What is Citizenship by Investment and How Does It Work? 

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) allows high-net-worth individuals to acquire a second passport in exchange for a qualifying investment. These legal avenues, typically associated with the Caribbean, entitle the investor to a passport at the program’s end.  

However, the truth of the matter is that direct CBI programs typically provide the investor with an admittedly weaker passport than most would be willing to consider.

Alternatively, Portugal and Greece both offer Residency by Investment programs, setting a clear and legitimate path to EU Citizenship via a residency investment. 

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EU Citizenship by Investment 

Best Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025: Why Portugal and Greece Dominate

There are several Citizenship by Investment programs throughout the world. The Caribbean Five are the most well-known countries with these types of programs.

In Europe, Türkiye has the only remaining program, especially after the European Court of Justice deemed Malta’s program as unlawful.

Vanuatu’s initiative remains in the South Pacific, with Nauru joining the international investment migration landscape, but the trend is clear: investment migration, whether residency or citizenship, is on a general downtrend, with programs being shut down or undergoing several changes. 

Portugal Golden Visa: The Investment Fund Route 

Among the best citizenship by investment programs in Europe, Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out as one of the finest options from which you can obtain EU residency and eventual citizenship by investing in regulated funds.
  

• Minimum investment of €500,000 in regulated investment funds 

• Citizenship eligibility after 5 years  

• No need to relocate full-time 

• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone 
  
  

Read more: 

How to invest your IRA into the PTGV 

€500,000 Investment Funds for the Portugal Golden Visa: Secure All the Benefits of EU Residency

Portugal 155K Visa Option: Exclusive to Investment Visa 

For those seeking one of the best citizenship by investment programs via residency with the lowest entry point in all of Europe, Investment Visa has a product exclusively designed by our expert advisors.

This route offers residency rights and a clear path to Portuguese citizenship at nearly half the typical investment amount. It’s a strategic choice for investors who prioritize efficiency, discretion, and long-term EU access.

• Entry from just €155,000 

• Structured residency with staged payments and future citizenship opportunity 

• Tailored for efficient, cost-effective planning 

• Perfect for investors who value discretion and flexibility 
  
  
  

 >> Request full details for our exclusive €155,000 Investment Visa option. << 

Greece Golden Visa: The Real Estate Pathway

Widely considered one of the best citizenship by investment pathways in Europe, Greece offers the cheapest golden visa EU residency through real estate. With a minimum investment starting at €250,000, investors gain Schengen access and the option to apply for citizenship after seven years, all while benefiting from a thriving property market and flexible stay requirements.
 

• Real estate investment from €250,000 

• Eligibility for citizenship after 7 years of residency 

• Strong property value growth and rental yield potential 

• Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area 
  
  

Read more:  

Real Estate Vs Funds: Which EU Golden Visa Option is the Best?

Why Portugal and Greece Are the Best Long-Term Bets 

Even though they are, at their core, residency by investment, both Portugal and Greece’s programs are undisputably the most secure and strategic choices, not only in Europe, but in the world.

The best benefit they provide is setting up a clear path toward EU citizenship, which allows you, and your family to live, work, study and invest across all 27 Member States.  

At the end of the day, Portugal and Greece are more just than their passports. It’s all about full participation in one of the world’s most stable blocs, both politically and economically. 

Both countries offer structured residency pathways to include spouses, children, and even future generations, making them ideal for long-term family planning.

Whether your goals involve education, inheritance, lifestyle, or business expansion, Portugal and Greece provide the legal framework to future-proof your mobility, unlike many of the Caribbean countries. 

Beyond safety and stability, both Portugal and Greece present themselves as platforms for profitability. Portugal continues to attract global talent and capital through innovation and infrastructure investment, while Greece’s real estate and tourism sectors are undergoing a high-yield transformation backed by foreign demand. 

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Healthcare in Europe – How Does It Work and How Much It Costs

Investing in the Future: The Advantages of European Education for Your Family

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Finally, transparency and legal compliance matter. Both the Portugal and Greece Golden Visa, as well as our own Investment Visa €155,000 exclusive option, are completely legal pathways, giving investors the assurance that their capital is being invested into their brighter future. 

What to Watch Out for in Other Citizenship by Investment Programs 

While many citizenship by investment programs offer quick access to a second passport, they don’t have the same benefits.

Several Caribbean nations, once considered the go-to options for fast-track citizenship, are now facing heightened scrutiny from the EU and international regulatory bodies.

This growing pressure has led to stricter due diligence requirements, shifting visa agreements, and, in some cases, suspension of visa-free travel to Schengen countries. 

For investors seeking long-term value, the lack of EU mobility and a full path to Citizenshop are a significant drawback.

A passport that does not grant unrestricted access to Europe often falls short of expectations, especially when it comes to business expansion, family relocation, or building your life in Europe. 

Beyond travel access, many non-EU RBI & CBI programs offer little in terms of lifestyle upgrade or relocation potential.  Jurisdictions beyond Europe may provide a passport, but they lack the infrastructure, healthcare, education, and quality of life that come standard with European residency.

In contrast, programs like those in Portugal and Greece offer more than just a passport: they offer a place to live, grow, and thrive. 

Ultimately, the value of citizenship is more than just a document. It’s about the real world benefits it can bring you, and the legacy that you leave behind for future generations: security, opportunity, and profitability, something possible only in Europe, in comparison to other CBI programs. 

Work With Investment Visa Experts in Portugal and Greece

With decades of expertise in investment migration, especially with both Portugal and Greece’s Golden Visas, Investment Visa is uniquely positioned to guide you from the moment you first submit your enquiry until you have your passport in hand. Our team specializes in tailored residency strategies and bespoke client service. 

Don’t settle for a passport that only opens a few doors. Choose one that opens Europe. Fill out the form below to speak with an investment advisor today.