Updated on October 10, 2025

Golden Visas

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.

What is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa enables foreign investors to obtain temporary or permanent residency in a country in exchange for a significant investment. The word "golden" refers to the high value of the investment required.

Minimum investment depends on a Golden Visa country, ranging from €50,000 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.

Who is a Golden Visa for?

  • 1

    Emerging countries nationals

    As a rule, passports of developing countries 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 might be 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 in an EU country, investors can live there without restrictions and spend up to 90 days every half a year in 29 Schengen Area states without needing a visa.

  • 3

    US citizens

    Although the US passport ranks in the top 10 countries 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 at a lower cost, and obtain a second citizenship in future.

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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:

  1. Real estate . Usually, investors are allowed to purchase commercial or residential property. In some countries such as Greece, the property can be rented out and generate income. After several years, the property can be sold, and the investment returned.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Charitable donation. Such options are non-refundable, and the invested capital can be used to support arts, research, and culture.

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. European Golden Visa countries offer many common benefits. In contrast, the UAE Golden Visa has its own, for example, tax optimisation and beneficial conditions for staying in the country.

  • 1

    Moving to another country

    A 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 Golden Visas do not require you to live in the country.

  • 2

    Creating a safe haven

    Golden Visa holders 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, investors will be able to leave it emergently without waiting for a visa.

  • 3

    Travelling visa-free to the Schengen Area countries

    The Schengen Area countries are available for entry without a visa for investors with an EU residence permit. The time spent in the country issuing the residence permit is not taken into account into the 90/180 rule.

  • 4

    Obtaining European citizenship

    A citizenship application can be submitted after 5—10 years of residency. Countries like Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, 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 by entering new markets.

  • 6

    Access to European education

    Investors’ children can study at schools and universities in the country that issued the residence permit. They 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.

  • 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 some 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.

Seven EU countries offer the best Golden Visa programs in Europe. They are Portugal, Latvia, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and Hungary. Portugal, Latvia, Greece, Italy, and Hungary offer temporary residence permits, while Cyprus grants permanent residency. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme also offers a permanent resident status.

The conditions are similar but vary in terms of each country's minimum investment and residency requirements. The obtaining period is also different.

Golden Visa terms in EU countries

Country

Acquired status

Residence permit

Minimum investment

€50,000

Obtaining timeframe

3+ months

Residing requirements

None

Country

Acquired status

Permanent residency

Minimum investment

€169,000

Obtaining timeframe

6+ months

Residing requirements

None

Country

Acquired status

Residence permit

Minimum investment

€250,000

Obtaining timeframe

12+ months

Residing requirements

7 days per annum

Country

Acquired status

Residence permit

Minimum investment

€250,000

Obtaining timeframe

4+ months

Residing requirements

None

Country

Acquired status

Residence permit

Minimum investment

€250,000

Obtaining timeframe

4+ months

Residing requirements

None

Country

Acquired status

Residence permit

Minimum investment

€250,000

Obtaining timeframe

5+ months

Residing requirements

None

Country

Acquired status

Permanent residency

Minimum investment

€300,000

Obtaining timeframe

9+ months

Residing requirements

Visit every 2 years

Country

Acquired status

Minimum investment

Obtaining timeframe

Residing requirements

Residence permit

€50,000

3+ months

None

Permanent residency

€169,000

6+ months

None

Residence permit

€250,000

12+ months

7 days per annum

Residence permit

€250,000

4+ months

None

Residence permit

€250,000

4+ months

None

Residence permit

€250,000

5+ months

None

Permanent residency

€300,000

9+ months

Visit every 2 years

Golden Visa residency types

Most countries allow investors to obtain a residence permit , which is usually valid for 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 Programme or the Cyprus Golden Visa program is granted for life. Investors do not have to extend the status. However, in Malta, they must confirm meeting the program conditions during the first 5 years.

Golden Visa conditions for family members

The family can obtain a residence permit or permanent residency with the investor. Under all the programs, the applicant can add a spouse and dependent children to the application.

Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Malta also allow dependent parents to be included. 

Travel opportunities with a Golden Visa

All countries’ Golden Visas, except Cyprus, provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area

EU residence permits allow investors and their family members to visit any Schengen country without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Golden Visas in EU countries

pt-flag Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal offers five investment options, with investment fund units being the most popular. Golden Visa holders are required to spend only 7 days per year in the country to maintain their permit.

