Top 23 Countries to Invest in Real Estate in 2025

In a time where financial stability and economic growth are paramount, owning real estate is an emerging safety net for individuals seeking long-term investments and security.

Whether you’re a seasoned foreign investor or an entrepreneur who’s just starting out in the foreign real estate market, our guide simplifies the decision-making process.

We look at pros and cons as well as which countries offer real estate investment opportunities:

• What to Look for When Investing in Real Estate Abroad
• 11 Countries That Offer Citizenship to Foreign Real Estate Investors
• 12 Countries Offering ROI for Foreign Property Investors
• Benefits of Purchasing Property Overseas
• Risks of Real Estate Investment Abroad

8 Factors to Consider: Choosing a Country to Invest in Real Estate In

Evaluate a country’s real estate market by analyzing the following key investment viability factors:

• Economic Stability: GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation affect demand.
• Supply and Demand: Property availability influences property value and rental income.
• Population Growth: Increasing populations drive real estate demand and vice versa.
• Market Trends: Historical price trends predict future property values.
• Interest Rates: Low interest rates boost demand while high interest rates deter investment.
• Rental Yield: High rental yields indicate a strong potential for return on investment.
• Political Stability: Stable governments encourage investment and thus attract more foreign investment, stimulating the local market.
• Tourism Industry: Strong tourism markets create rental and commercial property opportunities.

11 Countries That Offer Citizenship to Foreign Real Estate Investors

1. Antigua and Barbuda

This Caribbean country gives citizenship in return for investment in a pre-approved property and must be held for five years minimum.

Approved properties can include luxury resorts, villas and commercial developments and the country allows two applicants to make a joint investment.

2. St. Lucia

The government of this small Caribbean island must approve any real estate bought through the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment program.

The investment must be held for a minimum of five years.

3. Dominica

Through the Dominica CBI program, you can get a legal passport when you invest in a government-approved real estate project.

The property must be held for a minimum of three years from the date of citizenship being granted, two years less than other similar CBI programs.

4. Grenada

Also known as the “Spice Island”, you can obtain a passport and citizenship in Grenada when you invest in hotel resort or other tourist property that has been approved by the government.

After a 5-year holding period, you can resell the property to another CBI program investor.

5. St. Kitts and Nevis

With the St Kitts and Nevis CBI program, you can purchase either a condominium unit or share in a real estate development starting at US$ 325,000 or a single-family private dwelling for US$600,000.

Investments must be made in properties designated as “Approved Private Real Estate” and must be held for a minimum of 7 years.

6. Turkey

This transcontinental country, spanning both Europe and Asia, offers foreigners the opportunity to gain citizenship by purchasing property of any type.

Buyers must commit to not selling the property for at least three years and obtain a certificate of eligibility from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu Office).

7. Malta

Malta’s MEIN program is this European country’s equivalent of popular Citizenship by Investment programs. While it is one of the most expensive, it is also considered the gold standard.

You can choose between purchasing or renting a residential property and a five-year holding period is required.

8. Greece

This history-rich European country offers the Greece Golden Visa program, through which you can gain citizenship through real estate investment.

Property investment throug this program follows a tiered structure:

• Tier 1: €800,000 in high-demand areas (Administrative Region of Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other islands with a population exceeding 3,100.)
• Tier 2: €400,000 in other regions
• Tier 3: €250,000 in commercial or residential conversions
• Tier 4: €250,000 in restoration of listed buildings.

9. Montenegro

This attractive European destination has a rapidly developing property market with good capital growth potential and affordable property prices.

There are no restrictions on real estate investment type. Foreign investors can purchase residential properties like apartments and house as well as commercial properties like office buildings and land for development.

10. Cyprus

Although Cyprus has suspended its Citizenship by Investment program, you can still acquire permanent residency and then citizenship via the Cyprus Golden Visa.

This program offers one of the lowest minimum investment amounts for a European country, the Cyprus passport comes with European Union (EU) access and the government offers great tax benefits for investors.

11. Spain

Foreign investors can benefit from a passive investment strategy when applying for the Spain’s Golden Visa program. You buy and hold a property for several years, benefiting from rental income and capital appreciation.

It is, however, the most difficult citizenship option when it comes to real estate investment as it requires a large time commitment.

12 Countries Offering ROI for Foreign Property Investors

1. Germany

Investors have many benefits to look forward to when purchasing property in Germany. For one, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying real estate, unlike some other countries.

Most Germans don’t own property but rather rent. This means purchasing property to rent out is a good source of income.

What’s more is that German property is a liquid asset that is easy to buy and sell. There is also great potential for capital gains over time with German property prices tending to rise.

