Golden Visa Countries
What Is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment programme that allows individuals and their families to live, work, and often study in a foreign country in return for a qualifying investment (typically in real estate, business, or government funds).
Some countries also offer citizenship after a certain period.
Who Can Apply for a Golden Visa?
You must be a non-citizen of the target country and make the required minimum investment (e.g. real estate, donation, business). You’ll also need to meet background check and legal requirements and show proof of sufficient income or assets.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Golden Visa programmes offer significant advantages for successful applicants:
- Residence rights in the host country
- Ability to travel visa-free within Schengen (in most EU programmes)
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
- Family members (spouse, children) can be included
- Access to healthcare, education, and tax planning benefits
Documents Required for a Golden Visa Application
Standard documentation requirements include a valid passport, proof of qualifying investment, clean criminal record certificate, proof of legal source of funds, health insurance (in some programmes), and proof of accommodation.
Investment Options Available
Golden Visa programmes typically accept various investment types including real estate purchase or lease, government bonds, business investment or start-up capital, fund investment (e.g. venture capital), and non-refundable donation to national development funds.
Golden Visa Costs and Fees
Total costs include the investment threshold (varies by country), application processing fee (e.g. €500–€2,000), due diligence/background check fees, and legal and administrative fees (varies by firm and jurisdiction).
Timeline and Processing
Processing times vary by programme. Most programmes take 2–6 months for approval, citizenship pathways may take 5–7 years (except for direct citizenship programmes), and renewal is typically required every 1–2 years for residency.
Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes, typically you can include your spouse or legal partner, children under 18, dependent children up to age 25, and sometimes parents or in-laws (with proof of dependence).
Golden Visa vs Citizenship by Investment
Golden Visa grants residency rights and usually leads to citizenship after years, whilst Citizenship by Investment offers immediate or fast-tracked citizenship in exchange for investment (e.g. Caribbean countries, Malta).
Most Popular Golden Visa Countries
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa provides a legal pathway for non-EU nationals to obtain residence rights through qualified investment. It offers flexibility in residency obligations and can lead to Portuguese citizenship after a defined period.
Applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and make a qualifying investment in Portugal.
Investment thresholds are €500,000 in regulated investment funds, or €280,000 in low-density real estate requiring renovation.
Key advantages:
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone
- Low physical presence requirement (7 days/year average)
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship (after 5 years)
- Eligibility for dependent family inclusion
Initial residence permits are typically issued within 6–9 months, with renewals every 2 years.
Greece Golden Visa
Greece offers a residency-by-investment scheme designed to attract non-EU investors via real estate acquisition. It is one of the most affordable Golden Visa programmes in Europe.
Applicants must invest in residential or commercial property meeting the minimum value requirement. Investment thresholds are €250,000 in real estate (standard), €400,000 in premium zones (from 2024).
Key advantages:
- Residence permits renewable indefinitely
- Access to Schengen countries
- No requirement to reside in Greece
- Potential route to citizenship after 7 years (with physical presence)
Initial permits are usually issued within 2–4 months following submission and property transfer.
Greece Golden Visa
Greece offers a residency-by-investment scheme designed to attract non-EU investors via real estate acquisition. It is one of the most affordable Golden Visa programmes in Europe.
Applicants must invest in residential or commercial property meeting the minimum value requirement. Investment thresholds are €250,000 in real estate (standard), €400,000 in premium zones (from 2024).
Key advantages:
- Residence permits renewable indefinitely
- Access to Schengen countries
- No requirement to reside in Greece
- Potential route to citizenship after 7 years (with physical presence)
Initial permits are usually issued within 2–4 months following submission and property transfer.
Spain Golden Visa
Spain’s Golden Visa allows non-EU nationals to acquire residency rights through real estate or capital investment, offering a gateway to Europe with minimal stay obligations.
A qualifying investment must be made in Spanish territory, and applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and a clean legal background. Investment thresholds are €500,000 in real estate; €1M in shares/bank deposits; €2M in government bonds.
Key advantages:
- Schengen access
- Residency without mandatory relocation
- Family reunification included
- Citizenship after 10 years (or 2 for LATAM nationals)
Residence cards are generally granted within 1–3 months post-approval.
