In a world of growing uncertainty, many high-net-worth individuals are looking for ways to secure their future and boost global mobility.
Residency by Investment (RBI) programs provide a practical solution, offering a backup plan for families and access to new opportunities worldwide. This guide covers the top countries with RBI programs in 2025/2026, spotlighting Portugal’s Golden Visa for investors focused on asset-backed options amid changing regulations and economic shifts.
Explore how to gain EU residency and a path to citizenship with Portugal’s Golden Visa. VIDA Capital offers expert guidance on asset-backed investments in Portugal’s expanding hospitality sector.
How Residency by Investment Programs Are Changing
RBI programs worldwide have seen major updates in 2025, with new rules altering how individuals plan for international residency and citizenship. Many countries have moved away from direct property purchases, favoring sustainable, fund-based options that deliver long-term value for both governments and investors.
Today’s RBI programs prioritize economic impact over short-term gains, with a clear shift toward sustainable and fund-based investments. Governments aim to draw in capital that supports real growth, not just asset price increases.
For savvy investors, staying informed about these changes is key to choosing the right residency strategy. The best programs now combine residency with pathways to citizenship, family benefits, and low stay requirements, perfect for those wanting a backup plan without relocating right away.
What Matters Most in a Residency by Investment Program
Choosing an RBI program means looking at factors that match your family’s long-term goals and financial plans. A good program goes beyond a basic transaction, acting as a strategic step for your future and global presence.
Investment Options and Costs
RBI programs today include a range of investment types, like regulated funds, government bonds, and business ventures. Many now focus on regulated funds or state-approved projects that support job creation. Costs often range from €250,000 to €2 million, depending on the country and investment type, so understanding these details is critical.
Time Commitment in the Country
Stay requirements differ widely across programs. Some demand significant time in the country, while others offer flexibility. Portugal’s Golden Visa, for example, asks for just 14 days every two years, ideal for those seeking European residency without immediate relocation.
Steps to Citizenship
Check the timeline and conditions for gaining full citizenship to ensure they fit your plans for EU rights or a second passport. Popular programs often have tighter checks and varied investment options, but still provide a defined route to citizenship.
Family Benefits
Look for programs that cover your family, often including spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents. This feature adds security for planning across generations.
Processing Speed and Stability
Opt for programs with clear processes and consistent regulations to minimize delays or unexpected changes that could affect your residency or investment.
#1: Portugal – Golden Visa for Asset-Backed Security
Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out as a leading European RBI program, especially for investors who value flexibility, security, and a defined path to EU citizenship. Since updates in October 2023, it focuses solely on fund investments, offering solid opportunities in the growing hospitality sector.
Portugal also shines with its quality of life, stable politics, and economic progress. It ranks as the 7th safest country in the 2025 Global Peace Index, while its tourism boom saw 31 million visitors and €27 billion in revenue in 2024.
Investment Details
A minimum investment of €500,000 in regulated funds is required. VIDA Capital guides investors toward asset-backed options through the VIDA Fund, focusing on Portugal’s hospitality industry, which has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. This strategy supports capital preservation with tangible assets and aligns with major events like co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Stay Commitment
With just 14 days needed every two years, Portugal’s Golden Visa offers unmatched flexibility among European programs. This low requirement suits investors wanting a backup plan without immediate relocation.
Route to Citizenship
Under the October 2025 framework, citizenship eligibility comes after 10 years of residency, or 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-language countries (CPLP) and EU citizens. Unlike other European options, full-time residency isn’t typically required, making it accessible for global citizens.
Core Advantage
Portugal is among the few European countries offering citizenship without mandatory relocation, paired with secure investment options through VIDA Capital in a fast-growing economy. Legal support is vital throughout the process to navigate regulations and ensure compliance from start to finish.
Learn more about top residency by investment options and secure EU residency with Portugal’s Golden Visa. VIDA Capital provides tailored guidance for asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector.