After five years as a Golden Visa holder, the investor can apply for Portugal permanent residency or citizenship.

  • Residency by investment :yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Full program conditions

€250,000+

Supporting arts and restoring cultural heritage

€500,000+

Purchase of investment fund units

+3 more options in a guide

mt-flag Malta Permanent Residence Programme

The investor has to fulfil several investment conditions: buy or rent real estate, pay government fees, and donate to a charity. They must also confirm a capital of at least €500,000.

The permanent residence card is to be renewed every 5 years.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Full program conditions

€14,000+ per year

Residential property rental

€375,000+

Residential property purchase

+3 conditions in a guide

gr-flag Greece Golden Visa

Applicants can invest in real estate, local companies, government bonds, and securities or open a bank deposit. The investment sum varies.

The residence permit is issued for 5 years and can be renewed. Investors can apply for permanent residence after 5 years and for citizenship after 7 years.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Full program conditions

€250,000+

Property purchase

+8 more options in a guide

cy-flag Cyprus Golden Visa

Cyprus permanent residency by investment is granted for life. 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 8 years of living on the island.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Full program conditions

€300,000+

Purchase of a new residential or any commercial property

+2 more options in a guide

it-flag Italy Golden Visa

Italy offers four investment options and the minimum investment threshold varies from €250,000 to 2 million. 

The residence permit is issued for two years and can then be extended for three years. Golden Visa holders get citizenship after 10 years of living in the country.

  • Residency by investment: yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Full program conditions

€250,000+

Investment in innovative startups

+2 more options in a guide

hu-flag Hungary Golden Visa

Hungary offers two investment options: buying investment fund units or donating to a higher education institution. The residence permit is valid for 10 years and renewable once.

Permanent residency is granted after 3 years; applying for a passport is possible after additional 8 years.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Full program conditions

€250,000+

Purchase of units in a real estate investment fund

+1 more option in a guide

lv-flag Latvia Golden Visa

Latvia offers three investment options: real estate, business investment, or a bank deposit. The residence permit is valid for 5 years, subject to renewal indefinitely.

Permanent residency is granted after 5 years; applying for a passport is possible after additional 5 years.

Latvia generally does not recognise dual citizenship, but there are a few exceptions.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Full program conditions

€50,000+

Business investment

+2 more option in a guide

at-flag

Austria doesn’t have a Golden Visa but grants residence permits to people with a passive income of €2,436+. Applicants also buy or rent housing and prove proficiency in German. It is required to spend at least 183 days a year in Austria to maintain the status.

Permanent residence can be obtained after five years, and citizenship is granted in another five years. Dual citizenship is not recognised.

  • Residency by investment : no

  • Citizenship by investment : no

How to become an Austrian resident →


be-flag

Belgium’s Investor Visa is granted to people who set up an international holding structure, invest in an existing Belgian company, or invest in a foreign company through a Belgian holding company. The suggested capital is €300,000.

A residence permit is issued for 1 year and can be renewed annually. After three years, the investor can apply for permanent residency.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Obtaining a Belgium Golden Visa →


de-flag

Germany offer residence permits to entrepreneurs or financially independent persons. Entrepreneurs provide a business plan and sufficient funds to open a company. Financially solvent people confirm funds to support the family.

Permanent residency is granted after 3—5 years of living in Germany, while citizenship can be obtained in 6 years.

  • Residency by investment : no

  • Citizenship by investment : no

How to become a resident in Germany →


nl-flag

The Netherlands grant Golden Visas in exchange for contribution of €1,250,000+ to the country’s economy. Applicants prove their investment provides non-financial added value: creates 10+ jobs or stimulates innovation.

The residence permit is granted for 3 years and can be renewed for another 5 years. After getting the status, the applicant must move to the Netherlands.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Details of the Netherlands Investor Visa →


ie-flag

Ireland’s Golden Visa can be obtained for an investment of €400,000 to a charity. Alternatively, applicants can invest €1 million in a business or an investment fund or purchase shares for €2 million.

The first residence permit is valid for two years, the second — for three years, and all the subsequent ones are for five years. Citizenship can be granted after five years.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Details of Ireland residency by investment →


lu-flag

In Luxembourg, foreigners obtain Golden Visas for investments of €500,000—2,000,000. Options include investing in a new company, contributing to family wealth management funds, private equity, or venture capital funds, or depositing.

