We have covered the countries with the most stable economies, the cheapest investment opportunities, and the thriving tourism sectors. Now, let’s look at our last group in Europe: the countries that offer a favorable regulatory environment for investors.
Greece
Benefits: tourist hub, economic growth since 2008, record highs in foreign investments in 2023, rising employment rates.
Risks: slowly recovering economy remains structurally weak, with concerns over taxation and uncertain market performance.
- GDP (2022): € 230 billion
- Population (2024): 10.4 million
- Rental Yields (2024): 4.82%
- Average Property Price for purchase: € 2514 per square meter
- Average Property Price for rent: € 9.80 per square meter
The Greece Golden Visa program allows investors to obtain residency by purchasing residential or commercial properties valued at €250,000 or more, with increased thresholds of €400,000 to €800,000 after August 31st, 2024. Investors can also lease tourist accommodations or enter timeshare agreements. Alternative investments include local company capital, securities, government bonds, or bank deposits with a minimum of €500,000, and mutual or alternative investment funds requiring at least €350,000.
Residence permits extend to the investor’s family (spouse, children under 24, parents) without Greek language or history exams. Living in Greece is optional unless seeking citizenship.
Cyprus
Benefits: tourism, permanent residency program, tax breaks for property investors.
Risks: property market is recovering after a downturn, price fluctuations, division of Cyprus.
- GDP (2022): € 31.4 billion
- Population (2024): 1.26 million
- Rental Yields (2024): 4.57%
- Average Property Price for purchase: € 2,054 per square meter
- Average Property Price for rent: € 13 per square meter
Cyprus Residency Program Summary:
Invest €300,000+ in one of the following:
- Residential Property: Buy one or two new properties totaling €300,000+ (plus 19% VAT, reduced to 5% if the property is the investor’s sole residence). Resale properties are not eligible.
- Commercial Property: Invest in new or resale commercial properties (offices, shops, hotels) totaling €300,000+ (plus VAT).
- Shares of Cypriot Companies: Invest €300,000+ in a company that employs at least 5 people in Cyprus.
- Securities: Invest €300,000+ in Cypriot investment funds (AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).
Malta
Benefits: Business-friendly environment, residency program.
Risks: Limited property market size, dependence on tourism industry.
- GDP (2024): €20.8 billion
- Population (2024): 0.5 million
- Rental Yields (2023): 3.66% (average)
- Average Property Price for Purchase: €3000 per square meter
- Average Property Price for Rent: €17 per square meter
Malta offers a Residency Program through property rental or purchase:
Renting (5 years):
Annual rental costs: €10,000+ in the South of Malta and Gozo, €12,000+ in other regions.
Buying (5 years):
Minimum prices: €300,000 in the South of Malta and Gozo, €350,000 in other regions.
Additional Fees and Donations:
- Government contribution: €28,000 (buying) or €58,000 (renting).
- Additional fee: €7,500 per parent/grandparent.
- Administration fee: €40,000.
- Charitable donation: €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO.
