December 18th, 2023 at 12:01 am

Countries Offering Golden Visa Programs 2023 | Golden Visa Program

Programs for residence by investment, commonly referred to as “golden visa” programs, enable affluent people to live, work, study, and even get medical care in a new nation. International planning is crucial for affluent clients who want to live abroad or have several places. Such tactics are used by several countries worldwide to entice affluent foreign investors.

This article looks at 27 nations where affluent foreigners can “buy citizenship” through initiatives dubbed “Citizenship by Investment.”

Golden Vision Partnership Investment Program

Golden Visa

According to Henley and Partners, Golden certificates and schemes that grant citizenship in return for money are different. While citizenship by investment programs gives petitioners the same rights as citizens of their home country, golden visas only allow temporary stay abroad. However, after a predetermined amount of time, applicants can petition for citizenship through several “residence by investment” programs.

Residence by Investment Programs

The 27 nations that have residency by investment or golden visa programs are listed here, along with the prerequisites, hours of operation, and main advantages of each program.

1. Australia

Australia enjoys a stellar reputation and is among the richest countries in the world. It is a highly developed, cosmopolitan country with a high Human Development Index score. Its residents have economic freedom, a good level of living, and strong civil and political rights protection.

• Investment: A minimum of AUD 2.5 million must be made under the Investor Stream.
• Processing takes a year. Approximately five years are needed to become a citizen.

2. Austria

Austria is among the wealthiest nations in Europe, and its people live in a very good quality of life. Austria’s solid economy and stunning natural scenery make it a popular place to live.

3. Canada

Numerous times, Canada has been ranked as the greatest place to live. It is well known for its superb infrastructure, low crime rate, clean environment, and high level of living.

• Investment: creative new business
• Twelve to thirty-one months for processing. Naturalization following three of the five years (or 1,095 days) of physical presence.

4. Cyprus

Cyprus’s stunning coastline and Mediterranean temperature make it the perfect destination for non-EU nationals.

• Investment: The application of Regulation 6(2) calls for EUR 300,000.
• Processing takes two months (or eighteen months for Category F).
• Principal advantages: Residency and education in Cyprus

5. Greece

Greece, a nation that is a part of the European Union, offers its people great levels of security and safety, first-rate healthcare, efficient education, and a stable legal system.

• A EUR 250,000 investment in real estate
• Processing takes one to two months, from approval application.
• Main Benefit: Free travel to the Schengen Area and Greece

6. Hong Kong

Hong Kong blends aspects of Western and Eastern culture. It is one of the most business-friendly cities with top-notch infrastructure. Hong Kong enjoys a free market and low taxes. Global center for commerce and finance.

Hong Kong’s Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) welcomes skilled foreigners with a range of resident opportunities. For investment, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme requires a points-based test.

• Period of processing: four to eight months
• Key benefit: After seven years, eligible for permanent residence.

7. Republic of Ireland

Ireland dubbed the “Emerald Isle” because of its breathtaking scenery and profusion of flora, is well situated in Western Europe along major air and maritime routes that connect North America and Northern Europe. It is ranked sixth on the UN Human Development Index and third on the 2022 Index of Economic Freedom. On February 15, 2023, the Ireland Residence by Investment Program was terminated.

• Minimum investment of €500,000.
• Processing period: three to six months
• Benefit: Unrestricted access to the CTA and Ireland

8. Italy

Italy’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, along with its stunning art and architecture, make it an ideal destination to live. Italy, a founding member of the EU, has the third-largest economy in the eurozone. Italians have excellent access to healthcare, education, and living conditions.

In exchange for making a sizable financial gift to Italy, foreign investors can get Italian citizenship and travel to the Schengen Area without a visa through the Italy Residence by Investment Program, also referred to as the Italy Golden Visa.

• Investment: at least EUR 250,000–2 million
• Three to four months for the processing
• Principal benefits Italy: places to live, work, and learn

9. Jersey

Jersey is the best Channel Island. Traveling from Britain to France is straightforward. Its steady economy and cheap taxes make it an ideal place to raise a family. The inhabitants have easy access to flights and a good standard of living.

In addition to regular marine transit to England and France, Jersey offers frequent and regular flights to London, Paris, Zurich, and other UK, French, Channel Island, and Irish airports.

• $1,250,000 is the minimum real estate investment, while $145,000. is the annual tax.
• Processing: Distinct Benefit: An established, closely monitored financial and trust sector

10. Latvia

Latvia’s Baltic shore is a part of the Schengen Area. Its capital is Riga, which is on the UNESCO list. Forests encompass most of Latvia, offering a wealth of parks and natural paths. Latvia is strategically and culturally connected to both Russia and Western Europe.

To address the economic crisis of 2007–2009 in a sustainable manner, Latvia launched the Residence by Investment Program on July 1, 2010. Latvia grants residency permits to foreign nationals.

