Passport and flagsGolden Visas are investment immigration programs that allow individuals to get residency in a country in exchange for a significant investment in that nation’s economy.

Also known as Immigration Investor Programs, they have several advantages, including the possibility of acquiring a second passport, increased travel mobility, and tax benefits.

Several countries worldwide offer Golden Visa programs, such as Portugal, Italy, Malta, and the UAE. However, each scheme has its pros and cons.

With so many attractive options, choosing the program that best suits you can be challenging. But we’re here to help. This guide lists the world’s top countries where Golden Visas are offered and outlines what makes each stand out, including key benefits, eligibility requirements, and application processes.

Read on to discover:

What are Golden Visas?

Golden Visas are immigration programs that grant residency to individuals who makes a significant financial investment in a country’s economy.

The required investment amounts vary by country, but Golden Visa schemes are typically based on real estate purchases, capital investments, government bonds, and creating local jobs.

Golden Visa programs aim to attract foreign investors and develop the economy of the host countries.

Being a Golden Visa holder offers an array of attractive advantages. Foreign investors can obtain temporary and even permanent residence and citizenship abroad through the program.

Most Golden Visa programs also allow family inclusion, meaning applicants can include their dependent family members.

With European Golden Visa programs, investors and their families benefit from visa free travel within the Schengen Area.

Benefits of Golden Visa Programs

Golden Visas offers a list of benefits that apply to the main investor and their immediate family members.

Golden Visas allow third-country nationals the opportunity to obtain citizenship by investing in the economy. These also provide applicants with a simplified path to citizenship.

Residency and then citizenship

Golden Visas allow third-country nationals the opportunity to obtain citizenship by investing in the economy. These also provide applicants with a simplified path to citizenship.
Golden Visas from EU countries provide a safe, stable life in a Schengen country, with the right to live, work, and study there long term.

Stability in a Schengen country

Golden Visas from EU countries provide a safe, stable life in a Schengen country, with the right to live, work, and study there long term.
Golden Visa applicants can send their children to highly-ranked private schools and enjoy access to advanced medical facilities with cheaper private health insurance than the average premiums in the US.

High-quality public services

Golden Visa applicants can send their children to highly-ranked private schools and enjoy access to advanced medical facilities with cheaper private health insurance than the average premiums in the US.
The Golden Visa process revolves around making a significant real estate or business investment in a host country. Investors can choose from several investment routes that suit their foreign investment needs while benefiting from incredible ROIs.

Lucrative investment immigration options

The Golden Visa process revolves around making a significant real estate or business investment in a host country. Investors can choose from several investment routes that suit their foreign investment needs while benefiting from incredible ROIs.
Golden Visa residence permit holders from an EU country enjoy borderless or visa free travel to other countries across the Schengen Area without needing a Schengen visa.

Borderless travel in the Schengen Area

Golden Visa residence permit holders from an EU country enjoy borderless or visa free travel to other countries across the Schengen Area without needing a Schengen visa.
A Golden Visa extends to immediate family. Eligible family members include a spouse, dependent children (including adult children), and even dependent parents.

Family reunification

A Golden Visa extends to immediate family. Eligible family members include a spouse, dependent children (including adult children), and even dependent parents.

The Top 18 Countries That Offer Golden Visas

1. Portugal

portugalPortugal is the country with one of the best European Golden Visa programs. Portugal Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to obtain long term or permanent residency in Portugal by making a qualifying business investment.

After holding a Portuguese Golden Visa for five years, foreign investors and their families can apply for citizenship and permanent residency in Portugal.

These are the investment options:

  • โ‚ฌ500,000 investment in an existing Portuguese business or company incorporation.
  • โ‚ฌ250,000 donation to arts or the reconstruction of national heritage.
  • Establish a business that creates at least ten jobs for Portuguese nationals.
  • โ‚ฌ500,000 will be allocated to research activities by scientific research institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system.

