Golden Visas are investment-based residency programmes that allow individuals and their families to obtain residency rights — sometimes even citizenship — in a foreign country in exchange for qualifying financial investments. Over the past decade, they’ve gained immense popularity among entrepreneurs, investors, and global citizens who want more flexibility in where they live, work, and build their future.
Golden Visas are available in countries like Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Hungary, Monaco, Turkey, the UAE, the US, a few Caribbean countries, and some others with investment thresholds starting around €250,000. Depending on the country, you can invest in real estate, government bonds, or local businesses, and in some cases, extend residency to your immediate family as well.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Golden Visas: what they are, how they work, where to get one, and how to choose the right programme for your lifestyle and financial goals. If you’re considering building a more global future, this is the place to start.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residence permit granted to individuals who make a qualifying economic investment in a country, typically through real estate, business ventures, or government bonds. In exchange, they grant individuals the right to reside in a country, often with minimal physical stay requirements. It also gives you the right to live and work in that country, often with the benefits of visa-free travel and a potential path to citizenship.
Key Benefits of a Golden Visa:
- Legal residency in an attractive destination, often in the EU or other developed regions
- Visa-free or simplified travel, especially if linked to Schengen or strong passports
- Access to healthcare and education in the host country
- Family reunification, with the ability to include your spouse, dependent children, and sometimes even elderly parents.
- Potential for permanent residency or citizenship, depending on the country and length of stay
- Asset diversification and tax planning benefits in certain jurisdictions
Golden Visas are not just about luxury or convenience—they’re a strategic tool for anyone looking to expand their personal and financial horizons.
General Golden Visa Requirements for Applicants
While every country offering a Golden Visa programme has specific criteria, the underlying requirements are similar. If you’re wondering how to get a Golden Visa, the main requirement is making a financial investment in the country. This could mean buying property, starting a business, or contributing to a government fund. Beyond this, there are several standard conditions most Golden Visa programs share, which we’ll explore here.
- Minimum Age: Applicants are typically required to be at least 18 years old, ensuring they are legally capable of entering into contracts and making financial investments.
- Financial Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to make the required investment, whether by purchasing property, starting a business, investing in government bonds, or contributing to a national development fund. The exact amount varies by country, so it’s crucial to research the specific requirements for the program you’re interested in.
- Clean Criminal Record: Most countries require a clean criminal record, both in your home country and the country you wish to invest in. This ensures that new residents have no history of serious legal issues.
- Health Insurance: Applicants will generally need to provide proof of valid health insurance coverage for themselves and any dependents included in their application.
- Source of Funds: To ensure that your investment is legally acquired, you may be asked to provide documentation verifying the source of your funds.
- No Full-Time Residence Requirement: One of the main advantages of a Golden Visa is that it typically doesn’t require you to live in the country full-time. While some countries may require periodic visits or a minimum number of days of physical presence, most offer flexibility in how much time you need to spend in the country. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to maintain their global lifestyle.
Countries Offering Golden Visas
Golden Visa programmes vary widely across the globe, and Golden Visa countries each offer their version of residency or citizenship through investment. Some countries provide residency-by-investment, granting the right to live (and sometimes work or study) in the country, often with a path to citizenship after several years. Others offer citizenship-by-investment, where qualifying investors and their families can obtain a second passport in a matter of months.
Let’s explore what countries offer Golden Visas by looking at some of the most popular and strategic Golden Visa destinations.
Residency-by-Investment Programmes in America and the Middle East
These programs grant legal residency rights in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution. They’re ideal for those seeking a new base for living, working, or doing business, often with no strict stay requirements and a path to citizenship over time.
United States – EB-5 Investor Visa
The EB-5 Investor Visa is the U.S.’s version of a Golden Visa, offering a direct pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) through economic investment.
- Minimum Investment: $800,000 into an approved U.S. commercial enterprise (targeted employment areas)
- Investment Purpose: Must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
- Due Diligence: Standard background checks, identity documents, and proof of legal source of funds
- Investment Hold: 5 years
- Physical Presence: Investors are expected to reside in the U.S.; extended absences may jeopardize residency status
- Residency & Citizenship: Conditional 2-year residency, then 10-year Green Card; citizenship eligibility after 5 years of continuous residency
The EB-5 is ideal for those seeking not just mobility, but a full transition to life and business in the U.S.
