True or False - Five Golden Visas Myths

Golden Visas have become increasingly popular as a pathway to residency or citizenship through investment, offering benefits like global mobility, tax advantages, and access to new markets. However, several misconceptions exist about these programs, often leaving potential investors hesitant. Here, we debunk five common myths about Golden Visas.

1. Golden Visas Are Only for the Ultra-Wealthy

The Reality: While Golden Visas do require an investment, they are not exclusively for billionaires. Many programs, such as Greece’s Golden Visa, offer entry points starting from as little as €250,000. Portugal’s Golden Visa begins at €500,000, making these programs accessible to a broader range of investors. Additionally, staged payment plans can make the initial costs more manageable, and in some cases, annual returns and developer buy-backs can help offset the initial outlay over time.

2. Golden Visas Are Just a “Back Door” to Citizenship

The Reality: Golden Visas primarily offer residency, not instant citizenship. While some programs provide a pathway to citizenship after several years of residency and integration, the focus is on providing legal residency with associated benefits. For example, Portugal requires five years of residency before citizenship eligibility, along with passing a basic language test. Other countries, such as Malta and Spain, require investors to reside full-time for ten years before they can apply for citizenship.

3. Golden Visa Investments Are Risky

The Reality: Like any investment, Golden Visa opportunities vary in risk. However, many reputable programs offer secure and transparent options, such as government-approved funds, real estate developments, or bonds. For instance, Portugal’s regulated private equity funds adhere to strict oversight, ensuring investor security. Choosing a trustworthy advisory firm, like La Vida, and consulting with independent legal professionals can significantly mitigate risks.

4. Golden Visas Are Primarily a Tax Evasion Tool

The Reality: False! Golden Visas are not designed for tax evasion but rather to provide flexibility and mobility. While some countries, like Portugal, offer attractive tax incentives through programs such as the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) scheme, these incentives are entirely legal and compliant with international regulations. Investors must still adhere to tax laws in both their home and host countries

5. Golden Visa Programs Are Disappearing

The Reality: False! While some programs have undergone changes or tightened their requirements, many remain active and attractive. For example, Portugal’s Golden Visa shifted its focus away from real estate investments in 2023, now requiring investment into private equity funds. Similarly, Greece amended its legislation last year, raising the investment threshold in many areas. Spain is set to close its Golden Visa program in April 2025, but new options are emerging. Nauru recently launched a Citizenship by Investment program, and the USA’s Gold Card Visa is expected to launch later this year. Golden Visa programs continue to evolve to align with economic and political goals, but they are far from disappearing.

If you want to gain a better understanding of how Golden Visa programs work and how you can benefit, don’t hesitate to contact La Vida’s expert team of advisors.