Currency Swings Cut Dollar Equivalent of Investor-Residency Programs by up to $60,600

Currency fluctuations have reduced the dollar equivalent of some investor-residency programs by up to $60,600. According to Movingto, the European Central Bank's reference rate for the euro has declined from $1.1721 on January 2 to $1.1418 on July 21, a 2.6% decrease.

This change affects various investor-residency programs in countries such as Portugal, Greece, and Italy. In Portugal, the dollar equivalent of the minimum investment required for the Golden Visa program has decreased by $15,150, while in Greece, the difference ranges from $7,575 to $24,240 depending on the location and property type.

Italy's government-bond route saw the largest difference, with a $60,600 reduction. The UAE's 2 million dirham threshold remains relatively stable due to its dollar-pegged policy.

Movingto emphasizes that these figures only capture one part of an investor's budget and do not include additional costs such as application charges, residence-permit fees, lawyers' fees, property taxes, fund fees, or due-diligence costs. The timing of the investment also plays a crucial role, as applicants who already held euros on January 2 would not receive the same benefit as those converting fresh dollars in July.