A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows individuals and their families to obtain legal residency or citizenship in a foreign country by making a significant financial contribution.
- These contributions typically include real estate purchases, capital transfers, business investments, or donations to national funds.
- Golden Visas provide benefits such as visa-free travel within certain regions, access to high-quality education and healthcare, and pathways to permanent residency or citizenship.
Who is a Golden Visa For?
Golden Visas cater to:
- High-net-worth individuals seeking global mobility and tax optimization.
- Entrepreneurs aiming to expand business operations internationally.
- Families pursuing better education, healthcare, or lifestyle opportunities.
- Retirees looking for stable residency in desirable locations.
Eligibility Criteria
While requirements vary by country, most programs mandate:
- A clean criminal record for the applicant and dependents.
- Proof of stable income or financial means to sustain the investment.
- Health insurance coverage valid in the host country.
- Compliance with minimum physical presence requirements (e.g., 7–14 days annually).
Golden Visa Programs by Investment Tier
Tier 1: Under $250,000 USD
Malta: Malta’s MPRP stands as the most accessible Golden Visa in Europe, requiring a minimum investment of €100,000 (approximately $110,000) through a combination of government contributions, real estate leasing, and philanthropic donations.
– Applicants must maintain residency for five years before qualifying for citizenship, with no mandatory physical stay requirement.
– The program grants visa-free Schengen access and includes spouses, children, and dependent parents. Malta’s appeal lies in its English-speaking environment, robust financial sector, and dual citizenship permissions.
Latvia: offers residency through a €200,000 (≈$220,000) investment in real estate or €250,000 in subordinated bank deposits.
– The permit requires annual renewals for five years, after which investors can apply for permanent residency.
– Latvia’s program is notable for its proximity to Nordic markets and streamlined processing, though it lacks a direct citizenship pathway.
Greece (special cases): Despite Greece’s general real estate threshold increasing to €500,000 in high-demand regions like Athens and Santorini, a €250,000 (≈$275,000) option remains available for converting commercial properties into residential units or restoring historic buildings.
– This niche route attracts investors seeking lower entry points while contributing to urban renewal.
– Successful applicants gain five-year renewable residency with Schengen mobility and a citizenship pathway after seven years.
Tier 2: $250,000–$500,000 USD
Greece: requires a minimum real estate investment of €250,000 (~$275,000).
– The program grants five-year renewable residency, includes spouses, children under 21, and parents, and allows visa-free Schengen travel.
– Investors may convert commercial properties to residential use, and the residency permit extends to permanent status after five years.
Cyprus: offers permanent residency through a €300,000 (~$330,000) investment in real estate, shares, or investment funds.
– Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of €50,000 and visit Cyprus once every two years.
– The permit includes spouses, dependent children, and parents, with a pathway to citizenship after seven years of residency.
Portugal (Cultural/Artistic Donation Route): Portugal’s cultural donation option requires a €250,000 (~$275,000) investment in national heritage projects or artistic production.
– The visa permits residency for five years, includes family members, and offers a citizenship pathway after five years.
– Notably, real estate investments are no longer eligible as of 2023.
Hungary: offers a €250,000 (≈$275,000) real estate fund investment option, granting a ten-year residency permit—the longest validity in the EU. The program imposes no minimum stay requirements and permits family reunification.
– Investors gain access to Central European markets and a potential citizenship pathway after eight years.
Italy: starts at €250,000 (≈$275,000) for government bond purchases, though higher thresholds apply to equity investments (€500,000) and philanthropic donations (€1 million).
– The program provides renewable two-year permits, Schengen access, and citizenship eligibility after ten years of residency.
Tier 3: $500,000+ USD
Portugal (Venture Capital/Research Route): Investments of €500,000 (~$550,000) in venture capital funds or scientific research institutions qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa.
– The program requires only seven days of residency annually, covers spouses, children, and dependent parents, and leads to citizenship after five years.
Spain: Spain’s program (closing April 3, 2025) mandates a €500,000 (~$550,000) real estate investment, €1 million in shares, or €2 million in government bonds.
– The visa grants two-year renewable residency, Schengen access, and citizenship eligibility after ten years.
– Family inclusion extends to spouses, minor children, and dependent parents.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): offers five- or ten-year residency for AED 2 million (~$545,000) real estate investments or AED 1 million (~$272,000) in business ventures.
– Benefits include sponsor-free residency, family inclusion, and access to premium healthcare and education. High-profile professionals in tech, education, or culture may qualify without investment.
Greece (prime regions): in prime regions like Athens and Mykonos, Greece now mandates a €500,000 (≈$550,000) real estate investment for residency.
– The program maintains its appeal through rapid processing (60–90 days) and no residency obligations, though investors must retain properties for at least five years to avoid permit revocation.
Variable Investment Thresholds
Canada: Canada’s investor programs, such as the Start-Up Visa and Provincial Nominee Programs, require CAD 200,000–CAD 1.5 million in business investments.
– These pathways offer permanent residency, with citizenship eligibility after three years of physical presence.
Latest Developments
- Spain’s Closure: Applications for Spain’s Golden Visa must be submitted by April 3, 2025.
- Portugal’s Shift: Real estate is excluded, emphasizing cultural and venture capital routes.
- Cyprus’s Potential Schengen Access: Anticipated Schengen membership could enhance travel benefits.
- UAE’s Sector Expansion: New categories for educators, gamers, and tech professionals reflect diversification efforts.
Golden Visas remain a strategic tool for global mobility and financial planning. Prospective applicants should evaluate factors like investment flexibility, family inclusion, and citizenship timelines.