A Golden Visa for students can be a great pathway for those looking to expand their educational opportunities across borders. While most Golden Visa programs are not specifically designed for students, the UAE stands out with a program exclusively tailored for outstanding students.
Golden Visas generally allow family members to be included in the application, whether or not they are students. In some cases, talented students can qualify for residency without needing to make a financial investment. Additionally, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs often provide benefits for students, such as reduced investment requirements and opportunities to settle in the host country after graduation.
This guide explores the ten best Golden Visa for student programs, highlighting their benefits and providing an application process overview.
We will cover:
Is there a Golden Visa program for international students?
While there isn’t a specific Golden Visa scheme exclusively for students, some countries offer added benefits for investors whose children wish to attend college or high school abroad. These benefits are often part of broader Golden Visa programs designed to attract foreign investment in exchange for residency rights.
For instance, the UAE stands out as it has a Golden Visa scheme specifically catered for students. It offers long-term residency to outstanding students and graduates from UAE universities or globally recognized institutions.
These benefits indicate some Golden Visas’ flexibility and family-oriented nature, making them an attractive option for those seeking residency and educational opportunities for their children in top-tier international institutions.
The 10 Best Golden Visa for Students
1. United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s Golden Residence Permit Program, commonly called the UAE Golden Visa, is a long-term residency program
offering a five to ten-year residence permit to foreign investors, entrepreneurs, talented individuals, researchers, and outstanding students. The program is designed to attract skilled individuals and investors by allowing them to live, work, and study in the UAE with significant benefits.
One of the notable features of the UAE Golden Visa is its provision for outstanding students. High-achieving students in UAE high schools and universities and graduates from the world’s top universities can apply for the Golden Visa. This is part of the UAE’s broader initiative to retain talent and develop a knowledge-based economy.
UAE Golden Visa for high school students requires outstanding students to have a general secondary school certificate with a score of at least 95 percent. The Golden Visa for university students requires top graduates to have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, provided that the university’s classification is one of the best 100 universities in the world according to the international classification approved by the Ministry of Education.
Outstanding graduates of international universities also need a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university licensed by the Ministry of Education. International students also need to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, and it must have been at least two years since graduation.
Requirements
- A copy of your passport.
- A general secondary school certificate from a public or private school, with a minimum score of 95%.
- A copy of your residence permit (issued by the relevant authority in Dubai).
For Top Graduates of UAE Universities:
- A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a UAE university ranked in the top 100 universities globally, as per the Ministry of Education’s approved international ranking.
- A copy of your residence permit (issued by the relevant authority in Dubai).
For top graduates of international universities:
- A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an internationally recognized university licensed by the Ministry of Education.
- A copy of your residence permit (issued by the relevant authority in Dubai).
- Transcripts showing a GPA of at least 3.5, and your graduation must not be over two years ago.
2. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is primarily designed for investors who make significant financial contributions to the country. But it also provides residency rights that allow the visa holder and their family members to live and work in Portugal.
Family members included in the Golden Visa application do not need to apply for a separate student visa to attend school or university in Portugal. The Golden Visa provides the necessary legal status to study in the country.
While many universities in Portugal offer programs in English, particularly at the graduate level, proficiency in Portuguese might be necessary for primary and secondary education and certain public universities. Another plus for students is that the country has a low cost of living of about €700–€1,000 a month, which is ideal for students trying to explore and make the best of their years of study.
Requirements
- Investment: €250,000 in research, venture capital funds, or cultural heritage restoration projects. €500,000 in investment funds or company shares.
- Maintain the investment for at least five years.
- Proof of clean criminal record.
- Proof of health insurance.
Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa 2024 Ultimate Guide
3. Cyprus
The Cyprus Golden Visa grants residency through real estate investment, starting at €300,000. Students included in the application can study at the University of Cyprus or other institutions offering English-taught programs, particularly in business and engineering.
Cyprus provides a friendly student environment, with low living costs of €700–€900/month and high-quality education. The Golden Visa also offers travel throughout the Schengen Area, making it a great base for students wanting to explore Europe.
Requirements
- Investment: A minimum of €300,000 in residential property (newly built).
- Students must provide proof of sufficient financial means for living expenses, although this is generally included in the family’s Golden Visa application.
- Proof of health insurance.
4. United States
The EB-5 Visa Program in the United States, also known as the Immigrant Investor Program, offers a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in a US business that creates or preserves jobs for American workers. While the program primarily targets investors, it significantly benefits the investor’s family members, particularly students.
