New Golden Visa Offer Announced by a European Country for Foreign Investors
In a major development for global investors, Romania has stepped onto the international stage by announcing its first Residency-by-Investment (RBI) Program, becoming one of the newest entrants in the expanding market of European Golden Visa offers.
The proposed scheme, officially titled the European Country Golden Visa Offer 2025, aims to attract high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors from outside the European Union by offering renewable five-year residency permits in exchange for a minimum €400,000 investment.
The move aligns Romania with other EU nations such as Greece, Spain, and Malta — countries that have successfully leveraged investor visa programs to boost economic growth, strengthen real estate markets, and create new employment opportunities.
A Fresh Opportunity for Non-EU Investors
Romania’s Golden Visa proposal opens a new gateway for foreign investors seeking EU residency. The program provides long-term stability and access to the European market without requiring investors to physically reside in the country full-time — a key advantage over similar programs in Western Europe.
Under the draft law, eligible applicants can secure a five-year renewable residence permit by investing at least €400,000 through one of four approved routes. The plan is designed to encourage both real estate and financial sector investments, fueling national growth while diversifying the investor base.
Four Investment Routes Under the Golden Visa Program
According to the official proposal reviewed by Profit.ro, investors may choose from four distinct categories — each requiring a minimum investment of €400,000 and a mandatory five-year holding period:
- Romanian Government Bonds
- Investment in state-backed securities with a minimum maturity of five years.
- Designed for investors seeking a secure, low-risk option.
- Real Estate Investments
- Purchase of property or land retained for at least five years.
- Encourages foreign capital in Romania’s fast-growing real estate sector.
- ASF-Regulated Investment Funds
- Participation in funds regulated by Romania’s Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF).
- Ideal for those preferring diversified portfolio investments.
- Stock Purchases in Romanian Companies
- Investment in shares of businesses listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB).
- Aimed at supporting Romania’s corporate and industrial growth.
A standout feature of the new European Golden Visa 2025 proposal is that no minimum stay requirement is imposed — allowing investors to maintain their residency status without permanently living in Romania.
This flexibility makes it especially appealing for global citizens seeking a “base in Europe” without lifestyle disruptions or relocation commitments.
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Stringent Security and Compliance Checks
To ensure integrity and transparency, Romania’s Golden Visa program includes a multi-layered verification system. Applicants must:
- Provide evidence of the legal source of their funds.
- Pass national security and anti-money laundering checks.
- Ensure they are not listed on international sanctions or criminal databases.
The screening will be coordinated by multiple Romanian agencies, including:
- SRI (Romanian Intelligence Service)
- SIE (Foreign Intelligence Service)
- ONPCSB (Anti-Money Laundering Authority)
Additionally, family members, including spouses and dependent children, may be included in the same residency application — a family-friendly benefit increasingly common among EU residency by investment programs.
Residency, Citizenship, and Future Opportunities
The draft legislation also offers investors a pathway to permanent residency after five years, with the possibility of citizenship eligibility under Romania’s Law 21/1991.
However, the timeline for full citizenship remains under debate. Current rules allow permanent residents to apply for citizenship after eight years of residence, though this may be shortened for applicants contributing significantly to Romania’s economy or culture.
If implemented, this could eventually open the door to European citizenship through investment, granting successful participants the ability to live, work, and travel across the European Union.
The Legislative Path Ahead
The proposed Europe immigration program 2025 still needs to pass through Romania’s complete parliamentary process before taking effect.
Here’s what’s next for the bill:
- Initial Review — The Senate will begin preliminary discussions and assign the bill to relevant committees.
- Expert Amendments — The Economic, Legal, and National Security Committees will debate and refine the draft.
- Final Vote — The Chamber of Deputies will serve as the decision-making body.
- Presidential Approval — After passage, the President has 20 days to sign or return it for revision.
- Implementation Phase — Upon approval, the Interior and Finance ministries will set operational and due diligence frameworks.
Once enacted, Romania’s Golden Visa could be fully operational by mid-2026, depending on administrative readiness.
A Strategic Move in Europe’s Investment Landscape
Romania’s entry into the European Golden Visa network comes amid a global resurgence in residency-by-investment schemes.
While Western European countries like Portugal and Ireland have scaled back similar programs, Eastern and Central Europe are seizing the opportunity to attract global capital.
According to recent reports, several nations have launched or expanded investor visa offers in 2025, including:
- Maldives — Introduced a $250,000 property-based residency program.
- United States — Preparing to roll out the Gold Card Suite, offering investment tiers between $1 million and $5 million.
- Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan — Opened residency programs requiring investments as low as $250,000.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) — Extended its Golden Visa to include philanthropic investors and social entrepreneurs.
In this context, Romania’s entry is seen as a strategic move, offering a lower investment threshold compared to many Western counterparts while providing the same EU privileges.
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Why Investors Are Paying Attention
Romania’s economy has shown steady growth, driven by technology, real estate, and manufacturing sectors. Coupled with its EU membership and competitive tax system, the new Golden Visa could make it a preferred destination for global investors seeking:
- Affordable entry into the EU residency market.
- Strong returns on real estate and financial investments.
- A strategic base for business expansion in Europe.
- A family-inclusive and stable residency option.
If approved, the European Country Golden Visa Offer 2025 could position Romania as one of the most cost-effective and investor-friendly programs in Europe.
Expert Opinions
“Romania’s Golden Visa proposal combines flexibility with affordability,” says Adrian Popescu, an investment migration consultant in Bucharest.
“It offers long-term benefits for foreign investors and injects much-needed capital into Romania’s economy. This could be a win-win for both sides.”
Industry experts predict that the Romanian model could inspire similar new EU Golden Visa schemes in other emerging European economies, especially those seeking post-pandemic recovery through foreign investment.
Conclusion
The New Golden Visa Offer Announced by a European Country for Foreign Investors marks a defining moment for Romania and the broader European immigration landscape.
With a €400,000 minimum investment, a five-year renewable residence permit, and no physical stay requirement, Romania’s proposal offers a rare combination of flexibility, affordability, and opportunity within the European Union.
As the legislation moves forward, it signals a new chapter for EU residency by investment programs — where emerging countries are stepping up to attract global entrepreneurs in search of European access, stability, and prosperity.
