Citizenship by Investment and Golden Visa
Golden Visa programs also provide individuals with the ability to secure citizenship, although the process is very different, as it grants you residency, not citizenship, and the ability to gain citizenship by naturalization after living in the country for a certain amount of years (depending on the country’s criteria). When you opt for the Golden Visa program, it does not grant you citizenship but gives you the status of being an EU resident, as is the case in Portugal, for example. Portugal permanent residents who apply for citizenship can acquire the status through the naturalization law. Being one of the most popular residency by investment programs, the Portugal Golden Visa has a whole host of benefits, some of which will be outlined below.
Cyprus citizenship by investment
Note: Cyprus has indefinitely suspended its citizenship by investment program. While there has been no indication yet from the Cypriot authorities about whether a new program is in the pipeline or not, Global Citizen Solutions is monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates.
According to the old citizenship by investment program that was prevalent in Cyprus, any foreign investor can apply for citizenship in the country by investing in real estate. You can make a government donation, invest in real estate or infrastructural development or financial assets or investment bonds, as well as invest in combining both business and financial assets or bonds. You can check all the criteria for citizenship by investment in Cyprus in our article as well. Europe provides investors with a flourishing property market which makes them gain more by indulging in investment programs.
Benefits of Citizenship by investment in Cyprus
- Perks such as being required to visit Cyprus only once.
- You can get an EU passport in just nine months.
- Invest a minimum of €2,150,000.
- Include your immediate family under one investment plan.
- High levels of growth.
- Easy to buy property.
- Fastest naturalization process in the world.
Malta citizenship by investment
Malta citizenship is officially known as the Malta citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services by direct investment process(CES). It grants individual citizenship status to expats and their families who make a donation to the nation’s economic growth. Malta encourages investments to enhance the economic development of European countries. There are a series of financial requirements that must be fulfilled to apply for Malta citizenship by investment which includes making a direct, non-refundable investment, a real estate investment, and a philanthropic donation.
Benefits of citizenship by investment in Malta
- Freedom of movement in European countries.
- Visa-free travel.
- Malta citizenship.
- The European passport for you and your immediate family.
- Special tax schemes and benefits.
- Live in European countries.
- Maltese healthcare facilities.
Portugal Golden Visa program
The Portugal Golden Visa program or residence permit program is a scheme for non-EU nationals. The scheme allows individuals to invest in the country and gives them the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. You need to be a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national and make a minimum investment of €250,000 to get hold of the Portugal Golden Visa, along with other requirements as stated by the government.
Through the Portugal Golden Visa you can also get hold of Portugal citizenship and a Portuguese passport, through naturalization. You will need to hold your investment for the whole period and, as long as you fulfill all the criteria, you can apply for permanent residency after five years. After you have got permanent residency in Portugal, you can apply for citizenship status.
Portugal’s Golden Visa and Citizenship
The Portugal Golden Visa gives you access to citizenship through naturalization. When you take up Portugal’s Golden Visa, you must keep the investment for five years to apply for permanent residency. You can buy Portugal Golden Visa properties to get residency in Portugal. Foreign investors prefer Portugal for its thriving real estate market, high rental yields, and tourism industry. You can invest in newly established residential properties in interior regions where the price range starts from €500k for a new property and €350k for property rehabilitation. Note that if the area is located in a “low-density” area, then a 20% discount will apply. You can buy commercial real estate in Portugal and invest in remodeling or in residential rehabilitation projects.
Portugal has many options when it comes to the Golden Visa program. You can pick from the following:
- Residential Real Estate- you can invest in residential real estate worth €500,000 or above in a designated interior area of Portugal or in rehabilitation projects worth €350,000, also in a designated interior area. However, if the property is also located in low-density areas, a discount of 20% is levied on properties.
- Commercial Real Estate- buy commercial real estate in any region of the country at €500,000 or €350,000(rehabilitation projects).
