Many countries offer “golden visa” programs, which provide residence or citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for a significant financial investment in the country. Some examples of countries that offer immigrant investment programs include:
- Antigua and Barbuda:
The “Citizenship by Investment” program in Antigua and Barbuda provides citizenship to foreign investors who invest a minimum of $400,000 in property or $150,000 in the National Development Fund. - Australia:
Permanent residence for a minimum contribution of AUD 1.25 under the Business Innovation Stream, AUD 2.5 million under the Investor Stream, or AUD 5 million under the Significant Investor Stream. Permanent residents are required to spend at least two years of a five-year period in Australia or demonstrate significant ties to Australia, in order to maintain their residence status. - Austria:
Permanent residence for a minimum EUR 40,000 liquid funds, German language skills, permanent accommodation, and private healthcare insurance - Cyprus:
Cyprus offers a “Golden Visa” program for foreign investors who invest a minimum of €2,000,000 in property or €2,000,000 in a business venture. - Dominica:
The “Citizenship by Investment” program in Dominica provides citizenship to foreign investors who invest a minimum of $100,000 in the Economic Diversification Fund. - Greece:
The “Golden Visa” program in Greece provides residence to foreign investors who invest a minimum of €250,000 in a property. - Ireland:
Applicants are provided a residence permit within four months of their application in exchange for a minimum financial investment of €500,000 in the Irish economy. - Italy:
Permanent residence for a minimum investment from EUR 250,000 to EUR 2 million. - Grenada:
Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in 2013, and now allows individuals and their families the opportunity to obtain a Grenada passport in exchange for investing $150,000 in the National Transformation Fund, $220,000 in pre-approved tourism accommodation, or $350,000 in a government-approved real estate. - Latvia:
Permanent residence for a minimum investment of EUR 50,000. - Luxembourg:
Permanent residence for a minimum investment of EUR 50,000. - Malaysia:
Permanent residence for a minimum investment of USD 230,000. - Malta:
Malta offers a “Golden Visa” program for foreign investors who invest a minimum of €250,000 in property or €150,000 in a government bond. - Mauritius:
Permanent residence for a minimum real estate investment of USD 375,000. - Montenegro:
The citizenship by investment program was launched in 2019. Applicants can apply by investing in one of several government-approved real estate development projects. The investment element ranges from €250,000 in the northern and central regions to €450,000 in the coastal region. An additional government donation of €200,000 is required, plus application and due diligence fees. - New Zealand:
Permanent residence for a minimum investment of NZD 5 million. - Panama:
Permanent residence for a minimum investment of USD 100,000. - Portugal:
The “Golden Visa” program in Portugal provides residence to foreign investors who invest a minimum of €500,000 in property or €350,000 in a business venture. - Saint Kitts and Nevis:
The “Citizenship by Investment” program in St. Kitts and Nevis provides citizenship to foreign investors who invest a minimum of $150,000 in the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation or $200,000 in real estate. - Saint Lucia:
One of the most cost-effective Citizenship by Investment programs. There are three main investment routes: donating $100,000 to Saint Lucia’s National Development Fund, investing $200,000 in government-approved real estate, or a five-year investment in Government Bonds. - Singapore:
Permanent residence for SGD 2.5 million into a business, fund, or single-family office. - Spain:
Spain offers a “Golden Visa” program for foreign investors who invest a minimum of €500,000 in property or €1,000,000 in a business venture. - Switzerland:
Permanent residence for a minimum annual tax of CHF 250,000, dependent on the applicant and the canton of residence. - Thailand:
Permanent residence for a minimum application fee of USD 19,000. - United Arabian Emirates:
Permanent residence for a minimum investment of USD 550,000. - United Kingdom:
Innovator Visa requires an individual to set up or run an existing business in the UK. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have at least GBP 50,000 in investment funds if they want to set up a new business. - United States:
Available options are a capital investment in a commercial enterprise, starting a business and creating at least ten full-time jobs, or placing a substantial investment in a bona fide enterprise. For the E2 Visa, the general minimum qualifying investment starts at as little as $100,000. Meanwhile, the EB5 Visa requires a higher investment threshold starting from $800,000 and is the only one that guarantees obtaining permanent residence.
This is not an exhaustive list, many other countries also offer similar programs. It’s important to consider the regulations, tax implications, and political stability of the country before making any investment decision and to consult a financial advisor.