For UK expats considering relocation, retirement, or global mobility, the search for the cheapest golden visa options has become a top priority in 2025. With post-Brexit travel limitations and increasing demand for flexible residency rights, several countries still offer accessible pathways through investment—without the eye-watering price tags often associated with residency schemes.
This guide explores the most cost-effective golden visa programmes still open to UK nationals, including recent changes and what to expect when applying.
Europe’s Most Affordable Golden Visa Routes
While many countries have tightened or closed their investor residency schemes, a select few still offer golden visa programmes that combine competitive investment thresholds with meaningful lifestyle and mobility benefits.
In identifying the cheapest golden visa options for 2025, we’ve focused on upfront financial requirements (such as minimum property or bond investments), government fees, and whether the scheme leads to long-term residency or full citizenship.
We’ve also considered practical factors like minimum stay requirements, processing times, and associated costs like legal or due diligence fees—because what looks affordable on paper isn’t always the most cost-effective in practice.
Greece – From €250,000
Greece remains the EU’s most competitive golden visa destination in 2025, thanks to its relatively low investment threshold, straightforward application process, and attractive lifestyle benefits. UK expats can qualify by purchasing real estate worth at least €250,000—though it’s important to note that this lower threshold only applies in designated areas. High-demand regions such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini now require a minimum investment of €500,000.
The property must be owned outright and may be residential or commercial. Investors may rent the property out, making it a viable income-generating asset. The visa extends to immediate family members, including spouses, children under 21, and dependent parents of both the applicant and their spouse.
Highlights:
- 5-year renewable residency with a path to permanent residency and citizenship after 7 years
- No requirement to live in Greece to maintain the visa
- Unrestricted access to the Schengen Zone for travel, business, or leisure
- Fast-track processing, often completed in 60–90 days
- Opportunity to include family members under the same investment
Hot Insight: With regional price increases already in effect and ongoing discussions about scaling back the programme in popular tourist hubs, acting quickly could preserve access to the €250,000 threshold. Locations like Crete, Peloponnese, and parts of mainland Greece still offer excellent value and qualify under the lower investment band, making them ideal for early movers.
Latvia – From €60,000 (non-property route)
Latvia’s golden visa programme remains one of the most budget-friendly options for UK expats in 2025, particularly for those who aren’t focused on property investment. The most affordable route involves a €60,000 investment in subordinated capital (a form of long-term deposit) in a Latvian credit institution, combined with a one-time government fee of €25,000. Alternatively, real estate investments from €250,000 are accepted, though this is significantly more costly.
While not a direct path to citizenship, Latvia’s programme offers a renewable 5-year temporary residence permit, with the option to apply for permanent residency after five years. Applicants are not required to reside in Latvia to maintain their status, although they must visit the country at least once per year to retain their permit.
Highlights:
- Access to Latvia’s 5-year renewable residence permit
- Full travel rights within the Schengen Zone
- No requirement to reside permanently in Latvia
- Option to include spouse and dependent children
- Low investment barrier compared to other EU programmes
Hot Insight: Although the Latvian scheme offers one of the cheapest golden visa entry points, processing times can be slower than in other countries, and communication with authorities may require patience. However, for applicants willing to trade speed for savings—and who don’t mind lower-profile jurisdictions—Latvia offers an appealing balance of affordability and European access.
North Macedonia – €200,000 Donation (Citizenship)
For UK expats seeking a second passport rather than just residency, North Macedonia offers a rare opportunity in 2025: direct citizenship through a government donation. Under the official Citizenship by Investment Programme, applicants contribute €200,000 to a designated state development fund. This one-time donation is non-refundable but does not require ongoing investment management or property maintenance.
Unlike traditional golden visa schemes that lead to citizenship after several years, North Macedonia grants full citizenship—often within 4 to 6 months—without any residency or language requirements. The programme also extends to the applicant’s spouse and dependent children, making it an attractive option for families.
Highlights:
- Full citizenship granted in as little as 4–6 months
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 125+ countries, including most of Europe, Turkey, and parts of Asia
- No requirement to live in or visit North Macedonia
- Eligible for dependent family inclusion
- Streamlined application with no language or cultural integration tests
Hot Insight: As one of Europe’s few remaining direct citizenship-by-donation schemes, North Macedonia appeals to those who prioritise speed and simplicity. While it’s not a Schengen member, its EU candidate status could boost future travel privileges. However, because the €200,000 is a donation, this route is best suited to applicants seeking the benefits of a second passport—rather than a tangible return on investment.
Turkey – From $400,000 (~£320,000)
For UK expats exploring golden visa alternatives beyond the EU, Turkey stands out with its well-established Citizenship by Investment programme. By purchasing real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000, applicants can obtain full Turkish citizenship in as little as 6 to 12 months. The investment must be held for at least three years but can generate rental income in the meantime.
Turkey’s appeal lies not only in its relatively low barrier to entry but also in its geopolitical advantages. While not an EU member, it maintains a customs union agreement with the bloc and offers a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia. Turkish citizenship also opens the door to potential eligibility for the U.S. E-2 visa—a treaty investor visa available to citizens of qualifying countries.
Highlights:
- Full citizenship typically granted within 6–12 months
- No minimum stay or residency requirements
- Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application
- Access to Turkey’s healthcare and education systems
- Eligibility to apply for a U.S. E-2 visa (subject to criteria and approval)
- Real estate investment can be residential or commercial, and may be rented
Hot Insight: As global golden visa options tighten, Turkey remains one of the fastest and most flexible citizenship programmes available. While its passport doesn’t offer Schengen access, it enables visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and much of Latin America. For applicants valuing global mobility and investment versatility over EU residency, Turkey is a strong contender.
Which Is the Cheapest Golden Visa for UK Expats in 2025?
In pure investment terms, Latvia’s €60,000 bond/deposit option is the cheapest golden visa route currently available in Europe. However, if you’re looking for real estate-based pathways, Greece still holds the most accessible position at €250,000, provided you choose the right location. North Macedonia is ideal if citizenship is the goal, while Turkey offers a strong non-EU option with global reach.
Relocating or investing abroad involves more than just meeting visa thresholds—it impacts tax planning, wealth structures, and long-term financial goals. Our experienced team specialises in supporting UK nationals through the financial complexities of cross-border living. If you’re weighing up your golden visa options, contact us today for professional, tailored guidance. We’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions wherever your journey takes 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.