Investors must live in the country and renew residence permits every three years. After five years, the investor can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

How to get a Golden Visa in Luxembourg →

Total comparison of EU Golden Visa programs

Total comparison of EU Golden Visa programs

  • Cost calculation

  • Family members participation

  • Investment options comparison

  • Benefits of each Golden Visa

Download practical guide
license iconTrusted by 5000+ investors

Other countries that grant Golden Visas

ae-flag

The UAE grants foreigners 2- or 10-year residence visas for AED 750,000 and AED 2,000,000, respectively, invested in real estate. Applicants may buy properties in special Freehold Zones.

The path to citizenship is long and requires at least 30 years of residence in the country.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Details of the UAE Golden Visa →


us-flag

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 and create at least 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified US workers.

Investors get a Green Card and may apply for US citizenship after five years of residency.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

How to get the EB-5 Visa in the US →


ad-flag

Andorra’s residence permit can be obtained by investing €600,000 in real estate, shares of Andorrian companies, debt or financial instruments, life insurance products, or interest-free deposit. Applicants must also prove having a capital of €47,500.

Permanent residency is granted after seven years of being a temporary resident. Applying for citizenship requires an additional ten years.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Guide on Andorra residency by investment →


ca-flag

Canada’s Golden Visa under the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program offers residency to wealthy business people worldwide if they contribute CAD 1.2 million.

Canadian citizenship is available after 3 years of living in the country.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

How to get Canada residency by investment →


nz-flag

New Zealand offers an Active Investor Plus Visa requiring the minimum investment of at least NZD 5 million. Applicants may contribute to listed equities, philanthropy, or managed funds. Also, they are obliged to spend at least 177 days in four years in New Zealand.

One can apply for permanent residence after two years of living in the country. A passport is granted after additional five years.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

How to obtain a New Zealand investor visa →


ch-flag

Switzerland residence permits are issued to foreigners who have signed tax agreements with one of the cantons. Investors pay an annual lump-sum tax calculated according to their expenses and the canton’s requirements. Usually, it is ₣450,000+.

Foreigners must spend 183+ days a year in the country. After ten years of residence, they may apply for citizenship.

  • Residency by investment : no

  • Citizenship by investment : no

How to immigrate to Switzerland →


mc-flag

Monaco’s is available to foreigners who can rent or buy real estate in Monaco and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. The latter can be done by depositing at least €500,000 in a bank account. The visa is valid for one year.

Foreigners become eligible for Monaco permanent residency and citizenship after 10 years.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Details on the Monaco Golden Visa →


id-flag

Indonesia offers a 5- or 10-year Second Home Visa in exchange for an investment of at least IDR 2 billion, ≈ $130,000. Applicants can either purchase real estate or open a deposit in a local bank.

Investors are eligible for permanent residence after living in Indonesia for three years.

  • Residency by investment : yes

  • Citizenship by investment : no

Cancelled Golden Visa programs

gb-flag

The UK closed its Golden Visa programme (Tier 1 Investor Visa) in February 2022. For now, foreigners can apply for a Start-up Visa by establishing a prospective company or for an Innovator Visa by setting up an innovative business. 

The Start-up Visa is valid for two years, and extensions are prohibited. The Innovator Visa is granted for three years and can be extended an unlimited number of times.

Requirements for UK business visas →


hu-flag

Hungary offered a Permanent Residency by Investment since 2013. Investors purchase government bonds for at least €300,000. The program was closed in March 2017 following criticism and concerns about transparency and security risks. 

In July 2024, the Hungarian government launched a new Golden Visa program. It grants temporary residency for 10 years.

Terms of the new Hungary Golden Visa →


es-flag

The Spanish government announced on January 3rd, 2025 and closed the Spain Golden Visa in April 2025. Before that, investors could apply for a residence permit by investing €500,000 or more.

Foreigners can still obtain the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain. It is available to those with a minimum monthly income of €2,762.

Details on the Digital Nomad Visa →


cy-flag

Cyprus operated its Citizenship by Investment program since 2013. Applicants invested €2 million in real estate, government bonds, alternative investment funds, or businesses.

The CBI program was closed in November 2020 due to violations in procedures and was replaced by the Cyprus Permanent Residence.


me-flag

Montenegro granted golden passports from January 2019 until January 2023. Investors fulfilled two conditions: made a non-refundable contribution of €200,000 and purchased a share of over €250,000 in a government-approved real estate project. 