#2: Greece – Affordable Entry with Property Focus
Greece’s Golden Visa remains a strong choice for investors seeking European residency through designated property investments. Even with recent cost adjustments, it offers an accessible entry to European residency for those interested in tangible assets and a Mediterranean lifestyle.
Investment Details
Property is the main focus, with costs varying by location. In prime areas like central Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, the minimum is €800,000 for a property, while other regions start at €400,000, and specific cases like restorations may begin at €250,000. This structure lets investors pick based on budget and preference.
Stay Commitment
Greece has no minimum stay requirement, offering full flexibility for those wanting European residency without spending time there. This suits investors maintaining their main residence elsewhere.
Route to Citizenship
Citizenship is possible after 7 years of residency, requiring language and civics tests plus significant physical presence, often at least 183 days annually. Greece prioritizes time spent in the country for long-term residency and citizenship.
Core Advantage
Processing often takes 2 to 4 months, with immediate Schengen travel access. Flexible entry points appeal to those seeking EU residency through property with minimal lifestyle changes.
#3: Malta – Fast Track to Permanent EU Residency
Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) provides a reliable path to permanent EU residency. It targets investors wanting long-term European status and mobility without the complexities of direct citizenship programs.
Investment Details
The program combines government contributions, property holdings, and charitable donations. Applicants contribute €28,000 to €70,000 based on location, hold property worth at least €375,000 or rent from €14,000 yearly, and donate €2,000 to a local NGO. This ensures a clear economic impact with defined costs.
Stay Commitment
Once granted, permanent residency comes with no stay requirements, allowing freedom to plan residence elsewhere. This flexibility attracts global citizens seeking EU status without disruption.
Route to Citizenship
The MPRP focuses on permanent residency, not direct citizenship. Naturalization may be an option after several years, typically over 5, but the key value is immediate permanent status.
Core Advantage
Malta offers a direct path to permanent residency with Schengen mobility, ideal for investors prioritizing stable status and travel freedom over citizenship.
#4: Italy – Multiple Investment Paths for Flexibility
Italy’s Investor Visa stands out with varied investment options, fitting different investor profiles. Its range of choices and accessible entry points make it a notable option in Europe’s RBI landscape.
Investment Details
Multiple routes are available to suit different goals. Options include €250,000 for innovative startups, €500,000 for established companies, €1 million for philanthropy, or €2 million in government bonds. Lower thresholds, especially for startups, appeal to entrepreneurs seeking European residency.
Stay Commitment
Italy doesn’t set strict stay rules at first, granting two-year renewable permits if investments are maintained. Long-term residency and citizenship, however, require more time in the country and tax residency.
Route to Citizenship
Citizenship eligibility arrives after 10 years of legal residency, with requirements for language skills and cultural integration.
Core Advantage
Italy’s diverse investment choices, including startup options, suit various financial and business goals, offering European residency through paths beyond typical funds or property.
#5: Hungary – Emerging Option with Fund-Based Residency
Hungary’s new Golden Visa, launched in 2024, is one of Europe’s latest RBI programs, emphasizing fund investments and education contributions. While specific costs and terms are still under development, it aims to offer long-term residence permits for families.
Investment Details
The focus is on regulated funds or major educational contributions, aligning with Europe’s push for sustainable economic impact. This appeals to investors wanting managed, diversified exposure to Hungary’s growth.
Stay Commitment
Flexibility in stay requirements is anticipated, though exact rules are still forming as the program establishes itself.
Route to Citizenship
As a new program, citizenship details are evolving, but the long-term residence permit offers security for future planning.
Core Advantage
Hungary provides a fresh European RBI choice with long-term residence potential, appealing to those exploring alternatives to established programs while maintaining EU access.
