Capital, Stay & Citizenship at a Glance
Six EU programmes are currently active and accepting US applicants. Two major programmes — Spain (April 2025) and Malta (March 2024) — are now closed. The table below shows confirmed minimums; always verify current thresholds before committing capital.
| Country | Min. Investment | Stay Required | Schengen | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €250k (cultural) / €500k (funds) | 7 days/year avg | Yes | 5 years + A2 |
| Greece | €250k–€500k (real estate) | Zero | Yes | 7 years* |
| Italy | €250k (investor visa) | Zero | Yes | 10 years |
| Latvia | €50k (share capital) / €250k+ | Zero | Yes | 5 years |
| Hungary | Government fund (verify) | Flexible | Yes | Varies |
| Cyprus | €300k + €50k/yr income | Once/2 years | No | 7–8 years + B1 |
| * Greece citizenship requires actual physical residence, not just permit holding. | Spain closed April 2025. Malta MPRP closed March 2024. | ||||
Pick by Objective
Different investors prioritise different outcomes. Use the grid below to shortlist based on what matters most to you, then follow the country links for detailed programme rules.
Fastest EU Passport
Portugal or Latvia — 5 years
Both offer the shortest citizenship timelines in this group. Portugal requires A2 language; Latvia has four investment routes including the lowest-cost option. Portugal → Latvia →
Lowest Capital Outlay
Latvia from €50,000
The share capital route requires just €50k investment plus a €10k state fee — Europe’s lowest qualifying threshold for EU residency by investment. Zero stay required. Latvia share capital →
Live in US Full-Time
Greece or Latvia — Zero Stay
Lifetime Permit
Cyprus — Renew Every 2 Years via Visit
Cyprus issues permanent residency from day one, renewable indefinitely with one visit every two years. Note: Cyprus is EU but not Schengen. Cyprus →
Schengen travel essential? Avoid Cyprus — it is EU but not yet part of the Schengen Area. All other active programmes listed above provide full Schengen access from permit issuance.
Before You Invest
US Investor Checklist
Every item below applies specifically to US nationals and differs from what non-US investors face. Address these before executing any qualifying investment.
US tax on worldwide income — FBAR, FATCA, PFIC rules apply
Unlike most nationalities, US citizens remain subject to IRS taxation regardless of where they reside or what foreign residency they hold. Every qualifying investment — real estate, bank deposit, fund subscription, or company equity — creates US reporting obligations. FBAR applies to foreign accounts above $10,000; FATCA to specified foreign financial assets; PFIC rules to foreign investment funds. Get cross-border tax advice from a US expat specialist before investing, not after.
Residency ≠ citizenship — check real physical presence rules for naturalisation
Holding a Golden Visa or investor permit does not make you a citizen. Citizenship requires a separate application, language proficiency, and in most cases years of actual physical residence — which is distinct from the minimal stay required to maintain the permit. For Greece this means 7 years of genuine residence even if you have held the Golden Visa for that entire period. Plan your citizenship strategy from the start.
Family rules vary by programme — verify before choosing
Portugal covers children to age 26 and dependent parents of both spouses. Greece covers children to 21 and dependent parents. Latvia covers children to 18. Cyprus covers children up to 25 if enrolled as students. If family inclusion — adult children, elderly parents, extended family — is a priority, map it against each programme’s specific terms before shortlisting.
Rules change — always verify current thresholds with official sources
EU investor residency programmes are government-administered and subject to revision without notice. Spain terminated its programme in April 2025. Malta closed in March 2024. Portugal changed eligible real estate categories in 2023. Greece adjusted thresholds for premium locations. Confirm current investment minimums, eligible asset categories, and processing times directly with your legal advisor at the time of application — not from older guides.
The bottom line
Portugal offers the clearest citizenship path. Latvia provides the lowest entry. Greece demands zero stay. Cyprus grants a lifetime permit but no Schengen. Match your capital, travel needs, and passport timeline to the right programme — then consult a specialist before investing.