In 2013, while traditional immigration countries tightened their borders, several European countries introduced policies to open their doors. As a result, new immigration targets shifted towards Europe. At this time, many European countries significantly lowered their immigration thresholds. Among them, Portugal's real estate investment immigration became a hot topic, while Greece's new policy went a step further, clearly stating that non-EU citizens who purchase property worth €250,000 or more in Greece can apply for a five-year Greek residence permit. If the property is not sold after five years, the residence permit can be renewed. Industry predictions suggest that following the adjustment of immigration policies, Greece and Portugal may become mainstream immigration destinations in the European immigration market.
Immigrate to Greece for €250,000
Amidst the European trend, Portugal was the first Schengen EU country to launch a stable real estate investment immigration policy, clearly defining the naturalization conditions in October 2012. The Greek government followed suit by introducing the "EU residence permit for foreign property buyers" policy at the end of 2012. On April 9 of this year, it approved the Greek Investment Immigration Promotion Law, reducing the "threshold" from the initially set minimum of €300,000 to €250,000. The regulation states that non-EU citizens who purchase property worth €250,000 or more in Greece can apply for a five-year Greek residence permit, which can be renewed if the property is not sold after five years.
Industry insiders remind investors that Greece's most significant advantage lies in the low threshold of €250,000, and as a member of the EU and Schengen Area, obtaining permanent residency allows free movement across 26 Schengen countries. After naturalization, one can enjoy the benefits of EU member states. However, investors must carefully consider that to maintain residency rights, the property cannot be sold, and the current economic situation in Greece is not optimistic.
Immigrate to Portugal for €500,000
Data shows that, based on over 200 indicators across seven major sectors, including labor market mobility, third-country family reunification policies, and education policies, the top ten countries most suitable for immigration by third-country (non-EU) citizens among 33 countries, including European nations and the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, are Sweden, Portugal, Canada, Finland, and others.
Under the premise of unchanged other policies, it can be predicted that the rankings of European countries will rise. Among the top five, Portugal, also a member of the EU and Schengen Area, further relaxed its immigration requirements in 2013, attracting a large number of investors. Coupled with Portugal's stronger economic foundation and stable policy environment, it is foreseeable that the €500,000 real estate investment immigration in Portugal will soon become one of the mainstream immigration destinations in the European immigration market.
New immigration policies release investment advantages
From the perspective of the entire immigration industry, as popular immigration countries tighten their policies, most investors, in addition to considering mainstream factors such as business and education in a country, are gradually shifting their focus to immigration thresholds and comprehensive considerations combined with other factors, revealing the advantages of European countries. All EU and Schengen 26 countries operate under the backdrop of European integration. Once investors obtain permanent residency or citizenship in one country, they can enjoy the welfare benefits of major European countries, with smooth movement between countries, which is highly attractive to investors pursuing business, education, and even living and tourism.
For most Chinese investors, purchasing bonds or real estate remains the most straightforward and worry-free option. If buying property overseas at a low price, there is still potential for appreciation.
