How to use your IRA to invest in a Portugal or Greece Golden Visa
Unlock European residency using your retirement savings. A Self-Directed IRA lets you invest in qualifying assets abroad – without penalties or losing your tax advantages.
Sarah Young ● Jun 26, 2025
Did you know that your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can do more than fund your retirement in the US? With the right structure, you can use your IRA to invest in international property and even qualify for a Golden Visa in Portugal or Greece.
This tax-efficient strategy is possible through a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA), which gives you access to alternative assets like foreign real estate, private equity and offshore investments – including those that qualify for EU residency-by-investment programmes.
Why use an IRA to invest in a Golden Visa?
Golden Visas are attractive options for Americans seeking:
- Residency in an EU country
- A pathway to EU citizenship
- A second home or retirement base in Europe
By using your SDIRA to fund a qualifying Golden Visa investment, you can secure European residency without dipping into your personal cash reserves – and without triggering taxes or early withdrawal penalties.
How to use a Self-Directed IRA for Golden Visa investments
Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Open a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)
Choose an IRS-approved SDIRA custodian and roll over funds from your traditional IRA or 401(k).
2. Establish a dedicated LLC or trust
Your SDIRA creates a legal entity that gives you check book control, meaning you can direct investments without going through the custodian for each transaction.
3. Make a qualifying investment in Portugal or Greece
The trust either purchases eligible property in Greece or invests into a qualifying fund in Portugal that meets the Golden Visa requirements.
4. Retain tax advantages
Because the investment is made by your SDIRA, your retirement account remains tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on whether it’s a traditional or Roth IRA.
Benefits of using an IRA to fund your Golden Visa
- No early withdrawal penalties
- Tax-deferred growth inside your IRA
- Access to EU residency and potential citizenship
- Preservation of your retirement capital
Portugal and Greece: Top picks for IRA-funded Golden Visas
You can obtain temporary residency in Portugal by investing a minimum of €500,000 into a qualifying investment fund through their residency-by-investment programme. After five years, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Portuguese citizenship gives you the right to live, work and study in the EU.
The Greece Golden Visa programme enables investors to obtain permanent residency through the purchase of a qualifying property in a maturing real-estate market. With a straightforward buying process and no annual minimum stay requirements, this visa offers an affordable and flexible European residency solution. Qualifying investments are available from €250,000, depending on the location.
These two countries offer the most popular residency-by-investment programmes in the world and the process can be streamlined with expert guidance.