Portugal Golden Visa Benefits

  • Path to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years

  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Spend only 7 days per year in Portugal

  • High quality of life

  • No language requirement

2. Spain

Spain steps secondary education primary schools autonomous communities private school catholic schools pursue higher education foreign languages international students respectively their departments prepares students local language graduation certificateSpain Golden Visa holders can enjoy the right to live, study and work in Spain and have visa-free travel within the Schengen Area if they make a significant financial investment in the country’s economy.

The program offers permanent residency after five years and can apply for citizenship after ten. Spain’s Golden Visa is popular due to its lack of stay requirements, fast processing time, and easy renewal process.

The investment routes for Spain’s Golden Visa Program are:

  • A minimum real estate investment of โ‚ฌ500,000.
  • Issue a bank deposit of at least โ‚ฌ1 million to Spanish financial institutions.
  • Invest a minimum of โ‚ฌ1 million in shares of Spanish businesses.
  • Invest at least โ‚ฌ2 million in Spanish government bonds or public debt.

Spain Golden Visa benefits

  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children under 18, and financially dependent children)

  • Visa-free travel to 145+ countries, including China

  • Path to permanent residency after 5 years

  • Access to high-quality healthcare and education

  • Citizenship after 10 years of residency 

3. Greece

citizenship by investment Greece following documents minimum required amount cost country of residence private scientific research institutions attract international capital foreign income international capital real estate route residency permits qualifying funds necessary documentation income generated non eu citizens provide proof full time students main applicants paperwork ready second citizenship best solution low density areas living compared second residency fourteen days real estate investments submit soaring housing prices portuguese citizen gain access residency rights home ownership travel freely portugal offers investment requirements future generations investment activity spend golden visa scheme portugal golden visa program portuguese citizenship portugal golden visa program portuguese citizenship full time Greece’s Golden Visa program welcomes non-EU/EEA nationals who want to invest in the nation and enjoy the benefits of living in Greece.

Those who participate in Greece’s investor visa programs can also travel visa-free to other EU countries. Individuals can apply for permanent residency after five years and after living in Greece for seven years, Greek citizenship is also possible.

Investment options include:

  • Purchase real estate valued at a minimum of โ‚ฌ250,000 (or โ‚ฌ500,000 in high-demand areas like parts of Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Thessaloniki).
  • A 10-year lease of at least โ‚ฌ250,000 in hotel accommodations or tourism properties.
  • Invest a minimum of โ‚ฌ400,000 in Greek government bonds, shares of corporate bonds in Greek companies, investment funds, or venture capital funds in Greece.
  • Deposit at least โ‚ฌ400,000 into a Greek bank.

Greece Golden Visa benefits

  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • High quality of life

  • No minimum stay requirement

  • Path to citizenship after 7 years

4. Malta

european union recent years portugal golden visa program entire process capital property prices funds minimum of 500,000 non habitual resident get golden most golden visa programs many golden visa programs citizenship eligibility golden visas offer certain amount The Malta residency by investment (Malta Permanent Residence Program -MPRP) is one of the EU’s cheapest routes to permanent residency.

This English-speaking country in the Schengen Area is appealing to investors from the U.S. and the UK.

The country’s Golden Visa program makes global investors eligible for Maltese citizenship and a passport after seven years. The Maltese golden passport allows visa free travel to over 170 countries.

The Malta Permanent Residence Program offers the following investment options:

  • A real estate purchase of โ‚ฌ350,000 (โ‚ฌ300,000 in the south of Malta/Gozo).
  • A real estate lease agreement of โ‚ฌ12,000 per annum (โ‚ฌ10,000 in the south of Malta/Gozo).
  • A contribution of โ‚ฌ40,000 for administrative services.
  • Donation of โ‚ฌ2,000.
  • Each additional adult dependent on the application will need โ‚ฌ7,500.

