Top 10 Golden Visa Countries 2025 for Investors & Retirees
- International Property Alerts
- October 3, 2025
For investors and retirees alike, Golden Visas remain one of the most popular ways to secure long-term residency — and in some cases, even citizenship — through property investment or capital contribution.
Here’s your 2025 guide to the 10 strongest Golden Visa and investment residency programs worldwide, plus emerging alternatives.
1. Portugal
Status in 2025: The classic Portugal Golden Visa (real estate route) officially closed in 2024. But Portugal remains highly attractive through the D7 Passive Income Visa and the new Digital Nomad Visa. Both lead to permanent residency and EU citizenship after 5 years, with minimal physical stay requirements (just 183 days per year for tax residency, or 16 months total across 5 years for naturalisation).
Investment Requirement: Property no longer qualifies. The remaining routes are venture funds, job creation, or cultural donations.
Best For: Investors still want Portugal for EU mobility, lifestyle, and low stay requirement.
2. Spain
Status in 2025: The Spanish Golden Visa (property €500k+) was abolished in April 2025. Alternatives now include the Non-Lucrative Visa (financial proof of ~€2,400/month income) and the Digital Nomad Visa.
Best For: Lifestyle retirees and second-home owners rather than investment passports.
3. Greece
Investment Threshold: From €250,000–€500,000 depending on location (higher in Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Mykonos).
Residency Terms: 5-year renewable residency card; minimal stay required (a few days every 5 years).
Path to Citizenship: 7 years of residence required (must spend at least 183 days per year).
Best For: The lowest-entry EU property route still open in 2025.
4. Cyprus
Investment Threshold: €300,000 minimum property purchase (new build only), plus proof of annual income ~€30,000+.
Residency Terms: Permanent residency, renewable.
Path to Citizenship: Naturalisation after 7 years of continuous residence.
Best For: English-speaking retirees and investors seeking EU healthcare standards.
5. Malta
Investment Threshold:
Residency: From €150,000 in government bonds or property lease/purchase.
Citizenship: Direct citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services requires a €600,000–€750,000 contribution plus residence.
Residency Terms: Immediate EU residency with right to live, work, study across Schengen.
Path to Citizenship: Fastest EU passport — possible in 12–36 months with high-level investment.
Best For: Investors seeking direct EU citizenship rather than just residency.
6. Turkey
Investment Threshold: US$400,000 property purchase (residential or commercial).
Residency Terms: Immediate residency for family.
Path to Citizenship: Passport issued in as little as 3–6 months.
Best For: Those seeking a fast, affordable second citizenship with global mobility (111+ visa-free destinations).
7. UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Investment Threshold: Property purchase of AED 2 million (~US$545,000).
Residency Terms: 10-year renewable Golden Visa for investors, spouses, and dependents.
Path to Citizenship: UAE nationality is extremely rare — but the residency is long-term, stable, and tax-friendly.
Best For: Business investors seeking a tax-free hub with global flights and high rental yields.
8. Panama
Investment Threshold:
Qualified Investor Visa: US$300,000 real estate (rising to US$500,000 in 2025).
Friendly Nations Visa: Lower entry for citizens of 50+ countries.
Residency Terms: Renewable permanent residency.
Path to Citizenship: Naturalisation after 5 years’ residence (Spanish proficiency required).
Best For: Dollar earners seeking low costs, U.S. proximity, and residency flexibility.
9. Thailand
Program: The Thailand Elite Visa (now branded as Long-Term Residency).
Investment Threshold: Membership fee from THB 600,000 (~US$16,500) for 5 years up to THB 2 million (~US$55,000) for 20 years.
Residency Terms: Renewable long-term residence with concierge support.
Path to Citizenship: No direct citizenship route, but long stays possible.
Best For: Retirees wanting luxury lifestyle, healthcare access, and simplicity.
10. Caribbean Nations (CBI Programs)
Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia.
Investment Thresholds: From US$100,000 (donation) or US$200,000–$300,000 (real estate investment).
Residency Terms: Full citizenship, passport within 3–6 months.
Best For: The cheapest, fastest passports with global visa-free travel, often used as backup citizenships.
Almost-Made-It Programs
Italy: Investor Visa (from €250,000 in startups, €500,000 in companies, €2 million in bonds).
Ireland: Golden Visa closed to new applicants in 2023, but existing investors are grandfathered in.
Indonesia: Golden Visa launched 2024 — 5- and 10-year stays with multimillion-dollar deposits or investments.
Property & Legal Notes
- Always verify holding period (5–7 years common before resale allowed).
- Check residency day requirements (Portugal minimal vs Spain high).
- Factor in legal fees, government fees, and due diligence costs (Caribbean ~US$8,000–15,000 per family).
- Use independent legal advisors separate from developers.
Key Takeaways
Lowest property entry: Greece (€250,000).
Fastest citizenship: Turkey (3–6 months) and Caribbean (3–6 months).
Best EU lifestyle residency: Portugal (D7) and Cyprus (€300,000 property).
Best long-term stability: UAE (10 years) and Malta (path to EU passport).
Plan Your Investment Residency with IPA
Ready to explore Golden Visa investments?
International Property Alerts works with leading developers and immigration lawyers worldwide to:
- Compare program costs, timelines, and benefits.
- Provide vetted property options that qualify for Golden Visas.
- Guide you through residency and citizenship applications.
Message us “GOLDEN VISA 2025” for your free consultation and personalised investment plan.
📧 elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
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About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
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