When it rains it pours. It’s chaos under Trump‘s second presidency. Detentions, questioning and deportations and student visa revocations are endless. Even US citizens are not spared. All non-citizens who spend 30 days or more are asked to register with in the US. Trump EO has called for increased vetting of all immigrants living in the US
Immigration Chaos
Trump’s harsh immigration enforcement rules on visa and green card holders could force rich immigrants living in the US to rethink their immigration options towards Europe.
European golden visa programs stand to gain big chunk of investors from US considering the price of $5m gold card donation is too steep. It only costs tenth of a fraction in Europe. For example Portugal, Hungary , Greece, Malta, Latvia can offer permanent residency option through direct investments with tax exemption status.
Europe Outshines America
Here is where Europe outshines America in every other way…
- Away from Chaos – Europe offers superior quality of living in a safe, peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Live a peaceful life in serene environment alongside with sun, sea and nature.
- Unstucking – Open up a world of opportunities – Education, Free movement and do business in 26 Schengen area, not tied in one country.
- Affordable – EU golden visas are much more affordable and available to anyone with low ceiling as opposed to Flashy US Gold card.
- Not a world away from home and family – Europe’s strategic location connects 4 continents with excellent flight connections.
- Tax Free – Benefit from special tax regime paying flat taxes and worldwide tax exemption in Europe.
- Strong EU Passport – Become a citizen after some years of living. Dont’ miss this golden opportunity. EU passports beats US passport when it comes to passport power and global travel.
Let’s take a quick look into the Gold card visa programs in Europe open for US investors.
Portugal
Portugal offers a number of investment options to secure a long term resident status in Portugal and later path to portuguese nationality after 5 years with minimum residence requirements (2 weeks per 2 years). Property route is closed down to investors post Oct 2023.
- Investment Fund – €500K (Private equity or venture capital fund).
- Artistic/Cultural donation – €250K (non-recoverable)
Hungary
Hungary opened guest investor visa program in July 2025. It is a special program giving fund buyers and donors with 10+10 year residence permit. Like portugal, the property route is scrapped under the GIV program
- Real estate fund – € 250K euro (RE fund)
- Public donation – €1 million euro (university or educational institutions)
Malta
Malta offers permanent residence program for foreigners who wish to become resident of Malta. It is a purely residence program those not interested in pursuing dual citizenship options. Maltese citizenship not possible.
- Donation – €125K euro
- Property – €3750K euro
The MPRP residence permit granted can be renewed indefinitely for every 5 years.
Italy
Italy provides attractive residency options with special tax status (flat tax) to investors under investor visa program. There are two investment routes available which can lead to italian citizenship after 10+ years..
- Startups / Companies – 250K
- Bonds – 2 million
Greece
Greece provides an attractive proposition for real estate buyers through its golden visa program with a path to Greek nationality after 8 years..
Property – 250K euro (refurbished commercial property) or 400K (major cities)
Bank deposit – 400K euro
Bonds – 400K euro
Latvia
The Baltic country has been running Golden residency program since 2009. The following investment
- Companies – 100K (share)
- Real Estate – 250K (property)
- Bonds – 250K (public debt)
Please reach us out for more information to discuss investment migration options.
