European golden visas: the picture after the tightening
European residency-by-investment (RBI) has changed substantially in recent years: several countries have restricted or closed property routes, shifted towards fund or contribution routes, or raised thresholds.
General trend
- Portugal removed the property-purchase route while retaining fund and contribution routes.
- Spain ended its golden visa programme on 3 April 2025.
- Greece raised thresholds in high-demand areas.
A common thread: access to Schengen remains attractive, but the routes are becoming more expensive and restrictive. Compare current investment thresholds on the Opportunity Map and review the efficiency measure on Migration ROI. Note: programmes change frequently — always verify against official sources.
Official sources
Last checked: 29 Aug 2026
