Golden Visa Market in 2025: Key Developments, Spain’s Exit, and New Investment Trends

Major Golden Visa Developments in January 2025

The Golden Visa industry saw significant changes in early 2025, impacting global investors seeking residency or citizenship through investment. While Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program, Greece reached record-breaking application numbers, attracting more investors. Meanwhile, Portugal and Australia introduced new pathways for those looking to secure long-term residency through investment.

With these major shifts, investors must act quickly to take advantage of existing opportunities before further regulations tighten.

Spain Ends Its Golden Visa Program: What’s Next for Investors?

Spain’s government has officially confirmed that its Golden Visa program will be discontinued as of April 2025. Previously, Spain granted residency permits to investors who purchased real estate worth €500,000, but due to rising housing costs and local protests against foreign property ownership, the program is being shut down.

Key Changes Following Spain’s Golden Visa Termination:

• Final application deadline: April 2, 2025.

• New real estate investments will no longer qualify for residency.

• Existing investors can renew their permits, but no new applications will be accepted.

• A new 100% tax on property purchases by foreign buyers is being introduced.

Spain had been a top destination for Chinese, Russian, and Latin American investors, but with this decision, global investors will now turn to alternative markets in Europe and beyond.

Greece Becomes Europe’s Top Golden Visa Destination

As Spain exits the Golden Visa market, Greece has become the new leader in investment migration programs. In 2024, over 9,200 Golden Visa applications were submitted, breaking all previous records. In 2025, demand is expected to rise further.

Why Investors Are Choosing Greece:

✔ Minimum investment starts at €250,000, with higher thresholds of €500,000 in key areas.

✔ Fast processing time, with approvals granted within 60-90 days.

✔ No physical residency requirement, allowing investors to maintain flexibility.

✔ Schengen visa-free travel, providing seamless mobility across Europe.

✔ Golden Visa covers family members, making it an attractive option for relocation.

Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Greek islands remain the most sought-after locations, with investors from China, the Middle East, and Turkey leading the surge in demand.

Investment migration experts predict that Greece may raise investment thresholds even further in response to this demand, so investors should act fast before prices increase.

Portugal and Australia: Emerging Investment Migration Options

As investment migration shifts, Portugal and Australia are stepping up with new residency programs that cater to global investors.

Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2025: What’s New?

📌 Real estate is no longer eligible for Golden Visa applications.

📌 Investors must contribute €500,000 to venture capital funds, startups, or research projects.

📌 Citizenship eligibility remains at five years, making Portugal an attractive long-term option.

By eliminating property investment from its Golden Visa program, Portugal is focusing on tech, innovation, and business development, making it a strong choice for entrepreneurs and investors looking for a European residency option beyond real estate.

Australia Reintroduces Significant Investor Visa (SIV)

After previously suspending its Significant Investor Visa (SIV) program, Australia has announced plans to reintroduce it in 2025.

✔ Investment Requirement: AUD 5 million.

✔ Target Market: High-net-worth investors, particularly from Asia.

✔ Residency Pathway: Investors gain Australian residency, with the potential for citizenship.

This move is expected to attract more investors to Australia, strengthening its investment migration market.

How Spain’s Exit Affects the Global Investment Migration Market

Spain’s withdrawal from the Golden Visa market has shifted investor interest toward other European destinations. Industry experts believe that:

• More real estate investments will flow to Greece and Portugal.

• Investors seeking a Schengen residency alternative may choose Latvia or Hungary.

• Caribbean and Middle Eastern programs will attract more global applicants.

Investment migration expert Yusuf Boz commented on the impact of Spain’s decision:

“Spain’s exit has reshaped the Golden Visa market. Greece and Portugal are now the best options in Europe, but investors should also consider non-European alternatives like the UAE and the Caribbean.”

He also urged investors to act quickly:

“Golden Visa programs are changing rapidly. We’ve already seen investment thresholds increase in Greece, and more restrictions are likely. Those considering a Golden Visa should apply before further changes occur.”

What’s Next for Golden Visa Programs in 2025?

📌 Spain has officially ended its Golden Visa, shifting investments elsewhere.

📌 Greece has taken the lead, with record-high application numbers.

📌 Portugal and Australia are introducing new business-focused investment programs.

📌 Future Golden Visa regulations in Europe could become stricter.

As demand for residency-by-investment continues to rise, 2025 will be a crucial year for investors. Many programs are already experiencing policy changes, price increases, and regulatory shifts, making it essential to secure residency while opportunities remain open.

For expert advice on securing a Golden Visa in 2025, contact NotteGlobal today to explore your best investment options.