Compare Portugal's Golden Visa with Other European Programs
Choosing the Right Golden Visa Program for Your Investment Goals
Europe offers a range of Golden Visa programs, including the Portugal Golden Visa, which allows investors to gain residency through strategic investments. Each country presents different requirements, benefits, and timelines for obtaining residency and citizenship.
This page provides a detailed comparison of the Portugal Golden Visa and other popular programs across the EU to help you make an informed decision about where to invest for your residency goals.
Criteria
Portugal
Spain
Greece
Investment Threshold
- €500,000 in investment funds
- Other options: job creation, culture, research
- €500,000 in real estate (program ending)
- Other options: €1M in stocks, bank deposits, or Spanish bonds
- €800,000 in real estate
- €500,000 in shares, bonds, or investment funds
- €400,000 in rural or restored properties
- €250,000 in properties of historical or cultural significance
Benefits
Live, work, study in Portugal. Schengen travel.
Live and work in Spain, Schengen travel.
Live, work, and study in Greece. Schengen travel.
Residency Requirement
7 days per year during the 5-year period.
At least one entrance per year required.
No residency requirement unless citizenship is pursued.
Route to Citizenship
5 years of residency, with basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level).
10 years of residency with language and citizenship tests and 183-day minimum stay per year.
7 years of residency with a language test and 183-day minimum stay per year.
Tax Incentives
Investing in a VC fund as a non-tax resident exempts the investor from capital gains or distributions. Tax rate for tax residents is 10%.
Non-resident tax is charged at 24.75% on income derived from Spain.
Income tax for non-residents starts at 22%, applies only to income earned within Greece.
Inheritance and Gift Tax
No tax on gifts or inheritance between direct family members.
Inheritance tax rates from 1% to 34%.
Inheritance tax ranges from 10% to 40%.
Work Eligibility
Yes, for both main applicant and family members.
Yes, for both main applicant and family members.
No, unless you establish your own business or create jobs.
Family Eligibility
Spouse, children under 18, and parents of both the main applicant and spouse.
Spouse, children under 18, and parents of both the main applicant and spouse.
Spouse, children under 18, and parents of both the main applicant and spouse.
Investment Liquidation
After 5 years, the investment can be liquidated while maintaining residency status.
Cannot liquidate the investment without losing residency.
Investment can be liquidated if a new investment is completed within two months.
Application Timeline
Biometrics appointment takes 6 months after application submission, with residency issued shortly thereafter. Fast-track options available.
Approximately 6-12 months from submission to visa issuance.
Around 6-12 months for initial residency, but timelines can vary significantly.
Key Insights from the Golden Visa Comparison
When comparing Golden Visa programs, Portugal clearly stands out for its flexibility. With minimal stay requirements and a straightforward path to both permanent residency and citizenship, Portugal remains a top choice for investors looking for long-term stability.
In contrast, Spain faces challenges with its Golden Visa program due to high tax burdens for non-residents and uncertainty around future program changes.
Greece, on the other hand, offers a lower entry cost and a variety of investment options, but has stricter residency and stay requirements, especially for those seeking citizenship.
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