Benefits of the Malta residency by investment

  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Access to high-quality healthcare and education

  • Attractive tax incentives

  • Permanent residency with no renewal requirements (if investment is maintained)

5. Cyprus

Cyprus Permanent Residence european union recent years entire process capital property prices funds minimum of 500,000 non habitual resident get golden most golden visa programs many golden visa programs citizenship eligibility golden visas offer certain amountThe Cyprus Golden Visa program is a fast route to obtaining European citizenship. In only a few months foreign investors can acquire an indefinite residence permit in Cyprus if for a โ‚ฌ300,000 investment in the Cypriot economy.

The Cyprus permanent residency scheme allows investors to include immediate family members in their applications. Other benefits include quality education and travel within Europe’s Schengen Area. Cyprus also has a favorable tax system for both residents and non-residents.

The qualifying investment options for obtaining the Cyprus Golden Visa are:

  • Purchase a residential property worth at least โ‚ฌ300,000.
  • Purchase a commercial property worth at least โ‚ฌ300,000.
  • Place a minimum investment of โ‚ฌ300,000 in the share capital of a Cypriot company.
  • Place a minimum investment of โ‚ฌ300,000 in units of a Cyprus Collective Investment Organization (e.g., AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).

ย Cyprus Golden Visa benefits

  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Access to high-quality healthcare and education

  • Attractive tax incentives

  • Access to a strong economy with a favorable tax system

  • Seven years to citizenship 

6. Italy

italy flag passport requirementsThe Italy Golden Visa, or the Italy Investor Visa, enables applicants and their immediate family members to hold residency in an EU country.

Moreover, the Italy Golden Visa offers holders visa free access to the Schengen zone when travelin. It has a fast processing time and no stay requirements.

Four investments starting from โ‚ฌ250,000 are available under the Italy Golden Visa scheme:

  • Investing at least โ‚ฌ2 million in government bonds.
  • Purchasing โ‚ฌ500,000 in corporate bonds or shares.
  • Investing โ‚ฌ250,000 in an innovative startup.
  • Making a philanthropic donation of at least โ‚ฌ1 million.

Italy Golden Visa benefits

  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Access to high-quality healthcare and education

  • Attractive tax incentives

  •  10 years to citizenship 

7. Latvia

real estate in latviaLatviaโ€™s Golden Visa program is aimed at non-EU citizens looking for residency in Latvia and, potentially, the broader EU. It is attractive because it allows foreigners to enjoy life in a beautiful and affordable country.

The Latvia Golden Visa also provides investors with a five-year residence permit without residency requirement.

Latvia’s Golden Visa investment options:

  • Business investment of โ‚ฌ50,000 in a Latvian company.
  • โ‚ฌ250,000 investment in real estate.

Latvia Golden Visa benefits

  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Access to high-quality healthcare and education

  • Five years to citizenship 

8. Hungary

Hungary Digital Nomad VisaThe Hungary Golden Visa is one of the newer European investment programs. It is also aimed at non-EU and non-EEA citizens looking for European residency and offers a ten-year residence permit. It grants investors access to the Schengen area as well as the opportunity to live and work in Europe.

These are the available investment options:

  • Purchase real estate fund units for at least โ‚ฌ250,000.
  • Make a โ‚ฌ1,000,000 donation to an institution of higher learning.

Hungary Golden Visa benefits

  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Access to high-quality healthcare and education

  • Lower cost of living

  • Low-risk investment

9. Serbia

serbia-citizenship-requirementsSerbiaโ€™s residency by investment program focuses on real estate investment. While there is no minimum amount requirement, applicants must purchase real estate to qualify.

The program is ideal for those interested in residency in a country with a low cost of living, free healthcare and education, and a strategic location in Europe.

Investment options:

  • Purchase of apartments
  • Purchase of houses
  • Purchase of commercial properties

Benefits of residency by investment

  • Citizenship in 6-9 months

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Visa-free travel to 145+ countries, including China

  • No inheritance or wealth tax

  • Access to E-2 Visa for the U.S.

