For global citizens seeking freedom of movement, long-term security, and strategic tax positioning, Spain and Portugal have long offered two of Europe’s most attractive Golden Visa programs.

But in 2025, things have changed — especially in Portugal.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the current state of the Golden Visa programs in both countries, what high-net-worth individuals need to consider, and how Beyond offers discreet, strategic guidance for those designing a European base.

🇪🇸 Spain’s Golden Visa: A 2025 Snapshot

What is it?

Spain’s Golden Visa offers legal residency to non-EU nationals who invest at least €500,000 in real estate or meet other qualifying criteria (like business or government bonds).

Main Benefits:

• Residency for the entire family (spouse + children)
• Path to permanent residency and eventually citizenship
• No minimum stay requirement to maintain the residency
• Full access to Schengen travel

Important to Know:

• Real estate must be unencumbered (no mortgage on the qualifying amount)
• Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 6 months
• Applicants must have private health insurance in Spain

Important Note:

While the real estate route is still available in Spain, there is growing political discussion about its future — especially after Portugal closed this path in 2023.

We don’t know how long Spain will continue accepting property investment as a route to residency.

If this option aligns with your goals, now is the time to act with intention and clarity.

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🇵🇹 Portugal’s Golden Visa: What Changed in 2024

The big shift:

As of late 2023, real estate investment no longer qualifies for Portugal’s Golden Visa.

But that doesn’t mean the program is gone — only that the qualifying investments have changed.

What still qualifies in 2025:

• Venture Capital or Investment Funds (min. €500,000)
• Scientific research
• Job creation or cultural heritage donation

Key benefits remain:

• Low physical presence required (7 days/year)
• Full family inclusion
• Citizenship path in 5 years

Strategic insight from Beyond:

We work closely with vetted fund managers to ensure your capital is not only qualifying — but aligned with your financial goals and risk appetite.

🧭 So, Which Golden Visa Is Better in 2025?

When comparing Spain and Portugal’s Golden Visa programs, the answer depends on your priorities, investment profile, and lifestyle vision. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	🇪🇸 Spain Golden Visa	🇵🇹 Portugal Golden Visa
Real Estate Investment	✅ Still accepted (€500,000+, no mortgage)	❌ No longer qualifies
Investment Alternatives	Business, bonds	Funds, R&D, culture, job creation
Family Inclusion	✅ Yes (spouse + dependents)	✅ Yes
Stay Requirements	None	7 days/year
Path to Citizenship	Yes (10 years, language required)	Yes (5 years, with basic language exam)
Processing Time	2–6 months	6–12 months (average for fund-based path)
Stability of Program	⚠️ Uncertain (may end soon)	✅ Stable and actively regulated

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🛡️ How Beyond Supports You

At Beyond, we act as your strategic advisor, not a transactional immigration agency.

We guide you through every step of your residency journey — with discretion, precision, and complete alignment with your goals.

Here’s how we support our clients:

• ✅ Identify the best visa strategy based on your nationality, lifestyle, and long-term plans
• ✅ Connect you with vetted legal, tax, and investment experts in Spain and Portugal
• ✅ Translate complexity into clarity, turning regulations into smart, actionable steps
• ✅ Provide high-touch, personal guidance from your initial inquiry to successful approval

We serve global citizens who value time, protection, and trust — and who know that the right move begins with the right partner.

Explore Our Strategic Residency Services

If you’re considering a Golden Visa or other strategic residency path in Spain or Portugal, we invite you to explore how Beyond supports individuals and families through every step — with clarity, discretion, and alignment.

Have a question?

We invite you to fill out the form below — we’ll respond with clarity, care, and discretion.