The year 2024 marks significant changes in European residency policies. And 2025 promises to be a year of considerable transformations for European residency programs. The upcoming changes, including the expansion of the Schengen area and the launch of new border systems, will directly impact the rights of those intending to settle here. To ensure you don’t miss any opportunities, join us in exploring the detailed information about the “New Developments in the European Residency Program 2025”!

EES and ETIAS Systems to Launch in Early 2025

Starting from November 10, 2024, Schengen countries are expected to adopt the new automated Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing the current passport stamping method. Visitors from outside the European Union (EU) entering the Schengen area will be recorded digitally. However, this process has been delayed due to unforeseen issues, including unpreparedness from some member states. Hence, this system will be implemented in early 2025, though the specific date has not been announced.

Simultaneously, ETIAS will also be deployed in 2025. Unlike EES, which requires all visitors to register, ETIAS is only mandatory for visa-exempt travelers. Approximately 1.4 billion people from over 60 countries will need to apply for this documentation before visiting Schengen countries. The official launch date for ETIAS in 2025 has not been set, but the EU states that EES will be rolled out first, with ETIAS following a few months later. The aim of both systems is to enhance security checks, monitor the duration of stays in the EU, and shorten waiting times for visitors.

Malta Increases Investment Levels from 2025

From January 1, 2025, the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) will see new investment levels as follows:

• Real estate purchase increased from EUR 300,000 to EUR 375,000 in Malta or Gozo.
• Real estate rental increased from EUR 10,000 to EUR 14,000 in Malta or Gozo.
• Minimum government contribution is EUR 30,000 if purchasing real estate, or EUR 60,000 if renting real estate.

Greece Adds New Investment Options in 2025

In 2024, Greece made significant changes to its residency investment levels. Specifically, Greece tightened the criteria for obtaining the Golden Visa. The program has become more exclusive, with investment levels rising from EUR 500,000 to EUR 800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants. Meanwhile, the EUR 400,000 price applies to other regions of the country.

In 2025, Greece will introduce a new residency investment program focused on startups. Investors must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum investment of EUR 250,000 in startups registered on the Elevate Greece portal.
• Ownership stake up to 33% of the company’s charter capital or voting rights.
• Creation of at least 2 jobs in the first year and maintaining the number of employees for 5 years. The Greek residency investment program still needs parliamentary approval, and it is expected to be implemented in early 2025 once approved.

Spain Officially Abolishes the Golden Visa Program

Spain will officially terminate the Golden Visa program on January 1, 2025. The program previously allowed foreign investors to obtain residency by investing at least EUR 500,000 in Spanish real estate.

However, after the Spanish Senate’s veto of the bill to terminate the Golden Visa program, we remain uncertain about the final outcome.

Bulgaria & Romania Join Schengen

Starting January 1, 2025, the Schengen area will welcome two new members, Bulgaria and Romania, following the decision made on December 12, 2024, by EU Interior Ministers. This will allow both countries to lift border checks with other Schengen countries, facilitating movement and trade within the region. This is a significant step after years of anticipation by Bulgaria and Romania.

European Countries to Increase Tourism Taxes in 2025

In 2025, several cities in Europe will introduce new tourism taxes:

Madeira, Portugal

From January 1, 2025, all tourists over 12 years old must pay EUR 3 to walk on any of Madeira’s 30 long-distance trails, instead of just 7 trails currently. Non-compliance will result in a EUR 50 fine. The goal is to protect the landscape and enhance the tourism experience.

Évora, Portugal

Expected to introduce a tourism tax in early 2025 to manage waste, preserve heritage, and promote tourism. The specific fee has not been announced.

Venice, Italy

The tourism tax will remain at EUR 5 in 2025 and will increase to EUR 10 on certain days starting from April 2025, aiming to reduce over-tourism and improve the quality of life for residents.

Greece

The tourism tax will increase to EUR 2 per day in 2025, up from the current EUR 0.5, and will rise to EUR 8 during the peak season from April to October. Cruise ship taxes will also increase.

Other EU countries may introduce similar taxes next year following official decisions.

We hope this article helps you grasp the information about the “New Developments in the European Residency Program 2025”. If you are planning to move to Europe, contact JA & Partners immediately. We will accompany you throughout the process.

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