Last reviewed on April 26, 2024
Golden Visa Programs
EU Golden Visas allow travelling visa-free across the Schengen Area states for up to 90 days out of 180 and creating a safe haven in Europe, while the UAE Golden Visa grants new business and lifestyle opportunities.
Golden Visas have a similar procedure for obtaining. Still, they vary in visa-free destinations, required expenses, citizenship prospects, and residence card renewal frequency.
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Choose the program to know more
What is a Golden Visa?
The meaning of a Golden Visa is quite simple: it is a residency by investment program. In other words, it is one of the fastest ways for wealthy families to become legal residents of a foreign country.
Minimum investment depends on a Golden Visa country, ranging from €150,000 to millions.
Golden Visa programs give opportunities to relocate to a favourable jurisdiction or visit it occasionally — it is up to the Golden Visa holder’s wish. Residency in a foreign state guarantees legal rights, including the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare there.
In 2024, investors can get temporary or permanent residence permits in 21 states across the globe. The minimum investment amount varies from €150,000 in Malta to $800,000 in the USA
Who is a Golden Visa for?
1. Emerging countries nationals. As a rule, passports of such countries as India or China are regarded as not powerful because they provide visa-free access to a very limited number of countries. The standard of living, level of medicine, education, and general safety are usually low.
That’s why wealthy citizens look for opportunities to improve their quality of life by moving to another country and getting a second passport in the future.
2. Business owners. People doing business abroad and frequently visiting other countries can also benefit from having a Golden Visa.
Golden Visa holders are allowed to set up companies in the country of their residence permit, which expands their business opportunities and allows them to enter new markets.
After obtaining a residence permit by investment in an EU country, they can live there without restrictions and spend up to 90 days every half a year in other Schengen Area states without needing a visa.
3. US citizens. Although the US passport ranks 12th for freedom of movement and already grants visa-free access to the EU, Americans can get a Golden Visa to relocate and create a safe haven on another continent.
After getting a residence permit, they get an opportunity to work and do business in Europe, access the best world’s clinics, and obtain a second citizenship in future.
9 benefits you can enjoy with your Golden Visa
The advantages of a Golden Visa depend on the country where you would like to apply for it. Golden Visas of European countries have a lot of expected benefits. In contrast, the UAE Golden Visa has its own, for example, tax optimisation and very beneficial conditions for staying in the country.
1
Moving to Europe
A European residence permit or permanent residency allows you to live in the country of residence. At the same time, moving is a right, not an obligation: most programs do not require you to live in the country.
A European residence permit or permanent residency allows you to live in the country of residence. At the same time, moving is a right, not an obligation: most programs do not require you to live in the country.
2
Creating a safe haven
An investor with a residence permit can enter the country anytime, even when entry may be denied to foreigners with valid visas. In case of unexpected circumstances in the home country, you will be able to leave it emergently without waiting for a visa to another country.
An investor with a residence permit can enter the country anytime, even when entry may be denied to foreigners with valid visas. In case of unexpected circumstances in the home country, you will be able to leave it emergently without waiting for a visa to another country.
3
Travelling visa-free to the Schengen Area countries
Investors with an EU residence permit can spend up to 90 days out of 180 in the Schengen Area countries without a visa. The time spent in the country issuing the residence permit is not taken into account during this period.
Investors with an EU residence permit can spend up to 90 days out of 180 in the Schengen Area countries without a visa. The time spent in the country issuing the residence permit is not taken into account during this period.
4
Obtaining European citizenship
A citizenship application can be submitted after 5—10 years of residency. Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy recognise dual citizenship.
A citizenship application can be submitted after 5—10 years of residency. Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy recognise dual citizenship.
5
Business opportunities
Golden Visa holders can register companies in the country of residence. This simplifies doing business or expanding it, for example, entering new markets.
Golden Visa holders can register companies in the country of residence. This simplifies doing business or expanding it, for example, entering new markets.
6
Access to European education
Investors’ children can study at schools and universities in the country that issued the residence permit. The investor and their family become entitled to apply for scholarships and grants on the same conditions as citizens.
Investors’ children can study at schools and universities in the country that issued the residence permit. The investor and their family become entitled to apply for scholarships and grants on the same conditions as citizens.
