Golden Visas: Your Gateway To Residency In These Countries

Many countries, including the US, Italy, Australia, Canada and the UK, have established special visa programmes that grant people the right to reside in their country without the necessity of immediate employment or college enrollment. While it may sound too good to be true, many nations welcome non-residents who are willing to invest in their economy. Thanks to the golden visa initiative, investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals have the opportunity to reside in a different country.

What is a golden visa?

Also known as a residence by investment or citizenship by investments, the golden visa is a programme offered by several countries that allow non-residents to gain residence or citizenship based on investments they make in the visa-granting nation. This visa programme gives people the opportunity to relocate to a country of their choice and eventually become a resident with all legal rights. Family members can also apply through the golden visa route. Below, we have listed countries that offer golden visas, based on recommendations from Henley Global.

Requirements for a golden visa

While the specific requirements for a golden visa may vary from one country to another, the common thread among these visas is the need for some form of investment or financial contribution. The most popular investment option for a golden visa is typically real estate. That means if a non-resident buys a house in a country, they may be eligible for its golden visa programme. However, it is important to note that each country’s golden visa may have different or additional requirements beyond investment.

Perks and benefits of a golden visa

A golden visa opens several doors, offering a wide range of benefits for people who are planning to relocate, retire or start a new venture. It gives access to a country’s lifestyle, healthcare, education, economy and business opportunities. Some countries allow applicants to apply for citizenship after a few years of residence.

Countries offering golden visas

Singapore – Global Investor Programme

To be eligible for Singapore’s golden visa, you must be an investor with an existing business and fulfil one of the following criteria:

• Invest SGD 2,500,000 (including paid-up capital, approx. INR 15,20,28,361) in a new or existing business in Singapore;
• Invest SGD 2,500,000 (approx. INR 15,20,28,361) in a Global Investor Programme-selected fund that invests in Singapore-based companies;
• Invest at least SGD 2,500,000 in a new or Singapore-based Single-Family Office of Assets-Under-Management (AUM) at least SGD 200,000,000 (approx. 12,35,90,87,122).

You can apply for Singapore citizenship after two years of permanent residence.

More details are here.

UAE – Golden Visa

The following criteria will make you eligible for the United Arab Emirates’ renewable golden visa:

• Investment of AED 2,000,000 (approx. INR 4,46,50,902) in an accredited UAE-based investment fund will give a 10-year residency;
• Purchase of property or group of properties valued at not less than AED 2,000,000 (approx. INR 4,46,50,902) comes with a 5-year residency;
• Businesses with a future in UAE or projects valued at not less than AED 500,000 (approx. INR 1,11,62,725) will grant a 5-year residency;
• Outstanding specialised talents (like doctors, scientists, inventors, professional athletes, etc.) may qualify for a 10-year residency.

Investors can apply for citizenship in the UAE after spending a stipulated amount of time in the country. They also need to be property owners.

More details are here.

Australia – Business Innovation and Investment Visa, and ​​​​​​​Global Talent ​Program

Australia offers different streams for getting a golden visa:

• The business Innovation stream offers up to 5 years of residency for operating a new or existing business in the country.
• Investor stream offers up to 5 years of residency for people who invest at least AUD 2,500,000 (approx. INR 13,87,18,572) in Australian investments, and the Significant Investor stream is for people investing at least AUD 5,000,000 (approx. 27,74,37,144). The Premium Investor stream is for people investing at least AUD 15,000,000 (approx. INR 78,89,06,550) in Australian businesses and philanthropic contributions and lasts 4 years and 3 months;
• Entrepreneurial stream for endorsed startups and early-stage entrepreneurs offers up to 5 years of residency;
• Global Talent Program is for exceptionally talented individuals with outstanding achievements and offers permanent visas.

An individual needs to be a permanent resident for at least four years before applying for citizenship.

More details here and here.

United Kingdom – Innovator Founder visa

The United Kingdom offers the Innovator Founder visa for three years to people looking to establish innovative businesses in the country. To be eligible for this visa, the following criteria need to be fulfilled:

• Meet the English language requirement;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Have a business idea assessed by an endorsing body and have approved funding;
• Have at least GBP 1,270 (approx. INR 1,35,330) in your bank for 28 consecutive days.

After ten years of legal residence, investors can apply for citizenship.

More details here.

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Canada – Start-up visa

Canada offers a Start-up visa for entrepreneurs, which grants permanent residence for up to 5 years. You will need to meet the following requirements to apply for this visa:

• Have a qualifying business that meets the requirements set by the Canadian government;
• Have a letter of support from a business that has been approved to invest in your start-up;
• Be proficient in English;
• Have at least CAD 13,757 (approx. INR 8,54,394) to support yourself.