10. United States

United Arab EmiratesThe United States offers two investor visa programs: the US EB5 and E2 Visas. These programs enable investors to receive legal residence status in the United States, provided they substantially contribute to the US economy.

The EB5 Visa offers a path to U.S. citizenship with at least five years of residency, while the E2 Visa allows investors to start or expand businesses in the U.S. Both visas grant a Green Card, work privileges, and family inclusion.

Investment requirements:

  • EB5 Visa: At least $1.05 million (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area) or invest in a government-approved EB5 Regional Center project.
  • E2 Visa: Usually starts at a $100,000 investment in a U.S.-based business. You must own at least 50% of the business or hold a controlling interest.

Benefits of the EB5 and E2 Visa

EB-5

E2-Visa 

  • Direct pathway to a Green Card

  • Family inclusion (spouse and children under 21)
     

  • Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.
     

  • No need for active business involvement.
     

  • Ability to start or manage a business in the U.S.

  • Family inclusion (spouse and children under 21)

  • Spouse can apply for work authorization
     

11. Canada

Canada Start-Up Visa Program is one of the best North American Golden Visas. It is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in Canada. It targets innovative business ideas that can create jobs for Canadians. Successful applicants receive permanent residency, offering a pathway to Canadian citizenship.

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Have a business idea supported by a designated organization such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
  • Meet the minimum language requirements (English or French).
  • Have enough funds to settle in Canada.
  • Pass Canadian security and medical clearances.

Benefits of the Canada Start-Up Visa

  • Direct pathway to permanent residency

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Access to high-quality healthcare

  • Opportunity to establish a business in Canada

  • Visa-free travel to 190+ countries (after obtaining citizenship)

12. United Arab Emirates

Abu-Dhabi-UAE United Arab Emirates offers the only UAE Golden Visa in the Middle East. It provides a unique opportunity for foreign investors and skilled professionals to obtain long term residency by making qualifying investments for five to ten years.

The UAE government has a set of eligibility criteria that must be met alongside one or more of the following investment types:

  • Investing AED 2 million ($545,000) in real estate investment in designated zones.
  • Operating an established business as a partner with a turnover of at least AED 100,000 (about $27,000).
  • Receiving support from a UAE business incubator for an innovative business valued at least AED 500,000 (about $136,000).
  • Being an outstanding specialized talent in specific fields, including sports, culture, healthcare, art, science, and engineering.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

  • Long-term residency (5 or 10 years)

  • No income tax or wealth tax

  • Family inclusion (spouse and children)

  • Ability to live, work, and study in the UAE

  • Access to world-class infrastructure and healthcare

13. Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programantigua-citizenship-national-development-fund-funding-government-sponsored-projects-local-authorized-agent-requisite-due-diligence-fees is a popular and cheap route to getting your hands on one of the Caribbean passports. Investors have the unique opportunity to apply for citizenship in just a few months.

Applicants looking to acquire Antigua and Barbuda citizenship can choose one of the following investment options:

  • Contribute at least $230,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF), a government fund.
  • Purchase of government-approved real estate valued at a minimum of $200,000.
  • A minimum contribution of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund.

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment

  • Citizenship in 4-6 months

  • Visa-free travel to 150+ countries

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children under 30, parents)

  • No inheritance or wealth tax

14. Dominica

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment hasdominica citizenship for dependent children become popular due to its fast processing time and flexible requirements. In just a few months, qualifying investors can obtain a Dominica passport, dual citizenship, visa-free travel to over 140 countries, and enticing tax benefits.

These are the investment options:

  • A contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), which supports public and private sector projects in Dominica.
  • A minimum contribution of $200,000 for a single applicant and $250,000 for a family of four.
  • Purchase of government-approved real estate with a minimum value of $200,000.

