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The Gateway to European Residency Opportunities is Gradually Closing: Act Now Before It’s Too Late
European residency opportunities are narrowing with recent closures and tightening of regulations. By 2025, additional policy changes are expected, with some programs likely to close or significantly increase their investment thresholds. This presents a challenge for many Vietnamese investors planning to relocate to Europe. So, what options should Vietnamese investors seize now to secure EU residency before it’s too late?
European Countries Losing Interest in Residency Programs
Policy changes in 2023 have greatly impacted the global residency market. At the end of 2022, Montenegro’s citizenship program was discontinued, causing many investors to lose an opportunity for rapid European passport acquisition.
The trend continued in mid-February 2023, when Ireland’s residency program was suddenly canceled, closing the door to long-term residency in the country. In October 2023, Portugal’s popular Golden Visa program—known for real estate investment—also closed, marking a period of significant shifts in the residency landscape.
Rising Investment Costs and Stricter Requirements for the Golden Visa
In August 2023, Greece took a bold step by doubling the minimum investment required for a Golden Visa to €500,000 in 36 key urban and tourism areas. Previously, the minimum was €250,000 across Greece. This new regulation is aimed at limiting indiscriminate investment and focusing on regions with high tourism potential.
At the same time, Cyprus also tightened its permanent residency requirements, increasing the minimum income threshold from €30,000 to €50,000 for applicants, along with stricter health insurance and background check requirements. Applicants must maintain a €300,000 real estate investment and annual insurance coverage for the entire family. Moreover, applicants must submit a clean criminal record every three years, and parents and adult children (over 25) can no longer be included in the application.
Meanwhile, Spain is considering two scenarios for its Golden Visa program: significantly increasing the investment amount from €500,000 to €1 million or discontinuing the program altogether.
Seizing the Best Residency Opportunities Before It’s Too Late
Despite recent policy changes, European residency investment remains attractive for Vietnamese investors seeking EU residency and potential citizenship.
As an EU citizen, investors and their families enjoy the freedom to live, work, study, and travel in 29 Schengen countries and 27 European Union member states.
Currently, Malta and Cyprus offer two of the best residency programs in terms of benefits and eligibility. This period may be the final opportunity for investors seeking European residency.
Malta Permanent Residency Program: British-Standard Education
The Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) is one of the most accessible and fastest-processing European residency options. It’s ideal for investors seeking the freedom to travel within 29 Schengen countries.
- Investment amount: €150,000
- Processing time: 8–12 months
- Eligible dependents: Up to 4 generations
- Investment type: Renting or purchasing property and contributing to the Maltese government
- Travel freedom: Access to 29 Schengen countries
- Citizenship timeline: 5 years
Today, Malta’s residency program is among the most secure European residency options available.
Cyprus Permanent Residency: Secure European Property Ownership at Attractive Prices
In the face of global economic downturns, Cyprus has emerged as a beacon of growth, achieving a record GDP increase of €3.4 billion in 2023.
Despite recent regulatory changes, Cyprus remains highly attractive to Vietnamese investors. The country has kept its real estate investment threshold unchanged, and its residency process is one of the simplest and quickest in Europe.
- Investment amount: €300,000 (excluding VAT)
- Processing time: 8–12 months
- Eligible dependents: Up to 2 generations
- Investment type: Real estate
- Travel freedom: Access to 27 EU countries
- Exceptional education: British-standard education at a fraction of the cost compared to studying in the UK
- Tax incentives: Cyprus’ tax policies offer favorable conditions for business income
- Citizenship timeline: 5 years (accumulated) within 7 years after receiving the residence card
With one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, low living costs, and strengths in maritime, tourism, trade, and energy sectors, Cyprus stands out as a top choice for Vietnamese investors today.
Featured Properties: Seaview Heights, Limassol Greens, Venus Gardens, and other prime projects.
It’s clear that the path to European residency is becoming increasingly narrow. Immigration policies are tightening, making it harder than ever to obtain EU green cards or passports. Recent policy changes, including program closures and increased investment thresholds, have left many Vietnamese investors struggling to keep up.
Therefore, if you’re considering European residency, act now to seize this opportunity. Delaying could mean facing higher costs or even the complete closure of these residency programs. Contact Portico and Bridge today for expert advice and to find the investment program that best fits your needs!