People can apply for citizenship after three years of successfully living in Canada.

More details here.

Spain – Investor visa

Spain offers golden visas to non-residents. Initially, they issue a one-year visa, and then, once you are in the country, this visa can be exchanged for permanent residence, which is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. To be eligible for this visa, you must make one of the following investments:

• Minimum EUR 2,000,000 (approx. INR 18,16,26,000) in Spain’s government bonds;
• EUR 1,000,000 (approx. INR 9,08,13,000) in stocks or shares of Spanish companies;
• Real estate of at least EUR 500,000 (approx. INR 4,54,06,500);
• Spanish businesses that help with technological innovation or socio-economic growth.

Citizenship can be applied for after ten years of residence.

More details here.

Greece – Golden visa

Greece offers a renewable visa programme with a 5-year validity. You will be eligible for the visa if you fulfil either of the following conditions:

• Buy real estate worth at least EUR 250,000 (approx. INR 2,27,00,054);
• Make investments worth EUR 400,000 (approx. INR 3,63,20,087) in government bonds, real estate shares or co-proprietorship;
• Invest at least EUR 800,000 (approx. INR 7,26,40,175) in corporate bonds;
• Deposit EUR 400,000 (approx. INR 3,63,20,087) to your Greek bank account.

After seven years of residency, you can apply for citizenship.

More details here.

Malta – Permanent Residence Programme

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) grants people a renewable permanent residence status with a five-year validity. For MPRP, applicants need to have capital assets of at least EUR 500,000 (approx. INR 4,54,00,109), out of which a minimum of EUR 150,000 (approx. INR 1,36,13,413) must be in the form of financial assets. Additionally, you must have one of the following assets while making the specified amount of investments in Malta:

• Rent a property for a minimum of EUR 10,000 (approx. INR 9,08,002) in South of Malta/Goza or EUR 12,000 (approx. INR 10,89,602) in the rest of Malta;
• Purchase property worth at least EUR 300,000 (approx. INR 2,72,40,065) in South of Malta/Goza or EUR 350,000 (approx. INR 3,17,80,076) in the rest of Malta.

Permanent Residents who have been in Malta for a minimum of five years can apply for citizenship. Another way of becoming a Maltese citizen is through their Citizenship by Investment programme.

More details here.

Austria – Self-employed Key Workers

The nation grants permanent residence to Self-employed Key Workers who can create macroeconomic benefits for Austria. Their renewable residence permit, issued for two years, is known as Red-White-Red Card. You need to meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for the programme:

• Your business makes a sustained transfer of investment capital to Austria amounting to at least EUR 100,000 (approx. INR 90,79,100);
• Your business creates jobs or secures existing jobs in Austria;
• Your business introduces innovative technologies;
• Your business holds considerable significance for the entire region.

Applicants can apply for Austria’s citizenship after staying in the country legally for ten years, with at least five years through the residence permit.

More details here.

Cyprus – Immigration Permits for Investors

Cyprus welcomes investors to their nation, offering a golden visa that enables people to enter Cyprus and then apply for permanent residence within the year of visa issuance. To qualify for this programme, applicants need to demonstrate a personal income of at least EUR 50,000 (approx. INR 45,41,597) and make a minimum investment of EUR 300,000 (approx. INR 2,72,49,582) under one of the following options:

• A house or apartment (first sale only);
• Office spaces, shops, hotels or other related real estate opportunities. You can combine investments in these categories, including resale properties;
• Units of the Cyprus Investment Organization of Collective Investments;
• Shared capital in a Cyprus-registered business.

After legally residing for five to seven years, people can apply for Cyprus’ citizenship.

More details here.

Italy – Investor Visa

The Republic of Italy is open to granting visas to investors who are willing to contribute to the nation’s growth. This visa is valid for two years, and investors can apply for a two-year residence permit (renewable for three more years) once they are in the country. It is important to note that the residence permit is considered valid for two years from the date of entry. You need to make one of the following investments to be eligible for this process:

• EUR 2,000,000 (approx. INR 18,16,61,043) in Italian bonds;
• EUR 500,000 (approx. INR 4,54,15,260) in an Italian limited company;
• EUR 250,000 (approx. INR 2,27,07,630) in an Italian start-up;
• EUR 1,000,000 (approx. INR 908,30,521) in a philanthropic initiative.

Individuals can apply for Italian citizenship after staying in the country for ten years.

More details here.

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Hong Kong – Investment as Entrepreneurs

Hong Kong offers a golden visa option known as the Investment as Entrepreneurs category, which falls under their General Employment Policy. This visa is valid for a maximum of three years, and applicants who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:

• Those who can make a substantial contribution to Hong Kong’s economy through business ventures, investments, job creation and technological innovation;
• People with a start-up that is supported by a Hong Kong government programme.

