List Of Countries That Give Golden Visa Through Investment

Those who qualify for a Golden Visa can easily obtain a second passport or, at the very least, residency in another country for themselves and their family members.

These forms of visas have grown in favor in recent years, particularly those granted by European Union countries, where a passport or residency permit comes with a slew of other perks, such as Schengen freedom of movement and access to the EU free market.

But what exactly is a Golden Visa, and who is eligible to apply for one?

What Is a Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa immigration program allows wealthy people to gain a resident permit or citizenship in another country by buying a house or making a big investment or donation.

Country-specific investment opportunities range from $250,000 to millions.

Investing and applying for a Golden Visa will make you and your family legal residents of that country. Residents can live, study, and receive healthcare.

Since the investment is large, most investors hire experts to help them. La Vida has extensive residency-by-investment experience. They will assess your Golden Visa eligibility for free. They can arrange a trip to show you your investment choices and supply a lawyer to aid with the visa and investment procedure if hired.

Do Golden Visas Lead to Citizenship?

A Golden Visa grants a residence permit but doesn’t immediately lead to citizenship. Citizenship typically requires several years of continuous residence, as in the case of a Spanish Golden Visa, where you can apply only after ten years, demonstrating ties like language proficiency.

Golden Visa Requirements

Residency by investment is a way many countries used to lure foreign investments usually in property or by creating a business that employs a set minimum number of locals.

Through residency-by-investment schemes, foreigners are enabled to obtain permanent residency in the country in which they are investing, bring their spouse and children to live with them, and study and work there.

Golden Visa eligibility requirements are:

• 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.

Naturally, depending on which Golden Visa you will apply for, there will be additional specific requirements as well.

How to Apply for a Golden Visa?

To apply for a Golden Visa, you must purchase a property (real estate) in a foreign country. This is the most common route and is offered by most Golden Visa countries. The cost of the real estate ranges from $200,000 to over $2 million.

Other investment options 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

*Note that these investment options are not available in all countries which offer Golden Visas.

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.

La Vida’s years of experience in Golden Visa schemes give them links with banks and lawyers and firsthand understanding of international investment and immigration rules. Thus, you will be given an international lawyer to help you invest and apply for a visa for your family. This assures the most efficient and optimized approach.

What Countries Offer Golden Visas?

Here is a list of countries that have a Golden Visa program:

• Anguilla.
• Antigua and Barbuda.
• Austria.
• Canada.
• Germany.
• Greece.
• Grenada.
• Ireland.
• Malta.
• New Zealand.
• Portugal.
• Singapore.
• Spain.
• St. Kitts and Nevis.
• St. Lucia.
• Sweden.
• Switzerland.
• The Cayman Islands.
• The United Kingdom.
• Turkey.
• United Arab Emirates.
• United States of America.
• Vanuatu.

La Vida – Golden Visas consultants can help you choose a Golden Visa scheme. They specialise in international real estate investing and can help you find the best Golden Visa scheme for you and your family based on your budget and investment goals. La Vida helps with 18 Golden Visa schemes worldwide.

1. Anguilla

To get Anguilla’s Golden Visa, invest at least $150,000 in an approved fund or choose real estate or a tax residency program. This grants permanent residence, with citizenship possible after living there for years, leading to British Overseas Citizenship and the opportunity to apply for British citizenship.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

2. Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa is one of the most attractive investor visas allowing you to obtain a passport immediately without a residence requirement. To qualify for the Antigua Golden Scheme, you have to make one of the following investments:

• Purchase real estate with the minimum amount of USD 400,000.
• A USD 100,000 investment to the National Development Fund (NDF).
• Business investment of at least USD 1.5 million.
• Invest at least USD 150,000 in the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund.

With the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa, you can have visa-free or visa on arrival access to around 150 countries in the world, including the UK.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – No
• Citizenship by Investment – Yes

3. Austria

Austria has one of Europe’s strongest citizenship regulations. Its Golden Visa puts hefty demands on potential investors. The annual quota of 300 indicates few persons can get Austrian residency by investment.