To qualify for the EB-5 Visa, an investor must invest a minimum of $1 million or $800,000 in a targeted employment area in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. Once approved and the Green Card is granted, the investor’s children can attend public or private schools, colleges, and universities in the US without applying for a separate student visa like the F-1 visa.
Requirements
- A minimum of $1 million in a U.S. business that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. If the investment is made in a rural area or area with high unemployment, the required investment amount is reduced to $800,000.
- Proof of health insurance.
5. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda offers an Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI), which allows individuals to obtain citizenship and a passport by making a significant economic contribution to the country. However, it also offers an additional educational benefit: a scholarship for one year at the University of the West Indies (UWI) for one family member.
If the applicant chooses to contribute $260,000 to the UWI Fund as part of the investment requirement, one member of the applicant’s family is entitled to receive a one-year tuition scholarship at the University of the West Indies campus in Antigua or any other UWI campus across the Caribbean.
Requirements
- Investment: Minimum $230,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF) donation for a family of four or $3000,000 in approved real estate (held for at least five years).
- Dependents, including children under 30, can be included in the citizenship application and are eligible to study in Antigua and Barbuda.
- No separate student visa is required for local school or university children.
- Health insurance coverage for the family.
6. Malta
The Malta Golden Visa provides residency to investors and their families, allowing students to study in Malta without needing a separate student visa. Malta’s education system offers a range of English-taught programs at the University of Malta and international schools for younger students.
The affordable cost of living of €1,200/month and Malta’s English-speaking environment make it a great choice for international students. The program also allows for travel within the Schengen Area and offers a route to permanent residency.
Requirements
- Investment: Purchase real estate worth €300,000 or lease property for at least €12,000/year.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Clean criminal record.
7. Italy
The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the Italy Investor Visa, offers significant benefits for students and their families. With a minimum investment of €500,000 in an Italian company or €250,000 in a startup, the visa grants residency rights in Italy. Once the individual qualifies, they can include immediate family members in the application.
Italy is home to several reputable universities, like the University of Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome, and students can take advantage of these educational institutions. Many programs, especially at the graduate level, like business, engineering, and the arts, are offered in English. However, Italian language skills can help make the experience and the integration process easier.
Requirements
- Investment: 500,000 in an Italian limited company, or at least €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup.
- Proof of financial support.
- Prood of health insurance.
8. Greece
The Greece Golden Visa is another option aimed at investors but also offers residency benefits for students and their families. The program requires a €250,000 minimum investment. Investors don’t need their immediate family members to apply for separate visas. The same application can include the investor’s spouse, children under 21, and even the parents of the main applicant.
Students can attend Greek and international schools, making Greece an attractive option for families seeking quality education. While some programs at Greek universities are offered in English, knowing Greek can be helpful in daily life. Additionally, the low cost of living of about €800/month make Greece an attractive destination for students.
Requirements
- Investment: €250,000 in real estate or €500,000 in high-demand areas starting 2024.
- Proof of clean criminal record.
- Health insurance for the entire family.
For everything you need to know about Golden Visas.
9. Malaysia
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a long-term residency scheme designed to attract foreign nationals
who wish to live in Malaysia. The program offers a renewable 10-year residence permit that benefits retirees, professionals, and families, including those with children who want to pursue their education in Malaysia.
One of the significant advantages of the MM2H program for families is the ability to enroll their children in Malaysia’s extensive network of international and private schools. Children of MM2H participants can also attend local Malaysian public schools where the cost of education is generally lower than in many Western countries. MM2H visa holders can also enroll as residents at the University of Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which translates into lower tuition fees than international students. Students can also enjoy the country with a low budget of €400 to €700 per month.
Requirements:
- A minimum monthly income of €30,000 for single applicants and about €60,000 for families.
- The program allows students to study at Malaysian universities without needing a separate student visa, as long as they are dependents under the primary applicant’s Second Home Visa.
- Health insurance coverage during the stay in Malaysia.
10. United Kingdom
The UK has the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, aimed at graduates from top global universities. This visa provides a route for high-potential students to live and work in the UK without requiring a job offer. While it’s not technically a “Golden Visa,” it offers valuable opportunities for students, including access to the UK job market for 2-3 years, depending on the level of qualification.
Unlike the traditional UK Golden Visa or a specific UK citizenship by investment program, the HPI visa focuses on academic achievements. It is an excellent option for students looking to advance their careers in the UK.
Requirements
- HPI Visa does not require a financial investment. It’s based on the applicant’s qualifications and career potential, such as a degree from a top global university.
- The applicant must have a degree from a university ranked in the top 50 globally (based on the QS World University Rankings or equivalent).