At the end of 2022, Montenegro cancelled the program.


nz-flag

New Zealand Golden Visa could be obtained by investing NZD 3 million to NZD 10 million in bonds, equities, real estate, angel funds, or philanthropic organisations. 

The program closed on July 27th, 2022 and was replaced by the Active Investor Plus Visa for those who contribute to listed equities, philanthropy, or managed funds.

How to get a New Zealand investor visa →

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 referred to as “the Caribbean Golden Visas”, but such a designation is inaccurate.

Typically, a Golden Visa means a residence permit by investment. However, in the Caribbean, investors are granted citizenship rather than residency. Therefore, it is more accurate to describe these as “golden passport countries”.

The minimum investment amount for obtaining citizenship in the Caribbean is $200,000. 

Each program offers several options. For example, to get a Grenada passport by investment, one can contribute $235,000+ to a state fund or invest $270,000+ 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.

A 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.

How to choose the best Caribbean passport →

Golden Visas requirements for applicants

The specific requirements for applicants depend on the country you choose. However, there are some general criteria common to all Golden Visas.

Investors should meet the following requirements to obtain a Golden Visa card:

  • be over 18 years old;

  • have funds for investment that were not earned in the country of the programme they are applying for;

  • have no criminal record or ongoing prosecution;

  • be able to prove the legality of their income;

  • not be under sanctions;

  • have health insurance.

Some countries have additional requirements. For example, in Portugal, an applicant must have no outstanding debts to obtain the Golden Visa. In most cases, applicants are also required to rent or own property in the country to apply for a residence permit.

How to apply for a Golden Visa?

Every Golden Visa has its own application procedure, but some steps are standard. Usually, an applicant should fulfil the chosen investment condition, such as buying a property or starting a business, collect all the required documents, and apply for a residence permit.

The responsible government unit or agency conducts Due Diligence and decides whether to approve the Golden Visa.

1

Turning to a licensed agent

The licensed agent’s help is a must under most Golden Visas, 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 licensed agent of government-approved investment programs in the EU and the Caribbean. We accompany our clients from choosing the Golden Vosa that best suits their needs to obtaining the status.

2

Choosing an investment option

Investors usually buy real estate to get Golden Visas. This option is available in Greece, Cyprus, Latvia, Malta, 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, Hungary, and the USA don’t accept real estate as an investment for a Golden Visa. Investors purchase fund units or support businesses there.

3

Collecting documents

Immigrant Invest lawyers compile a list of documents depending on the chosen country and investment option, including but not limited to:

  • valid passport;

  • certificate of no criminal records;

  • birth certificates;

  • marriage certificate, if applies;

  • proof of funds and their legitimacy;

  • CV;

  • health insurance.

The investor collects the originals and passes them to the lawyers, who arrange translation and notarisation of copies.

4

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.

5

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. In addition, it confirms the legitimacy of the investor’s funds and income sources, as well as the absence of criminal records, prosecutions, visa denials, and sanctions.

Due Diligence usually takes several weeks to be completed.

Evaluate your chances to pass Due Diligence →

6

Getting a residence permit card

Once Due Diligence is successfully completed and the application approved, the investor travels to the chosen country to provide biometrics at the migration service.

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.

7

Renewing the residence permit card

Depending on the country and the Golden Visa, 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 physical presence for a specified number of days must also be provided.

Which country is best for a Golden Visa? 

Which Golden Visa to choose depends on your goals, budget, and plans for obtaining citizenship in the 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

Lowest cost

The minimum investment amount for a single applicant, subject to government fees

Quick 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 5—10 years or not renew at all

Most popular Golden Visas for different nationalities

United States nationals

Americans are increasingly drawn to Greece, which has become the main property-based route in Europe. The attraction lies in Greece’s relatively low investment threshold: properties under restoration qualify from as little as €250,000. For US nationals, Greece also offers good rental potential, access to European healthcare, and Mediterranean living.

Portugal also remains popular among Americans. The country’s widespread use of English, affordability, and the eventual path to EU citizenship continue to appeal strongly. 

Malta is another favourite. A particular advantage is that it has no annual property tax, and as an EU member it offers stability and convenience. The fact that English is an official language is also a significant plus.