• €60,000 is the minimum amount to invest.
• Between the time of application and acceptance, one to three months pass.
• There are many benefits to living, working, and studying in Latvia.

11. Luxembourg

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a great place for investors and business owners looking for a broad commercial landscape and an attractive alternative for private residences because of its AAA credit rating and the world’s highest GDP per capita.

Positive aspects of the original EU member state’s infrastructure and way of life exist. For their investment, overseas investors may apply for Luxembourg citizenship under the Residence by Investment Program.

• Minimum investment of €500,000.
• Six months for the processing phase.
• Entry to the EU and Schengen Area without a visa

12. The Philippines

Malaysia’s industrial expansion and political stability make it one of Asia’s most robust economies. After attaining its independence, Malaysia entered the British Commonwealth. It joined both APEC and ASEAN. Malaysia has stunning beaches and dense jungles.

Malaysian foreign nationals who meet specific requirements can apply for long-term, multiple-entry visas under the My Second Home Program and the Premium Visa Program.

• 1,000,000 MYR is the minimum investment, or roughly $230,000.
• Three to six months for the processing period
• The main benefit is a multiple-entry visa that allows the applicant and their family to live in Malaysia for ten years.

13. Malta

Malta, a country on the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its great weather, welcoming citizens, low crime rate, and excellent level of living. Furthermore, Malta’s easy access by air makes it an ideal location for a second home or place of residence.

Malta has emerged as one of the most desirable investment destinations in Europe thanks to its stability, dependability, and safety. To give foreign nationals seeking an alternative European residence, the Malta Permanent Resident Program with resident rights.

• Investment: a minimum of 175,000 euros in various forms of capital.
• The entire process, from approval application, takes four to six months.
• Malta has the benefit of flexible mobility.

14. The Republic of Mauritius

The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius is seeing a surge in foreign investment. Due to decades of economic progress, Mauritius is now the most business-friendly country in Africa. The advantages of the Southern African Development Community and way of life are covered.

Through real estate investment, foreigners can become residents of Mauritius. Those that are accepted may live, work, and retire with their families in Mauritius.

• The minimum amount to invest in real estate: $375,000.
• Six to eight months for processing
• Benefits include living, working, and retiring in Mauritius

15. Monaco

France and Monaco, the world’s second-smallest nation, are neighbors across the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco also offers a contemporary infrastructure, a good standard of living, pleasant weather, personal security, and no income or capital gains taxes.

Even if Monaco doesn’t have as strict residency requirements as it seems, you should still get assistance from a consultant or lawyer to apply. Rent and real estate must be within the means of the populace for them to lead a lifestyle akin to that of major capital cities.

The benefits of Monaco are as follows:

• Elevated discretion
• Also, various cultural backgrounds
• In addition, the French-Italian Riviera is ideally located and offers a breathtaking lifestyle.
• Moreover, the Nice International Airport is conveniently located for travel by air, sea, and land.
• Aside from that, dealers of residential real estate and investors benefit from a healthy real estate market.
• Excellent athletic, cultural, and educational amenities
• Above all, a secure area

16. Montenegro

The southeast European nation of Montenegro boasts the most breathtaking natural scenery on the Balkan Peninsula. Furthermore, Montenegro is a candidate for the EU, utilizes the euro, and joined NATO in 2006.

A safe, stable country with contemporary resorts, Montenegro is seeking a free-market economy. Applications for residency in Montenegro may be made by foreign nationals who wish to have a diversified portfolio and an alternate domicile in Europe.

• The minimal investment amount is nonexistent.
• From the time of application to acceptance, one month is needed.
• Residence, work, and education in Montenegro are the main benefits.

17. Namibia

Namibia’s world-class dunes and profusion of animals make it one of the most popular travel destinations in southwest Africa. Namibia is among the safest countries in Africa due to its infrastructure and general standard of living.

Foreign investors in the contemporary, environmentally conscious President’s Links Estate through corporations are granted residence privileges by Namibia.

• Minimum investment of $365,000.
• Processing period: three months
• Living, working, and learning in Namibia have several benefits.

18. New Zealand

It’s a great time to work, invest, and raise a family in New Zealand. Investor protection, ease of doing business, and business establishment are among the top ten in the country. Permanent residency may be granted to foreign nationals who make significant purchases in New Zealand.

• Minimum investment of NZ$5 million.
• Processing period: 8–9 months
• In addition, obtaining citizenship after five years is beneficial.

19. Panama

A major financial hub connecting South and Central America is Panama. Investors can access commercial product markets in the US, East Asia, Europe, and Oceania through the Panama Canal, which links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Foreign investors can obtain a residency visa under the Panama Residence by Investment Program, also referred to as the Panama Golden Visa.

