A Golden Visa refers to the immigration program which allows wealthy individuals to get a residence permit or even citizenship in another country simply by purchasing a house there or making a relatively large investment or donation.
Learn more about obtaining a Golden Visa:
Golden Visa Countries
Here is a list of countries that have a Golden Visa program:
| Country | Residency by Investment | Citizenship by Investment | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anguilla | Yes | No | Requires a minimum $150,000 investment in a government fund, with options for real estate or tax residency programs; offers permanent residency leading to potential British Overseas Citizenship. |
| Antigua and Barbuda | No | Yes | Offers immediate citizenship through investments in real estate, National Development Fund, business, or university fund starting at $100,000. |
| Austria | Yes | No | Demands €10 million business investment or €3 million in a government fund, with contributions to the economy and job creation. |
| Canada | Yes | No | Requires a bond investment of CAD 1.2 million, with residency needed for citizenship eligibility. |
| Germany | Yes | No | Encourages business investment (e.g., €360,000) for self-employment visas; permanent residence available after three years and citizenship after eight years. |
| Greece | Yes | No | Offers permanent residency through real estate purchase (€250,000+), investments, or leases; citizenship possible after seven years. |
| Grenada | No | Yes | Provides citizenship without a residency requirement for $150,000 investment in a national fund or real estate. |
| Ireland | Yes | No | Requires a €1 million investment in funds, real estate, or endowments, leading to renewable residence permits and possible citizenship through naturalization. |
| Malta | Yes | Yes | Offers residency starting at €98,000 and a one-year citizenship program with a €750,000 investment; allows dual citizenship. |
| New Zealand | Yes | No | Investment options include NZD 10 million for Investor 1 Visa or NZD 3 million for Investor 2 Visa, with pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. |
| Portugal | Yes | No | Provides residency for a €500,000 real estate investment, with citizenship available after five years. |
| Singapore | Yes | No | Requires SGD 2.5 million investment in business, funds, or single-family offices; citizenship possible after two years as a permanent resident. |
| Spain | Yes | No | Offers residency for €500,000 real estate investment, leading to permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten years. |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | No | Yes | Grants immediate citizenship through a $150,000 government fund contribution or $200,000 real estate investment. |
| St. Lucia | No | Yes | Offers a second passport for $100,000 investment in a government fund, with no residency requirement. |
| Switzerland | Yes | No | Requires payment of annual taxes (€150,000-1 million) for residency; citizenship requires ten years of residence. |
| The Cayman Islands | Yes | No | Offers permanent residency with $2.5 million real estate investment; citizenship possible after five years as a British Overseas Citizen. |
| The United Kingdom | Yes | No | Offers a Tier-1 Investor visa for £2 million investment, leading to citizenship through additional criteria. |
| Turkey | No | Yes | Grants citizenship within 3-6 months for a $250,000 real estate investment; includes visa-free access to 125 countries. |
| United Arab Emirates | Yes | No | Offers 5- or 10-year residency programs, with investments starting from AED 5 million in real estate or AED 10 million in public investments. |
| United States of America | No | Yes | Offers EB-5 and EB-2 investor visas with pathways to permanent residency; citizenship possible through EB-5 visa investments starting at $900,000. |
| Vanuatu | No | Yes | Provides citizenship with $130,000 investment in a government fund or through government-approved real estate purchases. |
Countries That Have Cancelled Golden Visa Programs
Cyprus
As of 2020, Cyprus canceled its Golden Visa program. Previously the scheme was one of the most popular, serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia for investors. It allowed investors to gain permanent residency after purchasing a property with at least €300,000 plus VAT.
However, the government closed off the program due to accusations of corruption in which citizenship was sold to individuals who had a criminal record. It’s unlikely the scheme will be active again at present.
Moldova
The Moldova Citizenship by Investment scheme was launched in 2018. However, in 2020 the government suspended the program after the majority of the parliament voted against the scheme. Current applications submitted before the suspension will be processed, while no more new applications are accepted.
The program allowed citizenship by investing a minimum contribution to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of €100,000 for a single applicant. But, now it’s most likely the program will not be continued in the future.
Montenegro
Montenegro has made the final decision to close its citizenship by investment program. While the program offered citizensjip with a total amount of €350,000, the program was closed in December of 2022. This decision lies mainly due to Montenegro’s aspirations to join the EU while the European Commission strongly discourages such investment programs.
Additionally, when the program was active, it received a limited number of applications encouraging the end of the program.
Golden Visa Requirements
To get a Golden Visa you must meet the following requirements:
- 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.
- Have a clear criminal background.
- You must have enough financial resources to sustain yourself and any family members that are coming with you – even if you do not intend to live there.
How to Apply for a Golden Visa?
To apply for a Golden Visa, you must purchase a property (real estate) in a foreign country. The cost of the real estate ranges from $200,000 to over $2 million.
Other investment options may include:
- Make a capital investment in a company’s shares/stocks.
- Make a capital investment in the country’s public debt or government bonds.
- Create employment opportunities.
- Contribute to a country’s scientific or technological innovation.
After making your investment, you can apply for a Golden Visa either at the respective Embassy in your country or a relevant government body abroad. In any case, your first point of reference should be the Embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Golden Visas Lead to Citizenship?
Yes, a Golden Visa can eventually lead to citizenship. Although a Golden Visa automatically comes with a residence permit, there is usually a longer path to getting a passport.
What is the Quickest Way to Citizenship by Investment?
One of the countries offering the quickest citizenship route via investment is Portugal. You become eligible for Portuguese citizenship after five years, regardless of whether you lived in the country or not.
How Long Is a Golden Visa Valid?
The validity of a Golden Visa depends on the country which issues it. You are usually looking at 1-2 years validity, with the possibility to renew indefinitely.
If you live in the country which issued the Visa, you eventually become eligible for permanent residence and citizenship, after 5-10 years.
Can Family Be Included in the Golden Visa Application?
Yes, your dependent family members can apply with you. This includes the spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. Everyone included in the application enjoys the same rights as the main applicant, such as residency, freedom of movement, etc.
Do You Have to Live in the Property You Got for Golden Visa?
No, there are usually no residency requirements for investors. You can continue to renew the visa indefinitely as long as you maintain the investment (i.e. you do not sell the house). Additionally, some countries, such as Greece and Cyprus, allow you to rent out the property while you are away.
Can I Get a Golden Visa If I Buy A House By Mortgage?
No, you cannot apply for a Golden Visa if you purchased a house using financial aid. You must own all the money you invest.
However, you may be allowed to use financing to pay for the amount of money exceeding the required minimum. For example, if you purchase a property worth $500,000, but the requirement is $300,000, you can pay the 300k in full and then use financing for the remaining $200,000.
Similarly, if you decide to make a joint investment, all participants have to invest the minimum required amount. You cannot split it between yourselves.