The visa requires a €10 million commercial or €3 million government fund investment in the country. Your investment must also create Austrian jobs and boost the economy. Like all naturalized citizens, you must live in Austria for ten years to petition for citizenship.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

4. Canada

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is the most popular investment program in Canada. You must contribute at least CAD 1.2 million to this program, and after three years, you can seek for citizenship. However, in order to qualify for citizenship under most of Canada’s investment programs, you must dwell in the country for at least 183 days during a three-year period.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

5. Germany

The German Golden Visa scheme differs from others. No minimum investment is required for a Germany Golden Visa. We recommend investing at least €360,000. First, get a self-employment visa and start a business in Germany. Your permanent residency visa comes after three years, and after eight years, you can apply for naturalization.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

6. Greece

You can apply for a Golden Visa in Greece if you meet the following investment criteria:

• You purchase a real estate property valued at € 250,000+ taxes.
• You sign a lease agreement for at least ten years.
• You invest at least € 400,000 in a registered company in Greece.
• You buy government bonds with a minimum amount of at least € 400,000.
• You deposit at least € 400,000 at a bank in Greece.

With the Greek Golden Visa after seven years, you can apply for citizenship. If you qualify for citizenship, you can have access to the EU and the Schengen Area. If you don’t want to apply for citizenship, you can keep your permanent resident status as long as you renew your permit every five years and maintain your investment.

• Permanent Residency by Investment Yes
• Citizenship by Investment No

7. Grenada

Grenada provides second citizenship for a minimal contribution of USD 150,000 in a national fund. You can also qualify for the visa by purchasing real estate. There is no residency requirement for Grenada’s Golden Visa; you will be granted citizenship instantly upon completion of your investment. With Grenada’s citizenship by investment scheme, you can travel to 140 countries without a visa.

• Permanent Residency by Investment No
• Citizenship by Investment Yes

8. Ireland

The Golden Visa program in Ireland grants you a renewable residence permit if you invest at least €1 million in one of the following options:

• Investment fund
• Enterprise fund
• Real estate fund
• Endowments

You cannot receive citizenship with Ireland’s Golden Visa directly. But, you may apply for citizenship through naturalization like other nationals if you meet the qualifying criteria.

• Permanent Residency by Investment Yes
• Citizenship by Investment No

9. Malta

Malta has a residency-by-investment program and citizenship-by-investment program under its Golden Visa scheme. Depending on your financial situation and interest, you can choose one of the following options to apply for the Maltese Golden Visa:

• Residency by investment – The residency program requires €98,000 in a government-approved fund. Your permanent residence scheme does not require Malta residency. Even though this is not a citizenship scheme, you can apply for naturalization after five years if you qualify.
• Citizenship by investment – You can apply for the one-year citizenship route with an investment of €750,000 to a government-approved national development fund. But, you also have the option for a three-year program if you invest at least €600,000 in a government-approved national development fund.

With Malta’s Golden Visa scheme, you can live in the EU and travel visa-free to around 140 countries. Plus, you can keep your previous citizenship and become a dual citizen.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – Yes

10. New Zealand

New Zealand is another popular destination for investments as it offers an excellent quality of life, social security, and several other benefits. The country offers two different pathways for investment:

• Investor 1 visa – The investor 1 visa in New Zealand requires a minimum NZD 10 million investment in government bonds, equity, funds, new residential properties, commercial buildings, or philanthropic ventures. You can renew your temporary permission and apply for permanent residency and citizenship after three years under this program.
• Investor 2 visa – The minimum amount required to qualify for investor visa 2 in New Zealand is NZD 3 million. You must hold your investment for at least four years, and if you invest NZD, you can apply for permanent residency and later on for citizenship.
• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

11. Portugal

Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme is renowned worldwide. You can become a Portuguese resident after investing €500,000 in real estate, or €400,000 in low-density areas. Investors usually apply for citizenship after five years to get a second passport with EU and Schengen Area access.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

12. Singapore

You can qualify for the Singapore Golden Visa if you invest at least SGD 2.5 million in one of the following:

• Existing business or establish a new business.
• Approved fund in Singapore.
• Establish a single-family office in Singapore.

You must also have past business experience and produce audited financial statements for your company. You can obtain permanent resident status through this program, and after two years of being a permanent resident in Singapore, you can apply for citizenship. However, dual citizenship is not permitted in Singapore.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

13. Spain

The Spanish residency-by-investment program lets you become a permanent resident five years after investing. Live in the country for ten years to become a citizen. You can bring your family and invest €500,000 in real estate to get Spain’s Golden Visa. Remember to renew your permission every two years until you become a permanent resident.