Comparison of Leading EU Residency by Investment Programs (2025)
|
Program |
Minimum Investment |
Primary Investment Type |
Minimum Stay |
Citizenship Path (Years) |
|
Portugal Golden Visa |
€500,000 |
Funds (Asset-Backed) |
14 days/2 years |
10 (or 7 for CPLP/EU) |
|
Greece Golden Visa |
€400,000-€800,000 |
Property (location-dependent) |
None |
7 (with residency requirements) |
|
Malta Permanent Residence |
€300,000+ total |
Property + Contributions |
Flexible |
Naturalization pathway |
|
Italy Investor Visa |
€250,000-€2 million |
Startups, Companies, Bonds |
Flexible initially |
10 |
Move forward in securing your family’s future with EU residency through Portugal’s Golden Visa. VIDA Capital offers focused guidance on asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality industry.
Common Questions About Residency by Investment
Why Choose Portugal’s Golden Visa for Capital Protection?
Portugal’s Golden Visa focuses on asset-backed fund investments, especially in hospitality. VIDA Capital advises on the VIDA Fund, where investments are tied to revenue-generating assets. This provides a level of security in Portugal’s thriving tourism sector, which earned €27 billion in 2024. Tangible assets offer more stability than purely speculative ventures.
How Does Portugal’s New 10-Year Citizenship Timeline Impact Planning?
The October 2025 change to a 10-year citizenship timeline, or 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens, shifts long-term planning. Yet, Portugal stays competitive as one of the few European countries not requiring full-time relocation. Greece needs 7 years with a significant presence, while Spain no longer has a Golden Visa. Portugal’s 14-day every two years rule allows a global lifestyle during the process.
What Rights Do I Have in Other EU Countries with Portugal’s Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa gives residency rights only in Portugal, plus visa-free travel in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Living, working, or studying in other EU countries isn’t permitted during residency. After gaining citizenship, full EU rights apply, including living, working, studying, and accessing healthcare and education across EU states.
Are All Golden Visa Funds the Same for Capital Security?
Eligible funds for Portugal’s Golden Visa differ in strategy and risk. VIDA Capital focuses on the VIDA Fund, targeting hospitality by buying and revitalizing undervalued assets. This offers tangible asset backing and benefits from Portugal’s tourism growth, unlike funds with intangible holdings, providing a stronger base for capital preservation.
Why Is Legal Support Crucial for the Golden Visa Process?
The Golden Visa process involves detailed legal requirements and changing regulations. Skilled lawyers ensure compliance with AIMA standards, proper documentation, and timing for applications, renewals, and family inclusions. Without this, delays or rejections can risk residency and investments. VIDA Capital links investors with experienced immigration law firms for a smoother journey.
Your Guide to Strategic Residency Planning
Deciding on a country for residency by investment in 2025 is a major step for high-net-worth individuals aiming for global mobility and security. Greece, Malta, Italy, and Hungary each bring unique benefits, but Portugal’s Golden Visa excels with its flexibility, asset-backed options, and EU citizenship path without relocation demands.
Shifting regulations present both hurdles and openings for investors. With many EU countries moving away from property investments and tightening rules, expert advice is more critical than ever. Portugal’s focus on fund-based investments in sectors like hospitality matches the needs of investors seeking both security and economic impact.
VIDA Capital acts as your trusted advisory firm, offering detailed support through this complex process. We specialize in Portugal’s hospitality sector via the VIDA Fund, giving access to asset-backed opportunities tied to tourism growth, from 31 million visitors in 2024 to a projected 22.6% of GDP by 2035, boosted by the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Investing in Portugal’s hospitality sector through regulated funds advised by VIDA Capital means more than residency. It builds a base for global mobility and family security. As one of few European programs with citizenship access without relocation, Portugal offers unique long-term value.
Keep in mind that past performance of the VIDA Fund does not assure future results, and all investments carry risks. Still, our asset-backed focus with tangible hospitality assets offers stronger potential for capital preservation compared to purely equity-based options.
Plan for the future now and secure EU residency with Portugal’s Golden Visa. VIDA Capital provides expert guidance on asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality industry.