Italy Golden Visa
Italy provides an Investor Visa for individuals contributing to its economic development through strategic investments in business, government bonds, or philanthropic initiatives.
Applicants must commit to the investment for a minimum duration and satisfy due diligence requirements. Investment thresholds are €250,000 in start-ups; €500,000 in Italian limited companies; €2,000,000 in government securities.
Key advantages:
- Full residence rights including employment
- Access to EU healthcare and education systems
- Renewable permit leading to permanent residency
- Citizenship after 10 years
Pre-approval within 30 days; residence permits typically issued within 2 months of arrival.
Türkiye Golden Visa
Türkiye offers a direct citizenship route through property or capital investment, with rapid processing and no prior residence requirement.
Applicants must acquire qualifying real estate and retain it for at least 3 years. Investment thresholds are $400,000 in residential or commercial real estate; $500,000 in capital/bank deposits.
Key advantages:
- Full Turkish citizenship within 2–6 months
- No residency obligation
- Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries
- Family inclusion
The entire process can be finalised within 3–6 months upon completion of the property purchase.
Malta Golden Visa
Malta offers both residency and expedited citizenship options through the MPRP and MEIN programmes.
Applicants must contribute financially to the government and secure qualifying accommodation. Investment thresholds are €750,000 donation + property purchase or rent; Residency: ~€100,000 contribution.
Key advantages:
- Citizenship within 12–36 months
- Access to EU and Schengen
- Family included
Citizenship is granted after 1–3 years of legal residency, depending on the contribution level.
Cyprus Golden Visa
Cyprus provides permanent residency through real estate or business investment, with a clear route to long-term settlement.
Applicants must purchase new residential property and maintain financial independence. Investment threshold is €300,000 in new real estate or other eligible assets.
Key advantages:
- Lifetime residency for investor and family
- Fast-track processing
- Eligibility for naturalisation after 5–7 years
- Access to public services
Processing typically completed within 2–3 months from submission.
Caribbean Golden Visa
Several Caribbean nations offer direct citizenship via donation or investment. These programmes are among the fastest globally.
Applicants must make a qualifying donation or invest in government-approved real estate. Investment thresholds are $100,000 donation or $200,000 in real estate.
Key advantages:
- Citizenship granted in 2–4 months
- No physical stay required
- Visa-free travel to 140+ countries
- Dual citizenship permitted
The process is typically completed within 2–4 months.
Golden Visa vs Citizenship by Investment
Applications may be rejected due to insufficient or unverifiable funds, criminal record, non-compliance with investment type or amount, incomplete or incorrect application, or national security concerns.
How to Apply for a Golden Visa
The application process involves choosing a country and programme, making the qualifying investment, gathering documents and legal certifications, submitting application through authorised agents or directly, waiting for approval and biometrics, and receiving residence permit or ID.
Path to Citizenship
Citizenship is usually available after 5–7 years of continuous residency. Requirements may include language test, civic knowledge, or integration proof. Some countries require physical presence; others are more flexible.
Comparison Table
| Country | Type | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Physical Stay Requirement | Citizenship Eligibility | Family Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Residency (Golden Visa) | €500,000 (fund) or €280,000 (property) | 6–9 months | ~7 days/year | After 5 years | Yes |
| Greece | Residency (Golden Visa) | €250,000–€400,000 (property) | 2–4 months | None | After 7 years (with presence) | Yes |
| Spain | Residency (Golden Visa) | €500,000 (property) | 1–3 months | Optional | After 10 years (2 for LATAM) | Yes |
| Italy | Residency (Golden Visa) | €250,000 (start-up) or €2M (gov. bonds) | ~2 months | 183 days/year recommended | After 10 years | Yes |
| Türkiye | Citizenship (Direct) | $400,000 (real estate) | 3-6 months | None | Immediate | Yes |
| Malta | Citizenship or Residency | €750,000 + property or rent | 12–36 months | Required (1–3 years) | After 1–3 years (MEIN route) | Yes |
| Cyprus | Permanent Residency | €300,000 (new property) | 2–3 months | None | After 5–7 years | Yes |
| Caribbean* | Citizenship (Direct) | $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (property) | 2–4 months | None | Immediate | Yes |
*Includes Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada
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