Golden Visas are 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. These include the possibility of acquiring a second passport, global mobility, and tax advantages.
Several countries worldwide offer golden visa programs, such as Portugal, Spain, 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 Golden Visa countries and outlines what makes each stand out, including key benefits, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
Read on to discover:
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is an immigration program that grants residency to an individual 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.
The Golden Visa program aims to attract foreign investors and develop the economy of the host countries.
Golden Visas offer an array of attractive advantages. Foreign investors can get temporary residence permits and even permanent residency or citizenship abroad through the program.
Most Golden Visa programs also allow family inclusion, meaning applicants can include their dependent family members.
For the European Golden Visa, investors and their families benefit from traveling within the Schengen Area visa-free.
Benefits of Golden Visa Programs
Golden Visas offers a list of benefits that apply to the main investor and their immediate family members.
Residency and then citizenship
A Golden Visa allows third-country nationals to obtain residency by investing in a country's economy. It also provides applicants with a path to citizenship.
Stability in a Schengen country
A Golden Visa permit from an EU country provides a safe and stable life in a Schengen country, with the right to live, work, and study there long term.
High-quality public services
Golden Visa applicants can also 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.
Various lucrative investments
The Golden Visa process revolves around making a significant investment in a host country. Investors can choose from several investment routes that suit their foreign investment needs while benefiting from incredible ROIs.
Borderless travel in the Schengen Area
Golden Visa residence permit holders from an EU country enjoy borderless travel to other countries across the Schengen Area without needing a Schengen visa.
Family reunification
A Golden Visa application extends to immediate family. Eligible family members include a spouse, dependent children (including adult children), and other dependent relatives.The 18 Best Golden Visa Countries in the World
1. Portugal
Portugal is one of the countries with the best European Golden Visa. Portugal Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Portugal by making a qualifying investment.
After holding a Portuguese Golden Visa for five years, foreign investors and their families can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.
These are the investment options:
- €500,000 investment in an existing Portuguese business or company incorporation.
- €250,000 donation to arts or the reconstruction of national heritage.
- Establish a business that creates at least ten jobs for Portuguese nationals.
- €500,000 will be allocated to research activities by scientific research institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system.
Portugal Golden Visa Benefits
|
2. Spain
Spain Golden Visa offers 
in Spain through significant financial investments. Golden Visa holders can enjoy the right to live, work, and study in Spain and have visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Individuals can obtain permanent residency after five years. After ten years, they can apply for Spanish citizenship. 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 €500,000.
- Issue a bank deposit of at least €1 million to Spanish financial institutions.
- Invest a minimum of €1 million in shares of Spanish businesses.
- Invest at least €2 million in Spanish government bonds or public debt.
Spain Golden Visa benefits
|
3. Greece
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.
Investors can also travel visa-free to other countries within the European Union. Individuals can apply for permanent residency after five years. Greek citizenship is also possible after seven years of living in Greece.
Investment options include:
- Purchase property valued at a minimum of €250,000 (or €500,000 in high-demand areas like parts of Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Thessaloniki).
- A 10-year lease of at least €250,000 in hotel accommodations or tourism properties.
- Invest a minimum of €400,000 in:
- Greek government bonds, shares of corporate bonds in Greek companies, investment funds, or venture capital funds in Greece
- Deposit at least €400,000 in a Greek bank.
Greece Golden Visa benefits
|
4. Malta
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 investors eligible for Maltese citizenship and a passport after seven years. The Maltese passport allows visa-free travel to over 170 countries.
These are the investment options for the Malta Permanent Residence Program:
- A real estate purchase of €350,000 (€300,000 in the south of Malta/Gozo).
- A real estate lease agreement of €12,000 per annum (€10,000 in the south of Malta/Gozo).
- A non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.
- Donation of €2,000
- Each additional adult dependent on the application will need €7,500.
Benefits of the Malta residency by investment
|
5. Cyprus
The Cyprus Golden Visa program is a fast route to obtaining residency in Europe. Foreign investors can acquire an indefinite residence permit in Cyprus in a few months in exchange for a financial investment of €300,000 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 residents and non-residents.