7
Right to seek treatment in foreign clinics
All the investor’s family members included in the application have access to healthcare services in the country of residence.
EU residents don’t need a medical visa to get treated in another Schengen state if the course of treatment won’t take longer than 90 days.
All the investor’s family members included in the application have access to healthcare services in the country of residence.
EU residents don’t need a medical visa to get treated in another Schengen state if the course of treatment won’t take longer than 90 days.
8
Tax optimisation
The investor can become a tax resident after spending more than 183 days a year in the country of residence. It provides an opportunity to optimise taxes, as Golden Visa countries usually have preferential tax rates.
The investor can become a tax resident after spending more than 183 days a year in the country of residence. It provides an opportunity to optimise taxes, as Golden Visa countries usually have preferential tax rates.
9
Initial investment returned
Most residency by investment programs allow the initial investment to be returned after several years.
Most residency by investment programs allow the initial investment to be returned after several years.
Common investment options to get EU Golden Visas
Possible options that investors can choose to obtain an EU Golden Visa depend on the country. However, in general, all options can be divided into several groups:
Real estate. Usually, investors are allowed to purchase commercial or residential property. In some countries such as Greece and Spain, the property can be rented out and generate income. After several years, the property can be sold, and the investment returned.
Financial instruments. Options under this group include purchasing stocks, investment fund units, or government bonds. After several years, the securities can be sold, and the investment is returned.
Business investment. Some options for business investments include setting up a new company in the country, investing capital in the existing business or an innovative startup.
Charitable donation. Such options are non-refundable, and the invested capital can be used to support arts, research, and culture.
EU countries that offer popular Golden Visa programs
Seven EU countries offer the most favourable Golden Visa programs. Their conditions are similar but, in another way, vary for each country’s minimum investment and residency requirements.
Country
Portugal
Acquired status
Residence permit
Min investment
€250,000
Obtaining timeframe
8—10 months
Residing requirements
7 days per annum
Country
Malta
Acquired status
Permanent residency
Min investment
€150,000
Obtaining timeframe
6—8 months
Residing requirements
None
Country
Greece
Acquired status
Residence permit
Min investment
€250,000
Obtaining timeframe
6+ months
Residing requirements
None
Country
Cyprus
Acquired status
Permanent residency
Min investment
€300,000
Obtaining timeframe
6+ months
Residing requirements
Visit every 2 years
Country
Spain
Acquired status
Residence permit
Min investment
€500,000
Obtaining timeframe
5+ months
Residing requirements
None
Country
Italy
Acquired status
Residence permit
Min investment
€250,000
Obtaining timeframe
3+ months
Residing requirements
None
Country
Hungary
Acquired status
Residence permit
Min investment
€250,000
Obtaining timeframe
Several months
Residing requirements
Unknown
Most countries allow investors to obtain a residence permit. The residence permit validity period is limited to several years. To extend the status, the investor usually has to meet certain conditions, for example, to keep their investments.
Permanent residency that can be obtained under the Malta Permanent Residence Program or Cyprus Golden Visa program is granted for life. Investors do not have to extend the status. However, they must confirm meeting the program conditions during the first 5 years in Malta.
The family can obtain a residence permit or permanent residency with the investor. Under all the programs, the investor can add a spouse and dependent children to the application.
Portugal, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Malta also allow dependent parents to be included. Besides, Portugal is the only country where dependent siblings can also be granted Golden Visas.
Travel opportunities. All the countries’ residency, except for Cyprus, provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area, meaning investors and their family members will be allowed to visit any Schengen country without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days out of 180.
Uncover the privileges granted by Golden Visas to their holders
Golden Visas in EU countries
Portugal Golden Visa
Golden Visa holders are allowed but not required to live in Portugal: as long as they spend at least seven days a year in the country, their residence permit remains valid.
After five years as a Golden Visa holder, the investor and their family can apply for Portugal permanent residency or citizenship.
€250,000+
Supporting arts and restoring cultural heritage
€500,000+
Purchase of investment fund units
Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The investor has to fulfil several investment conditions: buy or rent real estate in the country, pay government fees, and make a charitable donation. They must also confirm a capital of €500,000, including at least €150,000 of liquid financial assets.
