Golden Visa Programs for Indians

Indian citizens have access to several of the world’s leading residency by investment programs, including those offered by Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, Italy and Hungary. Depending on the destination, investors can obtain long-term or permanent residence by making a qualifying investment, often with the option to include family members in a single application. The best country to migrate from India ultimately depends on your priorities, whether that is access to Europe, business opportunities, tax advantages or a future route to citizenship.

Below, we compare the leading residency by investment programs available to Indian citizens, outlining their investment requirements, key benefits and minimum stay obligations. We also explain the financial considerations Indian investors should understand before making an overseas investment, helping you identify the program that best matches your long-term goals.

Key Takeaways

• Indian citizens can obtain residency by investment in countries including Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, Hungary, Italy, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, each offering different investment thresholds, residency rights and long-term benefits.
• The best country to migrate from India depends on your objectives, whether they are Schengen travel, business opportunities, tax efficiency, wealth diversification or a future pathway to citizenship.
• Minimum qualifying investments start from $200,000 in Turkey and €169,000 under Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme, with several European programs requiring investments from €250,000.
• Most programs allow applicants to include a spouse and dependent children, while eligibility for parents and adult children varies by country.
• Indian investors must comply with the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and be prepared to satisfy source-of-funds, Due Diligence and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.
• Comparing the total investment cost, residency obligations, tax implications and long-term immigration benefits is essential before selecting a residency by investment program.

The Top Golden Visa Programs for Indian Passport Holders

Several countries offer investment immigration programs, but they differ significantly in terms of investment thresholds, physical residence requirements, family eligibility and long-term benefits. While some programs provide immediate permanent residence, others grant renewable residence permits that may eventually lead to permanent residence or citizenship, provided the applicant satisfies the relevant legal conditions.

Greece Golden Visa

Greece operates one of Europe’s most established Golden Visa programs, offering non-EU nationals the opportunity to obtain a renewable residence permit through a qualifying real estate investment. The program combines flexible residency requirements with access to the Schengen Area, making it one of the most popular choices among Indian investors seeking a long-term European base.

Key features of the Greece Golden Visa include:

• Minimum investment from €250,000. This threshold applies to commercial properties converted into residential use and listed buildings undergoing full restoration. Other qualifying investments require a minimum of €400,000 or €800,000, depending on the property’s location.
• No minimum stay requirement. Investors are not required to live in Greece to maintain or renew their residence permit.
• Five-year renewable residence permit. The permit can be renewed indefinitely, provided the qualifying investment is retained.
• Family inclusion. The application may include a spouse, children under 21, and the parents of both the main applicant and their spouse.
• Visa-free Schengen travel. Residence permit holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area for short stays.
• Pathway to citizenship. Eligible applicants who reside in Greece and satisfy the country’s legal residence, language and integration requirements may apply for Greek citizenship after seven years.
• Favourable tax regime. Investors who become Greek tax residents may be eligible for Greece’s Non-Dom tax regime, which offers qualifying individuals the option to pay a fixed annual tax of €100,000 on qualifying foreign-source income for up to 15 years.

Alongside its residency benefits, Greece offers one of the most competitive real estate markets in Southern Europe. Investors can choose from residential, commercial and redevelopment projects across the country, allowing them to combine residency with long-term capital appreciation and rental income potential.

Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most attractive residency by investment programs, particularly for investors seeking a pathway to EU citizenship while spending only limited time in the country. Following recent reforms, residential real estate is no longer a qualifying investment. Instead, investors can obtain residency through investment funds, cultural projects, scientific research or business creation. Astons specialises in Portugal Golden Visa applications through qualifying investment funds.

Key features of the Portugal Golden Visa include:

• Investment from €250,000. Qualifying options include cultural or scientific donations from €250,000, investment funds from €500,000, and selected business investment routes.
• Minimal stay requirement. Investors need to spend only 14 days every two years in Portugal to maintain their residence permit.
• Renewable residence permit. The initial permit is valid for two years and can be renewed, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.
• Family inclusion. Applicants may include their spouse, dependent children under 26, and financially dependent parents.
• Visa-free Schengen travel. Residence permit holders can travel freely within the 29 Schengen countries without obtaining Indian visas.
• Potential pathway to Portuguese citizenship. Indian applicants may apply for citizenship after meeting Portugal’s legal 10-year residence, language and other naturalisation requirements.

United Arab Emirates Golden Visa

For Indian investors, the program provides access to a major international business hub, no personal income tax and no requirement to relocate permanently.