General Application Process
As previously highlighted, Golden Visas are primarily designed for investors, but students and their families can take advantage of these programs to access world-class education and future residency.
Here’s a simple guide on how students can apply through their families or personal investments:
1. Choose the right investment option
Golden Visa programs offer various investment options, but families can usually make a real-estate investment. The property can be near educational institutions to help provide both a home for the student and a qualifying investment.
Another option is investment funds, which means investing in government-approved funds. These funds offer an easy way for students and their families to secure residency.
2. Gather required documents
The documents needed might also differ depending on the country’s Golden Visa program, but usual documents include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Clean criminal record
- Health insurance
- If the student is a dependent, family documentation will also be required.
3. Submit the application
Applications can sometimes be submitted online through government portals, with a processing fee attached. Ensure the investment is completed before applying.
4. Attend a biometric appointment
Once pre-approved, the student and their family must visit the country for a biometric appointment, where residency cards will be issued.
5 Benefits of a Golden Visa for Students
While the Golden Visa might not be available for students in some countries, in those that do, there are many benefits for both high school and university students.
1. Access to quality education
1. Access to quality educationAs a student, the one obvious benefit is the opportunity to enroll in reputable universities and educational institutions known for high academic standards and diverse programs.
2. Lower tuition fees
A Golden Visa also gives students the advantage of qualifying for reduced tuition fees compared to other international students, which makes education more affordable.
3. Family inclusion
3. Family inclusionThe Golden Visa covers students and their dependent family members, meaning students can enjoy the freedom of accessing a variety of universities and other schools while having family support.
4. Flexible residency requirements
4. Flexible residency requirementsStudents are typically not required to live in the country full-time, allowing them the flexibility to travel or return home as needed.
5. Work opportunities
5. Work opportunitiesA student Golden Visa also comes with the opportunity to work while studying, which provides valuable experience and helps cover living expenses. This is great for financial independence.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With 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.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Golden Visa
How can a student get a Golden Visa in UAE?
To study in the UAE, outstanding students with promising scientific capabilities can try to apply for the UAE golden visa. Also, if you plan to invest in getting a golden visa, you can contact the federal authority to identify the UAE and invest a minimum of AED 10 million.
The federal authority for identity and citizenship will review your golden visa application and grant you a golden visa if you are eligible under the UAE’s implemented laws.
Who qualifies for the Golden Visa in Dubai?
To study in Dubai, UAE, exceptional students with promising marks who rank top in the country can apply for UAE golden visas as per the UAE government. The UAE Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs will review your eligibility to grant you a golden visa.
How much is a student visa in UAE?
Bright students and distinguished and talented people looking for long-term residence visas on the UAE Mainland will have to pay an AED 100 fee for the first time golden services are issued and renewed.
Can you get a visa without a sponsor?
Yes, you can get a visa without a sponsor in some cases. Many countries offer self-sponsored visas, such as Golden Visas, skilled worker visas, or digital nomad visas. These visas typically require proof of financial means, investment, or qualifications instead of a sponsor.
Are family members allowed to join students who have a Golden Visa?
It is usually permissible for family members to accompany the primary applicant who has acquired residency through a Golden Visa program. One of the appealing aspects of these programs is that they are tailored to individuals who want to relocate with their families or guarantee that their families can take advantage of their investments and new residency status.
Is the Golden Visa available to students in all countries?
No, the Golden Visa is not available to students in all countries; its availability and specific requirements vary by country and often target investors primarily.
What documents are needed for students to apply for a Golden Visa?
Students typically need to provide:
- A valid passport, proof of investment (such as real estate documents)
- Proof of enrollment in an educational institution
- Financial statements showing the ability to support themselves
- Health insurance coverage
- Background checks or police clearance certificates
- Additional documents may vary by country, so checking specific requirements for each Golden Visa program is essential
Can students work while holding a Golden Visa?
Yes, students can work while holding a Golden Visa in many countries, but the specific regulations regarding work rights may vary depending on the country and the terms of the visa.
What is the difference between a student visa and a Golden Visa?
A student visa is specifically designed for individuals who want to study in a foreign country, granting temporary residency for the duration of their studies.
A Golden Visa is an investment-based residency program that allows individuals and their families to reside in a country in exchange for a significant financial investment, often providing broader residency rights beyond education.
What are the disadvantages of a Golden Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency but does not lead to citizenship, as citizenship typically requires a 30-year residency period and meeting strict criteria. The high cost of living, lack of tax treaties, and reliance on maintaining investment make it less advantageous for some. Additionally, economic fluctuations can affect stability, and the visa doesn’t provide a direct path to UAE nationality.
