
  1. Greece Emerges as a Top Pick for Real Estate-Focused Investors
  • Lowest real estate entry point in the EU (€250,000), with solid ownership rights and visa-free Schengen travel.
  • Potential for property appreciation, especially in underdeveloped or revitalizing areas.
  • Path to citizenship is slower (7 years), but the investment is tangible and potentially income-generating.
  1. Latvia is Best for Entry-Level or Entrepreneurial Investors
  • Most affordable route to EU residency with options starting at €50,000.
  • Flexible investment types but the longest route to citizenship (10 years).
  • Strategic location, but lower program prestige and less lifestyle appeal.
  1. Hungary Offers Family Security with Low Ongoing Commitment
  • Long-term permit (10 years) makes it low maintenance.
  • Broad eligibility for family members and fast processing.
  • Citizenship path remains unclear, but the risk is offset by simplicity and family inclusion.
  1. Cyprus Attracts with Immediate Residency and Lifestyle Benefits
  • Permanent residency from the start, avoiding the temporary permit stage.
  • Ideal for retirees or families looking to relocate to a stable, sunny destination.
  • Requires physical residency to access citizenship (more demanding than Portugal), but offers lifestyle and tax optimization.

Final Takeaway

The 2025 RBI environment reflects a maturing, diversified market that now caters to a wide spectrum of investor priorities—from citizenship and asset protection to family relocation and lifestyle enhancement. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, especially around real estate-linked programs, the shift toward impact-based, fund-driven, and permanent residency models signals a new era in global mobility strategy.

As each program comes with unique trade-offs—whether in terms of processing time, citizenship eligibility, investment type, or physical presence requirements—selecting the right RBI path requires strategic alignment with your personal or business goals.

Need help navigating the options?

Let’s schedule a personalized consultation to assess your needs—whether you’re seeking fast-track citizenship, tax optimization, family relocation, or investment diversification. I can help you compare programs in real-time based on current policies, risk factors, and long-term benefits.

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