Global Golden Visas

Investing in a foreign country can secure you a second residency or even citizenship through what are known as Golden Visa programs. These initiatives are designed for non-citizens who can invest in a country’s economy, typically by purchasing property, contributing to a fund, or buying government bonds. This investment offers a range of benefits, including visa-free travel, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and the freedom to work and live in the host country, often extending these privileges to the investor’s family.

Golden Visas provide a pathway to greater global mobility and personal freedom, attracting affluent individuals by offering them the same living rights as a citizen. The investment thresholds and specific requirements vary from country to country, but they all serve to draw foreign talent and capital, offering new opportunities for both the investor and the host country.

Global Golden Visa Programs: A Comparative Guide

1. Greece: Greece offers a compelling Golden Visa program, particularly for those interested in real estate. The investment threshold for property purchase begins at €250,000, though it can rise to €800,000 in prime areas like Athens and the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Other investment routes include bank deposits and government bonds. The visa is renewable indefinitely and includes the investor’s spouse, children, and parents. After seven years of residency, investors can apply for full citizenship.
2. United Arab Emirates: The UAE offers a Residence by Investment program that provides 5- or 10-year renewable residency permits. Investors can secure a visa by purchasing property with a value ranging from 1 million to 2 million AED. Recent changes have made it possible to include off-plan or mortgaged properties in the investment. This visa allows holders to live, work, and sponsor family members, offering a significant degree of freedom and stability.
3. Turkey: Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the more affordable options, requiring a real estate investment of just $400,000. Many investors choose to buy property in Istanbul, the country’s economic hub. The only requirement is that the property must be held for a minimum of three years. This program offers a direct path to Turkish citizenship and has become a popular choice for international investors.
4. Malta: Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme offers long-term residency to non-EU investors. The program is flexible, allowing applicants to combine a property investment with a government contribution and a charitable donation. This permanent residency status offers visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone, providing a key benefit for those seeking greater European mobility.
5. Cyprus: Cyprus attracts investors with its favorable tax policies, including no inheritance tax. Its Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) program requires a minimum investment of €300,000 in real estate. This program is a fast-track route to gaining residency and offers access to certain EU advantages without immediate citizenship.
6. Portugal: Although Portugal has discontinued its property investment route, its Golden Visa program remains a popular option for investors through capital transfers or business investments. The program grants a residence permit that can be renewed for five years, after which applicants can apply for full citizenship.
7. Italy: The Italian Investor Visa is designed to attract foreign capital by offering a renewable two-year permit. Eligible investments include government bonds, shares in Italian companies, or philanthropic donations. This program does not include a property purchase option.
8. Hungary: Hungary’s new Guest Investor Program (GIP) offers a 10-year renewable residence permit to non-EU citizens. The program, launched in 2024, has three main investment routes: a €250,000 investment in a real estate fund, a €500,000 purchase of a residential property, or a €1 million donation to a Hungarian higher education institution.
9. St Kitts and Nevis: St Kitts and Nevis offers two main routes to citizenship: a $150,000 contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund or a real estate purchase of at least $200,000, with a required holding period. The program is quick to process and offers visa-free travel to over 150 destinations.
10. St Lucia: St Lucia’s program offers a variety of investment options, including a real estate purchase of $300,000 in an approved development. The program is completed in approximately six months, allows for dual citizenship, and provides visa-free access to 146 destinations.
11. Antigua and Barbuda: This program is known for its fast processing time, averaging just four months. The real estate investment starts at $400,000 in a government-approved development. A unique feature is the visa-free travel to Hong Kong, Russia, and the Schengen Area.
12. Dominica: With a minimum investment of just €200,000 in a government fund or real estate, Dominica offers a straightforward path to second citizenship. The program is approved in about six months and allows for the inclusion of family members.
13. United States: The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa offers a direct route to a U.S. green card. The required investment is $800,000 in a targeted employment area or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA project. It’s a long-term path to permanent residency, contingent on creating or preserving a specific number of jobs. The E-2 Treaty Visa offers an alternative for treaty country citizens, requiring a smaller investment.
14. Germany: While not a traditional Golden Visa, Germany’s Section 21 of the German Residence Act offers a pathway to residency for investors. The program requires an investment of €250,000 to €360,000 and the creation of jobs. It can lead to a renewable permit and, eventually, permanent residency or citizenship.
15. Singapore: The Global Investor Program (GIP) is a prestigious pathway for experienced entrepreneurs. Applicants can invest SGD 10 million in a new or existing business or SGD 25 million in approved funds. It offers a direct route to Permanent Resident (PR) status.
16. Canada: The Start-up Visa Program offers permanent residency to foreign entrepreneurs. A unique feature is that up to five co-founders can apply with the same business proposal, and their families can join them as permanent residents.
17. Luxembourg: Luxembourg offers a residency-by-investment program for non-EU nationals. Applicants can invest in an existing or new business, a management structure, or a financial institution. It’s a route that leads to permanent status or naturalization after a few years.
18. Spain: As of April 3, 2025, Spain has discontinued its Golden Visa program. Applications submitted before this date will be processed, but new applications are no longer being accepted.
19. Other Notable Programs: Other EU countries like Austria and the Netherlands offer unique residency paths. Outside of Europe, programs in the Middle East and Asia are also attractive.