Countries that offer a ‘golden visa’ in exchange for investments

U.S President Donald Trump proposed replacing the current “EB-5” immigrant investor program with a “gold card” that could be purchased for $5 million. This “gold card” would offer a pathway to American citizenship.

The “EB-5” program currently requires a minimum investment of $800,000 for permanent residency in the U.S.

“Residence by investment” or “golden visa” programs allow high-net-worth individuals to acquire temporary or permanent residency in a foreign country.

Here are some major countries that offer golden visas to attract investments from wealthy individuals:

EUROPEAN UNION:

Greece: Introduced a program in 2013 that allows foreign individuals to obtain permanent residence permits in Greece. These permits require a minimum real estate investment of around 250,000 euros ($262,800) and must be renewed every five years.

Malta: Grants citizenship to foreign individuals who contribute to the country’s economic development. Individuals must contribute at least 600,000 euros for a minimum residence period of 36 months.

Italy: The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant economic contribution. It grants Italian residence and visa-free access to Europe’s open-border Schengen Area. The minimum investment ranges from 250,000 to 2 million euros, depending on the risk associated with the investment.

Cyprus: Offers golden visas to foreign nationals who have invested a minimum of 300,000 euros.

MIDDLE EAST:

United Arab Emirates: Allows foreign nationals to make a minimum investment of 2 million dirhams ($544,602) into the Gulf country and apply for a residence permit, also known as a UAE golden visa.

CARIBBEAN:

Dominica: Requires making a minimum economic contribution of $200,000 to the country. In exchange, applicants and their families are granted full citizenship.

Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia are among the countries that offer citizenship by investment programs. These programs require applicants to make a minimum economic contribution to the country in exchange for citizenship.

Grenada’s program requires applicants to make a minimum economic contribution of $235,000. In return, visa holders are granted the right to travel to Grenada, China, Russia, Singapore, Britain, and the European Schengen Area, among other countries.

St. Kitts and Nevis’s program requires applicants to make a minimum economic contribution of $250,000. In exchange, they and their families are granted full citizenship.

Saint Lucia’s program requires applicants to make a minimum economic contribution of $240,000. Applicants and their families must also undergo a stringent application process and due diligence checks before being granted full citizenship.

Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program requires the main applicant to be over 18 years of age and have made a minimum contribution of $230,000.

Other countries that offer citizenship by investment programs include Thailand, Indonesia, and many others.

Thailand offers the Thailand Privilege Residence Program, which grants applicants the right to reside in the country for up to 20 years and access to privileged services and benefits with a minimum investment of 650,000 baht ($19,299).

Additionally, Thailand offers the Long Term Residence Program, which allows individuals to live and work in the country for up to 10 years with reduced administrative requirements and tax benefits.

Indonesia launched a long-term visa scheme in 2024 to attract foreign investors. The program requires contributions of up to $10 million, which grants applicants a 10-year visa and access to Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

Source: Henley & Partners