• Permanent Residency by Investment- Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

14. St. Kitts and Nevis

For a St. Kitts and Nevis Golden Visa, you must deposit USD 150,000 in a government fund or purchase real estate worth at least USD 200,000. Following the completion of your investment, you will be granted citizenship without having to reside in the country. With a St. Kitts passport, you will have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 160 countries worldwide.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – No
• Citizenship by Investment – Yes

15. St. Lucia

St. Lucia provides a second passport for a USD 100,000 investment in a national government fund. You can, however, invest your money in other funds, buy bonds, or buy real estate. Your application will be approved within 90 days, and you will be able to become a citizen of St. Lucia – there is no residency requirement to qualify for St. Lucia’s Golden Visa.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – No
• Citizenship by Investment – Yes

16. Switzerland

In contrast to other countries, the Golden Visa program in Switzerland does not force you to purchase real estate, cash, or government bonds. You can apply for the program if you pay annual taxes between CHF 150,000 and CHF 1 million (the threshold varies by canton).

However, in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship, you must have stayed in the country for at least ten years.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

17. The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Golden Visa scheme is an investment-based residence program. After investing USD 2.5 million in real estate, you can become a permanent resident in a matter of months. After five years, you can seek for British citizenship through naturalization and become a British Overseas Citizen (BOC), and then apply for British citizenship.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

18. The United Kingdom

The UK offers a Tier-1 Investor visa for those with the required funds to invest in the country. The minimum investment is at least £2,000,000, and it must be held in a regulated financial institution. After a few years, you can apply for British citizenship if you meet the rest of the eligibility criteria.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

19. Turkey

The Golden Visa for Turkey grants you citizenship after 3 to 6 months of making your investment. To be eligible for Turkish citizenship through investment, you must invest at least $250,000 in real estate. With this program, you can travel to 125 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival, and your family can seek for citizenship with you.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – No
• Citizenship by Investment – Yes

20. United Arab Emirates

Within its Dubai Golden Visa program, the UAE offers a 10-year residency term as well as a 5-year residency option. You must spend at least AED 10 million in public investments or be a person with remarkable skills and talents to be eligible for the 10-year option. The 5-year option requires a minimum investment of AED 5 million in a property in the UAE.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
• Citizenship by Investment – No

21. United States of America

Under its Golden Visa scheme, the US offers two different types of visas; the main difference is that only one offers a pathway to citizenship.

• EB-5 Investor Visa – The EB-5 permit is an immigrant investor visa that allows you to apply for a Green Card five years after making your investment. To qualify for this visa, you have to submit at least $900,000 in a Targeted Employment Area.
• EB-2 Investor Visa – To qualify for the EB-2 investor visa, you have to be a citizen of one country with an investor treaty with the US and invest between $100,000 to $200,000 in an existing business or establish a new business. Typically, you can’t apply for a Green Card under this visa, but there are a few exceptions.
• Permanent Residency by Investment – No
• Citizenship by Investment – Yes

22. Vanuatu

You must invest USD 130,000 in a government fund to apply for Vanuatu’s Golden Visa. The Vanuatu government recently expanded the scheme to include real estate purchases. You can get the Golden Visa in Vanuatu by buying a government-approved property for USD 200,000. You’ll become a Vanuatuan citizen if your investment is accepted.

• Permanent Residency by Investment – No
• Citizenship by Investment – Yes

Cancelled Golden Visa Programs

Cyprus Golden Visa Program

Cyprus ended its Golden Visa program in 2020. The plan was formerly a popular way for investors to travel between Europe and Asia. After spending €300,000 plus VAT on a house, investors could become permanent residents.

However, corruption allegations that Golden Visas were sold to criminals led the government to close the scheme. Currently, the scheme is unlikely to resume.

Moldova Golden Visa Program

The 2018 Moldova Citizenship by Investment scheme offered one of the cheapest European Golden Visas. The majority of parliament opposed the program in 2020, thus the administration suspended it. Applications received before the suspension will be processed, but new ones will not.

One person could become a citizen by investing €100,000 in the Public Investment Fund (PIF). But now the program is unlikely to continue. Therefore, you should investigate other European countries that offer Golden Visas or other places globally.

Montenegro Golden Visa Program

Montenegro ended its Golden Visa program. The €350,000 citizenship by investment program will end in December 2022. Montenegro’s desire to join the EU and the European Commission’s opposition to Golden Visa programs drove this decision. During its run, the program garnered few applications, encouraging its closure.

Quickest Way to Citizenship by Golden Visa

One of the countries offering the quickest citizenship route via Golden Visa 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, if you apply for a Golden Visa, your dependent family members can apply with you. This includes the spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. Everyone included on the Golden Visa 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 Golden Visa applicants. 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?

A Golden Visa cannot be applied for if you bought a residence with financial aid. All investment money must be yours.

You may be able to finance the amount above the minimum. If you buy a $500,000 house but need a Golden Visa for $300,000, you can pay $300k and finance the rest.

If you form a joint investment, everyone must contribute the minimum. You cannot divide it.