In today’s global landscape, securing a second residency or citizenship has become an increasingly attractive strategy for British expats. Whether motivated by lifestyle changes, tax planning, or geopolitical uncertainty, Golden Visa programmes offer a legal, flexible route to residency—often with the bonus of long-term settlement and even citizenship. Here’s a rundown of some of the best Golden Visa options available to UK nationals looking to establish themselves abroad.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme that allows individuals to obtain residence rights in a foreign country by making a qualifying investment—typically in real estate, business, or government bonds. Many Golden Visa schemes offer a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship over time, making them a powerful long-term mobility and planning tool.
Top Golden Visa Destinations for UK Expats
Post-Brexit, many British nationals are re-evaluating their global mobility and long-term residency options. Whether you’re drawn by lifestyle, tax planning, or simply the freedom to live in another country without visa limitations, Golden Visa programmes offer a structured pathway to achieve that. Below, we explore some of the most popular—and practical—Golden Visa destinations for UK expats, comparing the key benefits, requirements, and lifestyle considerations of each.
For a detailed look at the Golden Visa Countries and their relative requirements and merits, keep scrolling. But for an at-a-glance view, we’ve made it easy for you…
| Country | Minimum Investment | Residency Granted | Stay Requirement | Citizenship Path | Tax Benefits |
| Portugal | €250,000 (arts) / €500,000 (funds/research) | Yes – 5 years, renewable | 7 days/year | After 5 years | NHR regime (now phased out for new applicants) |
| Spain | €500,000 (real estate) – closing April 2025 | Yes – 2 years, renewable | None (for residency only) | After 10 years (with residence) | Standard EU taxation |
| Greece | €250,000–€800,000 (real estate, location dependent) | Yes – 5 years, renewable | None (for residency only) | After 7 years (with residence) | Attractive property taxation |
| Italy | €250,000 (startup) / €500,000 (company) / €2M (bonds) | Yes – 2 years, renewable | Must reside in Italy | Available with residence | Flat tax (€100k/year on global income) |
| Malta | Approx. €150,000+ (donation + property) | Yes – Permanent from day one | Minimal | After 5–6 years | Varied but competitive |
| UAE | Varies (real estate, business, talent) | Yes – Up to 10 years | Flexible | Not available | No income tax |
Portugal (Residency Programme Paused as of 2024 for Real Estate)
Once the poster child for Golden Visa schemes, Portugal made sweeping reforms in late 2023. While the popular real estate and capital transfer routes are now closed, the programme still offers compelling options for UK expats. You can invest €500,000 in qualifying venture capital funds (excluding those linked to real estate), €250,000 in arts and cultural projects, or €500,000 in scientific research. Another route involves job creation, with a minimum of 10 positions established locally.
Residency requires just an average of seven days per year spent in the country, and citizenship can be pursued after five years. Importantly, recent legislative updates allow that five-year clock to start from your application submission date, even if processing is delayed—which is increasingly common, with wait times often exceeding 18 months.
Despite these administrative hurdles, Portugal remains popular thanks to its favourable climate, low cost of living, and access to the Schengen Area. For those seeking flexibility and long-term EU prospects, it still ranks high on the list.
Spain
Spain’s Golden Visa programme is on borrowed time, with official plans to end it by 3 April 2025. Until then, UK expats can still secure residency by investing €500,000 in Spanish property, €1 million in company shares or deposits, or €2 million in government bonds. It’s a well-established programme with fast processing and no minimum stay requirement to maintain residency.
However, if your goal is citizenship, you’ll need to live in Spain continuously for ten years. For those planning long-term stays, the Non-Lucrative Visa may be a better bet once the Golden Visa closes. It requires proof of sufficient funds but no investment.
Spain remains a favourite for its Mediterranean lifestyle, cultural richness, and reliable infrastructure. Whether you’re eyeing the beach or the bustle of Barcelona, there’s still a short window to enter under the current scheme.