The permanent residence card is to be renewed every 5 years. The Residency Malta Agency carries out an annual check for the first five years to ensure the investor still meets the conditions.
€300,000+
Residential property purchase in the south of Malta or on the island of Gozo
€350,000+
Residential property purchase in the north or centre of Malta
Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa Program has one of the lowest investment requirements in the European Union. However, it’ll change in 2024: the investment threshold for purchasing real estate will rise to €400,000—800,000 on September 1st, 2024.
The investment property is available for long-term leasing. But maintaining residency requires keeping the property in ownership.
€250,000+
Residential or commercial property purchase
Cyprus Golden Visa
Cyprus permanent residency by investment is granted for life. However, to maintain the status, the investor has to visit the island every 2 years and renew a permanent residence card every ten years.
A permanent resident can obtain Cyprus citizenship after 5 years of living on the island in a soft Mediterranean climate next to the sea.
€300,000+
Purchase of a new residential or any commercial property
Spain Golden Visa
The investor and their family do not need to take language and cultural exams to obtain a Spain Golden Visa. Also, they are not required to reside or spend time in Spain, and the law allows investment property to be rented out.
The permanent residency can be obtained after 5 years of living in Spain. In five more years, the investor can apply for citizenship.
€500,000+
Purchase of residential or commercial property
Italy Golden Visa
The Italy residence permit is issued for two years. It can then be extended for three years if the investment is maintained.
Investors are not required to live in Italy if they do not want to obtain citizenship. Golden Visa holders get citizenship by naturalisation under general conditions after 10 years of living in the country.
€250,000+
Investment in innovative startups
€500,000+
Equity investment in a limited company
Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungarian government is relaunching a Golden Visa Program in 2024. The residence permit for investors will be valid for 10 years.
The applicant will initially get a 2-year Guest Investor Visa. The visa holder will have 93 calendar days after the first entry to Hungary to fulfil the investment condition and apply for a residence permit.
€250,000+
Purchase of units in a real estate investment fund
€500,000+
Purchase of a residential property
Austria doesn’t have a Golden Visa program but grants residence permits to financially independent people.
Applicants prove a stable income from foreign sources, owned or rented housing in Austria, and proficiency in German. The expenses for obtaining Austria residency start at €100,000, and residents are obliged to spend at least 183 days a year in the country.
Belgium’s Investor Visa allows getting a residence permit in one of the most robust EU countries. Applicants can choose from three options: to set up an international holding structure, invest in an existing Belgian company, or invest in a foreign company through a holding company set up in Belgium.
The minimum investment amount is not regulated, but the suggested capital typically hovers around €300,000.
A residence permit is granted for 1 year and can be renewed annually. After three years of permanent living in the country, the investor becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Germany doesn’t have a Golden Visa program. Still, residence permits can be obtained by foreigners who intend to start a business in the country or want to live there as financially independent persons. In the first case, one should provide a business plan and sufficient funds to open a company. The second case requires proof of funds to support the family.
You may apply for permanent residency after three to five years of living in Germany. The minimum required period to apply for citizenship is six years.
Besides some exceptions, Germany doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so many expats choose permanent residence as a life-long status.
The Netherlands grants Golden Visas to investors who contribute at least €1,250,000 to the country’s economy and can prove that their investment provides non-financial added value, such as creating at least 10 new jobs in 5 years or stimulating innovation.
The residence permit is granted for 3 years with an opportunity to extend it for another 5 years. After getting the status, the investor and family members included in the application must move to the Netherlands. Otherwise, the residence permit will be revoked.
Ireland’s Golden Visa under the Immigrant Investor Programme can be obtained for an investment of at least €400,000. The lowest investment amount is required for a charitable donation; investment in a business or an investment fund is €1 million, and purchasing shares in a real estate investment fund requires €2 million. Each option, except donation, allows one to return the funds after three years.
The first residence permit is valid for two years, the second — for three years, and all the subsequent ones are for five years. To apply for citizenship, one must live in Ireland for at least five years.
