Securing a European Golden Visa has become one of the most strategic moves for investors, entrepreneurs, global executives, and families seeking mobility, stability, and freedom. In 2025, the landscape of residency-by-investment in Europe continues to evolve—but opportunities are still abundant for those who know where to look.



While some countries have tightened their requirements, others remain surprisingly accessible, offering low investment thresholds, fast processing times, and the ability to include the entire family under one application. This comprehensive guide explores the best and most affordable Golden Visa programs in Europe—highlighting Latvia, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Hungary, Romania, and more.

Whether your goal is Schengen access, a Plan B residency, or long-term global mobility, this long-form guide will help you navigate Europe’s top investment residency programs.



What Is a European Golden Visa?

A European Golden Visa is a residency permit granted in exchange for an investment—typically in real estate, government bonds, funds, or private companies. Once approved, it gives non-EU citizens the right to:

  • Live in the issuing country

  • Travel freely within the Schengen Area

  • Access European education and healthcare

  • Apply with their spouse and dependent children

  • Potentially work, start a business, or study

Golden Visas are not automatic citizenship programs. However, some (like Portugal) can lead to citizenship with minimal physical presence.

Why Global Investors Are Choosing Europe in 2025

The demand for second residencies continues to surge, especially among investors from the U.S., UK, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Key motivations include:

1. Schengen Travel Freedom

A Golden Visa allows the holder to travel visa-free across 27+ European countries, bypassing future ETIAS restrictions.

2. A Secure Plan B Residency

Political uncertainty, economic instability, and global tensions push high-net-worth individuals to secure a backup home.

3. Lifestyle, Safety, and Education

Europe offers world-class universities, healthcare, safety, and a high quality of life.

4. Family Inclusion

Parents can secure long-term residency rights for their children, ensuring future mobility advantages.

5. Long-Term Wealth Preservation

Real estate investments, EU tax planning, and EU asset protection are significant draws for global investors.

Latvia: The Most Affordable Golden Visa in Europe

Among all current EU Golden Visa programs, Latvia stands out as one of the most straightforward and cost-effective. Located in the Baltic region, Latvia offers modern infrastructure, a safe environment, and fast processing times.

1. Latvia Company Investment Route (€50,000 + fees)

This is the cheapest Golden Visa option in the entire European Union.

Investment Requirements:

  • €50,000 investment into a Latvian company

  • €10,000 government fee

  • Legal and administrative fees

  • Total cost: ~€75,000

The company must meet specific criteria, including tax compliance, employee requirements, and operational activity. Investors must also maintain the investment to keep their residency valid.

Benefits:

  • 5-year residency

  • Renewable indefinitely

  • Family eligibility

  • Fast approval (often within 4–8 weeks)

  • Full Schengen travel freedom

Limitations:

  • No automatic path to citizenship

  • The company must remain active

  • Not a passive investment (requires annual reports)

2. Latvia Real Estate Route (€250,000)

A more passive alternative is the real estate option.

Investment Requirements:

  • Purchase approved real estate worth €250,000

  • Pay the government fee

  • Maintain ownership for renewal

This route is suitable for investors who prefer tangible assets with long-term value, especially in growing markets such as Riga.

Comparison: Latvia vs Other European Golden Visa Programs

To understand Latvia’s value, it helps to compare it to other popular programs:

Hungary Golden Visa (€250,000)

Hungary recently reintroduced a residency-by-investment program requiring:

  • €250,000 investment in an approved fund

  • 10-year residency

  • No need to live in Hungary

This is one of the most passive options available.

Portugal Golden Visa (From €500,000)

Although Portugal removed the real estate option, it remains attractive due to:

  • A clear path to citizenship

  • Minimal physical presence (7 days/year)

  • Strong global reputation

However, processing times can be long (1–3 years).

Italy Investor Visa (€500,000 and up)

Italy offers one of the most flexible residency programs for investors:

  • Investment in innovative startups, bonds, or companies

  • Fast approval

  • Entire family included

  • High lifestyle value

Malta Permanent Residency (€150,000–€200,000)

One of the strongest PR programs in Europe:

  • Permanent residency (not temporary)

  • Entire family included

  • 100% donation-based (not an investment)

  • Fast processing (4–6 months)

Romania Golden Visa (€400,000)

A newer and rising option:

  • €400,000 investment

  • Potential pathway to future EU integration benefits

  • Growing economy with strong development potential

Can You Hold Multiple European Golden Visas?

Yes. Investors can legally hold several active Golden Visas at once, as long as they:

  • Meet each country’s physical presence requirements

  • Maintain the necessary investments

  • Renew permits on time

  • Comply with local tax laws

Some investors hold Latvia + Portugal, or Italy + Malta, to maximize flexibility.

Do Golden Visas Make You a Tax Resident?

Not automatically.

In Europe, tax residency is usually triggered by:

  • Spending 183+ days/year in the country

  • Having significant economic interests

  • Having family ties

For Latvia, Hungary, Malta, and Portugal’s Golden Visa routes, you do not become a tax resident unless you intentionally relocate full-time.

Citizenship by Merit: Fast Non-EU Citizenship Options

Several countries outside the EU offer accelerated citizenship for individuals with strong profiles:

  • Serbia

  • Montenegro

  • Albania

These programs require significant contributions to the country but can be much faster than Caribbean citizenship in some cases.

Who Should Consider a European Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is ideal for:

  • Entrepreneurs who travel frequently

  • Families seeking better education for children

  • Investors wanting to diversify assets

  • High-net-worth individuals seeking a Plan B

  • Digital nomads who want flexible living

  • Retirees looking for safety and stability