You will need to furnish the necessary documents like the business plan, balance sheet, and other requisite paperwork to apply for this visa.

It is important to note that this visa is not applicable to nationals of North Korea, Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Nepal and Vietnam.

More details here.

Luxembourg – Residence for investors

Consider Luxembourg for its golden visa programme, which offers residence to investors. In order to qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Invest EUR 500,000 (approx. INR 4,54,10,000) in an existing company registered in Luxembourg committed to keeping the investments and level of employment for at least five years;
• Invest EUR 500,000 (approx. INR 4,54,10,000) in a new business to be created and registered in Luxembourg. This business should commit to creating at least five work positions within three years of its inception;
• Invest EUR 3,000,000 (approx. INR 27,24,60,000) in a management and investment structure registered in Luxembourg;
• Deposit funds worth at least EUR 20,000,000 (approx. INR 1,81,64,00,000) in a financial institution established in Luxembourg and commit to maintaining this deposit for at least five years.

The renewable residence permit is initially granted for a maximum of one year. Five years of uninterrupted stay in Luxembourg makes people eligible for citizenship.

More details here.

Malaysia – Malaysia My Second Home Programme

Malaysia’s golden visa program, known as the Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H), offers a five-year renewable visa. To be eligible for MM2H, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 35 years old;
• Have a monthly income of MYR 40,000 (approx. INR 7,22,111);
• Have liquid assets of MYR 1,500,000 (approx. INR 2,70,79,185);
• Make a fixed deposit of MYR 1,000,000 after approval (approx. INR 1,80,52,790).

While this visa grants the possibility of residing in Malaysia, it doesn’t lead to gaining citizenship there.

More details here.

Mauritius – Residence by Investment Program

To qualify for a Mauritius golden visa, applicants need to make a minimum investment of USD 50,000 in the Mauritian economy. The investment grants them a 10-year renewable visa, and citizenship is granted after individuals have stayed in the country for six years.

More details here.

The Netherlands – Residence permit for foreign investors

An investment of a minimum of EUR 1,250,000 is required to be eligible for Netherlands’ residence permits. However, this visa programme is slated to end by January 1, 2024.

More details here.

New Zealand – Active Investor Plus Visa

New Zealand’s golden visa is known as the Active Investor Plus Visa. Applicants are required to invest NZD 15,000,000 (approx. INR 76,45,58,250) or the equivalent in assets in New Zealand. Through this programme, you can apply for permanent residence after maintaining the funds in New Zealand for four years.

More details here.

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United States of America – EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The United States also offers a golden visa known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which grants investors permanent residence, enabling them to become Green Card holders. To be eligible for this visa, applicants should be able to do either of the following:

• Plan to create or preserve ten permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers;
• Make minimum investments of USD 1,050,000 (approx. INR 8,61,22,575).

Holding a green card for at least five years allows you to apply for American citizenship.

More details here.

South Korea – Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business

South Korea’s golden visa invites investors to come to the nation and make investments in the local economy. Applicants need to make a minimum investment of KRW 500,000,000 (approx. INR 3,07,86,100) for five years in one of the following:

• A public fund operated by the Korea Development Bank;
• Development projects carried out in less developed regions as designated by the Minister of Justice.

After five years of maintaining the investments, people can apply for permanent residence.

More details here.

Switzerland – Lump-sum Taxation and Swiss Business Investor Program

Switzerland offers two options for residence:

• Lump-sum Taxation: This grants residence to people who can pay a minimum annual tax of CHF 250,000 (approximately INR 2,37,90,503) in one of Switzerland’s cantons without taking up employment;
• Swiss Business Investor Program: This is for investors who want to establish a new Swiss company that creates jobs or invest a minimum of CHF 1,000,000 (approximately INR 9,51,35,030) annually in an existing Swiss company.

Citizenship through naturalisation is possible after residing in the country for a minimum of ten years.

More details here.

(All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.)

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Related: Dual Citizenship: 7 Countries Where Ancestry Yields Passports

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Do golden visas lead to citizenship?
Yes, many golden visa programmes give way to gaining residence and, eventually, citizenship in the respective country.

– Can ordinary (non-celebrity) Indian citizens get a golden visa?
Yes, golden visas are available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria set by the host country..

– Can family/spouse be included in the golden visa application?
Yes, most golden visa programmes allow for the inclusion of family members in the application process.

– What are the best golden visa programs across the world?
Malta, Greece, Switzerland, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom are among the countries that offer some of the best golden visa programs.

– Which Indian celebrities hold golden visas?
Many Indian celebrities like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh and Sunil Shetty have been granted UAE’s golden visa status.

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