June 1st, 2023 at 01:34 am
20 Countries Where Foreigners Can Buy Citizenship Through Golden Visa Programmes
Residence by investment schemes, often known as golden visa programs, allow wealthy people to move abroad to work, study, and obtain healthcare. International planning for rich clients involves changing houses or having numerous residences. These schemes attract wealthy foreign investors in many countries.
Citizenship By Investment programs allows affluent foreigners to “buy citizenship” in 27 countries.
Citizenship-by-Investment vs. Golden Visas
Henley and Partners distinguish citizenship by investment programs from golden visas. Citizenship by investment programs provides candidates the same rights as natural-born citizens, but golden visas only grant a temporary stay.
However, many residence-by-investment programs allow citizenship petitions after a specific time.
Investment-Residence Programs
The following 27 nations provide Residence by Investment or Golden Visa programs, along with their qualifications, processing timelines, and important benefits.
1. Australia
Australia is rich and well-respected. It is a developed, multi-cultural nation with a high Human Development Index and exceptional quality of life, economic freedom, and civil and political rights protection.
- Investment: Minimum AUD 2.5 million under Investor Stream.
- Processing Time: 12 months
- Advantage: Citizenship in five years.
2. Austria
Austria has one of Europe’s highest standards of living. Austria is a great destination to live thanks to its stunning scenery and stable economy.
- Requirements: German language, EUR 40,000 liquid funds, permanent housing, and private healthcare insurance.
- Processing: One–three months from application to approval.
- Key Benefit: Free migration to Austria, the EU, and the Schengen Area.
3. Canada
Canada is often named the best place to live. Its high standard of living, pristine environment, low crime rate, and excellent infrastructure are highly renowned.
- Investment: Creative startup
- Processing Time: 12 -31 months
- Key Benefit: Citizenship after three years (or 1,095 days) of physical presence out of five.
4. Cyprus
Cyprus is perfect for non-EU residents due to its magnificent beaches and sunny Mediterranean environment.
- Investment: Regulation 6(2) application requires EUR 300,000.
- Processing Time: Two months (or 18 months under Category F)
- Key benefit: Cyprus residency and studies.
5. Greece
Greece, an EU member state, gives its residents and citizens exceptional levels of safety and security, great education, robust healthcare, and a reliable rule of law.
- Investment: Real estate investment of EUR 250,000
- Processing Time: One–two months from application to approval.
- Key Benefit: Free passage to Greece and the Schengen Area.
6. Hong Kong
Hong Kong blends Eastern and Western cultures. It has world-class infrastructure and is one of the most business-friendly cities. Hong Kong has a free market and low taxes. International finance and trading center.
Talented foreigners can live in Hong Kong’s Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) through many residence schemes.
- Investment: The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme requires a points-based test.
- Processing: 4–8 months
- Key benefit: Eligible for permanent residence after seven years.
7. Ireland
Ireland nicknamed the “Emerald Isle” for its beautiful scenery and rich vegetation, is strategically located in Western Europe on key air and sea connections between North America and Northern Europe. It ranks third on the 2022 Index of Economic Freedom and fifth on the UN’s Human Development Index.
Ireland Residence by Investment Program ended 15 February 2023.
- Investment: €500,000 minimum.
- Processing: 9–12 months
- Benefit: Free mobility to Ireland and the CTA
8. Italy
Italy’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea and magnificent art and architecture make it a wonderful place to live. Italy is the third-largest eurozone economy and a founding EU member. Italians have a unique quality of life, high living standards, education, and healthcare.
The Italy Residence by Investment Program, often known as the Italy golden visa, grants international investors Italian citizenship and visa-free travel to the Schengen Area provided they make a significant economic contribution to Italy.
- Investment: EUR 250,000–2 million minimum.
- Processing: Three–four months
- Key benefit: Italy residency, work, and study.
9. Jersey
Jersey is the largest Channel Island. It’s convenient and laid-back between Britain and France. It’s a great place to raise a family, with a stable economy, and low taxes. Flight connections are good and locals live well.
Jersey has frequent and regular flights to London, Paris, Zurich, and other UK, French, Channel Island, and Irish airports, as well as regular marine transit to England and France.
- Investment: Minimum 1.25 million real estate investment and GBP 145,000 annual taxes.
