Residency by Investment
Two European routes for those who want a genuine foothold in the EU: Schengen mobility now, with a defined path to citizenship for those who stay the course.
Two European jurisdictions, two different trade-offs
Portugal trades a higher entry point for a route to citizenship. Malta trades citizenship for immediacy: residency is granted fast, and holds for life.
Portugal
PRT · Golden VisaLaunched in 2012, Portugal's Golden Visa remains the premier route for high-net-worth individuals: EU residency and Schengen mobility from a €250,000 cultural-donation investment (€500,000 via the fund or capital-transfer routes), with just 7 days of stay required per year. Permanent residency is available after 5 years; citizenship now requires 7–10 years under rules updated in May 2026.
- Visa-free Schengen access for the whole family
- Only 7 days of stay required per year
- EU residency with the right to work
- Permanent residency after 5 years
- Access to leading healthcare & education
- Tax optimisation opportunities
Malta
MLT · Permanent ResidencyMalta's Permanent Residency Programme grants non-EU nationals lifelong residency and visa-free Schengen travel. Costs comprise a €60,000 administrative fee, €37,000 government contribution, and €2,000 philanthropic donation, plus a 5-year property lease (from €14,000/year, ~€169,000 total) or purchase (from €375,000, ~€474,000 total).
- Immediate permanent EU residency
- English-speaking environment
- Full access to EU benefits
- No minimum stay requirement
- Benefits extend up to 4 generations
- Excellent healthcare system
Portugal vs. Malta
| Program | Investment From | Timeframe | Stay Requirement | Route To Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 | 12–24 months | 7 days / year | Yes, after 5 years |
| Malta MPRP | €472,000 | 4–8 months | None | Not applicable, permanent residency |
What EU residency actually changes
Beyond the paperwork, this is what residency by investment is bought for.
Schengen mobility
Portuguese and Maltese residency both carry visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, 27 countries reachable without a border check, for the applicant and included family members.
A genuine EU foothold
Residency rights, the right to work, and access to EU healthcare and education systems, held even while spending most of the year elsewhere under Portugal's minimal stay rule.
Tax optimisation opportunities
Both programs open tax-planning options tied to EU residency status. Neither residency nor citizenship automatically changes tax obligations, so a qualified tax advisor should confirm how it applies to you.
Family & multi-generational reach
Malta's MPRP is unusual in extending benefits to parents and grandparents, not just a spouse and children. It's a rare four-generation structure among EU residency programs.
Before you choose a residency route
Does residency by investment lead to citizenship?
It depends on the program. Portugal's Golden Visa opens a path to citizenship after 5 years of maintained residency. Malta's MPRP is a standalone permanent residency; it does not convert to citizenship.
Do I need to live in the country to keep my status?
Portugal requires only 7 days of physical presence per year. Malta's MPRP has no minimum stay requirement at all once granted.
Can my family be included on one application?
Yes. Both programs extend to spouses and dependent children, and, under Malta's MPRP, parents and grandparents as well, subject to program rules.
Let's work out which one actually fits your plans
Timeline, budget, and whether citizenship matters to you: that's usually enough to decide.
Ready to get started?
Send us a few details and a case advisor will respond within one business day.