Discover how golden visa programmes are evolving and why they remain a vital tool for high-net-worth individuals seeking EU access, wealth protection, and lifestyle flexibility through strategic investment.
Golden visa schemes have become one of the most popular pathways for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residency in exchange for investment. These investor visa programmes allow non-citizens to secure legal residency in a country—often in the European Union—without the need for relocation, while opening the door to long-term settlement, travel freedom, and strategic financial planning.
In recent years, several countries have reshaped their golden visa schemes in response to political, economic, and housing pressures. Yet despite evolving regulations, global demand remains strong. Investors continue to view golden visas as powerful tools to secure access to the EU, protect wealth, and create lifestyle flexibility for themselves and their families.
Portugal’s golden visa, once the leading property-based residency programme in Europe, has undergone significant reform. As of 2023, real estate investment is no longer an eligible route. Instead, investors must choose from regulated fund investments, contributions to scientific research, or support for cultural heritage. This shift has not dampened interest—in fact, it has redirected focus to Portugal’s growing ecosystem of private equity and venture capital funds that align with the new rules.
Residency in Greece has also experienced notable changes. The Greek golden visa programme increased its minimum investment from €250,000 to €500,000 in high-demand regions like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. However, the original €250,000 threshold still applies in less saturated areas, offering more accessible entry points for investors looking for value and long-term appreciation.
Elsewhere, Spain and Ireland have paused or scaled back their golden visa offerings, citing housing and social pressures. At the same time, the Caribbean citizenship market—including countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda—continues to grow, offering visa-free access to over 140 countries and favourable tax regimes with lower investment thresholds and fast processing times.
For global investors, choosing the right golden visa route depends on a variety of factors: minimum investment amounts, family eligibility, physical presence requirements, and long-term goals. Some programmes are better suited to those seeking an EU foothold, while others prioritise tax efficiency and global travel access. The key is to align your decision with your personal and financial strategy.
Bridge Partners provides expert, end-to-end guidance to individuals and families seeking to secure residency through a golden visa or other investor visa pathway. Our team assists clients from across the world in navigating application processes, structuring investments, ensuring compliance, and planning long-term relocation or diversification strategies.
Whether you are considering residency in Greece through real estate, exploring fund-based investments in Portugal, or weighing the benefits of Caribbean citizenship, we offer objective, bespoke advice tailored to your lifestyle, investment preferences, and international footprint. With offices in the UK and the Middle East, and strong networks across Europe and the Caribbean, Bridge Partners is positioned to provide global insight with local expertise.
As investor visa programmes continue to evolve, working with a professional advisory firm is more important than ever. With the right strategy, a golden visa is more than a travel document—it’s a gateway to greater freedom, financial protection, and global opportunity.