Hungary, Greece, and Italy Offer Europe’s Best Golden Visa Programs, According to Arton Capital
Hungary, Greece, and Italy have emerged as the top contenders for Europe’s best Golden Visa Programs, according to financial advisory firm Arton Capital.
The firm reports that these three countries are the most sought-after destinations for foreign nationals looking to participate in Europe’s Residency by Investment Schemes.
Armand Arton, the 47-year-old president of Arton Capital, shared with Business Insider that the top five Golden Visa programs in Europe include:
- Hungary
- Greece
- Italy
- United Arab Emirates
- Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean Islands)
Arton explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many American investors faced restrictions in entering Europe, prompting them to seek residency options in European countries. Following recent elections in France and the UK, there has been a noticeable trend of millionaires from these countries also exploring relocation opportunities.
Golden Visa Programs allow individuals to obtain residency in participating countries by making financial investments and meeting specific conditions.
Despite some concerns over issues like money laundering and corruption, which have often surrounded such programs, many European countries continue to offer them, despite the EU’s calls to terminate these schemes.
Hungary
Hungary introduced its Golden Visa Program in 2013, quickly becoming one of the most popular Residency Investment Programs in Europe. Although the program was terminated in 2017, Hungary relaunched it on July 1 of this year, now named the Guest Investor Program (GIP).
The program has regained popularity, particularly due to Hungary’s real estate investment option—something other countries like Portugal and Spain have recently eliminated due to the housing crisis. Between 2013 and 2017, Hungary’s Golden Visa Program brought in €1.4 billion in investments.
Greece
Greece’s Golden Visa Program has also been widely recognized. However, to address the housing crisis, Greece introduced new changes to the program, effective from September 1 of this year. One of the key changes was raising the minimum investment required in certain regions, such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Thessaloniki, where the investment requirement now reaches €800,000.
Additionally, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently announced that the Golden Visa would now be available to entrepreneurs, offering a five-year residence permit to those making a €250,000 investment in Greek startups.
Italy
Italy’s Golden Visa Program, known as the Investor Visa for Italy, is another popular option for foreign nationals seeking residency in Europe. The program provides several investment pathways, including:
- €2 million investment in government bonds
- €500,000 in corporate bonds or shares
- €250,000 in innovative startups
These options make Italy an attractive choice for those looking to invest and obtain European residency.
Find out how you can make the perfect decision by talking to one of our experts at info@declan.sg today!