The qualifying investment options for obtaining the Cyprus Golden Visa are:
- Purchase a residential property worth at least €300,000.
- Purchase a commercial property worth at least €300,000.
- Place a minimum investment of €300,000 in the share capital of a Cypriot company.
- Place a minimum investment of €300,000 in units of a Cyprus Collective Investment Organization (e.g., AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).
Cyprus Golden Visa benefits
|
6. Italy
The 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 travel access to the Schengen zone. It has a fast processing time and no stay requirements.
Four investments starting from €250,000 are available under the Italy Golden Visa scheme:
- Investing at least €2 million in government bonds.
- Purchasing €500,000 in corporate bonds or shares.
- Investing €250,000 in an innovative startup.
- Making a philanthropic donation of at least €1 million.
Italy Golden Visa benefits
|
7. Latvia
Latvia’s Golden Visa was launched in 2010. This 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 €50,000 in a Latvian company
- €250,000 investment in real estate
Latvia Golden Visa benefits
|
8. Hungary
The Hungary Golden Visa is new and was made available on 1 July 2024. It is also aimed at non-EU and non-EEA citizens looking for European residency and offers a ten-year residence permit. The European Golden Visa grants investors access to the Schengen area and the opportunity to live and work in Europe.
These are the available investment options:
- Purchase real estate fund units for at least €250,000
- Make a €1,000,000 donation to an institution of higher learning.
- The purchase of real estate options will be available on 1 January 2025.
Hungary Golden Visa benefits
|
9. Serbia
Serbia’s residency by investment program allows individuals to obtain residency through real estate investment. While there is no minimum investment requirement, applicants must purchase property 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
|
10. United States
The United States offers two investor visa programs: the US EB5 and E2 Visas. These two visa 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: At least $1.05 million (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area).
- Invest in a government-approved EB5 Regional Center project.
- E2: 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 |
|
|
11. Canada
Canada Start-Up Visa Program is one of the best Golden Visa in North America. It is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in Canada. It targets innovative business ideas that can create jobs for Canadians and compete globally. Successful applicants receive permanent residency, offering a pathway to Canadian citizenship.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have a business idea supported by a designated organization (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
|
12. United Arab Emirates
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.
Regarding investment routes, the UAE government provides a set of eligibility criteria beyond direct investments for foreigners to qualify for their program. These include:
- 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
|
13. Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program
is one of the Caribbean’s most popular and cheapest Golden Visas. Investors and their family members have the unique opportunity to apply for citizenship in just a few months.
Applicants looking to acquire Antigua and Barbuda citizenship may 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 grants one family member a one-year scholarship to the University of the West Indies.
Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment
|
14. Dominica
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment has
become popular due to its fast processing time, flexible requirements, and many benefits. In just a few months, qualifying investors can obtain a Dominica passport and dual citizenship status, visa-free access to over 140 countries, and enticing tax exemptions.
These are the investment options:
- A non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), which supports public and private sector projects in Dominica.
- Minimum contribution:
- $200,000 for a single applicant
- $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
|
15. St Kitts and Nevis
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program grants investors and their families a 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.
Here are the investment options:
- Invest at least $250,000 in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).
- Invest at least $400,000 in shares of a real estate property in the dual-island nation.
- A minimum investment of $400,000 in approved properties, such as hotels, villas, and condominium units, would be resalable after seven years.
- A home purchase as a sole owner with a minimum value of $800,000 would be resalable after five years.
Benefits of St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment
|
16. St Lucia
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 advantages, 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
|
17. Grenada
The Grenada citizenship by investment program
was launched in 2013. Since then, it has granted qualifying individuals and their family members the opportunity to apply for citizenship and a Grenada passport in exchange for a credible investment in the island’s economy.
Here are the investment options available:
- 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
|
18. Vanuatu
Vanuatu citizenship by investment is one of the world’s 
most attractive programs. The primary benefit is that investors can obtain a second passport in just one to two months, the shortest processing time for citizenship by investment.