Key features of UAE residency by investment include:

• 10-year Golden Visa from $545,000. The property route requires an investment of approximately AED 2 million in residential or commercial real estate located in any emirate
• No minimum stay requirement. Investors are not required to live full-time in the UAE to maintain their residence status
• Family inclusion. Golden Visa holders may sponsor their spouse, unmarried sons under 25, unmarried daughters of any age, dependent children with disabilities and parents
• Right to live, work and conduct business. UAE residents can work, establish businesses, access local banking services and live in the country without requiring a separate work permit
• Efficient application process. Residency can be processed from two weeks, with one trip generally required for the medical examination and biometric submission
• Property income potential. Real estate returns average around 7% in Dubai, although actual yields depend on the property, location and market conditions

Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

The program grants permanent residence from the outset, allowing investors and their families to live, work, study and do business in Malta while enjoying visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.

Key features of the Malta Permanent Residence Program include:

• Two investment options. Applicants can either rent a qualifying property for at least €14,000 per year for five years, with a minimum total investment of approximately €169,000, or purchase real estate worth at least €375,000, with a minimum total investment of approximately €474,000. These sums already include obligatory fees, such as a government contribution, an administrative fee and a charitable donation.
• Permanent residence. Successful applicants receive permanent residency from the outset, with residence cards renewed every five years, provided the program requirements continue to be met.
• No minimum stay requirement. Investors are not required to relocate to Malta or spend a minimum number of days in the country to maintain their permanent residence status.
• Family inclusion. Applications may include a spouse, dependent children, parents and grandparents, making the program suitable for multigenerational families.
• Visa-free Schengen travel. Permanent residents can travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without obtaining additional visas.
• Access to a stable EU jurisdiction. Residents benefit from Malta’s English-speaking environment, high-quality healthcare and education, well-developed financial services sector and attractive business climate.

Hungary Guest Investor Program

By making a qualifying investment, non-EU nationals can obtain a renewable 10-year residence permit with no minimum physical stay requirement.

Key features of the Hungary Residency by Investment Program include:

• Two investment options. Applicants can invest €250,000 in an approved Hungarian real estate investment fund or make a €1 million non-refundable donation to a qualifying higher education institution supporting education, scientific research or the arts.
• 10-year renewable residence permit. Successful applicants receive a residence permit valid for 10 years, renewable once for a further 10 years, provided the program requirements continue to be met.
• No minimum stay requirement. Investors are not required to relocate to Hungary or spend a minimum number of days in the country to maintain their residence status.
• Family inclusion. Applications may include a spouse and dependent children, allowing the whole family to obtain Hungarian residency under a single application.
• Visa-free Schengen travel. Residence permit holders can travel freely throughout the 29-country Schengen Area for short stays.
• Pathway to citizenship. Investors who establish legal residence in Hungary may become eligible to apply for Hungarian citizenship after eight years, subject to meeting the country’s residence, language and other naturalisation requirements.

Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment

Among the countries offering permanent residency for Indian citizens, Cyprus stands out for allowing non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency for themselves and their eligible family members by investing in qualifying new real estate, with no minimum physical stay requirement beyond one visit every two years to maintain the status.

Key features of the Cyprus Permanent Residency Program include:

• Investment from €300,000 + VAT. Applicants qualify by purchasing new residential property directly from a developer. Multiple new properties may be combined to meet the minimum investment threshold.
• Permanent residency for life. Successful applicants receive permanent resident status, provided the program requirements continue to be met.
• Minimal residency requirement. Investors are only required to visit Cyprus once every two years to maintain their permanent residency.
• Family inclusion. Applications may include a spouse and financially dependent children up to the age of 25.
• Pathway to citizenship. Permanent residents who reside in Cyprus full-time may become eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship after eight years, subject to meeting the country’s legal residence and naturalisation requirements.
• Favourable tax regime. Cyprus offers an attractive Non-Dom regime, no tax on worldwide income for non-tax residents, and a competitive corporate tax environment, making it a popular destination for entrepreneurs and internationally mobile families.
• Access to an EU lifestyle. Permanent residents benefit from Cyprus’ high standard of living, excellent healthcare and education, modern banking system and business-friendly environment. The country is also progressing towards joining the Schengen Area, which could further enhance travel benefits in the future, subject to EU approval.

Italy Golden Visa

Italy’s Golden Visa offers non-EU nationals a flexible route to European residency through investment in the Italian economy. Unlike many other residency by investment programs, it does not require real estate purchases. Instead, investors can choose from several government-approved investment options while benefiting from visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and no minimum residence requirement.

