Golden visas are the most popular investment programs to acquire fast track permanency by foreigners. Many investors do not know which golden visa programs offer permanent and temporary residency.
It is critical to understand the difference between temporary residence permit (TRP) and Permanent residence permit (PRP). Temporary residency is issued only for one or two years with extensions, while permanent residence permits are issued for 5 years or more.
The longer the validity makes things easier and less hassle for you, so that you don’t need to apply for renewals visiting the immigration office again and again. It also saves money for you visiting the country frequently from abroad.
Golden visas do not require investors to live or immigrate at all. You have to just visit for few days to keep your residency alive. You can also chose to live for 6 months, there are no time limits, until the validity of residence permits. Remember if you want citizenship, you must spend more time living continuously in the country
Let us take a look on which golden visa programs offer permanent residence to foreign investors.
| Portugal | Real Estate / €280,000 | Temporary residence permit |
| Spain | Real Estate / €500,000 | Temporary residence permit |
| Greece | Real Estate / €250,000 Strategic Investment / €250,000 |
Permanent residence permit (5 years) Permanent residence permit (10 years) |
| Malta | Govt bonds / €135,000 (financing) | Permanent residence permit (5 years) |
| Italy | Business / €500,000 | Temporary residence permit |
| Netherlands | Business / €1,250,000 | Temporary residence permit |
| Latvia | Bonds / Real Estate / €250,000 | Permanent residence permit |
| Cyprus* | Real Estate / €300,000 | Permanent residence permit |
| Bulgaria* | Real Estate / €250,000 | Permanent residence permit |
| United States | EB-5 / $900,000 | Permanent residence permit (Green card) |
| United Kingdom | Tier1 Investor / £2,000,000 | Temporary residence permit |
| Ireland | Charity Donation / €500,000 | Permanent residence permit (Stamp 4) |
| Canada | Quebec / C$ 1,200,000 | Permanent residence permit |
| Australia | SIP Investor / A$ 1,500,000 | Temporary residence permit |
| New Zealand | Investor stream / N$ 3,000,000 | Temporary residence permit |
*Non-schengen countries
Now you can see why Greece, Malta are the most popular golden visa programs, because they offer immediate permanent resident status. These rights also extend to all family members. Remember, these countries offer permanent residency in the schengen area.
Golden visas offer residency rights. These are much preferred schemes by many chinese and indian nationals as these countries do not allow holding more than one citizenship.
Finally, don’t confuse Malta golden visa program with citizenship program. Infact Malta has three programs, one citizenship and two golden visa programs running. We have seen this from many americans.
