An immigration program known as a “Golden Visa” enables wealthy people to obtain a residence permit or even citizenship in another nation by making a sizable donation, making an investment, or purchasing a home there. Investment possibilities vary by nation and can cost anywhere from $250,000 to millions. You and your family members can move there legally if you make the necessary investment and apply for a Golden Visa. There, you can live, attend school, and obtain medical treatment. Most prospective investors engage specialists to assist them because of the size of the investment required. Residency-by-investment plans are a specialty of businesses like La Vida. You can get a free consultation to find out if you qualify for a Golden Visa. If you employ them, they can arrange a trip for you to physically view your investment possibilities and even assign you a lawyer to assist you with the investment and visa processes.

You need to buy a piece of real estate abroad to apply for a Golden Visa. Most countries that grant Golden Visas offer this as the most prevalent route. The real estate can be purchased for anything between $200,000 and over $2 million.

Additional investment choices consist of*:

• Invest money in a company’s stock or shares.
• Make a substantial investment in the nation’s government bonds or public debt.
• Make work opportunities available.
• contribute to a nation’s technical or scientific innovation.

Following your investment, you can apply for a Golden Visa at either the applicable embassy in your own country or an overseas government agency. In any case, the Embassy ought to be your first port of call.

Due to La Vida’s years of involvement with Golden Visa programs, they have relationships with numerous banks and attorneys as well as first-hand understanding of the rules governing foreign investment and immigration. To help you with the investment and manage the visa application on your family’s behalf, you will be given access to a lawyer in another country. This guarantees that your approach will be as simple and effective as feasible.

Many nations have employed residency by investment to entice foreign capital, either in the form of real estate or the creation of businesses that hire a predetermined minimum number of citizens. Foreigners are given the opportunity to get permanent residency in the country where they are investing, bring their spouse and children to live with them, and engage in employment and educational opportunities there through residency-by-investment programs.

To qualify for a Golden Visa, you must:

• Invest capital that is directly from you.
• Maintain your investment for at least the bare minimum of time.
• Be able to demonstrate that you obtained the money legitimately.
• Have no history of criminal activity.
• Have the money to support yourself and any family members who are traveling with you even if you don’t want to stay there permanently.

Naturally, there will be additional special requirements based on any Golden Visa you apply for.

The nation that issues the Golden Visa determines how long it is valid. Typically, the validity is between one and two years, with an unlimited potential of renewal.
After five to ten years of residing in the country that issued the visa, you are eventually qualified for citizenship.

Golden Visa Program for Cyprus

Cyprus will no longer offer Golden Visas starting in 2020. Previously, the plan was one of the most well-known, acting as a conduit for investors between Europe and Asia. Investors were given the opportunity to get permanent residency after investing at least €300,000 + VAT in a home. Due to allegations of corruption, in which Golden Visas were allegedly sold to people with criminal records, the government shut down the program. The scheme is currently unlikely to resurface.

Golden Visa for Moldova

Launched in 2018, the Moldova Citizenship by Investment program offered one of the least expensive European Golden Visas. After most of the parliament voted against the program in 2020, the government decided to halt it. Applications already filed before the suspension will be processed; new applications will not be allowed.
For a single applicant, the program required a minimum investment of €100,000 into the Public Investment Fund (PIF). But at this point, it is highly likely that the initiative will be discontinued. You are urged to research other European nations that provide Golden Visas as well as other nations globally for this reason.

Golden Visa for Montenegro

The ultimate decision to end Montenegro’s Golden Visa program has been taken. The program will end in December 2022 despite offering citizenship by investment for a total of €350,000. This choice was made mostly because of Montenegro’s desire to join the EU, even though the European Commission vehemently opposes Golden Visa schemes. A small number of applications were submitted during the program’s active period that urged its termination.

