European residency schemes attract capital as global demand for second passports doubles
As applications for citizenship by investment doubled in 2025, European countries continue to offer structured pathways for foreign capital through ancestry, residency and investment programmes.
Global demand for second passports and residency rights has surged, with applications for citizenship-by-investment programmes doubling in 2025, according to residency firm Henley & Partners. This growing market positions several European nations as primary destinations for individuals seeking mobility and long-term security.
For European economies, these programmes represent a steady inflow of foreign capital. Investment thresholds for direct citizenship typically start around $200,000, while residency-by-investment schemes require at least $250,000.
Beyond direct investment, European countries remain highly sought after for citizenship by descent. Nations including Ireland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania and the UK operate ancestral passport programmes.
Germany and Austria maintain specific provisions granting citizenship to descendants of individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945. These lineage-based routes bypass financial thresholds but require extensive documentation to prove family ties.
For those without ancestral ties, citizenship-by-investment offers a faster alternative. At least 11 nations currently operate these schemes, with the most accessible options located in the Caribbean, such as Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia and Grenada.
Europe maintains a strong foothold through residency-by-investment initiatives. Countries like Italy, Portugal and Greece offer pathways to full citizenship after seven to 10 years of legal residency.
Non-investment residency routes also feed this pipeline. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa and Portugal’s D7 visa allow individuals to establish permanent residency, leading to citizenship applications after five to 10 years. France similarly offers talent visas that can eventually lead to naturalisation.
The market continues to expand beyond traditional hubs. Argentina is planning to launch its own citizenship-by-investment programme in the second half of 2026. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern nations like Egypt, Türkiye and Jordan, alongside North Macedonia in Europe, are actively participating in this sector.
As economic uncertainties drive individuals to diversify their residency options, European states benefit from sustained application fees and long-term investment. The complexity of these processes ensures that specialised legal and financial advisory services will see continued demand across the continent.