• $100,000 is the minimum amount to invest.
• Processing period: 30 days for eligible investors; 4-6 months for investors in forestry and allied nations.
• In addition, Panama’s Mobility Freedom

20. Portugal

Portugal has a high Human Development Index and a high standard of living, making it one of the most globalized and peaceful countries in the world. Being among the oldest nations in Europe, it boasts a lively culture, delicious food, breathtaking beaches, and attractive scenery.

A five-year residency scheme based on investment is available to non-EU nationals under the Portugal Golden Visa. The EU includes Portugal. The resident permit is valid for five years and allows entry into the Schengen Area without the need for a visa; the average stay in Portugal is seven days.

• The minimum amount to invest in real estate: €280,000.
• Processing period: over 18 months
• Benefits include residency, work, and education in Portugal.

21. Singapore

As a result of its public services and infrastructure, Singapore is often considered the best city in Asia to live in. It boasts the best quality of life in the world together with one of the lowest rates of crime. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world based on GDP per capita.

The Singapore Global Investor Program allows applicants to become citizens of Singapore permanently. Rich overseas investors and businesspeople who want to live in Singapore are drawn to the program.

• Minimum investment of SGD 10 million.
• Processing period: three to six months
• Principal Advantages: after two years of continuous residency, citizenship

22. Spain

Spain is a well-liked vacation spot in southwest Europe. It boasts breathtaking scenery, a unique culture, and a lengthy history. In Europe, Spain’s economy is sizable. It is an entire member of the Eurozone and the EU.

Foreign investors can invest in Spain and become eligible for an investor visa under the Spain Golden Visa program, sometimes referred to as the Residence by Investment Program. Petitioners who are successful in getting their visas granted can enter Schengen without a visa.

• €500,000 is the minimal amount to invest.
• 20-day process for immigration
• The main benefits are unrestricted entry to the EU and Schengen Area, as well as the freedom to live, work, and study in Spain.

23. Switzerland

Switzerland is rated as having a high quality of life. Both the stable political and economic environment and the population’s diversity and multilingualism draw in a large number of international organizations. Individuals who are financially independent and agree to pay a modest annual net tax are eligible to apply for a Swiss residency visa regardless of their age.

• CHF 250,000 in minimum yearly taxes, based on application and home canton.
• It is beneficial to process Switzerland’s residency and education within three to six months.

24. Thailand

Travelers from Southeast Asia like Thailand. It offers an inexpensive good standard of living. Ancient ruins, scuba diving, nightlife, tropical islands, palaces, Buddhist temples, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a few of its attractions.

Those who apply to the Thailand Elite Residence Program are eligible to live there for twenty years and receive exclusive privileges and services. To receive a Thailand Elite privilege entrance visa, expats must participate in Thailand Elite, a TPC-only program.

• A 600,000 baht (19 USD) application fee is the minimum required.
• Processing time: three to six months
• Main Benefits: VIP treatment and a long-term multiple-entry permit

25. UAE

Advanced communications, transportation, and infrastructure are available in the United Arab Emirates. The nation is great for business because it is accessible from anywhere in the world. The financial and economic hub of the United Arab Emirates is Dubai, the second-largest of the seven emirates. By making investments in the United Arab Emirates, foreigners can acquire a golden visa.

• Minimum investment of AED 2 million, or $550,000.
• There is an eight-week processing period.
• The ability to live in any of the seven UAE emirates is the main benefit.

26. United Kingdom

Britain is a major force in both politics and the economy. London is one of the world’s financial hubs. In addition, the UK boasts a rich cultural heritage and top-notch universities. Those who are capable of starting or running a business in the UK are eligible for the Innovator Visa. Candidates must submit a business concept and invest 50,000 GBP in a new venture that has been approved by the Home Office.

• £50,000 investment
• It takes one to eight weeks from the time of application until approval.
• Benefits: the ability to live, work, and study in the UK.

27. United States of America

US stocks are preferred by investors. The United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program expedites green card applications. One of the most well-liked travel locations for investors is still the United States. An effective and simple way to get a green card and become a permanent resident of the US is through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

• $800,000 investment
• Thirty to thirty-six months for processing
• After five years of lawful residency, the main benefit is citizenship.

Rich people can obtain second citizenship through Residence by Investment Programs or Golden Visa Programs, which allow them to live, work, study, and receive medical care in a new nation. Depending on their needs and interests, investors have a wide range of options with these programs available in 27 countries.

But before choosing, it’s crucial to thoroughly weigh the advantages, processing times, and standards of each application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country grants the easiest golden visa?

Greece has one of the fastest residence processes and grants golden visas. Upon qualifying, foreign nationals have sixty days to apply for and receive permission. It used to have one of the lowest investment requirements in the nation, requiring only €250,000 to be invested in real estate.

Which country has the greatest golden visa program?

With the United States and the United Kingdom having among of the longest-running golden visa systems in the world, over 60% of EU members have operational, ongoing programs. Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom are some well-liked nations that grant golden visas.