The fees for family visas vary depending on the nation:

1. Anguilla.
2. Antigua and Barbuda.
3. Austria.
4. Canada.
5. Germany.
6. Greece.
7. Grenada.
8. Ireland.
9. Malta.
10. New Zealand.
11. Portugal.
12. Singapore.
13. Spain.
14. St. Kitts and Nevis.
15. St Lucia.
16. Switzerland.
17. The Cayman Islands.
18. The United Kingdom.
19. Turkey.
20. United Arab Emirates.
21. United States of America.
22. Vanuatu.

To determine which Golden Visa scheme you are eligible for, you can contact the advisors at La Vida – Golden Visas. They specialize in international real estate investment and can help you choose the most suitable Golden Visa scheme for you and your family, by taking into consideration your finances and what you hope to achieve through your investment. La Vida helps with 18 Golden Visa programs worldwide.

1. Anguilla

You must put down a minimum of $150,000 in a fund that has received government approval to be eligible for Anguilla’s Golden Visa. Purchasing real estate or enrolling in a tax residency program are other options.

You can only obtain a permanent residence with the Anguilla Golden Visa, and you must stay in the nation for several years before you may become a citizen. But after that, you can apply for British citizenship by becoming a British Overseas Citizen (BOC).

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

2. Antigua and Barbuda.

One of the most alluring investment visas is the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa, which enables you to get a passport right away without having to live there.

One of the following investments must be made to be eligible for the Antigua Golden Scheme:

• Purchase real estate for no less than USD400,000.
• An investment of $100,000 in the National Development Fund (NDF).
• Investment in the business of at least US$1.5 million.
• A minimum of USD 150,000 should be invested in the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund.

Around 150 countries, including the UK, grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to holders of the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa.

Permanent Residency by Investment – No
Citizenship by Investment – Yes

3. Austria

One of the harshest citizenship regulations in Europe is found in Austria. Its Golden Visa also has strict requirements for potential investors as a result. Only 300 persons are permitted to participate in the scheme each year, therefore few people can obtain Austrian residency via investing.

You must make a direct investment of €10 million into a business or €3 million into a government fund to qualify for the visa. Additionally, your investment must strengthen Austria’s economy and create jobs for locals. Like any other naturalized citizen, you must have lived in Austria for at least ten years before you can petition for citizenship
.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

4. Canada

Although Canada has several investment schemes, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is the most well-known. To participate in this program, you must contribute at least CAD 1.2 million in bonds. Three years later, you can apply for citizenship. For most Canada’s investment programs, you must, however, reside there for at least 183 days over the course of three years to be eligible for citizenship.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

5. Germany

In comparison to other nations, Germany’s Golden Visa scheme is slightly different. You are not needed to make a minimum investment in order to be eligible for a Germany Golden Visa. However, we strongly advise that you put at least €360,000. First, you must establish a firm in Germany and apply for a self-employment visa. You can seek for citizenship through naturalization after eight years and after three years acquire your permanent residency permit.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

6. Greece

If you satisfy the following investment requirements, you may apply for a Golden Visa in Greece:

• You spend €250,000 plus taxes on a piece of real estate.
• You agree to a lease that is at least ten years long.
• You contribute at least €400,000 to a Greek-registered business.
• Purchasing government bonds requires a minimum investment of €400,000.
• You make a deposit of at least €400,000 with a Greek bank.

After seven years, you can petition for citizenship using the Greek Golden Visa. The EU and the Schengen Area are accessible to you if you meet the requirements for citizenship. If you renew your permit every five years and keep up your investment, you can maintain your permanent resident status even if you don’t intend to apply for citizenship.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

7. Grenada

Grenada will grant you second citizenship for just $150,000 paid to a public fund. Additionally, you can apply for the visa and buy real estate. The Grenada Golden Visa does not have a residency requirement, and you will be granted citizenship as soon as your investment is fulfilled. Using Grenada’s citizenship by investment scheme, you can visit 140 nations without a visa.