The UAE Golden Visa, with routes for different categories of applicants, is a strong alternative to Europe. The main draw is the absence of personal income tax and low corporate tax. Real estate is relatively affordable compared with major US or European cities. Added to this is the UAE’s reputation for safety, modern infrastructure, and international schools.

United Kingdom nationals

Greece is a top choice thanks to its relatively affordable property options outside the most expensive zones and the ease of letting homes to tourists and expats, which ensures attractive rental yields.

Portugal, despite no longer offering property as a qualifying route, still attracts many Britons because of the climate and its clear route to citizenship with no residency requirements. 

UK nationals also often consider:

Turkish nationals

The Greece Golden Visa is the most popular among Turkish nationals due to Greece’s proximity and strong cultural ties between the two countries. The short flight, lifestyle similarities, and accessible real estate thresholds encourage many families to invest. 

Hungary and Malta are also highly valued for their long-term residence solutions: a ten-year temporary residence permit in Hungary and indefinite permanent residency in Malta.

Other nationalities

Applicants from India and South Asia often look first to the UAE’s long-term residence visas, which grant residency status for up to 10 years. European countries are attractive for their high-quality education and mobility. Among the most attractive destinations are Malta and Greece.

Families from the Middle East and Africa are likewise drawn to Mediterranean destinations for schooling and lifestyle, offered in, for instance, Malta and Cyprus.

Australian nationals value Portugal for its safety, affordability, and a clear path to citizenship. Malta stands out with English as an official language and no annual property tax, making long-distance ownership easier. Cyprus is popular for its straightforward permanent residence tied to property investment.

Total comparison of EU Golden Visa programs

Total comparison of EU Golden Visa programs

  • Cost calculation

  • Family members participation

  • Investment options comparison

  • Benefits of each Golden Visa

Download practical guide
license iconTrusted by 5000+ investors

Answers to frequently asked questions

  • What is a Golden Visa?

    A Golden Visa 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.

    Some of the countries with Golden Visas are Portugal, Greece, Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, and the UAE.

  • What are the benefits of Golden Visas?

    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 common benefits, such as an opportunity to relocate to Europe, a path to European citizenship, or visa-free travel to the Schengen area.

    In contrast, the UAE Golden Visa has its own benefits — for example, tax optimisation and favourable conditions for staying in the country.

  • Which countries offer Golden Visas?

    Six EU countries, Portugal, Greece, Latvia, Italy, Hungary, and Cyprus, offer the most favourable Golden Visas in Europe.While their conditions are broadly similar, they vary in specific ways depending on each country’s minimum investment and residence requirements.

    The Malta Permanent Residence Programme allows investors to obtain permanent residency for at least €169,000.

    The UAE Golden Visa is granted for 2 or 10 years for the purchase of real estate that costs AED 750,000 and AED 2,000,000, respectively.

    The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa is granted to foreigners who invest at least $800,000 in the US economy and create at least 10 jobs for qualified US workers.

    The Andorra Golden Visa can be obtained by investing €600,000 mainly for tax benefits and as a "safe haven" in Europe.

  • Who can apply for a Golden Visa in Europe?

    A European Golden Visa can be granted to investors who:

    • come from a non-EU and non-EEA country;
    • are 18 or older;
    • have no criminal record;
    • have income from a legally proven source.

    Some countries might have other requirements. For instance, applicants for the Portugal Golden Visa should not have any debts in Portugal.

  • Which family members can obtain Golden Visas together with the investor?

    Participation of family members varies from country to country. In most cases, a Golden Visa can be granted to spouses, children up to 18 years old, and parents, and in some cases, to children over 18 years old, siblings, and grandparents.

    Download our detailed guide to see the opportunities for family members’ participation.

  • What are the investment options to obtain a Golden Visa?

    The set of investment options varies from country to country but typically includes the following:

    • buying or renting real estate;
    • purchasing investment fund units or government bonds;
    • investing in a business;
    • opening a deposit in a local bank;
    • making a charitable donation.
  • How much does a Golden Visa cost in the UAE?

    To qualify for the 2-year UAE Golden Visa, you have to invest at least AED 750,000 into real estate. To qualify for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa, you have to invest at least AED 2 million.

    The UAE also offers a specific Golden Visa to qualified employees in the IT sector. It is granted for 5 or 10 years. The main requirements include having a valid work contract in the UAE, earning at least AED 30,000 per month, and holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

  • Which country has the cheapest Golden Visa?

