With the increasing demand for overseas asset allocation among Chinese investors, overseas property investment has become a hot spot. When considering overseas property investment, how to choose the best country to buy property for investment that matches your own conditions becomes critical. European countries’ immigration policies usually have lower requirements and shorter application cycles compared to countries like the US, Canada and Australia, which makes them more attractive to Chinese investors who value cost-effectiveness. In particular, European investor immigration programs allow the entire family to immigrate together through a single application, and obtain long-term residence permits or citizenships that confer free movement within the EU, which perfectly aligns with many Chinese investors’ motivations of immigration and asset allocation. Therefore, for most Chinese investors today, European countries provide the optimal immigration solutions.
Greece’s low-cost immigration policy attracts Chinese investors looking to immigrate
Greece offers one of the most cost-effective immigration programs in Europe. Investors can obtain renewable Greek residence permits through the Greek Immigration Act without having to invest in real estate. The Greece district nomination program only requires a 50,000 euro bank statement, a clean criminal record, and a standard medical checkup report. It does not have language, academic, stay requirements or other constraints. After obtaining residence permits, investors can freely travel within the 26 Schengen area countries. For investors who want a Euro-denominated stable asset that provides an EU residence permit, the Greece program offers great cost-performance.
Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers Eurozone access at relatively low cost
The Portugal Golden Visa program grants investors and their families full Portuguese residency rights by investing 500,000 euros or more in real estate. Costs are lower compared to other European golden visa programs. Investors only need to hold the investment for 5 years before they can choose to sell it and apply for permanent residence. The program gives investors Eurozone access and freedom of movement in the Schengen area. For investors looking to diversify assets overseas, Portugal’s real estate market is relatively affordable with good potential for price appreciation.
Austria’s investment immigration policy combines stable real estate assets with visa-free EU access
Austria offers a real estate investment immigration program that requires investors to spend at least 1 million euros on property purchase. While the investment threshold is higher, it grants investors immediate permanent residence without other immigration requirements. Investors can rent out or sell the property after 5 years and keep their residence status. Austria is a top choice for Chinese investors seeking EU immigration through property assets. It provides a hard currency investment that secures lifetime visa-free access to the EU.
Cyprus offers EU citizenship at relatively affordable cost compared to UK, US
The Cyprus citizenship by investment program grants full EU citizenship to investors and families after investing 2 million euros or more in real estate. While the required investment is higher than other European programs, it offers instant permanent residence and citizenship rather than temporary visas. Obtaining US, UK or Canadian citizenship can cost significantly more in time and money for Chinese investors, so Cyprus gives a competitive route to EU citizenship and passport benefits through property purchase.
For Chinese investors today, European countries offer some of the most cost-effective immigration solutions through property investment. Programs in Greece, Portugal, Austria and Cyprus provide stable Euro-denominated assets that confer long-term EU residence rights or full citizenship, allowing free movement and settlement across Europe. With their relatively straightforward application processes and access to the EU’s stable economy, these programs are optimal for Chinese investors’ immigration and overseas allocation needs.