United Arab Emirates – Real Estate Residency Visa
The UAE offers a flexible and investor-friendly residency pathway through real estate, especially appealing to entrepreneurs and remote workers seeking tax benefits and global connectivity.
Option 1 (valid for Dubai):
- Minimum Investment: 750,000 AED (~$204,000) for a sole owner
- Visa Duration: 2 years
- Conditions: Must be primary market property in Freehold Zones; installment payments allowed (at least 50% upfront)
Option 2:
- Minimum Investment: 2,000,000 AED (~$545,000)
- Visa Duration: 10 years
- Conditions: Same as above; family size does not affect investment requirement
Both options allow the inclusion of spouse and children and come with no strict stay requirements. The UAE remains a favorite for its zero income tax, top-tier infrastructure, and pro-business environment.
Turkey – Real Estate Residence Permit
Turkey offers one of the simplest and most affordable Golden Visa-style programs through real estate ownership.
- Minimum Investment: $200,000 (cadastral value), valid from October 16, 2023
- Eligible Properties: Must be located in designated investment zones
- Visa Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable
- Family Inclusion: Spouse and minor children included via family residence permit
- Path to Citizenship: After 5 years of continuous residence, applicants can apply for citizenship (requires passing a Turkish language exam)
This programme is ideal for those seeking affordable entry to a strategically located country with a growing economy, bridging Europe and Asia.
Best Residency-by-Investment Programmes in Europe
Europe remains a leading destination for Golden Visa seekers, offering a unique combination of residency rights, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, high quality of life, and long-term pathways to citizenship. Many of the best European Golden Visas are not only attractive for their lifestyle and legal benefits but also for their relative affordability compared to similar schemes worldwide.
Whether you’re searching for investment opportunities, a second home, or a strategic Plan B, Europe provides a wide range of flexible options. And if you’re wondering about the easiest country to get permanent residence in Europe, most of these programs stand out for their streamlined processes, minimal stay requirements, and fast-tracked routes to long-term residency and even citizenship.
Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs in Europe, known for its flexibility and long-term advantages.
Minimum investment: €250,000–€500,000, depending on the route. Real estate is no longer permitted; current options include private equity funds, cultural or scientific support, and business creation. Astons grants clients exclusive access to a fully authorized Alternative Investment Management Fund, aligned with the regulatory frameworks of the EU, UK, and US.
Stay requirement: 14 days in the first year, then 7 days every two years.
Family eligibility: Spouses, dependent children, and parents may be included in the application.
Perks: Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area, access to healthcare and education, family inclusion, and a path to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.
Additional requirements: Criminal background checks for applicants over 16, proof of health insurance, and a verified source of funds.
Italy
Italy’s Investor Visa is gaining popularity among global investors and entrepreneurs drawn to the country’s rich culture, world-class lifestyle, and attractive tax incentives.
Minimum investment: Starting from €250,000 for innovative startups, €500,000 in Italian company shares, €1 million as a non-refundable donation to public interest projects, or €2 million in government bonds.
Family eligibility: The investor’s spouse, children under 18, dependent adult children, and dependent parents can be included in the application.
Stay requirement: Must establish residence, but there are no strict physical presence requirements.
Perks: Visa valid for 2 years, renewable for 3 additional years if the investment is maintained. The program allows for family inclusion, and investors may apply for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10.
Additional conditions: The investment must be made within 3 months of entering Italy.
Greece
Greece offers one of the most affordable Golden Visa programmes in Europe, making it a standout among the cheapest Golden Visa countries, thanks to its low investment thresholds and high lifestyle value.
Minimum investment: €250,000–€800,000, depending on location. €800,000 applies to high-demand areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Greek Islands. In other regions, investments start at €400,000, while restoration or conversion properties may qualify at €250,000.
Stay requirement: No relocation required. Only one biometric visit is necessary.
Perks: Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area, family inclusion, and no minimum physical presence to maintain residency. Citizenship removes the obligation to hold the investment.
