Europe Golden Visa Guide: The Most Affordable and Fastest Options for Global Investors

If you're looking to secure a European Golden Visa, the good news is that the options today are broader than ever. Even though some countries have tightened their programs—such as Spain closing its Golden Visa and Portugal removing the real estate route—the EU still offers several residency-by-investment opportunities with fast processing and reasonable investment thresholds.



While some applicants wait nearly four years for residency approval in certain countries, others receive their Golden Visa in as little as two weeks or even just a few days through expedited processes. Choosing the right country can make all the difference.

Why Investors Seek a European Golden Visa

High-net-worth individuals from the U.S., the Middle East, and Asia are increasingly turning to European Golden Visa programs to gain:

  • Visa-free access to the Schengen Area

  • A reliable Plan B residency

  • The ability to travel freely without ETIAS restrictions

  • Family-inclusive residency rights

  • Access to European lifestyle, safety, and financial stability

Some investors pair a Golden Visa with a second passport—such as Caribbean or Serbian citizenship—to maximize global mobility.

Latvia: The Most Affordable and Straightforward EU Golden Visa

Among all European residency-by-investment programs, Latvia stands out as one of the most budget-friendly and direct options.

Latvia, a beautiful Baltic nation with a rich culture and modern infrastructure, offers two main Golden Visa routes:

1. The Company Investment Route (€50,000 + Fees)

The Latvian company investment route is the cheapest Golden Visa option in the EU. Investors contribute €50,000 to a qualifying Latvian company that meets strict tax and employment criteria. Along with an additional non-refundable fee of about €10,000 and legal costs, the total investment averages €75,000.

This investment grants a 5-year Latvian residency permit, renewable as long as the business remains active and compliant. While it does not lead to automatic citizenship, it offers long-term European residency and full Schengen travel access.

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

For those seeking a more passive option, Latvia also offers a Golden Visa in exchange for €250,000 in approved real estate. Investors can acquire high-quality apartments in central Riga, often in new buildings at competitive prices.

Both routes allow applicants to include their entire family and renew their permits indefinitely.

What You Can and Cannot Do With a Latvian Golden Visa

With a Latvian residency permit:

  • You can travel freely throughout the Schengen Area.

  • You can use the EU passport line at airports as an EU resident.

  • You cannot live long-term in other EU countries—only in Latvia.

  • You cannot qualify for citizenship unless you live in Latvia full-time and meet residency requirements.

Importantly, holding a Latvian Golden Visa does not automatically make you a tax resident. Tax residency applies only if you stay 183+ days per year or meet specific personal or economic ties.

Comparing Latvia With Other EU Golden Visa Options

If Latvia doesn’t fit your goals, several other EU countries offer attractive programs:

  • Hungary Golden Visa — €250,000 investment fund

  • Italy Golden Visa — typically €500,000 investment

  • Portugal Golden Visa — €500,000 fund route, but long processing times

  • Romania — €400,000 new Golden Visa

  • Cyprus Permanent Residency — €300,000

  • Malta Permanent Residency — €150,000–€200,000 (best value for EU PR)

Malta offers one of the strongest EU permanent residency programs, although it requires a donation rather than an investment.

Can You Hold Multiple Golden Visas?

Yes. Many investors hold two or even three Golden Visas, as long as they meet each country’s renewal requirements. For example, you can maintain both the Portugal and Latvia Golden Visas by visiting each country the required number of days per year and keeping your investments active.

Citizenship by Merit Outside the EU

Countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania offer citizenship by merit for individuals who make exceptional contributions to the nation. While selective, these pathways can be faster than Caribbean citizenship programs.

Conclusion: Which Golden Visa Is Best for You?

Choosing the right Golden Visa depends on your priorities:

  • Most affordable EU option: Latvia

  • Fastest permanent residency: Malta

  • Best long-term path to citizenship: Portugal

  • Most passive investment: Hungary or Italy

  • High-value emerging program: Romania

If you’re seeking a reliable Plan B, greater travel freedom, or a secure future base in Europe, exploring these Golden Visa programs can significantly expand your global mobility.