Benefits of Dominica Citizenship by Investment

  • Citizenship in 6-9 months

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Visa-free travel to 140+ countries

  • No inheritance, wealth, or capital gains tax

15. St Kitts and Nevis

Grenada national development fund golden visa program investment programs portugal's golden visa investment scheme portuguese bank account The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program grants investors and their families a golden passport in a few months in exchange for a contribution to the nation of a minimum value of $250,000.

The country’s citizenship by investment program offers visa-free travel to over 150 countries, quick processing times, and no residency requirement.

Investment options include:

  • Invest at least $250,000 in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).
  • Invest at least $400,000 in shares of a real estate property.
  • A minimum investment of $400,000 in approved properties, such as hotels, villas, and condominium units.
  • A home purchase as a sole owner with a minimum value of $800,000 that is resalable after five years.

Benefits of St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment

  • Citizenship in 4-6 months

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • No inheritance or wealth tax

  • Visa-free travel to 150+ countries

16. St Lucia

saint lucia immigrant investors vanuatu citizenship by investment home ownership cost of living portuguese language hague convention financial goals right to live key takeaways low cost country of residence portugal golden visa uk citizens biometric data future generations investment vehicles legal resident residency status political risk portuguese citizenship property prices The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment program grants investors and their family members a St Lucia passport, which offers visa-free access to over 145 countries. The program also has fast processing times and no residency requirement.

Additionally, citizenship grants access to tax benefits, public education, and healthcare services in a politically stable and beautiful environment.

These are the investment options:

  • Invest a minimum of $300,000 in government-approved real estate projects. The property must be held for at least five years.
  • Make a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF) of at least $240,000.
  • Investment of at least $3.5 million in an enterprise project in St Lucia.
  • Investment of at least $300,000 in National Action Government Bonds (NAB)

Benefits of St Lucia Citizenship by Investment

  • Citizenship in 4-10 months

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Visa-free access to 146 countries

  • No inheritance tax

17. Grenada

Since the Grenada citizenship by investment programgrenada citizenship by investment was launched in 2013 it has granted qualifying individuals and their family members the opportunity to apply for citizenship and a Grenada passport in exchange for an investment in the island’s economy.

Here are the available investment options:

  • Investment of at least $235,000 in the National Transformation Fund.
  • Investment of at least $270,000 in shares of the Grenada real estate projects.
  • Investment of at least $350,000 in a government-approved real estate project.

Benefits of Grenada citizenship by investment

  • Citizenship in 6-9 months

  • Family inclusion (spouse, children, dependents)

  • Visa-free travel to 145+ countries, including China

  • No inheritance or wealth tax

  • Access to E-2 Visa for the U.S.

18. Vanuatu

Vanuatu citizenship by investment is one of the world’s citizenship by investment vanuatumost attractive programs. The primary benefit is that it has the shortest processing time for citizenship, meaning investors can obtain a second passport in just one to two months.

In addition to its simple process, it offers investors visa-free travel to over 130 countries and tax advantagesโ€”including no income or capital gains tax.

These are the available investment options:

  • As a single applicant, make a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the Development Support Program (DSP). $150,000 for a couple, $165,000 for a family of three and $180,000 for a family of four.

Benefits of Vanuatu citizenship by investment

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 125+ countries, including the Schengen Area

  • No residency or language requirements

  • No income, inheritance, or wealth tax

  • Citizenship granted within 1-2 months

Types of Golden Visa Investment Options

Some common Golden Visa investments include:

  1. Real estate: Foreign investments in property through purchases are an option to obtain a Golden Visa residence permit.
  2. Government bonds: Purchasing government bonds, also known as dead securities, for a fixed period, usually 5-7 years.
  3. Business investment: Foreign entrepreneurs can establish or invest in existing businesses. This may involve creating new jobs.
  4. Bank deposit: A substantial deposit in a national or local bank.
  5. Startups and innovation: They require innovation, significant potential for growth, and ongoing job creation.
  6. Investment funds: Capital transfer investments in national or venture capital funds
  7. National development funds: They require a non-refundable contribution; however, the minimum investment is much lower than that of other options.
  8. Art and culture: Contributing to restoring and preserving cultural landmarks or art initiatives to support the country’s heritage and cultural development.

