EU Golden Visa's - The Most Popular

Experts indicate that interest in European Golden Visa Programs exceeds that of the newly launched US $5 million Residency-by-Investment scheme.

The primary reason, they say, is that European Golden Visa Programs are more cost-effective, Schengen.News reports.

A report from Property Wire shows that online interest in Donald Trump’s Gold Card quickly waned after its launch, with people turning to more affordable options, particularly European Golden Visa Programs.

Additionally, even at its peak, the US Gold Card never attracted as much interest as the European Golden Visa Programs, especially those from Malta, Hungary, Portugal, and Greece, with Greece’s program currently being the most popular.

US Golden Card’s Price “a Bargain”

In February this year, US President Donald Trump announced the Gold Card, offering permanent residency for investments of $5 million (€4.65 million) or more.

This new program replaces the US EB-5 scheme, which required a significantly lower investment starting at $800,000 (€744,000).

Despite being the world's most expensive program, President Trump considered the minimum requirement “a bargain,” predicting it would sell rapidly.

Recently, US Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that 1,000 golden visas were sold in the US in one day.

Secretary Lutnick mentioned that 37 million people worldwide are eligible for US golden visas, with President Trump believing a million Gold Cards could be sold.

$5 Million Price Tag Far Too High

However, Denis Kravchenko, business development director and head of Ashtons’ Cyprus office, told Property Wire that the $5 million price is likely too high, which might deter many from choosing this scheme.

As a result, he believes it might not generate enough revenue to significantly reduce the US national debt, one of the scheme's main objectives.

Kravchenko suggested that President Trump could face challenges from other countries offering “more accessible” programs, citing Malta’s Citizenship by Investment scheme as an example.

For instance, investors can gain Maltese citizenship through exceptional naturalization with an investment of around 1 million euros, enabling citizenship in an EU member state within approximately 1.5 years without permanent relocation.

The business development director and head of Ashtons’ Cyprus office, Denis Kravchenko

He also highlighted a new residency program launched by Hungary last year, offering residency for investments starting at €250,000.

Portugal provides various options through its Golden Visa Program, despite ending its popular real estate investment route to address the housing crisis.

Spain’s Golden Visa Program, which offered residency to wealthy non-EU nationals for €500,000 investments, was abolished yesterday, April 3, 2025.

Greece’s Golden Visa Most Popular of All

Denis Kravchenko noted that “Greece’s Golden Visa opportunities are proving the most popular of all.”

The minimum investment required for Greece’s Golden Visa Program is €250,000, reaching €800,000 in some of the most sought-after areas.

Kravchenko remarked that “ironically, young Americans are driving the recent surge in demand for Greek Golden Visas.”

Last year alone, Greece received 9,289 applications for its Golden Visa Program.