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE has no property taxes, capital gains taxes, or stamp duties, allowing investors to maximize profits without incurring tax liabilities.

Furthermore there are high rental yields in popular areas like Dubai and the country’s economy is stable enough to limit investment risk.

Foreign investors can also obtain residency visas by investing in property. For a minimum investment of AED 750,000 you get a 2-year residence visa and a 10-year Golden Visa with an investment of AED 2 million.

3. Portugal

With a stable political and economic environment, thriving tourism sector and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and America, Portugal is ideal for foreign real estate investors. There are also no restrictions placed on the foreigners purchasing and owning property.

Property values have been steadily increasing, offering potential for capital appreciation, and there are high rental yields in popular areas like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program also offers residency in exchange for investment, proving to be an attractive option for many.

4. Hungary

Compared to other European countries, Hungary’s property prices, especially in Budapest are quite affordable. The overall real estate market in the country has shown long-term growth potential, making it a good option for foreigners seeking to build wealth.

Hungary’s as a country is also quite welcoming to foreign investment with the government offering subsidies and ensuring legality around property investment is easy to navigate.

There is also the Hungary Golden Visa program that can lead to permanent residency and eventually EU citizenship. Despite direct real estate purchasing ending for this program, there is still an opportunity to invest in real estate funds.

5. Brazil

The property market in Brazil is known for its resilience, boucing back easily after economic downturns and foreign investors have found the property prices to be affordable.

Brazil’s government also offers incentives in the form of tax breaks and exemptions from duty and excise tax. The country has a favorable exchange rate making it a lucrative investment opportunity for foreigners.

The housing market in the middle class is booming with demand in specifically cities shooting up and the growing population and accompanying urbanization provides opportunity for new housing developments.

6. Panama

Investing in property in Panama is attractive for foreigners mainly due to low barriers of entry and support from the government.

This country is one of the few in Latin America utilizing the US dollar, which provides numerous advantages to foreign investors. The real estate market is also seeing a lot of interest and growth. It is considered a low-risk investment with high potential returns.

The Panamanian government has created an investor-friendly environment through free trade agreements with key global partners and bilateral investment treaties that protect foreign invesotors and their assets.

7. Egypt

Property prices in Egypt are relatively low, offering good value for money. This affordability can potentially lead to a higher return on investment.

Due to a strong demand from expats, students and tourists for rental properties in cities like Cairo and Alexandria there is huge potential for high rental profit.

With the country’s location being at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, it facilitates trade and tourism. This makes it an ideal investment hub, contributing to economic growth and demand for real estate.

8. Slovenia

Slovenia’s real estate market is growing steadily year-on-year and is one of the most dynamic in Europe currently.

EU citizens can purchase real estate in Slovenia without restrictions while non-EU citizens have no restrictions on property purchase as long as their home country allows Slovenian citizens to buy property in their country as well.

The prooperty prices are affordable, offering a high potential for positive returns. The economy is stable with steady growth, making it a safe investment option.

9. Luxembourg

At 2.42% the mortgage rates in Luxembourg are among the lowest in Europe which makes purchasing property an attractive option.

There is currently a high demand for housing with the country having a diversified econmy. This is attractive to international workers which, in turn, boosts the need for rental properties.

Foreigners have no restrictions when it comes to purchasing or owning property in Luxembourg. The legal structure is robust and the property market is transparent making it even more appealing for foreign real estate investors.

10. France

This lover’s paradise offers many positives when looking to invest in real estate in the country. The property market itself is stable and there is a strong demand for rental properties. France also places no restrictions on foreign property ownership.

Strong protection is afforded to property owners with clear regulations on property transactions, rights and rental agreements.

Real estate prices in France tend to grow consistently every quarter, suggesting potential for capital appreciation. Tax reductions, government-backed loans and incentives for energy-efficient properties offer many financial benefits for foreign property investors.

11. Switzerland

Switzerland’s reputation as a financially and politically stable country is what makes the country attractive for foreign investors. Despite the challenges surrounding special permits for foreigners and the high real estate prices, investing here is still a good idea.

Key advantages that make buying property worth it in Switzerland include stable returns, the use of property to hedge against inflation, high potential for value appreciation and high income from rentals properties (rental prices have doubled over the last 25 years).

12. Singapore

Singapore is a major Asian financial hub. The economy is stable and consistently grows, making it safe for investment of all sorts.

There are no restrictions on foreign ownership and the country’s transparent legal structure makes provides security and confidence.

Property values in Singapore have shown historical appreciation which means potential for capital gains and there is high demand for rental properties, generating a steady cashflow for investors.

