Residence beyond property
Best Residency by Investment: questions and answers
What is the cheapest residency by investment in Europe without buying property?
Italy's investor visa starts at €250,000 in an innovative start-up. Hungary's fund route is also €250,000, but a draft bill would close it from 2027.
Does Portugal still have a golden visa?
Yes, but not through property. The most common route is at least €500,000 in a qualifying investment fund.
How long until citizenship in Portugal?
Since May 2026, 10 years of legal residence for most nationals and 7 for EU and Portuguese-speaking citizens, counted from the first residence permit.
What does US residence by investment cost?
EB-5 needs USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area or USD 1,050,000 elsewhere. The Gold Card asks for a USD 1 million gift plus a USD 15,000 fee.
Do I have to live in the country?
It depends on the route. Advisers report that Portugal asks for 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each later two-year period, New Zealand 21 or 105 days over the investment period, and Malaysia 90 days a year.
Which investor visas have closed?
Spain closed in April 2025, Ireland in February 2023 and Australia's significant investor visa in July 2024. Canada paused its start-up visa in January 2026.