Golden Visa Market Shifts in January 2025: Spain’s Exit, Greece’s Surge, and Australia’s Policy Changes

January 2025 has been a transformational month for Golden Visa programs, with key policy shifts and emerging investment opportunities reshaping the global landscape. As Spain officially confirmed the termination of its Golden Visa program, other countries, including Greece, Portugal, and Australia, have stepped in to attract high-net-worth individuals through competitive residency and investment schemes.

This month’s most significant developments include:

• Spain officially announces the end of its Golden Visa program by April 2025.

• Greece reports a surge in Golden Visa applications as investors look for alternatives.

• Australia proposes reviving its Significant Investor Visa (SIV) for wealthy applicants.

• New Zealand simplifies its investor visa requirements to attract global capital.

• The Caribbean remains a stronghold for Citizenship by Investment (CBI) amid increasing EU scrutiny.

With these rapid changes, investors are being urged to act quickly and strategically to secure residency in the most favorable markets.

Spain’s Golden Visa Ends: What It Means for Investors

Spain’s Golden Visa program, which previously granted residency to investors who spent €500,000 or more on real estate, will officially cease accepting applications after April 3, 2025. The Spanish government cited concerns over rising housing prices and accessibility for local residents as the primary reasons for its decision.

Spain’s withdrawal from the Golden Visa market has led to a wave of investors seeking alternative programs in Europe, particularly in Greece and Portugal, which offer comparable benefits.

Greece Sees Increased Demand for Golden Visas

With Spain stepping back, Greece has quickly become one of the most attractive destinations for investors looking for European residency through real estate investment. January 2025 saw a notable increase in application volumes, particularly in Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Greek islands.

Advantages of Greece’s Golden Visa program include:

• Investment starting at €250,000 (increased to €500,000 in key metropolitan areas).

• Fast-track residency processing (60-90 days).

• No residency requirement, allowing investors to live elsewhere while holding a Greek residency permit.

• Visa-free Schengen travel, making it highly attractive for global mobility.

With property values in Greece rising, experts predict that Greece may soon follow Spain in adjusting or increasing investment thresholds, making 2025 a crucial year for investors to act.

Australia Considers Relaunching Its Significant Investor Visa (SIV)

While European countries tighten their investment migration policies, Australia is taking the opposite approach, signaling the potential revival of its Significant Investor Visa (SIV).

Previously, the SIV required a AUD 5 million investment in government-approved funds and was abolished in 2023. However, in January 2025, Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton proposed bringing it back, citing the need to attract more high-net-worth investors to support economic growth.

If reintroduced, the program would:

• Allow wealthy investors to gain residency by investing in Australian businesses and infrastructure.

• Potentially exclude real estate investment, addressing concerns over housing affordability.

• Position Australia as a top destination for Asian and Middle Eastern investors.

A final decision on the relaunch of the SIV is expected later in 2025.

New Zealand Introduces a More Flexible Investor Visa

New Zealand also made headlines this month by adjusting its investor residency program to become more accessible and competitive.

Recent changes include:

• No English-language requirement, making it easier for non-native speakers to apply.

• Lower physical presence requirements, with investors now needing to stay only 21 days over three years.

• More investment flexibility, allowing funds to be directed toward New Zealand-based businesses rather than real estate.

These reforms aim to attract more international investors, particularly those looking for long-term economic stability and global mobility.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs Remain Strong

As Golden Visa programs face more scrutiny in Europe, the Caribbean continues to thrive as a top destination for fast-track citizenship through investment. In January 2025, demand remained high in:

• St. Kitts & Nevis, where the minimum required investment starts at $250,000.

• Dominica, offering a $100,000 donation-based citizenship route.

• Grenada, which maintains its E-2 visa treaty access to the U.S., making it a popular choice for entrepreneurs.

With the European Union considering stricter visa regulations for CBI program holders, Caribbean nations are expected to introduce enhanced due diligence measures to maintain credibility.

Yusuf Boz’s Perspective: What Investors Should Do in 2025

Investment migration expert Yusuf Boz believes that the January 2025 changes mark a turning point in the global Golden Visa market:

“Spain’s exit from the Golden Visa market is a wake-up call for investors. The programs in Greece, Portugal, and New Zealand are still highly attractive, but as governments reassess their policies, early action is crucial.”

Boz also highlighted Australia’s return to investment migration as a game-changer:

“If Australia reintroduces its Significant Investor Visa, it could draw capital away from Europe and into the Asia-Pacific region. This would shift global investor interest toward long-term business investments rather than real estate.”

For those looking to secure EU residency or alternative citizenship, Boz emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of policy changes and investing before potential price increases.

What to Expect in the Coming Months?

As January 2025 sets the tone for a dynamic year in investment migration, the key trends to watch include:

✔ Greece and Portugal seeing higher application volumes as Spain exits the market.

✔ Australia’s decision on the Significant Investor Visa could redefine Asia-Pacific investment residency programs.

✔ Potential new EU regulations on Golden Visa holders, impacting travel freedom and residency rights.

✔ Increasing demand for Caribbean CBI programs, particularly among high-net-worth individuals from emerging markets.

With residency-by-investment programs evolving rapidly, investors should act early to secure opportunities before further policy shifts occur.

For expert guidance on choosing the best Golden Visa program, contact NotteGlobal today to explore investment migration options in Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean.