Global RSS investor demand continues to surge, driven by economic uncertainty, lifestyle flexibility, and strategic tax planning. In 2025, the strongest Residency by Investment (RBI) programs offer clear mandates: competitive investment thresholds, transparent processing timelines, and well-defined paths to citizenship. Apex Capital Partners, with deep relationships across Europe and the Caribbean, guides clients toward the most advantageous opportunities. This guide reviews the 2025 top RBI countries and program updates, including precise minimum investments, processing times, citizenship timelines, and additional investment options where available.
Greece: Affordable EU Entry with Startup Innovation
Greece offers one of the most accessible EU RBI programs in 2025. Investors secure a five-year renewable residency permit with a minimum investment starting at €250,000, typically in real estate—specifically existing properties or properties converted from commercial or listed buildings. Processing time runs between 2–4 months.
New in 2025, Greece introduces a startup route: a €250,000 investment in Greek startups now qualifies for the same five-year residency. Citizens may apply for naturalisation after 7 years of continuous residency. While Greece doesn’t currently offer direct citizenship-byinvestment, residence sets a clear path for later naturalisation.
Hungary: Fund & Donation Options with Rapid Residency
Hungary relaunched its RBI program in 2024–2025, offering a residence permit valid for 10 years. Applicants invest €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund or make a non-refundable €1 million donation to a higher education institution. Processing takes around 2–3 months (some sources state 4–8 weeks) to issue the residency. After 8 years of permanent residence, investors become eligible for Hungarian citizenship.
Portugal: Diverse Paths and Tiered Contributions
Portugal’s Golden Visa continues as a high-demand program in 2025, though real estate options face restrictions. Now, key routes include:
- €500,000 in qualified investment funds (e.g., venture capital or private equity funds under Portuguese law)
- €250,000 for cultural heritage or arts donations, reducible to €200,000 if made in low-density areas (regions with fewer than 100 inhabitants per km² or GDP per capita under 75% of national average)
- €500,000 in scientific research initiatives
- Job creation route requiring creation of at least 10 jobs (investment threshold implied in broader Golden Visa criteria)
Residency processing spans 4–15 months depending on the route. Portugal grants citizenship after 5 years of residency.
Cyprus: Fast EU Residency via Multiple Asset Classes
Cyprus continues to offer one of the quickest paths to EU permanent residency. Investors must make a minimum investment of €300,000 in qualifying assets, which may include:
- New residential property
- Commercial property
- Company shares
- Collective investment funds registered and regulated in Cyprus
Processing time: 2–3 months for the residency permit. After 5 years, investors become eligible for Cypriot citizenship (the investment-for-passports program is suspended; naturalisation through residence applies). Maintaining permanent residency requires a visit at least once every two years.
Italy: Flexible Business Investments, Fast Approvals
Italy’s Investor Visa (Golden Visa) program offers dynamic options tailored to business-oriented investors. Processing typically takes 3–4 months.
Investment options in 2025 include:
- €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup (certified under Italy’s startup registry)
- €500,000 equity in an Italian limited company (S.p.A or S.r.l.)
- €2 million in Italian government bonds
- €1 million donation to public-interest projects (e.g., culture, research, education)
The program issues an initial 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 more years if investment persists. {{Processing time aligns with issuance timeline}} After 5 years legal residence, investors can apply for permanent residency; citizenship follows after 10 years of comfortable residency under standard naturalisation rules. There’s no minimum physical presence requirement for renewal, though registration with local authorities (Anagrafe) takes place if residing.
Anguilla: Caribbean Residency with Donation & Real Estate Options
Anguilla offers a low-threshold route to residency that leads to a British Overseas Territory citizenship pathway after 5 years. Key options in 2025:
- US$150,000 donation to the Capital Development Fund (CDF) for a single applicant; US$50,000 for each dependent
- US$750,000 minimum in real estate, typically qualifying a family of four; US$100,000 additional per dependent beyond four (property must remain for at least 5 years)
The application processing takes 3 months under standard procedures. After 5 years of continuous residency, applicants can apply for British Overseas Territory citizenship and, under further conditions, potentially full British citizenship.
Malta: Program Closure in 2025
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program remains canceled as of 2025, following judicial and EU pressure. The Dominican residency-by-investment initiatives remain, but the direct investment-for-citizenship route no longer applies. Investors considering Maltese alternatives should explore other EU programs.
Revised Key Comparisons for 2025
| Country | Minimum Investment Options | Processing Time | Path to Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | €250,000 real estate or €250,000 in startups | 2–4 months | 7 years naturalisation |
| Hungary | €250,000 real estate fund or €1M donation | ~2–3 months | Citizenship after 8 years |
| Portugal | €500k funds, €250k (≥ low-density), €500k research, job creation | 4–15 months | 5 years citizenship |
| Cyprus | €300k in real estate, company shares, or funds | 2–3 months | 5 years citizenship |
| Italy | €250k startup, €500k company equity, €2M bonds, €1M donation | 3–4 months | PR after 5 years; citizenship after 10 years |
| Anguilla | US$150k donation (CDF) or US$750k real estate | ~3 months | BOTC after 5 years; British citizenship possible |
Strategic Insight for Investors
Apex Capital Partners updates all clients proactively when program rules adjust—as seen in 2025 with Greece’s new startup route, Portugal’s low-density incentives, and Malta’s program termination. Each jurisdiction offers different strategic advantages:
- Cost-efficient EU access: Greece and Hungary offer low thresholds with rapid processing.
- Balanced speed with lifestyle: Cyprus is quick and carries EU advantages; Portugal combines high-end culture, stable infrastructure, and fast citizenship.
- Business-focused flexibility: Italy affords multiple investment vehicles, strong legal frameworks, and luxurious lifestyle term commitments.
- Caribbean and British ties: Anguilla provides an economical entry for global mobility tied to the UK system.
Empowered Choices, Forward Momentum
Residency by Investment journeys in 2025 demand precision, speed, and foresight. Programs change; announced reforms can materialize within months. Apex Capital Partners ensures investors not only act quickly but act in jurisdictions that match long-term goals—whether that’s EU citizenship, global business access, or a Caribbean base with British ties.
Stay ahead of the curve in 2025 by aligning with trusted experts who monitor RBI programs daily. Have Apex Capital Partners tailor a residency by investment strategy that fits your family, business interests, and global mobility vision.