In Luxembourg, wealthy foreigners are granted Golden Visas for investments ranging from €500,000 to €2,000,000. Options include investing in an existing or a new company, contributing to family wealth management funds, private equity, or venture capital funds, or depositing.
The residence permit requires the investor to live in the country and is to be renewed every three years. After five years of residing in the country, the investor can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Total comparison of EU Golden Visa programs
Cost calculation
Family members participation
Investment options comparison
Benefits of each Golden Visa
PDF, 36 pages, 12 MB
Other countries that grant Golden Visas
UAE Golden Visa
The UAE grants investors and their families 2- or 10-year residence visas, providing opportunities to optimise taxation and keep country residents’ benefits without the obligation to live in the UAE. There are also no restrictions on the time of stay in other countries.
Investors may buy properties in special Freehold Zones and use mortgages to purchase properties.
AED 750,000+
Purchase of real estate for a 2-year residence permit
US EB-5 Visa
The USA Golden Visa, or an EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, offers residency for investors and their families if they invest $800,000+ into a company, creating at least 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified US workers.
The application may also include investors’ spouses and children under 21.
Investors get a Green Card and may apply for US citizenship after five years of residency.
$800,000+
Business investments
Canada’s Golden Visa under the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program offers residency to wealthy business people worldwide if they contribute CAD 1.2 million. Investors, their spouses or common-law partners, and their minor children may get Canadian permanent residence.
New Zealand Golden Visa could be obtained by investing NZD 3 million to NZD 10 million, but this program closed on July 27th, 2022. The new one is Active Investor Plus, and the minimum investment amount has been raised to NZD 5 million.
Applicants may invest in businesses and some kinds of assets. Also, they are obliged to spend at least 177 days in four years in New Zealand.
Andorra’s Golden Visa can be obtained by investing €600,000 in real estate. Residence permit holders can visit France and Spain without visas and get visas to the Schengen Area, the USA, Canada, and other countries under a fast-track procedure.
Investors get residence permits in Andorra mainly for tax benefits and as a “safe haven” in Europe.
Switzerland residence permits can be issued to foreigners who have concluded a tax agreement with one of the cantons. According to this agreement, an investor pays an annual lump-sum tax calculated individually according to their worldwide expenses and the canton’s requirements. Usually, it is ₣450,000 or more.
Swiss residence permit holders are obliged to spend 183+ days a year in the country. After ten years of residence, they may apply for citizenship.
Monaco’s Golden Visa is available to foreigners deemed “a good fit” for the Principality, i.e., those who can afford life in this city-state. To qualify, the applicant has to rent or purchase real estate and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. The latter can be done by depositing at least €500,000 in a bank account.
The Golden Visa processing time usually takes around 3 months; the visa is valid for one year.
The UK closed its Golden Visa program (Tier 1 Investor Visa) in February 2022. For now, investors have to choose one of the other routes to migrate to the UK, for example, running a business there.
You may apply for a Startup Visa by opening a prospective company with the endorsement of an authorised body. This visa is valid for two years only, and extension is prohibited, but you can switch to an Innovator visa to stay longer.
If you want to run an innovative business in the UK, which differs from everything on the market, an Innovator visa may suit you. This visa is valid for three years, and you may extend it unlimited times.
Caribbean passport by investment: is it a Golden Visa or not?
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis allow investors from all over the world to participate in citizenship by investment programs. Sometimes, these programs are called “the Caribbean Golden Visas”, but such a designation is incorrect.
Typically, a Golden Visa means a residence permit by investment. But when it comes to the Caribbean countries, investors are granted citizenship, not residency.
The minimum investment amount for obtaining citizenship in the Caribbean is $100,000. Each program offers several options. For example, to get a Grenada passport by investment, one can contribute $150,000+ to a state fund or invest $220,000+ in a government-approved real estate project.
If an investor chooses to purchase real estate, they can sell their share in 3—7 years and partially return the money spent on participation in the citizenship program.
The Caribbean passport by investment allows its holder to travel visa-free to 140+ countries, including the UK and the entire Schengen Area, get a long-term US visitor visa and use other benefits.
Golden Visas requirements for applicants
A specific list of requirements for applicants depends on the program you choose. However, there are some general points in all Golden Visa terms.