In addition to its simple process, it offers investors visa-free travel to over 130 countries and tax advantages—including no income or capital gains tax.
These are the available investment options:
- Development Support Program (DSP): Make a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 for a single applicant
- $150,000 for a couple
- $165,000 for a family of three
- $180,000 for a family of four.
Benefits of Vanuatu citizenship by investment
|
Golden Visa Investment Options
Some common Golden Visa investments include:
- Real estate: Foreign investments in property through purchases are an option to obtain a Golden Visa residence permit.
- Government bonds: Purchasing government bonds, also known as dead securities, for a fixed period, usually 5-7 years.
- Business investment: Foreign entrepreneurs can establish or invest in existing businesses. This may involve creating new jobs.
- Bank deposit: A substantial deposit in a national or local bank.
- Startups and innovation: They require innovation, significant potential for growth, and ongoing job creation.
- Investment funds: Capital transfer investments in national or venture capital funds
- National development funds: They require a non-refundable contribution; however, the minimum investment is much lower than that of other options.
- Art and culture: Contributing to restoring and preserving cultural landmarks or art initiatives to support the country’s heritage and cultural development.
Golden Visas Investment Comparison
The purchase of real estate is one of the most famous routes for obtaining a Golden Visa. Here is a comparison of property investments 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 requiremen t) | N/A |
Dominica | Real Estate, Government Fund | $200,000 (Government Fund) | 6-9 months | Citizenship (no residency requiremen t) | N/A |
St Kitts and Nevis | Real Estate, Sugar Industry Fund | $250,000 (Government Fund) | 4-6 months | Citizenship (no residency requiremen t) | N/A |
Grenada | Real Estate, Government Fund | $235,000 (Government Fund) | 9 months | Citizenship (no residency requiremen t) | N/A |
St Lucia | Real Estate, Government Fund | $240,000 (Government Fund) | 10-12 months | Citizenship (no residency requiremen t) | N/A |
Vanuatu | Government Fund | $130,000 | 2 months | Citizenship (no residency requiremen t) | N/A |
Golden Visa Program Requirements
The requirements for these 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
- Golden Visa application for renewal
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 property, 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 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 Golden Visas
What are Golden Visas?
Golden Visas are immigration programs that offer residency or citizenship in exchange for substantial investment in the host country’s economy, such as 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 systems.
What Golden Visas are available in Europe?
Europe offers Golden Visas through various countries, including Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Malta. Each program requires investments such as property purchases, financial contributions, or business activities. Portugal’s program is notable for its real estate and fund investment options, while Greece and Spain focus on property investments. Malta also offers citizenship through investment.
Are Golden Visas expensive?
The cost of a Golden Visa depends on the country it’s obtained. For example, the Golden Visa’s minimum investment threshold starts at €250,000 for the Portugal Golden Visa, whereas the Spanish Golden Visa starts at €500,000.
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 €300,000, permanent residency status, and favorable tax system. However, Portugal is a better option for those looking for a quicker path to citizenship, as it only takes five years. In comparison, Cyprus requires seven years of residency, including military service.
What happens when you get a Golden visa?
When you get a Golden Visa, you gain residency rights in the issuing country, often with the ability to live, work, and study there. It typically grants visa-free travel within the region (e.g., the EU for European Golden Visas) and may lead to permanent residency or citizenship after a few years.
What is the easiest country in Europe to get citizenship?
Some of the easiest countries to get citizenship in Europe 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 €250,000.
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 investing at least €250,000 in the Italian economy. Residency permits are renewable and can lead to citizenship.
What is the success rate of Golden Visa applications?
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 or explanation to address any concerns. A clean criminal record and meeting investment requirements are the key factors.
Will obtaining a Golden Visa automatically grant me citizenship in that country?
Obtaining the visa does not automatically grant you 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 applicants to be outside the country of application, meaning you would generally need to apply for the visa from your home country or another country where you have legal residency.
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 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 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.
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 EU Schengen zone, potential citizenship after a period of residency, and full family residency.