Greece
Greece continues to offer one of the most accessible Golden Visa programmes in Europe, though regional pricing now varies. You can still invest as little as €250,000 in property in lesser-known areas, but the threshold rises to €400,000 or even €800,000 in high-demand zones such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini.
The visa grants five years of residency (renewable) with no mandatory stay, making it ideal for those wanting flexibility. That said, if you’re aiming for Greek citizenship, you’ll need to reside in the country for seven consecutive years and pass a language and culture test. Male applicants aged 18–45 should also be aware of Greece’s compulsory military service, although exemptions may apply.
With its sun-drenched coastline, warm hospitality, and Schengen access, Greece is a powerful contender for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with European benefits.
Italy (Investor Visa)
Italy’s Investor Visa programme offers several entry points for those seeking residency through investment. You can choose to invest €250,000 in an innovative startup, €500,000 in an established Italian company, or go all in with a €2 million investment in government bonds.
This isn’t a hands-off option—you are required to reside in Italy to maintain your residency status. However, the lifestyle perks are considerable. Italy boasts one of Europe’s most attractive flat-tax regimes for high-net-worth individuals, allowing you to pay a fixed €100,000 per year on your worldwide income, regardless of its size.
This route is especially appealing to entrepreneurs, business owners, and families who want access to Italy’s high-quality healthcare, education, and enviable lifestyle. From Milan’s financial centres to the hills of Tuscany, Italy’s Investor Visa is both a strategic and cultural investment.
Malta (Permanent Residency Programme)
Malta’s Permanent Residency Programme provides a straightforward route to lifetime residency from day one, making it one of the most secure and appealing options for UK expats. To qualify, you’ll need to make a combined contribution that includes a government donation, a property rental or purchase, and a donation to a registered Maltese NGO—totalling around €150,000 or more.
Though not the cheapest on the market, Malta’s scheme stands out for its stability, low physical stay requirements, and strong EU ties. It’s also one of the few that offers a clear, realistic path to citizenship via naturalisation after five to six years of residence.
Add to that Malta’s English-speaking population, beautiful Mediterranean setting, and full Schengen access, and it becomes a highly practical choice for those seeking both lifestyle and long-term mobility.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE’s Golden Visa has become a top choice for high earners and entrepreneurs—especially with the introduction of the 10-year residency option. It’s available to those investing in real estate, launching a business, or qualifying through exceptional talent in areas such as science, the arts, and technology.
Perhaps its biggest draw is the absence of income tax. This, combined with world-class infrastructure and global connectivity, makes the UAE an attractive base for internationally mobile professionals. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, are home to thriving UK expat communities and strong business networks.
While this visa does not lead to citizenship, it offers an excellent long-term residency option in a stable, tax-efficient environment—perfect for those focused on business and lifestyle rather than EU access.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Golden Visa
- Purpose: Are you relocating full-time or seeking flexibility?
- Pathway to Citizenship: Not all Golden Visas offer a clear route to a second passport.
- Tax Implications: Always seek professional guidance to understand the tax impact of residency.
- Stay Requirements: Some countries demand physical presence, others do not.
- Family Inclusion: Most programmes allow dependents but with varying definitions and costs.
The Best Golden Visa Countries
For UK expats seeking greater global mobility, lifestyle upgrades, or long-term succession planning, Golden Visa programmes present a valuable opportunity—but choosing the right one requires careful consideration. Each scheme comes with its own set of rules, costs, tax implications, and long-term benefits, which can vary significantly depending on your goals, family structure, and financial position.
To navigate these complexities, it’s essential to speak with a qualified international financial planning professional. A financial adviser can help you sort through the available options, assess the true cost and benefits of each programme, and identify which route is both financially sound and realistically achievable for your circumstances. Whether you’re focused on tax efficiency, EU access, or retirement abroad, professional insight can help you make a confident, well-informed decision that aligns with your long-term plans.
Get in touch today for personalised advice on which country offers the best Golden Visa programme for you.
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.