Investors should comply with the following requirements to get a Golden Visa card:
be over 18 years old;
own money for investment earned not in the country of the program they apply for;
have no criminal record or prosecution;
be able to prove the legality of income;
not be under sanctions;
have health insurance.
Some countries have other demands: for example, an applicant should not have any debts in Portugal to get a Golden Visa card. Also, in most cases, one should have rented or own housing in the country to apply for a residence permit.
How to apply for a Golden Visa?
Every Golden Visa program has its application procedure, but some steps are standard. Usually, an applicant should fulfil the chosen investment condition, such as buying a property or opening a business, collecting all the required documents, and applying for a residence permit.
A government unit or agency responsible for the program conducts Due Diligence and decides whether to issue a Golden Visa card.
Turning to a licensed agent
The licensed agent’s help is a must under most Golden Visa Programs, as governments usually accept applications only through such designated agents, not from investors directly.
When contacting a licensed agent, you discuss your case with investment migration experts, undergo preliminary Due Diligence, and sign a Services Agreement.
Immigrant Invest is a licenced agent of government-approved investment programs in the EU and the Caribbean. We accompany our customers, from choosing the program that best suits their needs to obtain the status and a Golden Visa card renewal.
Choosing an investment option
Investors usually buy real estate to get Golden Visas. This option is available in Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Hungary, and the UAE. In Malta, having purchased or rented housing is one of the mandatory conditions.
Immigrant Invest has a database of real estate projects in different countries from reliable developers. The property experts help in selecting real estate and concluding the deal.
Portugal, Italy, and the USA don’t accept real estate as an investment for a Golden Visa. Investors purchase fund units or support businesses there.
Preparation of documents
Immigrant Invest lawyers compile a list of documents depending on the chosen country and investment option, including but not limited to:
a valid passport;
a certificate of no criminal records;
birth certificates;
a marriage certificate, if applies;
proof of funds and their legitimacy;
a CV;
health insurance.
The investor collects the originals and passes them to the lawyers, who arrange translation and notarization of copies.
Applying for a Golden Visa
The documents are submitted to the country’s migration service or a specially designated program agency.
In some countries, an attorney can make the application by proxy, but personal attendance might be required. For example, the investor must be in Spain when applying for a Golden Visa, entering the country in advance on a Schengen Visa, if required.
Due Diligence
Due Diligence is the critical step of every Golden Visa program. Its results define whether the applicant will get a residence permit. The rejection may lead to the impossibility of participating in similar programs.
The designated migration authority checks the applicant’s eligibility for a Golden Visa. Besides, they confirm the legitimacy of the investor’s fund and income sources and the absence of criminal records, prosecutions, visa denials, and sanctions.
Due Diligence usually takes several weeks to be completed.
Getting a residence permit card
If Due Diligence is passed and the application is approved, the investor visits the migration service for fingerprinting and taking photos for their residence permit card.
The residence permit is issued 2—4 weeks later. It can be collected personally from the migration service, by an attorney by proxy, or received by mail to the registered address in the country.
Renewal of the residence permit card
Depending on the country and the program, investors renew their residence permits 1—10 years later. Keeping residency might require holding the initial investment and proving compliance with the program conditions.
The investor usually collects the same documents as for the first residence permit and re-submits fingerprints. In some countries, proof of mandatory residing must be demonstrated.
Which country is best for a Golden Visa?
Which Golden Visa to choose depends on your goals, budget, and plans for obtaining citizenship in future. See the Golden Visa comparison in our shortlists below, which could help you narrow down your options.
Visa-free destinations
Travel visa-free to the Schengen countries for 90 days in any 180 days
Lower cost
The minimum investment amount for a single applicant, subject to government fees
Quicker path to citizenship
Subject to maintaining the residence permit and passing the required exams
Infrequent renewal of the residence card
Renew a residence permit or permanent residence card every five years or not renew at all
Total comparison of EU Golden Visa programs
Cost calculation
Family members participation
Investment options comparison
Benefits of each Golden Visa
PDF, 36 pages, 12 MB
Answers to frequently asked questions
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Chief Development Officer in Immigrant Invest, lawyer