Spain’s golden visas may be ending amid fears surrounding property tax proposals, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream of owning a home there! There are plenty of other ways to become a property owner in Spain – and other European countries. Acquiring an Irish passport is just one.
Many of Europe’s so-called ‘golden visas’ have ended or are coming to an end. These schemes allowed non-EU citizens to secure residency through investment, often by purchasing property. Portugal’s golden visa programme ended in 2023, Ireland shut down its Immigrant Investor Programme in the same year and Spain’s golden visa is ending on 3rd April 2025. Spain has also proposed a tax on properties bought by non-EU residents, although this is far from becoming law and faces significant opposition.
For these reasons, many UK and US buyers will be looking for alternative ways to buy that sun-drenched villa on the Med, ski chalet in the Alps or countryside cottage in Tuscany. For some, acquiring an Irish passport could be the key to unlocking their future in the EU.
With an Irish passport, you’re one step closer to owning that overseas home
How can an Irish passport help?
Unlike the UK, Ireland is still part of the EU, which means Irish residents have the right to live, work and travel freely across all 27 member states.
Acquiring an EU passport can significantly simplify the process of buying and owning property in Europe, as there’s no need for complicated visas or residency permits.
The great news is you might be one of the lucky ones who already qualifies for one!
Who can get an Irish passport?
Irish citizenship is one of the most straightforward ways to gain EU status. Anyone with a parent who was an Irish citizen when they were born or with a grandparent born in Ireland (either the Republic or Northern Ireland) should be eligible to apply for an Irish passport.
For example, if your grandmother was born in Cork and later emigrated, you can register your birth on the Foreign Births Register. Once registered, you’ll be eligible for an Irish passport. This process is open to thousands of people in the UK, the US, Australia and beyond.
How to apply for an Irish passport
Applying for an Irish passport is a relatively straightforward process. We’ve broken it down into four easy-to-follow steps:
1. Check your eligibility
Start by confirming your lineage. You’ll need to gather documents like birth, marriage and death certificates for yourself, your parent and, if necessary, your Irish grandparent. This will prove your direct connection to Ireland.
2. Register a foreign birth
Next, you’ll need to register your birth on the Foreign Births Register. This involves submitting your documentation, along with an application fee. Processing times can vary, so it’s worth starting early.
3. Submit your passport application
Once you’re registered, you can apply for an Irish passport. This can be done online or by post, depending on where you live.
4. Start your European adventure
With an Irish passport in hand, you can buy property, move and travel across the EU with ease. Imagining that beachside villa in Italy? The renovation project in France? A Greek house with an olive grove, perhaps? Whatever you’re dreaming of, with an Irish passport, you’re one step closer to making it yours.
That dream home could soon be yours
How else can I buy property in the EU?
Even if an EU passport isn’t an option, there are other ways to achieve your European property goals.
If you have family already living in the EU, you may be able to buy property through them or even explore residency options based on familial ties.
Some US and UK citizens can also claim an Italian passport or a Polish, German or Eastern European passport.
Many EU countries welcome foreign investors and have visa schemes to entice buyers. Some of these include:
- The non-lucrative visa – which most retirees use
- The digital nomad visa – ideal for remote workers
- Various business visas – for self-employed people
Non-lucrative visas
These visas are ideal for retirees who have enough savings or passive income to support themselves. Spain’s non-lucrative visa, for instance, allows you to live in the country without working. You’ll need to show a stable income of around €2,400 per month (based on 2024 figures).
Digital nomad visas
If you work remotely, many countries now offer digital nomad visas. Portugal’s D7 visa is a popular choice, letting you live in the country while working for a non-Portuguese employer. Greece, Croatia and Estonia also have similar schemes.
Business and investment visas
Some countries still offer residency to those willing to invest in businesses or property. For instance, Italy has a “self-employed visa” for freelancers and entrepreneurs and Greece has a programme that allows you to invest in property while gaining residency.
Summary
Your dream of owning a property in Europe is far from over. Whether it’s an EU passport, a visa or family ties, there are plenty of paths to making it happen. You’ll be settling into your new home in no time.
Browse thousands of European homes on Your Overseas Home – and keep that dream alive!
You might also like:
- Buy property in Spain fast! 5 steps to securing your dream home in Spain
- Cyprus or Greece: which country offers the best golden visa?
- Residency vs citizenship: key differences
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