Permanent Residency by Investment – No
Citizenship by Investment – Yes

8. Ireland

You can obtain a renewable residence permit in Ireland through the Golden Visa program if you invest at least €1 million in one of the following things:

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

Direct citizenship cannot be obtained under Ireland’s Golden Visa program. But if you match the requirements, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization just like other citizens.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

9. Malta

Under its Golden Visa program, Malta offers citizenship and residency to foreigners who invest. You have a choice of applying for the Maltese Golden Visa in one of the following ways, depending on your interests and financial situation:

• Residency by investment : You must put at least €98,000 into a fund that has received government approval to be eligible for the residency program. To maintain your permanent residence program, you are not required to reside in Malta. Even though this is not a citizenship program, you may seek for citizenship after five years if you meet the requirements for naturalization.
• Citizenship by investment : With an investment of €750,000 to a national development fund that has received official approval, you can apply for the one-year citizenship route. However, if you invest at least €600,000 in a government-approved national development fund, you also have the choice of a three-year program.

With Malta’s Golden Visa program, you can reside in the EU and visit about 140 nations without a visa. You can also acquire a second citizenship while maintaining your first one.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – Yes

10. New Zealand

New Zealand is another well-liked location for investments because it provides a high standard of living, social security, and several other advantages. The nation provides two avenues for investment:

• Investor visa type 1 : You must invest at least NZD 10 million in authorized investment choices, such as government bonds, stock, funds, new residential properties, commercial buildings, or philanthropic investments, to qualify for the investor 1 visa in New Zealand. You are given a temporary permission under this program, which you can renew. After three years, you can apply for citizenship and permanent residency.
• Investor visa type 2 : For the investor visa type 2 in New Zealand, a minimum of NZD 3 million is needed. If you invest NZD, you can seek for permanent residency and then citizenship after holding your investment for at least four years.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

11. Porttugal

One of the most well-known Golden Visa programs in the world is offered by Portugal. If you spend at least €500,000 in real estate—or €400,000 if it’s in a low-density area—you can apply to become a resident of Portugal. After five years, you must apply for citizenship or permanent residency; most investors choose the latter to obtain a second passport that grants them access to the EU and Schengen Area.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

12. Singapore

If you make an investment of at least SGD 2.5 million in one of the following, you may be eligible for the Singapore Golden Visa:

• Create a new business or expand an existing one.
• Singaporean fund with approval.
• Open a one-family business in Singapore.

You must also have past business experience and present the audited financial statements of your company. With the help of this scheme, you can become a permanent resident of Singapore, at which point you can seek for citizenship after two years. However, Singapore does not allow dual citizenship.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

13. Spain

Five years after making an investment, you can apply for permanent residency in Spain through the residency-by-investment program. If you stay in the country for ten years, you can eventually become a citizen. You must invest €500,000 in real estate to be eligible for Spain’s Golden Visa, but you may bring your family. Keep in mind that unless you are a permanent resident, you must renew your permission every two years.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

14. St Kitts and Nevis

You can put USD 150,000 into a government fund or spend USD 200,000 on real estate if you have a St. Kitts and Nevis Golden Visa. You won’t need to live in the country after investing; citizenship will be granted to you right away. You can enter more than 160 nations without a visa or with one upon arrival if you have a passport from St. Kitts.

Permanent Residency by Investment – No
Citizenship by Investment – Yes

15. St Lucia

With a contribution to a national government fund of just $100,000 USD, St. Lucia grants a second passport. However, you also have the choice to use your cash to buy bonds, real estate, or other types of investment. There is no residency requirement to be eligible for the St. Lucia’s Golden Visa, therefore your application will be approved in as little as 90 days, and you can then become a citizen of St. Lucia.

Permanent Residency by Investment – No
Citizenship by Investment – Yes

16. Switzerland

In contrast to other countries’ Golden Visa programs, Switzerland’s does not force you to buy government bonds, real estate, or money. If you pay yearly taxes between CHF 150,000 and CHF 1 million, you may be eligible for the program. The minimum amount varies per canton.