- Processing: Varies
- Advantage: Well-regulated and mature financial and trust industry
10. Latvia
Latvia’s Baltic shore is in the Schengen Area. UNESCO-listed Riga is its capital. Forests encompass half of Latvia, providing several nature trails and parks. Latvia has good transport and cultural linkages with Western Europe and Russia.
On July 1, 2010, Latvia launched the Residence by Investment Program to sustainably overcome the 2007–2009 economic crisis. Latvian residence permits are available to foreigners.
- Minimum investment: €60,000
- Application to approval: 1–3 months.
- Key benefit: Living, working, and studying in Latvia.
11. Luxembourg
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is perfect for investors and entrepreneurs seeking a rich commercial landscape and an attractive alternative place for private dwellings due to its AAA credit rating and world-leading GDP per capita. Life and infrastructure are good in the founding EU member state.
Foreign investors can apply for residency in Luxembourg under the Residence by Investment Program.
- Investment: €500,000 minimum.
- Processing: Six months.
- Key benefits: Visa-free EU and Schengen Area access.
12. Malaysia
Industrial growth and political stability make Malaysia one of Asia’s most vibrant economies. Malaysia joined the British Commonwealth after independence. It joined ASEAN and APEC. Malaysia has beautiful beaches and lush rainforests.
The Malaysia My Second Home Program and Premium Visa Program grant long-term multiple-entry visas to overseas nationals who meet specified requirements.
- Minimum investment: MYR 1 million (USD 230,000).
- Processing: Three–six months
- Key benefit: A 10-year multiple-entry visa for the candidate and family to live in Malaysia.
13. Malta
Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, has a great climate, nice people, a low crime rate, and high quality of life. In addition, Malta has good air connections and is a desirable area to reside or acquire a second home.
Stability, reliability, and security have made Malta one of Europe’s top investment destinations. The Malta Permanent Resident Programme gives resident rights to foreign nationals seeking an alternative European residence.
- Investment: Minimum EUR 175,000 mixed capital.
- Processing time: Four-six months from application to approval.
- Advantage: Malta’s freedom of mobility.
14. Mauritius
Foreign investment is pouring into Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Mauritius is Africa’s most business-friendly nation due to decades of economic success. Lifestyle and Southern African Development Community benefits come with residence.
Foreigners can obtain residency in Mauritius by investing in real estate. Successful applicants and their families can live, work, and retire in Mauritius.
- Minimum real estate investment: USD 375,000
- Processing: 6–8 months
- Benefit: Mauritius residency, work, and retirement.
15. Monaco
Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world, borders France on the Mediterranean Sea. Also, Monaco has a good standard of living, temperate weather, personal security, a modern infrastructure, and no income or capital gains tax.
Monaco’s residency requirements are not as tough as they seem, but it’s still best to hire a consultant or lawyer to help you apply. Residents must be able to afford the lifestyle, including rent and real estate, which are equivalent to big capital cities.
Monaco benefits include:
- High privacy
- Diverse society
- Beautiful lifestyle and a perfect location on the French-Italian Riviera
- Nice International Airport has great road, sea, and air access.
- Investors and residential property dealers benefit from a healthy real estate market.
- Quality sports, cultural, and educational facilities
- Safe place
16. Montenegro
Montenegro’s natural beauty is unmatched on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. Also, Montenegro joined NATO in 2006, utilizes the euro, and is an EU candidate country.
Montenegro, a safe and stable country with contemporary resorts, is aiming toward a free-market economy. Foreign nationals wanting a diversified portfolio and alternative European residence can apply for Montenegro Residence.
- Investment: No minimum investment
- Processing: One month from application to approval.
- Key benefits: Montenegrin residency, job, and study.
17. Namibia
Namibia, in southwest Africa, is a popular tourist destination due to its plentiful wildlife and world-class dunes. Also, Namibia’s infrastructure and quality of life make it one of Africa’s safest countries.
Namibia grants residence permits to foreigners who invest in the modern, eco-friendly President’s Links Estate through a corporation.
- Investment: $365,000 minimum.
- Processing: Three months
- Key benefits: Living, working, and studying in Namibia.
18. New Zealand
New Zealand is a great place to invest, work, and raise a family. Investor protection, business startup, and ease of doing business are among the top 10 in the country.
Foreigners who spend heavily in New Zealand can become permanent residents.
- Investment: NZ$5 million minimum.
