In an increasingly connected world, the concept of global mobility has never been more appealing. For high-net-worth individuals and investors seeking new opportunities, golden visa programs offer an attractive pathway to European residency and, eventually, citizenship. But while financial investment is often the headline requirement, there's a crucial element that many applicants overlook until it's almost too late: language proficiency.
The demand for professional language training is shifting as global mobility reaches unprecedented levels. While English remains the global frontrunner in 2024, according to Duolingo, followed by Spanish and French, German also retains a strong presence among the top languages being studied worldwide (Duolingo Language Report, 2024).
According to La Vida's latest survey, interest in Golden Visa programs from US clients has doubled in 2024, as more individuals and families seek to secure their futures ahead of the upcoming US elections. Most US investor cited "Plan B" as their top motivation for pursuing Golden Visas. Rising costs of living and healthcare, coupled with growing political and global uncertainty, are driving affluent Americans to prioritize securing their investment migration goals (Cho, 2025).
In addition, the normalization of remote work has made international relocation more feasible for business owners and executives, creating urgent demand for language skills to navigate new business environments.
Unlike leisure learners, golden visa applicants come with specific timelines, clear objectives, and urgent business needs—making professional-grade language education not just preferable, but essential.
[If you also need a "Plan B", learn more about our Relocation Program]
Golden visas are residence-by-investment programs offered by various countries, primarily in Europe, that grant residency rights to foreign nationals who make substantial economic contributions. These programs typically require investments in real estate, government bonds, job creation, or business development.
Popular golden visa destinations include:
|
Country |
Required investments |
|
Portugal (Cultural /Heritage) |
Portugal’s Cultural Golden Visa (Cultural Production / Heritage) requires €250,000, reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas. (Global Citizen Solutions, 2025) |
|
Greece |
Standard Greek Golden Visa via real estate is €250,000 for many areas. certain islands, etc.), thresholds have been rising toward €800,000. (Get Golden Visa, 2025) |
|
Italy |
€250,000 is the minimum for investing in an innovative startup option. €500,000 is a required minimum if investing in an Italian limited company. (Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico, n.d.) |
|
Malta |
Malta’s citizenship-by-investment requires a non-refundable contribution of €600,000 to its National Development and Social Fund for those who have proved residency for 36 months. Alternative is €750,000 if only 12 months’ residency. Additional requirements: property purchase or rental, donation, etc. (Get Golden Visa, 2025) |
Note that Spain is absent from this list as it abolished in Golden Visa in April, 2025 (Global Citizen Solutions, 2025).
While the initial golden visa application may not require language proficiency, the long-term benefits—particularly citizenship—almost always do. Here's where many investors find themselves unprepared:
Many golden visa programs function as a pathway to long-term residency and, eventually, citizenship. For example, in Portugal, golden visa holders may apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence, provided they meet certain conditions, including demonstrating A2-level Portuguese proficiency (Henley & Partners, n.d.; Get Golden Visa, 2025). In Spain, applicants for citizenship must pass the DELE A2 Spanish language exam and the CCSE test assessing constitutional and cultural knowledge (Global Citizen Solutions, n.d.). Those applying for French citizenship now need to demonstrate a B2 level in French (up form B1) (Learn French With Alexa, 2025).
If your investment involves active business management, language skills become essential for:
In addition, simple tasks become empowering experiences when the whole family speaks the local language. From grocery shopping and medical appointments to banking and dealing with utilities, language skills transform potentially frustrating encounters into opportunities for connection and cultural learning. Families can explore local culture authentically—attending theater, joining clubs, understanding humor and social customs—rather than existing in an expatriate bubble.
In medical emergencies or urgent situations, language skills can be literally lifesaving. Being able to communicate clearly with doctors, emergency services, or school officials provides peace of mind and ensures proper care. This becomes especially critical when the primary applicant travels frequently for business.
Families with strong language skills develop genuine roots in their new country. Children grow up bilingual or multilingual with expanded career opportunities. Parents can participate in school boards, local politics, or community organizations. These connections create lasting networks that benefit the family professionally and personally for generations.
