Investing in European Real Estate for Residency: Best Markets in 2025
Are you planning to invest in the European real estate market? The year 2025 will prove to be promising for investors aiming to expand their savings. According to a study published on PWC, 80% of experts expect a positive investment trend and confidence that profit gain will be substantial. For people who want to gain residency by investment, you would not want to miss this opportunity this year. With business booming in the European market, expanding the existing pool of wealth is easier.
Why to Invest in European Real Estate for Residency in 2025?
Investing in real estate is a fast-track way to gain residence in most EU countries. Some famous options such as Greece, Malta, and Cyprus are on the top bucket list for people looking to invest a bare minimum of €250,000. The fiscal year 2025 predicts at least 23% growth in the European real estate market Greece and Portugal taking the top spot. Acquiring residence by investment programs, especially through real estate is the easiest way to gain entry into Europe and even qualify for citizenship. This type of residence permit is commonly also known as Golden Visas.
Best Markets to Invest in Real Estate in 2025
The million-dollar question at hand is, what region or markets to invest to gain the maximum advantage from your investment? Here are some of the famous regions you can invest for a Golden Visa:
1. Greece - The Golden Visa Dreamland
Greece is famous for its Golden visa programs among real estate investors, making it a major investor magnet even in 2025. Residency by investment in Greece real estate of at least €250,000 is the minimum requirement for entry into tourist heaven via conversion of commercial property into residential property. Another added advantage is visa free access to 29 Schengen states. This is like hitting two targets with a single arrow!
The most attractive aspect of Greece is the favorable climate, a growing and stable real estate market. There are taxes on the rental income but other benefits make Greece residency by real estate investment a promising choice.
The second-tier investment is €400,000 for specific regions. These regions must not be in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and Islands with a population of 3100 or more residents. Areas mentioned previously require a minimum real estate investment of €800,000 for Greece residency by investment. Greece Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after 7 years of residency. Greece passport is 5th most powerful passport and permits visa free and visa on arrival to 187 countries.
2. Portugal Residency by Real Estate Investment
Portugal is the most sought out place among real estate investors due to lucrative benefits including high ROI, mild Mediterranean climate, English widely spoken and one of the safest countries. Though the government of Portugal has officially ended the Golden Visa by real estate investment, you still can get residency via D7 visa for people earning passive income.
As per Eurostat, the real estate sector showed a growth of 11.6% during 4th quarter of 2024 as compared to 4th quarter of previous year. These statistics show that real estate in Portugal is booming and among top performing markets in Europe.
Portugal Residency Requirements by Real Estate Investment
People earning passive income via real estate can apply for Portugal residency. The minimum income requirement for Portugal residency is €870 per month. You can buy real estate in Portugal and can earn rental income to become eligible for a 1 to 5 year Portugal residency permit. After 5 years, you become eligible for Portugal citizenship. Portugal passport is 4th most powerful passport and permits visa free and visa on arrival to 188 countries.
3. Hungary Real Estate Investment for European Residency
Hungary is known for its historical places, rich culture, castles, thermal spas and stunning architecture. Real estate sector in Hungary is booming and among the top performing in the entire Europe with a 13% house price rise in 4th quarter of 2024 when compared with the same quarter of previous year. Hungary real estate investment is a pathway to a 10-year renewable residency.
Hungary Real Estate Investment Requirements
The requirements of real estate investment in Hungary to get residency involves purchasing real estate funds of worth €250,000 or more. The real estate investment funds must be government approved, while 40% of the funds assets must be assigned for residential properties in the country. Hungary real estate investors can apply for Hungarian citizenship after 8 years of residency. Hungary passport is the 7th most powerful passport and permits visa free and visa on arrival to 185 countries.
4. Malta Real Estate Investment for European Residency
Malta is a small European country known for its tourist places and lucrative real estate sector. Malta offers permanent residency to real estate investors and their family members. As per the Eurostat, house prices in Malta remained stable during the 4th quarter of 2023 and 2024.
Malta Real Estate Investment Requirements
Malta residency by real estate investment includes either renting a property with annual rent value of €14,000 or purchasing a property with a minimum investment of €375,000. Malta permanent residency by investment is convertible by maintaining 5 years tax residency. Malta passport is the 7th most powerful passport and permits visa free and visa on arrival to 185 countries.
Conclusion
Overall, the European real estate market shows a positive growth during 2024. Constructed house values grew by 4.9% in the European Union during the 4th quarter when compared with the same quarter of 2023. Out of 26 EU countries, 24 registered growth while 2 showed an annual decrease in residential house prices. France and Finland showed decreases during Q4 of 2024 with -1.9% decline for each EU country each.
When comparing the best markets, Portugal and Hungary seems to be the best bet for investors to count on ROI and rental income opportunities. Portugal seems to be on the upper side as the country is going to host the FIFA World Cup 2030, and this will definitely boost real estate to the next level.