Comparing Golden Visa Investment Options

The purchase of real estate is one of the most famous routes for obtaining a Golden Visa. Here is a comparison of property investment programs for popular Golden Visa programs around the world.

Country

Type of Golden Visa

Minimum Investment Amount

Processing Time

Residence Permit Validity

Minimum Hold Required for Residence Permit

Portugal

Donation, business

€250,000 - €500,000

9-12 months

2 years, renewable

5 years

Spain

Real Estate, Business

€500,000

5-7 months

2 years, renewable

5 years

Greece

Real Estate

€250,000

2-3 months

5 years, renewable

5 years

Malta

Permanent Residency Program

€300,000 (in the south of Malta or Gozo) or €350,000 (in the rest of Malta) or a rental of €120,000 per year €110,000 (in the south of Malta or Gozo)

11-12 months

Permanent residence

5 years

Cyprus

Real Estate, Government Fund

€300,000 for family

3 months

Permanent residence

5 years

Italy

Investment, Business

€500,000 - €1,000,000

1-6 months

2 years, renewable

2 years

Latvia

Business

€50,000

1-3 months

5 years, renewable

5 years

Hungary

Real estate fund units

€250,000

90 days

Permanent residence

3 years

United States

EB5 Visa, E2 Visa

$800,000 (TEA) - $1.05 million

6-12 months

Green Card

5 years (for citizenship)

Canada

Start-up Visa, Investor Visa

CAD $200,000 - CAD $1,000,000

12-16 months

Permanent residence

N/A

United Arab Emirates

Investment in Business

AED 2 million

2-3 months

2-3 years, renewable

3 years

Antigua and Barbuda

Real Estate, NDF, Business

$230,000 (NDF) - $200,000 (Real Estate)

6 months

Citizenship (no residency requirement)

N/A

Dominica

Real Estate, Government Fund

$200,000 (Government Fund)

6-9 months

Citizenship (no residency requirement)

N/A

St Kitts and Nevis

Real Estate, Sugar Industry Fund

$250,000 (Government Fund)

4-6 months

Citizenship (no residency requirement)

N/A

Grenada

Real Estate, Government Fund

$235,000 (Government Fund)

9 months

Citizenship (no residency requirement)

N/A

St Lucia

Real Estate, Government Fund

$240,000 (Government Fund)

10-12 months

Citizenship (no residency requirement)

N/A

Vanuatu

Government Fund

$130,000

2 months

Citizenship (no residency requirement)

N/A

Golden Visa Program Requirements

The requirements for these investment immigration programs differ from country to country. However, Golden Visa legislation, in most cases, requires Golden Visa applicants to:

  • Be a third-country national (non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens).
  • Make the required foreign investment and maintain it for a specified period.
  • Have clean criminal records.
  • Spend a minimum number of days in the country, as per its requirements.
  • Not be from or have ties to a prohibited country.
  • You must personally own the money you wish to invest.
  • Maintain the investment for at least a minimally-required amount of time.
  • Be able to prove you have acquired the money legally.

GV holders may be requested to present the following during a Golden Visa renewal process:

  • Valid identity documents
  • Compliance with the program (i.e., that the investment has been maintained. This can mean proving that their name is still on the title deed of a qualifying property or a statement that a capital transfer has been continuously held in a national bank account.)
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (if the Golden Visa doesn’t come with the right to work)
  • Proof of health insurance (if the Golden Visa program requires applicants to have health coverage)
  • A clean criminal record
  • Completed renewal application form

Golden Visa Application Process

1. Speak to advisors

Consult an immigration advisor or lawyer to understand the program’s requirements and choose the best investment option.