Key features of the Italy Golden Visa include:

• Four investment options. Applicants can invest €250,000 in an innovative Italian start-up, €500,000 in shares of an Italian company, €1 million as a philanthropic donation to projects of public interest, or €2 million in Italian government bonds.
• No minimum stay requirement. Investors are not required to live permanently in Italy to obtain or renew their residence permit, making the program suitable for internationally mobile individuals.
• Renewable residence permit. Successful applicants receive a residence permit valid for two years, which can be renewed for a further three years, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.
• Family inclusion. Applications may include a spouse or partner, dependent children and financially dependent parents over the age of 65.
• Visa-free Schengen travel. Residence permit holders can travel throughout the 29-country Schengen Area for short stays without obtaining additional visas.
• Pathway to citizenship. Investors who establish legal residence in Italy may become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship after 10 years, subject to meeting the country’s residence, language and other naturalisation requirements.
• Access to a leading European economy. Residents benefit from Italy’s world-class healthcare and education systems, strong business environment, rich cultural heritage and strategic location in the heart of Europe.

Here’s a version aligned with the style of the other country sections and incorporating the new tax regime accurately.

Turkey residency by Investment

Turkey allows foreign investors to obtain a renewable residence permit, known as an Ikamet, by purchasing qualifying real estate worth at least $200,000.

Key features of Turkey’s residency by investment route include:

• Property investment from $200,000. Applicants can purchase residential or commercial real estate anywhere in Turkey. Several properties may be combined to reach the required value, provided the investment is confirmed by an independent appraisal.
• Renewable residence permit. The Ikamet is issued for up to two years and can be renewed while the investor retains qualifying real estate and continues to meet the legal requirements.
• Family inclusion. The investor may include a spouse and dependent children under 18 without making an additional investment. Financially dependent adult children with disabilities may also qualify.
• Rental income potential. The qualifying residential or commercial property may be leased, allowing investors to generate income while maintaining their basis for residency.
• Business and banking access. Residence permit holders can establish and operate a business, open Turkish bank accounts and carry out financial transactions in the country.
• Access to healthcare and education. Residents can access Turkey’s healthcare system, while their children may attend public schools.
• Pathway to citizenship. Investors who maintain continuous legal residence may become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship after five years, subject to meeting the applicable residence and naturalisation requirements. Alternatively, property purchase of at least $400,000 may qualify an investor for Turkey’s direct citizenship route, a popular citizenship by investment for Indian applicants.
• Potential 20-year tax exemption. Investors who relocate and become qualifying Turkish tax residents may benefit from an exemption from Turkish income tax on eligible foreign-source income and gains for up to 20 years.

Financial Compliance for Indian Investors

Indian citizens investing overseas must comply with domestic foreign exchange regulations in addition to the immigration requirements of the destination country. One of the most important regulations is the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows resident individuals to remit funds abroad within the prescribed annual limit for eligible purposes, including overseas investments. Investors should ensure that their proposed investment can be completed within the applicable framework and through authorised banking channels.

Before proceeding with a residency by investment application, Indian investors should consider the following:

• LRS limits. Overseas investments must comply with the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and be transferred through authorised banking channels.
• Source of funds. Applicants should be prepared to provide bank statements, tax returns, income records and other documents demonstrating the lawful origin of their wealth.
• Due Diligence and AML checks. Residency by investment programs conduct comprehensive background checks to verify an applicant’s financial history and suitability.
• Tax considerations. Depending on the investment structure and applicable Indian regulations, overseas remittances may be subject to Tax Collected at Source (TCS). Tax rules can change, so professional advice should be obtained before transferring funds.

Working with experienced immigration advisers, legal professionals and tax specialists helps ensure that both Indian regulatory requirements and the destination country’s investment migration rules are satisfied throughout the application process.

Key Factors Indians Must Weigh Before Investing in a Golden Visa

Selecting the right residency by investment program involves much more than comparing minimum investment amounts. Investors should evaluate each option based on their long-term personal, financial and international goals.

Key factors to consider include:

• Schengen access. If visa-free travel across Europe is a priority, compare which programs provide residence permits with access to the Schengen Area and the conditions attached to that travel.
• Your primary objective. Decide whether your priority is business expansion, wealth diversification, access to international education, tax planning, etc.
• Total investment costs. Consider not only the qualifying investment but also government fees, legal expenses, Due Diligence costs, property acquisition costs and ongoing maintenance obligations.
• Family eligibility. While all of the programmes allow applicants to include a spouse and dependent children, the maximum eligible age for children and the ability to include parents or other dependents vary significantly between countries.

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