- Processing: 8–9 months
- Advantage: Citizenship after five years.
19. Panama
Panama is a major finance hub between Central and South America. The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, allows investors to reach commercial product markets in the US, East Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
The Panama Residence by Investment Program, popularly known as the Panama golden visa, permits international investors to get a residence permit.
- Minimum investment: $100,000
- Qualified Investor: 30 days, Friendly Nations and Forestry Investor: 4–6 months.
- Advantage: Free movement to Panama
20. Portugal
Portugal is one of the most globalized and peaceful countries in the world, with a great quality of life and a high Human Development Index. It’s one of Europe’s oldest countries with a vibrant culture, delicious food, beautiful beaches, and picturesque landscapes.
A Portugal golden visa is a five-year residence by investment program for non-EU nationals. The EU includes Portugal. The resident permit provides visa-free access to the Schengen Area and requires an average stay of seven days in Portugal over five years.
- Minimum property investment: EUR 280,000
- Processing: 18+ months
- Benefit: Portugal residency, job, and study.
21. Singapore
Singapore is often named the greatest Asian city to live in due to its infrastructure and public services. It boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the world and an excellent quality of life. GDP per capita ranks it among the wealthiest nations.
Singapore Global Investor Program applicants can become permanent residents. The initiative attracts wealthy overseas investors and entrepreneurs who want to live in Singapore.
- Investment: SGD10 million minimum.
- Processing: 9–12 months
- Key Benefits: Citizenship after two years of permanent residency
22. Spain
Spain, in Southwestern Europe, is a top tourist destination. It has a rich history, unique culture, and beautiful landscapes. Spain has a major European economy. It is a full EU and Eurozone member.
The Spain golden visa, or residence by investment program, allows foreigners to invest in Spain and apply for an investor visa. Successful applicants and their families receive Schengen visa-free travel.
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Immigration process: 20 days
- Key benefits: Right to live, work, and study in Spain and free mobility to the EU and Schengen Area.
23. Switzerland
Switzerland rates high in quality of life. Its diversified and multilingual community and the politically and economically stable climate attract numerous foreign organizations.
Financially independent people who agree to pay a minimal net annual tax can get a residence visa in Switzerland regardless of age.
- Investment: Minimum CHF 250,000 yearly taxes, depending on application and canton of domicile.
- Processing: Three–six months
- Benefit: Switzerland residency and study.
24. Thailand
Southeast Asian tourists love Thailand. Its living standards are high and inexpensive. Ancient ruins, scuba diving, tropical islands, nightlife, palaces, Buddhist temples, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites are among its attractions.
Thailand Elite Residence Program applicants can dwell in the nation for 20 years and receive special services and perks. Thailand Elite, a TPC-exclusive program, is required for foreigners to get the Thailand Elite privilege entrance visa.
- Investment: THB 600,000 (USD 19,000) minimum application fee.
- Processing: Two-three months
- Key Benefits: Long-term multiple-entry permit and premium, VIP treatment
25. The UAE
The UAE has sophisticated infrastructure, transport, and communications. With worldwide access, the country is great for business. Dubai, the second-largest of the seven emirates, is the UAE’s financial and economic hub.
Foreigners can obtain a UAE golden visa by investing in the country.
- Investment: AED 2 million (USD 550,000) minimum.
- Processing: Eight weeks.
- Key benefit: Right to dwell in any of the seven UAE emirates.
26. The UK
The UK is a major economic and political force. London is a global financial center. Then, The UK has world-class universities and a diverse culture.
The Innovator Visa is for businesspeople who can set up or run a UK firm. Applicants must invest GBP 50,000 in a Home Office-approved new enterprise and submit a business plan.
- Investment: £50,000 investment
- Application to approval: 1–8 weeks.
- Key benefit: Freedom to live, work, and study in the UK.
27. The US
Investors prefer the US. The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program expedites green card applications.
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program grants EB-5 visas to investors in commercial firms in government-approved regional centers with economic growth ideas.
- Investment: $800,000.
- Processing: 30–36 months
- Key benefit: Citizenship after five years of legal residence
Bottomline
Residence by Investment Programs, sometimes known as Golden Visa Programs, allow wealthy people to live, work, study, and receive healthcare in another country. Investors can choose from these 27-country programs based on their needs and preferences.
Before choosing a program, thoroughly analyze its requirements, processing timelines, and rewards.
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