2. Choose an investment option

Select an eligible investment, such as real estate, government bonds, business investment, or fund contributions.

3. Prepare required documents

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of investment
  • Clean criminal record
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Proof of financial means to support yourself

4. Submit application

File your application through the country’s immigration authority, either online, in person, or through your advisor.

5. Complete investment

Finalize your investment by purchasing real estate, transferring funds, or completing other financial commitments. Provide proof of the completed transaction.

6. Undergo background checks

Authorities will conduct due diligence to verify your application and ensure compliance with program requirements

7. Obtain a residency permit

Once approved, you’ll receive your Golden Visa, granting you temporary or permanent residency rights.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutionsย is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years ofย experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenshipย by investment solutions for international families. Withย offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.ย 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.ย 

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Visas

What is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa, often known as an investment program, is a form of immigration that offers residency or full citizenship in exchange for a substantial investment in the host country’s economy.

This can be in the form of real estate purchases, government bonds, or job creation. These programs are popular for their benefits, such as visa free travel, tax advantages, and access to high-quality education and healthcare services.

Which countries offer Golden Visas in 2025?

Several countries offer a so-called golden passport in 2025, including:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Canada
  • Costa Rica
  • Cyprus
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Italy
  • Jersey
  • Latvia
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Namibia
  • New Zealand
  • Panama
  • Portugal
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Thailand
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America

What Golden Visas are available in Europe specifically?

Various European countries offer Golden Visas, including Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Malta.

Each investment program requires a financial contribution in the form of property purchases, contributions to businesses, or funding government activities.

Portugalโ€™s program is notable for its real estate and fund investment program options, while Greece and Spain focus on property investments. Malta also offers citizenship through investment.

What are the benefits of a Golden Visa?

Each countryโ€™s Golden Visa has its own unique benefits but the most common advantages include:

  • Access to education and healthcare
  • Not having to rely on a sponsor
  • Better business and investment opportunities
  • Longer residency
  • Inclusion of family
  • Lower taxes

What investment options are there for a Golden Visa?

  • Real estate: buying a residential home is one of the most popular options.
  • Government bonds: purchasing government bonds is one of the lower risk investment options.
  • Business investment: injecting capital into new or existing businesses)
  • Investment funds: purchasing units in a state-approved investment fund
  • Capital transfer: transferring a significant amount of money to a bank account in the target country.
  • Arts and culture: investing in the restoration of cultural heritage or the funding of an artistic production.

Can I invest with crypto to get a Golden Visa?

Yes, you can. However, taxation and regulations vary from country to country. United Arab Emirates is currently the top option for crypto investors.

What happens if I sell my Golden Visa investment?

Golden Visa programs often have a required holding period. If you sell your investment prior to that period ending, you could lose your residency permit.
You could even face legal consequences since investment is a requirement of holding a Golden Visa and you will potentially need to leave the country.

How much does a Golden Visa cost?

The cost of a Golden Visa depends on the country itโ€™s obtained, doing away with the perception that it’s only for wealthy applicants. For example, the Golden Visa’s minimum investment threshold starts at โ‚ฌ250,000 for the Portugal Golden Visa, whereas the Spanish Golden Visa starts at โ‚ฌ500,000.

What is the cheapest Golden Visa?

Vanuatu is often considered the cheapest option at $130,000 with countries like Malta, Dominica and United Arab Emirates not far behind.

What is the best Golden Visa Program in Europe?

The Cyprus Golden Visa is considered the best in Europe due to its minimum investment requirement of โ‚ฌ300,000, permanent residency status, and favorable tax system. However, Portugal is a better option for those looking for a quicker path to full citizenship, as it only takes five years. In comparison, Cyprus requires seven years of residency, including military service.

How can I compare Golden Visa programs?

Check out our handy Golden Visa comparison guide for information.

What is the easiest country in Europe to get citizenship?

Some of the easiest countries through which to get European citizenship are:

  • Portugal.
  • Malta.
  • Spain.
  • Greece.
  • Italy
  • Cyprus.