Language learning should be treated as an investment that yields measurable returns in career opportunities, social integration, and long-term stability when relocating abroad.
When your residency status, family well-being and business success depend on language proficiency, casual learning isn't enough. While apps like Duolingo might help you order coffee or ask for directions, golden visa applicants need professional-grade language education that delivers real results.
Consumer language apps are designed for casual learners who want to dabble with a new language. They offer:
For golden visa applicants making six or seven-figure investments, this approach is inadequate and potentially costly. You wouldn't use a basic calculator app to manage your investment portfolio—so why trust your language learning to consumer-grade tools?
Serious language learning requires serious institutions. When diplomats, international business leaders, and government officials need to master a language quickly and completely, they turn to accredited language schools with proven track records.
Schools like ICLS, which has been training diplomats since 1966, understand the unique challenges faced by high-level professionals. Nearly six decades of experience has refined our methods to deliver results efficiently and effectively.
Professional language schools offer programs that go beyond basic grammar and vocabulary, helping learners develop the skills to manage business communication, understand cultural norms, and navigate everyday administrative situations with confidence. To meet the needs of executives, many schools provide intensive courses, flexible schedules, and personalized instruction designed to accelerate progress. Unlike self-study apps, these programs ensure steady advancement through regular feedback, dedicated teachers, and continuous guidance throughout the relocation journey.
For golden visa applicants, specialized programs like ICLS's Language Relocation Program represent the gold standard in professional language education. These comprehensive programs are specifically designed for individuals and families making significant international moves
Poor language preparation can carry serious financial consequences. Miscommunication may lead to lost business opportunities, higher legal and translation costs, longer timelines for citizenship applications, reduced returns on investments due to limited access to local markets and added stress for families struggling to integrate. The investment in professional language education pays for itself many times over through improved outcomes, reduced costs, and expanded opportunities.
Golden visas open doors to European residency, but language skills unlock the full potential of your investment. Whether you're planning to relocate permanently or maintain dual residency, linguistic competency enhances every aspect of your golden visa journey—from initial investment decisions to long-term business success and eventual citizenship.
The most successful golden visa recipients don't just meet the financial requirements; they prepare comprehensively for their new life. Language learning isn't just about passing future citizenship tests—it's about maximizing the return on one of the most significant investments you'll ever make.
Ready to master the language skills that will maximize your golden visa investment? Our specialized relocation language programs are designed specifically for investors and business professionals seeking residency in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and other golden visa destinations. Contact us today to discuss a customized learning plan that fits your timeline and goals.
Cho, K. K. (2025, August 17). Fed up with U.S. health care costs, these Americans moved abroad. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/17/us-healthcare-americans-move-abroad
Duolingo. (2024, December 4). 2024 Duolingo language report. Duolingo. https://blog.duolingo.com/2024-duolingo-language-report
Global Citizen Solutions. (2025, June 26). Spain Golden Visa ending: Major 2025 update. Global Citizen Solutions. https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/spain-golden-visa-ending
Get Golden Visa. (2025). Portugal Golden Visa Program. Get Golden Visa. https://getgoldenvisa.com/portugal-golden-visa-program
Global Citizen Solutions. (n.d.). Spanish citizenship. Global Citizen Solutions. https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/spanish-citizenship
Get Golden Visa. (2025, September 8). Greece Golden Visa: The ultimate guide. Get Golden Visa. https://getgoldenvisa.com/ultimate-guide-to-greece-golden-visa
Henley & Partners. (n.d.). Portugal residence by investment. Henley & Partners. https://www.henleyglobal.com/residence-investment/portugal
La Vida Golden Visas. (2024, August 28). US investors seeking golden visas and second passports surge. La Vida Golden Visas. https://www.goldenvisas.com/usa-citizens-seek-golden-visas-and-second-passports-surge
Learn French With Alexa. (2025, April 9). The language requirements for immigrants to France are changing. Learn French With Alexa. https://learnfrenchwithalexa.com/blog/the-language-requirements-for-immigrants-to-france-are-changing
Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico. (n.d.). Investor Visa for Italy: information resources. https://investorvisa.mise.gov.it/index.php/en/information-resources-en