What is the Portugal and Greece Golden Visa?
Both Portugal and Greece’s Golden Visas are programs that grant residency to non-EU/EEA investors in exchange for qualifying investments in specific government-approved routes. Each of them entitle their owners to visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone and set the way for EU Citizenship, but differ in other key aspects, like options, requirements, and residency obligations.
Portugal Golden Visa: Investment Options
The Portugal Golden Visa has several options, but only one as an investment, with others involving company creation or donations. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Best Option: Investment in Private Equity / Venture Capital Funds
- Minimum Amount Required: €500,000
- Holding Period: At least 5 years
- Stay Requirement: 7 days each year
- Path to Citizenship: 5 years with minimal physical residency
Greece Golden Visa: Investment Options
The Greece Golden Visa also has several options for keen investors, but only one stands out from the rest. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Best Option: Real Estate Purchase
- Minimum Amount Required: €250,000
- Holding Period: At least 5 years
- Stay Requirement: None
- Path to Citizenship: 7 years with physical residency
Benefits of Golden Visa Programs
Generally, Golden Visa programs offer tremendous benefits for any applicant. In this case, Portugal and Greece are, virtually, on equal footing. Here’s what both programs offer:
- Residency Rights: Live and study in an EU country. PRO tip: Portugal’s Golden Visa allows you to work in the country. Greece’s does not.
- Freedom of Travel: Visa-free travel to any of the other 28 countries in the Schengen Zone, including Portugal for Greece and vice-versa.
- No Obligation to Live in the Country. Pro tip: Greece doesn’t require you to live in the country at all while Portugal has a minimal stay requirement of 7 days per year, ideal for a short vacation.
- Family Inclusion: Both programs allow you to include your immediate family in the application, including spouse and children. Other dependents may be included at an additional cost.
- Path to Citizenship: Both countries enable you to apply for EU Citizenship after a certain allotted time. Pro tip: Portugal’s passport requires you to spend less time in the country overall and only a basic understanding of Portuguese, unlike Greece.
Portugal Golden Visa: The Most Popular Residency by Investment Program
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most established programs in the EU, in operation for more than a decade. It currently has the quickest timeframe for EU Citizenship, taking just 5 years from the moment the residency application is submitted. Unlike the Greece Golden Visa, Portugal has minimal requirements to apply for Citizenship.
Greece Golden Visa: The #1 Real Estate Program
Greece is one of the few remaining EU countries which still allow real estate purchase as a qualifying investment option for its Golden Visa program – and the cheapest one as well. For investors not keen on the risky nature of investing in funds, the Greece Golden Visa presents an extremely interesting alternative. On the way to permanent residency or citizenship, the property can be rented in the long-term, generating income, or sold for a return on investment.
When to Apply for a Golden Visa?
With the European Union cracking down on Residency & Citizenship by Investment programs, and Portugal and Greece both presenting tremendous opportunities starting at €500,000 with investment funds and €250,000 through property investment, respectively, the window on getting a Golden Visa is getting smaller every day. Theres’s beneficial opportunities to be had but are unlikely to last. The best time to invest in a Golden Visa was yesterday – the second-best time is today, and it starts with contacting us as soon as possible.
How to Apply for a Portugal or Greece Golden Visa?
Applying for a Golden Visa with Investment Visa is a simple, straightforward process:
Investment Selection:
- Portugal: Which fund works for you?
- Greece: What Real Estate property is best for you?
Gathering the Capital and Documents:
- Portugal: Minimum of €500,000
- Greece: Minimum of €250,000
- Both: general documents the program requires, like a valid passport, clean criminal record, etc.
After you’ve gathered the required documents, our advisors will make sure everything is following due dilligence and that your application is properly submitted to the competent authorities. Investment Visa is proud to never have had a residency application rejected.
Still unsure which residency program is the best FOR YOU? Whether Portugal or Greece’s Golden Visa, Investment Visa has the solution for you. Let us put all your doubts to rest. Your journey to a brighter future starts today.
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