Who qualifies for Golden Visas in Portugal?

Anyone over 18 with a clean criminal record can qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa program, provided they place an investment worth at least โ‚ฌ250,000.

Does Italy have a Golden Visa?

Yes, Italy offers a Golden Visa through its Investor Visa program. This visa allows non-EU citizens to gain residency by investment by contributing at least โ‚ฌ250,000 to the Italian economy. Residency permits are renewable and can lead to European citizenship.

What is the success rate of Golden Visa applications?

The success rate of Golden Visa applicants is generally high, often exceeding 90%. This is dependent on the country and the completeness of the applicant’s required documents.

Can I apply for a Golden Visa if I have been denied a visa in the past?

Yes, you can still apply for a Golden Visa even if you’ve been denied a visa in the past. However, previous visa denials may be considered during the application process, and you may need to provide additional documentation to address any concerns. A clean criminal record, posing no immediate security risk and meeting the requirements of the investment program are key factors.

Why would a Golden Visa be rejected?

Some reasons for Golden Visa rejection includes not having the sufficient funds to meet the investment program requirements, a criminal record, failure to comply with legal requirements and incomplete or inaccurate documentation.

Can you lose your Golden Visa?

Yes, you can lose your Golden Visa if you do not meet certain requirements.
This includes not maintaining a certain investment amount, committing a serious crime or if the eligibility requirements change and you no longer meet those standards.

Will obtaining a Golden Visa automatically grant me citizenship in that country?

Obtaining the visa does not automatically grant you full citizenship in the country. A successful Golden Visa application typically provides temporary or permanent resident status, allowing you to live, work, and sometimes study in the country that issues it. To obtain citizenship as a GV holder and acquire rights such as voting in national elections and holding a country’s passport requires going through the citizenship by naturalization process.

Can I apply for a Golden Visa while I am in the country as a tourist?

In most cases, you cannot apply for a Golden Visa while in the country as a tourist. Applications typically require candidates to be outside the country of application, meaning you would need to go through the visa application process from your home country or another country where you have legal residency.

Do Golden Visa holders need to live in the country?

No, most Golden Visa programs do not require the investor to permanently reside in the country where the visa was acquired.

Which country has the best Golden Visa?

Some of the best Golden Visa countries are Portugal, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy.

Which is the easiest country to get permanent residency in Europe?

The Golden Visa in Greece is one of Europe’s easiest routes to obtaining citizenship. Moreover, Malta’s and Portugal’s Golden Visa are also attractive options.

What are the disadvantages or risks of Golden Visa?

Golden Visas have disadvantages, including high investment costs, ongoing fees, and potential tax obligations in the host country. Some programs require lengthy residency before qualifying for citizenship, and there may be political or security risks, as countries can alter or end programs.

How do you qualify for a Golden Visa?

Qualifying for a Golden Visa usually requires making an eligible investment in the host country, such as purchasing real estate, creating jobs, or contributing to a government fund. Each country sets specific thresholds for investment amounts and other requirements like maintaining the investment for a specified period or meeting residency criteria.

Can I renew my Golden Visa indefinitely?

Yes. As long as the investment is maintained, the Golden Visa can be renewed.

Can family members be included in a Golden Visa application?

Yes, family members can be included in many Golden Visa programs. This can include spouses, children and dependent parents.

What does an EU Golden Visa do?

An EU Golden Visa provides an opportunity for foreign investors to live, work, and study in the European Union and enjoy other benefits that come with it, including, but not limited to, visa free travel throughout the European Union (including the EU Schengen Area), potentially obtaining citizenship after a period of residency, and full family residency.

Can I travel freely in Europe as a Golden Visa holder?

Yes, with most European Golden Visas you can enjoy visa free travel, work and study across Schengen countries.

Which country is ending their Golden Visa program?

Spain ends their Golden Visa program in April 2025.

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