Golden Visa Programs Compared — Portugal, Spain, Greece & UAE

Investor-residency programs (often marketed as 'golden visas') are residence permits granted in exchange for a qualifying investment in the destination country. The category has changed dramatically in the past few years: Portugal removed real-estate eligibility in 2023, Spain announced a sunset of its programme, Ireland closed its scheme, and several others have raised thresholds. This page compares the major programs at a high level only — never as individual immigration, tax or investment advice.

Portugal — Golden Visa (post-2023 form)

Portugal removed real-estate and capital-transfer routes from the Golden Visa in October 2023. The remaining options focus on qualifying investment funds, scientific research, cultural-heritage donations and certain business / job-creation routes. The programme still allows minimal physical presence (around 7 days per year on average) and a path to citizenship after 5 years of residence, subject to language and integration requirements. Eligibility and processing changed when SEF was replaced by AIMA.

Spain — Golden Visa (sunset announced)

Spain's Golden Visa, which historically allowed investors to obtain residence via real-estate purchase, capital transfer or business investment, has been the subject of sunset legislation. As of writing, the real-estate route has been or is being closed. Investors should treat any timeline as fluid and confirm current status with a Spanish immigration attorney.

Greece — Golden Visa

Greece operates one of Europe's most active investor-residency programs, primarily via real-estate investment with thresholds that vary by region (higher thresholds in Athens, Thessaloniki and the most popular islands). Residence is granted for 5 years and is renewable; it does not require physical presence to maintain. It does not lead to citizenship without extensive additional residence and language conditions.

UAE — Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence permit granted to a defined set of categories: investors (including in real estate above thresholds), entrepreneurs, specialised talent (medicine, science, sport, culture), outstanding students and others. There is no obligation to remain physically in the UAE for long stretches and the family inclusion is generous. The UAE has introduced corporate tax but no personal income tax.

USA — EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

EB-5 grants conditional permanent residence (green card) to investors who invest above the threshold (currently US$1,050,000, or US$800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area) in a commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 jobs. Conditions are removed after a sustained investment period and a successful I-829 petition. Processing times have historically been long and program rules were materially reformed by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.

How to evaluate a Golden Visa decision

Match the programme to your real-life goal: visa-free travel, future tax residency, education for children, optionality, or eventual citizenship.
Stress-test the investment as an investment first — never assume capital is recoverable just because the programme says so.
Engage independent legal, tax and investment advisors — never rely solely on the developer or fund promoting the programme.
Confirm physical-presence rules carefully — thin presence helps optionality but can complicate tax residency claims later.
Plan your citizenship-by-investment exit if relevant — only some programs allow it within reasonable timelines.

Planning the move side of a Golden Visa?

Once your residency plan is set, talk to us about household-goods shipping and door-to-door logistics into your destination country.

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Frequently asked questions

Are Golden Visa programs still available?

Some are, with significant changes. Portugal removed real-estate eligibility in 2023; Spain has announced sunsets; the UAE has expanded its programme; Greece remains active with regional thresholds. Always confirm current status with a licensed immigration advisor in the destination country.

Do I become tax-resident automatically?

No. Tax residency is generally determined by physical presence and ties, not by holding a residence permit. Most programs do not require enough presence to trigger tax residency, but if you actually move there it usually does. Engage a cross-border tax advisor.

Can my family join me?

Most investor-residency programs include spouse and dependent children, and many include parents and adult dependants. Confirm scope per programme.

Will I get a passport?

Investor-residency programs grant residence, not citizenship. Some (notably Portugal historically) provide a path to citizenship after 5 years of residence subject to language and integration requirements. None should be treated as automatic.

Is the investment safe?

Treat the investment as you would any other — with full due diligence. Past programs in several countries have produced real losses for investors. Engage independent investment counsel; do not rely on the marketing materials of any developer or fund.

Related guides

Visa programs, eligibility criteria, processing times and investment thresholds change frequently and vary by nationality. This page is general planning information only and is not individual immigration, tax or legal advice. Confirm current rules with the official immigration authority of the destination country and engage a licensed immigration advisor before making any decision based on a visa program.