Benefits of Purchasing Property Overseas

When investing in real estate in a foreign country, it’s important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages to help inform your choice. First, let’s take a look at the pros:

1. Asset Protection and Safety Net: By investing in property overseas, you are diversifying your investments and safeguarding your wealth against economic downturn, currency devaluation and capital controls. For you and your family it can serve as a safety net should you need to move at a moment’s notice.
2. Return on Investment: If you invest in real estate in a developing country that’s experiencing lots of urbanisation and economic growth, you can see a rise in the value of your property and sell for a profit.
3. Extra Revenue Stream: Owning rental property in a tourist-heavy area or in a city where there is a high demand, you can secure a regular monthly rental income and a steady cashflow that you can use for other investments and diversifying your portfolio.
4. Lifestyle Enhancement: Owning property in another country can be used as a second home for vacations, seasonal living or future retirement.

Risks of Real Estate Investment Abroad

Next, let’s look at the risks of real estate citizenship to help you make the best decision for you:

1. Financing: Getting a mortgage overseas isn’t always as simple as purchasing real estate in your home country. Higher loan rates, more stringent lending conditions, or even a complete lack of funding choices could be faced by foreign investors.
2. Taxation: One of the most challenging aspects of foreign real estate investing is taxation. You might have to pay taxes in both your home country and the country where the property is located or taxes on rental income from non-residents might be withheld.
3. Political and Economic Environment: A nation’s political and economic environment has a big impact on how stable real estate investments are. Market collapses, expropriation, unstable governments, economic downturns, and abrupt policy changes can all affect your property investment.
4. Property Management: It’s challenging to oversee a home from thousands of miles away. Without being physically present, you will have to handle tenant concerns, collect rent, and make sure routine maintenance is done.
5. Foreign Ownership Restrictions: Some nations, such as China, have placed a ban on foreign ownership of real estate to protect locals. Others have imposed restrictions in an effort to reduce housing inaccessibility for locals.

How We Can Help You

Global Citizen Solutions’ team of migration experts possesses in-depth expertise in international real estate markets. We assist foreign investors in making lucrative real estate investments effortlessly, removing all hassle from the equation.

As we guide foreign real estate investors, we also help foreign nationals qualify for investment programs, enabling them to unlock the advantages of owning foreign real estate while simultaneously securing residency or citizenship for themselves and their families.

If you’re interested in buying foreign real estate and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Investing in Real Estate Abroad

Are there restrictions on foreign real estate ownership?

It varies significantly from country to country. Some countries allow unrestricted property ownership.

Other nations limit or outright ban foreigners from buying or owning property.

China, Cambodia and Thailand are some examples of countries that prohibit all foreign property ownership.

What are the benefits of diversifying real estate investments internationally for Americans?

Some benefits of foreign real estate investment include:

• Earn passive income through rentals and appreciation of property value
• Diversification help protect your assets if a country’s economy tanks
• Potentially offset foreign income tax depending on where you buy property
• Secure a second home for retirement or a safety net
• Get a second passport and citizenship in a new country

What are the risks associated with investing in real estate abroad?

An unstable government, economic downturns, and sudden policy changes can lead to expropriation, market crashes and difficulty to sell your property when you need to.

In addition, if you’re not living in the country it’s difficult to maintain the property when there’s repairs needed or damage occurs. If you’re renting, unruly tenants can become an issue.

What are the tax implications for foreign real estate investors?

Tax laws vary significantly and it can impact your investment’s profitability.

Some tax obligations for foreign investors can include transfer duty, income tax on rental income and capital gains tax upon sale.

How do U.S. tax laws apply to foreign real estate investments?

U.S. capital gains tax applies when a foreign property is sold for a profit.

What are the financing options available for real estate investments?

Some financing options can include:

• Arranging an overseas mortgage with your local bank or an overseas lender
• Release equity from your home if you already own property
• Pay in cash

How does Brexit affect real estate investment opportunities in Europe?

British investors face the following challenges when investing in property in Europe:

• Reduced market access: There is no longer free movement across EU countries for Brits.
• Visa requirements: British citizens now require visas to stay in EU countries for extended periods, impacting the ability to use and enjoy property.
• Currency fluctuations: Instability of the British Pound versus the Euro.
• Increased bureaucracy. Property buying process has become more complicated.

What are the residency or citizenship benefits associated with real estate investment in Europe?

When buying property in Europe, the following citizenship or residency benefits can be enjoyed:

• Visa-free travel within the Schengen area, which includes 29 countries.
• Access to top-quality healthcare and education systems within Europe.
• Pathway to citizenship is offered through some programs.
• Opportunities for business and employment in the EU and access to more markets.