How to Apply for a European Golden Visa
Immigrating to Europe is a dream come true for many, but finding a viable pathway to residency isn’t always simple. Fortunately, with European Golden Visa programs, some people may find this dream easier to achieve. Here’s what you need to know about how to apply for a European Golden Visa, along with other critical details.
What Is a European Golden Visa?
A European Golden Visa is a pathway to permanent residency in Europe by way of making a significant investment. Precisely what the investment must entail and its size can vary depending on the country you want to move to, but they usually involve substantial real estate purchases, business investments, or something similar. There are other requirements as well, such as suitable income or access to enough assets to handle your expenses.
With a Golden Visa from a nation in the European Union, you also typically get the same movement rights as an EU citizen. That allows you to travel between the EU countries with ease.
Who’s Eligible for the EU Golden Visa?
Generally, individuals with enough funds available to make the required investment and handle their ongoing living expenses are potentially eligible. The money used for the investment must be your own, so it can’t originate from a loan. Additionally, has to be legally acquired.
The programs also have other requirements. For example, you can’t have a criminal record if you want a Golden Visa. Additionally, if you bring immediate family members along, such as spouses or children, you must be able to sustain them financially, too. Family members must also have clean backgrounds.
Requirements and Cost Details
The amount you need to invest to meet the Golden Visa program requirements varies by country. In Spain, the minimum unencumbered real estate investment is €500,000. It’s also possible to secure a Spain Golden Visa by making a €1 million investment in shares or stocks of Spanish companies that undertake actual business activities or €2 million in Spanish public securities. Alternatively, you can launch a general-interest business project that has a positive socioeconomic impact on Spain, such as creating jobs or supporting local innovation.
How to Apply for a European Golden Visa
The application process for a European Golden Visa varies depending on the country. Additionally, the size of the required investment is different in each country.
In Spain, you’ll need to use the National Visa Application form, provide a photograph, and supply copies of the biometric page of a valid, unexpired passport. Additionally, you must have documents showing a suitable investment, demonstrate financial means, and submit criminal record check documentation. Proof of health insurance and residence in the consular district are also required, as is the visa fee.
Italy Golden Visas have investment requirements between €250,000 and €2 million, depending on the nature of the investment. If you launch a qualifying innovative startup, you can potentially limit the investment to €250,000. A €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company qualifies, as does a €1 million investment in a philanthropic initiative or €2 million in Italian government bonds. The application is handled online and requires similar documentation as the Spanish Golden Visa.
A Greece Golden Visa works with a real estate purchase of at least €250,000, though the minimum is set at €500,000 for real estate in some parts of the country, namely Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Thessaloniki. Alternatively, you can invest at least €400,000 in Greek government bonds, shares of Greek companies, or shares in venture capital or private equity funds based in Greece. There’s an online platform for submitting applications, and the required documentation is similar to what’s discussed above.