Additional requirements: Clean criminal record, funds must be transferred through licensed banks, and health insurance coverage is required for all applicants.
Malta
Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is one of the most selective residency-by-investment programs in the EU, offering investors and their families the opportunity to live indefinitely in one of the safest and most attractive countries in Europe. Malta is known for its year-round sunshine, favorable tax regime, English as the official language, and visa-free mobility within the Schengen Area.
Minimum investment: €182,000, with additional proof of assets required (at least €500,000). The program offers two investment options:
- Government contribution of €60,000, €50,000 administration fee for the main applicant (€10,000 for each additional dependent), €2,000 donation to an NGO, and a minimum rental of €14,000 per year for 5 years (€70,000 total).
- Government contribution of €30,000, €50,000 administration fee for the main applicant (€10,000 for each additional dependent), €2,000 donation to an NGO, and real estate purchase with a minimum value of €375,000.
Stay requirement: No minimum stay requirement; however, residency holders must maintain health insurance valid in Malta and the EU.
Family eligibility: Spouse, children under 28 (if unmarried and financially dependent), parents, and grandparents can be included in the application.
Perks: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to Malta’s healthcare and education systems, and a potential path to citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Additional requirements: Strict due diligence checks, proof of health insurance, and verified proof of assets (minimum €500,000 in assets, including €150,000 in financial assets, or €650,000 in assets with €75,000 in financial assets).
Monaco
Monaco’s Residency by Investment Programme offers affluent individuals the opportunity to reside in a prestigious and secure environment with favorable tax conditions.
Minimum investment: € 1,000,000, which can be a combination of property purchase and bank deposit.
Stay requirement: Applicants must reside in Monaco for at least 183 days per year to maintain residency status.
Family eligibility: Spouse/partner, dependent children, and parents (provided the conditions are being met) can be included in the application.
Perks: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to Monaco’s healthcare and education systems, and favorable tax conditions.
Additional requirements: Proof of accommodation in Monaco, comprehensive due diligence checks, and a verified source of funds.
Hungary
Hungary’s Residency by Investment Programme is one of the most affordable in Europe, providing a strategic location in the heart of the EU and a 10-year renewable residence permit.
Minimum investment: €250,000 in approved real estate investment funds.
Stay requirement: No minimum stay requirement unless pursuing citizenship.
Family eligibility: Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.
Perks: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to Hungary’s healthcare and education systems, and a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Additional requirements: Comprehensive due diligence checks, proof of health insurance, and a verified source of funds.
Steps to Apply for a Golden Visa
Obtaining a Golden Visa is an exciting journey that combines smart research, planning, and timely execution.
Follow these steps to navigate the process smoothly:
- Choose Your Country & Investment Option. Research what countries offer Golden Visas and compare the available investment channels — real estate, business ventures, or government bonds — to find the right balance for your needs.
- Prepare Your Documents. Gather essential paperwork: identity proof, criminal background checks, financial statements, and evidence of a legal source of funds. A well-organized file sets the stage for a smooth application.
- Submit Your Application. Submit your application to the relevant immigration authority and be patient as it undergoes processing. Stay in touch with your advisor to respond to any follow-up requests.
- Make Your Investment. Once you receive conditional approval, complete the required investment to secure your eligibility.
- Receive Your Golden Visa. After your investment is verified, you’ll be issued your Golden Visa, typically granting an initial residency period of 1-2 years.
- Renew Your Residency. Maintain your status by meeting minimal residency requirements, such as spending a few days in the country annually.
- Path to Citizenship. After 5-10 years of continuous residency, you may apply for citizenship, unlocking full global mobility.
FAQ
What is a Golden Visa, and how does it work?
A Golden Visa is a residence permit granted to individuals who make a qualifying investment in a foreign country, typically in real estate, business, or government bonds. In return, investors and their families gain the right to reside in that country, often with minimal stay requirements. Some programmes also offer a path to citizenship over time.
What are the best countries for a Golden Visa in Europe?
How much does a Golden Visa cost?
What are the requirements to get a Golden Visa?
Which countries offer the cheapest Golden Visa programs?
How long does it take to get a Golden Visa?
Can a Golden Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
