Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus, which have suffered the most from the region's prolonged recession, are offering visas to foreigners who buy real estate. The goal is to lure investment and strengthen battered European economies.

Like those on offer in Spain, the Portuguese visas grant access to the Schengen area, which includes the bulk of the EU.

Chinese nationals are at the front of the line for these golden tickets to Europe, immigration experts say.

Francisco Barata Salgueiro, partner at Portuguese law firm Neville de Rougemont & Associates, has seen a steady rise in inquiries this year and currently advises around 150 mostly Chinese investors on the golden visa program.

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