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What are Iranian's chances of obtaing an European golden visa?

I see conflicting information about recent changes to the golden visa program. How do these updates affect Iranian nationals' ability to apply? Are Iranians still eligible to apply for the Golden Visa despite the ongoing conflict?


Answers
  • April 22, 2026

    Iranian nationals remain legally eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa under Law 23/2007. There are no nationality-based restrictions in the law, and recent legislative changes did not alter this principle. The program is still active. What changed was the removal of the real estate route and a shift toward investment funds, companies, and cultural or research contributions. Residency rights remain intact. Discussions around the Nationality Law (Law 37/81) may affect the timeline for citizenship, but not access to the residence permit itself. The real constraint today is not immigration law. It is compliance. Applications involving Iranian nationals are subject to stricter scrutiny under EU financial regulations, particularly on the source of funds and banking channels. This does not prevent approval, but it requires careful structuring from the outset. Each case is assessed individually. With proper legal and financial alignment, the process remains viable and enforceable.

  • CITZENSHIP AND INVESTMENTS LTD
    April 22, 2026

    Bulgaria doesn't place any legal obstacles based on nationality. The Bulgarian Golden Visa is considered to be the most advantageous in the EU, at the same time the least marketed program. So here is your chance.

  • April 23, 2026

    Iranians are eligible to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa program because the program has no restrictions of nationalities. However, the current existence of sanctions will create significative obstacles to the applicant's compliance with the economic and investment requirements needed.

  • LCA Studio Legale
    April 22, 2026

    As of today's date, there is no official limitation or impediment for an Iranian national to apply for an Italian Investor Visa.

  • Lamares, Capela & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados
    April 22, 2026

    Please note that there is no harmonized “European Golden Visa” program at the EU level. Residence-by-investment schemes are established and regulated individually by each Member State, and therefore, eligibility criteria may vary between jurisdictions. That said, Iranian nationals are not generally subject to blanket exclusions across European residence-by-investment programs and may, in principle, be eligible to apply, depending on the specific national framework. In Portugal, for example, Iranian nationals remain formally eligible under the current Golden Visa regime. However, as in other EU jurisdictions, applications are subject to enhanced scrutiny in light of international sanctions and AML/CTF requirements, particularly regarding the origin and transfer of funds for the sake of opening a bank account and performing an investment in Portugal. Accordingly, while nationality does not constitute a general barrier, the practical feasibility of an application will depend on the relevant jurisdiction and the applicant’s compliance profile.

  • Crystal Worldwide Magyar Law Firm
    April 22, 2026

    Please note that we deal with the Hungarian Golden Visa (among other EU programs). There is no chance of obtaining a Hungarian Golden Visa for Iranian citizens.

  • Rosemont Monaco SAM
    April 22, 2026

    There is no Golden Visa route in Monaco. The starting point for a Monaco residence application is to open a bank account in Monaco and have €500,000 in it. The bank will undertake the usual due diligence. If you can get over that hurdle and can afford to live in Monaco, then it is workable. Let us know if you need more assistance.

  • Foutsis & Partners Law Firm
    April 22, 2026

    There are no changes or restrictions for Iranians.

  • Mazzeschi Srl
    April 22, 2026

    Italy's Golden visa is banned only for Russian and Belarusian citizens, but for Iranian citizens, no bank will open an account for them, making it impossible to obtain the necessary comfort letter and, later, make the required investment.