    Latvia offers the cheapest Golden Visa, starting at €50,000. It is followed by Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Hungary, with investment thresholds of €250,000.

  • How long is a Golden Visa valid?

    The validity period of a Golden Visa depends on the country. For example, in Portugal, a residence permit by investment is valid for 2 years; then, it can be renewed indefinitely.

    In Greece and Latvia, the document must be renewed every 5 years.

    The obtained status is also important. Temporary residence permits are usually valid for 1–3 years, while permanent residency does not need to be renewed. For example, in Cyprus, a permanent residence is valid indefinitely.

  • Do Golden Visas lead to citizenship?

    Yes, most Golden Visas allow one to apply for citizenship by naturalisation. To get a passport, an investor should reside in the country for several years, learn its language, and integrate into local society.

    Portugal offers one of the most convenient paths to citizenship for investors. Golden Visa holders must maintain their residency for five years, which generally means spending seven days in the country each year. In other countries, continuous living for most of the year is required, and the period of residence needed to apply for citizenship can range from 7 to 10 years.

  • Which Golden Visa programs were cancelled?

    Some countries close their residency and citizenship by investment programs for internal reasons, while others do so under pressure from external regulators.

    The UK closed its Tier 1 Investor Visa in 2022, citing concerns that unreliable investors could have received visas if the programme had continued.

    Cyprus closed its citizenship by investment programme in November 2020 due to procedural violations. At the end of 2022, Montenegro suspended its citizenship by investment programme because it could have delayed the country’s accession to the European Union.

    In January 2025, Spanish authorities announced that the Spain Golden Visa would end in April 2025. The main reason was that the Golden Visa contributed to a significant increase in real estate prices and a general housing crisis.

    The closure of a program does not mean that all applicants will be denied their residence permits. As a rule, the relevant authorities continue to process applications that were already submitted.

  • Are there Golden Visa programs in the Caribbean countries?

    Caribbean countries are usually regarded as golden passport countries because they grant investors citizenship rather than residency. The term “Golden Visa” is typically used for residency by investment, so calling Caribbean passports by investment “Golden Visas” is not entirely correct.

    Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis are the countries that allow investors to acquire citizenship. The minimum investment amount is $200,000 in Dominica, and the typical period to obtain a passport is at least 6 months.

  • What are the Golden Visas drawbacks?

    Despite the benefits of Golden Visas, there might be some drawbacks. For example, in countries like the Netherlands or Switzerland, the investor has to move to the country to maintain the status.

    In some cases, the application processing can take several years. For example, this is relevant for the US EB-5 Visa, which usually takes more than 5 years to obtain.

  • Who is eligible for a Golden Visa?

    Specific requirements for applicants depend on the chosen Golden Visa. However, some are standard

    • being over 18 years old;
    • having funds for investment that were not earned in the country of the Golden Visa they are applying for;
    • having no criminal record or prosecution;
    • being able to prove the legality of income.

    Additional conditions may include buying or renting property in the country or having no visa rejections in the past.

  • Can you get a Golden Visa for free?

    No, Golden Visas are granted to foreigners who invest their capital in the country. In this way, governments stimulate their economies in exchange for residence permits.

  • Where is it easiest to obtain a Golden Visa?

    The best Golden Visa countries in Europe include Portugal, Latvia, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and Hungary. Minimum investment amount in Latvia starts at €50,000; in the other countries it is higher — at least €250,000.

    Greece allows acquiring residency in 4+ months. Italy has a similar timeframe. Obtaining the Latvian Golden Visa is even faster, around three months.

    In Malta and Cyprus, investors can obtain permanent residency without the need to first hold a temporary residence permit.

  • Do Schengen countries grant Golden Visas?

    Yes, you can obtain the Golden Visa in a Schengen country, such as Portugal, Latvia, Italy, Malta, Greece, or Hungary.

  • What are the alternative ways to gain residency in Europe besides a Golden Visa?

    Some European countries offer residency to digital nomads and financially independent people.

    For instance, the Portugal D7 Visa is available for people with a passive income of at least €870 per month and rented or owned housing in Portugal.

    The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa grants residency to individuals with an annual income of €28,880+; in Italy, a similar visa is available to financially independent applicants with €31,160+ per year.

    Digital Nomad Visas are designed for remote workers earning a specified monthly salary:

    Other common routes to obtain residency in Europe include employment, studying, and family reunification.

Learn more about Golden Visas