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Everything You Need to Know About The Golden Visa

Everything You Need to Know About The Golden Visa

Many of us dream of going abroad looking for a better life and a better future. It is undeniable that the standard of living, health and education systems are better in some developed countries. In fact, these countries are also economically and financially stable, which plays a huge role especially for entrepreneurs and businessmen. However, what is holding us back is the concern about residency and citizenship in the new country. The Golden Visa is the perfect solution.

What is a Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is essentially an immigration system that offers investment residency or investment citizenship. On the basis of certain qualification criteria and a specified minimum investment in the host country, investors obtain a residence permit or full citizenship depending on the country.

This program is ideal for applicants seeking citizenship outside their country of birth or for applicants seeking to establish a foreign company or simply obtain citizenship in another developed country. In Europe, several countries offer this visa option to non-European citizens.

Benefits of a European Golden visa

  • The right to live, work and study in the country.
  • Higher standard of living.
  • Diversification of your portfolio
  • New business opportunities and a diversified market.
  • Visa-free travel in the Schengen area
  • Residence permit extended to the whole family.
  • Alternative stable refuge.
  • Free movement of cash between continents.
  • Eligibility for citizenship by naturalization after a number of years.
  • There are many investment options: government bonds, new businesses or private equity funds.

Real estate investment

The most popular form of investment for a Golden Visa is through real estate investment. International real estate has always been a reliable asset class for global investors because of its long-term sustainability and good tool to diversify your assets.

Eligibility Criteria for a European Golden Visa

  • Third country nationals (outside the European Union) without a criminal record.
  • Investor must own the money to be invested (loans not acceptable)
  • The money invested should be obtained legally.
  • The investor must be financially stable to support his family for the duration of the stay.
  • Must spend a minimum number of days (14 days in the year for some countries) in the country as specified by that particular country.

Most popular Golden Visa programs in Europe

Portugal

Portugal boasts a high quality of life while having a relatively cheap cost of living compared to other European countries. Portugal offers investors the opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years of residence, provided the property is held.

Italy

Beyond the rich culture and heritage, the Italian lifestyle is popular around the world. It is one of the best countries in the world when it comes to health. The golden visa program allows you to apply for permanent residence for five years and apply for Italian citizenship after ten years.

Spain

The Spanish Golden Visa is valid for one year. During this year, you must enter Spain and exchange your visa for a Spanish residence permit, which will be valid for two years. The residence permit can then be renewed indefinitely, without any condition of stay, as long as you maintain your investment.

Malta

Malta offers an attractive citizenship through the investment program where full citizenship is offered to investors and their family. It is one of Europe’s leading investment programmes, guided by its stability and security.

Greece

Greece offers its residents and citizens a number of advantages such as security, excellent educational opportunities, a good health system and a reliable rule of law. Since September 2022, the minimum investment has increased from €250,000 to €500,000. However, the effective date has not been declared, so investors who are considering applying for the program have the opportunity to invest in Greek real estate at the old rate of €250,000.

In addition to enabling global mobility, Golden Visa programs offer the option of physically moving to a more favourable country and accessing all residency rights. Despite this, people are still reluctant to apply for a Golden Visa. The process and documents can become overwhelming. That’s why it’s best to ask for our help. KOHELAB Invest simplifies the process for you from start to finish. Reach out to us to know more.