However, you must have spent at least ten years in the nation to be granted permanent residency and citizenship.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

17. The Cayman Islands

An investment-based residence program is the Cayman Islands Golden Visa program. After making a real estate investment of USD 2.5 million, you can apply for permanent residency within a few months. You can seek for citizenship through naturalization after five years and become a British Overseas Citizen (BOC), after which you can apply for British citizenship.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

18. The United Kingdom

For those who have the necessary capital to invest in the UK, the Tier-1 Investor visa is available. The minimum investment must be held in a licensed financial institution and is at least £2,000,000. If you complete the remaining requirements, you can apply for British citizenship after a few years.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

19. Turkey

After making your deposit, the Golden Visa for Turkey grants you citizenship in 3 to 6 months. You must make a minimum $250,000 real estate investment to be eligible for Turkish citizenship under the investment program. With this program, you can travel to 125 nations without a visa or one on arrival, and your family members can apply for citizenship with you.

Permanent Residency by Investment – No
Citizenship by Investment – Yes

20. United Arab Emirates

Within the Dubai Golden Visa scheme, the UAE offers 10-year and 5-year residency programs. You must invest at least AED 10 million in public investments or possess extraordinary skills and abilities to be eligible for the 10-year option. You must invest a minimum of AED 5 million in a UAE property to qualify for the five-year option.

Permanent Residency by Investment – Yes
Citizenship by Investment – No

21. United States of America

The key distinction between the two types of visas offered by the US under its Golden Visa program is that only one of them provides a path to citizenship.

EB5 – Investor Visa :Five years after making your investment, you can apply for a Green Card using the EB-5 permit, an immigrant investor visa. You must submit at least $900,000 in targeted employment to be eligible for this visa.

EB2 – Investor Visa : You must be a national of a nation with which the US has an investor treaty and spend between $100,000 and $200,000 in an existing business or the establishment of a new one to be eligible for an EB-2 investment visa. This visa does not allow you to apply for a Green Card, although there are a few exceptions.

Permanent Residency by Investment – No
Citizenship by Investment – Yes

22. Vanuatu

You must deposit a minimum of USD 130,000 in a government fund if you wish to be considered for Vanuatu’s Golden Visa program. However, the government of Vanuatu has made the scheme for buying real estate available as well. This means that if you spend USD 200,000 or more on a government-approved piece of real estate in Vanuatu, you’ll be eligible for the Golden Visa. You will become a citizen of Vanuatu if your investment is accepted.

Permanent Residency by Investment – No
Citizenship by Investment – Yes

Although a Golden Visa always includes a residency permit, procuring a passport typically requires more steps. Yes, a Golden Visa can eventually lead to citizenship, but you must first reside there for a period. For instance, even if you have no intention of ever relocating to Spain, you will still be granted a residence visa if you apply for a Spanish Golden Visa. However, after ten years of continuous residence and the establishment of “ties” to Spain, such as language proficiency, you can seek for citizenship.

Yes, you can apply for a Golden Visa along with your dependent family members. This includes the spouse, kids, and parents who are depending on you. Everyone included on the application for a Golden Visa has the same privileges as the primary applicant, including residency, freedom of movement, etc.

Portugal is one of the nations that provides the shortest Golden Visa citizenship route. After five years, regardless of whether you resided there or not, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.

No, applicants for Golden Visas often do not need to meet residency requirements. If you keep your investment (i.e., do not sell the house), you can renew the visa indefinitely. Additionally, certain nations, such Cyprus and Greece, permit you to rent out your home while you are gone.

No, you cannot apply for a Golden Visa if you used financial aid to buy a residence. All the money you invest must be yours.

However, you might be permitted to use financing to cover the sum of money above the necessary minimum. For instance, if you want to buy a $500,000 property but need a $300,000 Golden Visa, you can pay the $300,000 in full and then get finance for the other $200,000.

Similar to this, all investors in a joint investment must provide the minimum required sum. You can’t divide it among yourselves.