- Buy Real Estate on Madeira or Azores– you can buy residential or commercial real estate anywhere.
- Fund Subscription- make a contribution in an investment of €500,000.
- Capital Transfer- invest in the capital transfer of 1.5 million.
- Scientific Research- science or technology research contribution of €500,000.
- Job Creation– incorporation of a company and creating employment opportunities for at least ten individuals amounting to €500,000.
- Donation- donate to arts or reconstruction of national heritage with €250,000.
Why choose the Golden Visa program?
- Family members or immediate relatives can be included in the program under one plan.
- Portugal’s Golden Visa program has significant tax benefits, through the non-habitual tax regime scheme.
- Visa holders do not need to pay extra taxes on worldwide income.
- Easier property investments in European countries.
- Travel visa-free to more than 182 destinations.
- Tax-free incentives.
- Purchase commercial real estate.
- Discount on certain property investments, if your chosen property is located in a designated “low-density” area.
Frequently Asked Questions on Real Estate Investment in Europe
Which real estate investment in Europe is good for me?
European cities are a hub for foreign investors due to the growing demand for new developments that the government has undertaken. Malta citizenship by real estate investment is one of the most popular programs that investors prefer due to a plethora of benefits. The latest data and statistics show that investors favor property investment and a second home in Europe over other countries in the world.
Is real estate profitable in Europe?
The real estate market in Europe brings strong economic growth for foreign investors as well as the European countries. European real estate investment has been profitable for most investors due to affordable housing and rental income that they can avail.
Which country is the best for investing in property in Europe?
When you are scouting for investment prospects, you should look at the property market and other factors that are important to making an informed choice. European cities offer you the best real estate investment be it for the residential, office sector or senior housing. Buy property at fair interest rates in continental Europe or other European cities that are growing in development.
What is the easiest European country to buy a property?
Buying property in European cities or regional cities helps you to add value to your assets at fair interest rates. You can choose Malta real estate investment program that gives you access to affordable housing options.
Which are the best cities for real estate investments in Europe?
European cities offer you a thriving property market that can be beneficial for many investors. You can go through the data and statistics to make an informed choice when you plan to buy a property in Europe.
Which real estate investment companies in Europe can I refer to?
You can speak with Global Citizen Solutions to find the best solution for properties or real estate investments in Europe. You can also consult our articles for up-to-date information on the best investments.
Can I apply for real estate investment in eastern Europe?
Yes, you can apply for real estate investment options in eastern Europe. Buying property or investing in real estate in eastern European cities are open to foreign investors.
What is the benefit of availing of real estate investment in European countries?
Investors get a lot of options when looking for investment programs in European countries or European cities. Governments are increasingly giving investors full access to new projects, and long-term investments. Investing in Europe broadens your expected returns and costs you less. Another reason for buying property or investing in Europe is the absence of artificially low-interest rates that can affect the price/cost of your assets.
What are the best places for real estate investment in Europe?
When you are looking for the best places or destinations for real estate investments, you can pick from the various European cities and the benefits they bring to the table. Keeping your focus in mind, you can opt for data or statistics provided by the development department of the place to make the best choice that suits you.
Investors get a lot of options when looking for investment programs in European countries or European cities. Governments are increasingly giving investors full access to new projects, and long-term investments. Investing in Europe broadens your expected returns and costs you less. Another reason for buying property or investing in Europe is the absence of artificially low-interest rates that can affect the price/cost of your assets.
Which is the best real estate investment in Europe in 2022?
The best choice that you can make is by listing the expectation you have from an investment program. Unlike many countries, European cities and countries’ investment market flourishes due to their fair interest rates, the benefits it brings to investors, and the demand for development that the government encourages. After you have narrowed down the expectations you have, you can pick from the best option available to you.
Where is the best property investment in Europe?
European cities offer you various kinds of property investment programs that help you in making money and staying profitable. It is important to go through the investment programs and then make a choice that suits you best.
