As reviewed on 14 June 2026, Greece, Portugal, Hungary and Latvia retain distinct investor-residence pathways, but they are not interchangeable “European Golden Visas.” Greece remains strongly propert
As reviewed on 14 June 2026, Greece, Portugal, Hungary and Latvia retain distinct investor-residence pathways, but they are not interchangeable “European Golden Visas.” Greece remains strongly property-based, Portugal's ARI excludes the former direct property route, Hungary uses guest-investor options, and Latvia links residence to specified investment categories. Compare official route status, stay, renewal, family and exit conditions before choosing.
Important: These programmes change frequently. Obtain a current official quotation and regulated country advice before transferring funds.
This page compares:
It does not treat residence as citizenship. Start with residency versus citizenship by investment.
| Country | Programme position reviewed 14 June 2026 | Primary route character |
|---|---|---|
| Greece | Investor permanent-residence route remains active | Qualifying property and other legally specified routes |
| Portugal | ARI remains active under revised qualifying investments | Funds, research, culture and business/job routes; direct property route removed |
| Hungary | Guest Investor Programme active | Approved investment-fund units or public-benefit donation under current rules |
| Latvia | Investor-linked temporary residence routes remain available | Real estate, company or other statutory investment categories |
Official portals can lag legislative amendments. The applicant should verify the exact law and application service on the filing date.
Greece's official Ministry of Migration page describes a permanent residence permit for investors and requires transaction, insurance, passport and property evidence for the property route. Geographic and property-use rules affect the applicable threshold (Greek Ministry of Migration).
Portugal's Residence Permit for Investment Activity, or ARI, continues through qualifying non-property routes. Investment structure, regulated fund eligibility and job or cultural conditions require current legal review.
Hungary's Guest Investor residence focuses on qualifying investment certificates and a public-benefit higher-education donation under current rules. Product approval, custody and holding obligations must be verified before subscription.
Latvia's immigration law provides specified investment bases, including qualifying property or company-related routes. Valuation, geographic, tax-payment and company conditions can affect eligibility.
| Decision factor | Greece | Portugal | Hungary | Latvia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status structure | Investor permanent residence permit | Renewable ARI residence permit | Long-duration guest-investor permit | Temporary residence permit |
| Stay to retain | Limited, route-specific | Low minimum presence under ARI rules | Confirm current permit conditions | Confirm annual and renewal conditions |
| Family | Eligible family can be included under defined rules | Family reunification available | Family reunification under applicable rules | Family inclusion under immigration rules |
| Renewal dependency | Qualifying investment/property retained | Qualifying investment and permit conditions | Investment maintained | Investment and statutory conditions maintained |
“Permanent residence permit” in a programme title does not mean citizenship or unrestricted EU-wide settlement rights.
A valid residence permit from a Schengen state can support short travel within the Schengen area under applicable rules. It does not grant the right to work or settle freely in every EU country.
Long-term residence and naturalisation require separate analysis. Physical presence, language, integration and lawful residence can be materially stricter than investor-permit retention.
For funds and property, conduct regulated legal, financial and commercial due diligence separately from immigration eligibility.
| Scenario | Programme characteristics to prioritise |
|---|---|
| Applicant wants tangible property | Assess Greece or Latvia under current property conditions |
| Applicant avoids direct property | Assess Portugal or Hungary's qualifying non-property routes |
| Family may relocate later | Compare schooling, work rights, healthcare and reunification |
| Citizenship is the long-term goal | Select based on realistic physical presence, not permit minimum |
| Applicant wants low administration | Compare renewal frequency, reporting and investment management |
| Wealth comes through complex company structures | Complete enhanced source-of-funds review first |
The former direct real-estate ARI route was removed. Current ARI eligibility should be assessed under the remaining official investment categories.
No. Citizenship requires a separate national naturalisation process.
That cannot be answered responsibly from a headline threshold. Total cost depends on family, route, fees, taxes, holding costs and exit value.
Capitals28 can prepare a date-stamped country comparison and coordinate evidence readiness within its stated scope. Country-specific legal, investment and tax advice should come from appropriately regulated professionals.
