ETIAS vs. Golden Visa: Which Option Fits Your European Travel?

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Golden Visas and the upcoming ETIAS are both pathways to entering Europe, but they serve very different purposes. Golden Visas are designed for those seeking long-term residency through investment, while ETIAS is a short-term travel authorization for the Schengen Area. Understanding these differences can help you decide which option suits your needs better.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is a new system designed to help manage who can travel into Europe without needing a visa.

Starting in 2025, travelers from over 60 countries, including the UK, the US, and Canada, will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area.

Unlike a Golden Visa, the ETIAS does not provide residency or the right to work. It allows travelers to visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, mainly for tourism or business purposes.The ETIAS application process is simple and completed online, requiring basic personal information and answers to a few security-related questions. Once approved, the authorization is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires.

Key Features: ETIAS
Purpose: To pre-screen travelers for security before entering the Schengen Area
Eligibility: Travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the UK, US, and Canada
Duration of Stay: Allows visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Validity: ETIAS authorization is valid for up to 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first
Application Process: Completed online; requires personal information and answers to security-related questions
Scope: Travel authorization for short-term tourism or business; no residency or work rights included

What is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa (also known as an investor visa) is essentially a way to gain residency by making an investment in a country. Many European countries, like Spain, Portugal, and Greece, offer these programs as a way to attract foreign investment.

In exchange for buying real estate, starting a business, or investing in government bonds, you could get a residency permit that allows you to live, work, and even travel throughout Europe.

The amount of investment required varies depending on the country. For example, Portugal currently requires a minimum investment of around €280,000, while Spain’s threshold starts at €500,000.

Typically, these programs are geared towards individuals interested in relocating or spending extended time in Europe. The Golden Visa program in Portugal, for instance, has been particularly popular with retirees and investors looking for a second home.

Key Features: Golden Visa
Definition: Residency permit granted in exchange for a significant financial investment
Purpose: To attract foreign investment and provide residency rights
Eligibility: Requires investment in real estate, business, or government bonds
Investment Amount: Varies by country (e.g., Portugal: minimum €280,000; Spain: minimum €500,000)
Benefits: Right to live, work, and travel within the country; potential pathway to citizenship
Target Audience: Investors, retirees, and individuals seeking long-term residency or a second home

Key Differences Between ETIAS and Golden Visa

Residency vs. Travel Authorization

The ETIAS only gives you permission to travel in the Schengen Area for short periods—there is no pathway to residency or citizenship.

In contrast, a Golden Visa provides residency rights, meaning you can live and work in the country where you’ve made an investment. This permit often leads to permanent residency or even citizenship after a certain number of years.

Eligibility Requirements

The ETIAS is more like a security screening process for short-term visitors. You just need a valid passport and be from one of the visa-exempt countries to apply.

On the other hand, Golden Visas have a high threshold, often requiring substantial financial investments. For instance, investing in real estate, starting a business, or contributing to national development funds are typical requirements.

Duration and Renewal

An ETIAS allows you multiple entries for a three-year period or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. However, each stay with ETIAS is limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.

With a Golden Visa, your residency permit is generally renewable every few years, depending on the country. For example, Spain’s Golden Visa must be renewed every two years.

Scope of Benefits

The ETIAS simply allows for travel, without rights to work, access healthcare, or reside long-term.

Meanwhile, Golden Visa holders enjoy residency, the ability to work, and often education and healthcare benefits, depending on the host country.

Purpose and Target Audience

The ETIAS targets short-term travelers—tourists, business people, or those visiting family—who need a simpler and faster way to enter Europe without long-term commitments.

On the other hand, Golden Visas are geared towards individuals seeking a more permanent foothold in Europe—people who want to live, invest, or even retire in the continent.

ETIASGolden Visa
PurposeTravel authorization for short-term visitsProvides residency rights
Residency vs. TravelAllows short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)Allows long-term residency, potential path to citizenship
Eligibility RequirementsSimple application with basic personal informationRequires significant financial investment (e.g., real estate, business)
Duration and RenewalValid for 3 years or until passport expiresRenewable every few years, depending on the country
Scope of BenefitsShort-term travel; no residency or work rightsResidency, work, healthcare, education benefits
Target AudienceShort-term tourists or business travelersIndividuals seeking permanent residency or investment opportunities

How Golden Visa Holders Are Affected by ETIAS

If you hold a Golden Visa, you typically have residency rights in the specific country where you’ve invested. This means that, within that country, an ETIAS isn’t required. 

However, if you plan to visit other Schengen countries outside your host country, you might need an ETIAS authorization for short trips.

It’s always best to check with the authorities to know exactly what’s needed based on your specific situation.

Choosing Between ETIAS and Golden Visa: Which One is Right for You?

If you’re interested in relocating, investing, or spending significant time in Europe, a Golden Visa could be a suitable path. It gives you many privileges, like the right to reside and eventually apply for citizenship.

On the other hand, if your intention is simply to visit for short periods—perhaps for vacations or business meetings—an ETIAS might be all you need. The application is straightforward and inexpensive compared to the investment needed for a Golden Visa.

For example, if you’re someone who enjoys taking multiple short vacations in Europe each year, an ETIAS would suit you well.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to buy property in Spain and want to spend part of your year living there, a Golden Visa is the right choice.

Image courtesy of JoshuaWaroniecki via Pixabay

Finding the Best Fit for You

Both ETIAS and Golden Visas serve different purposes, and understanding these differences can help you choose the right option.

If you’re looking to invest and live in Europe, a Golden Visa provides many opportunities, including potential pathways to citizenship.

For those who are looking for hassle-free travel across Europe for short stays, an ETIAS provides an easy way to visit.

Whatever your needs, making the right choice comes down to understanding what you want out of your time in Europe—whether it’s just a short vacation or a more permanent move.

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