These are 20 countries that offer 'golden visas' to wealthy immigrants — with costs ranging from $19,000 in Thailand to $2.5 million in Australia

Advertisement
Hannah ToweyAug 17, 2022, 23:25 IST
These are 20 countries that offer 'golden visas' to wealthy immigrants — with costs ranging from $19,000 in Thailand to $2.5 million in Australia

Santorini, Greece.pavant/Shutterstock

  • 20 countries, including Australia and Portugal, offer residence by investment programs.
  • The so-called "golden visas" allow foreign investors to receive local residency status.
Advertisement

1. Australia: $2.5 million minimum investment required

1. Australia: $2.5 million minimum investment required
Sydney, Australia with Harbor Bridge and Sydney skyline during sunset.Prasit photo

There are four different ways to receive a residency visa through Australia's "Business Innovation and Investment Program," which allows recipients to live and run a business in Australia. After five years, visa recipients can apply for citizenship status, according to Henley & Partners, an investment migration consultancy based in London.

Here are the program's four application streams, according to the Australian government's Department of Home Affairs:

1. Business Innovation: Applicants must have net assets worth at least AUD 1.25 million and operate a new or existing business in Australia.

2. Investor: Applicants must invest at least AUD 2.5 million in Australian investments that meet certain requirements.

3. Significant Investor: Applicants must invest at least AUD 5 million in Australian investments that meet certain requirements.

4. Entrepreneur: Applicants must first be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency and provide evidence of a funding agreement with a third party backing their start-up.

2. Austria: Proof of at least €1,030.49 in monthly income and permanent real estate

2. Austria: Proof of at least €1,030.49 in monthly income and permanent real estate
Vienna, Austria.Sylvain Sonnet/Getty Images

In order to qualify for Austria's temporary residence visas known as "stay permits," you must demonstrate that you have at least €1,030.49 in monthly income (more depending on the number of dependents).

In addition, you must show proof of permanent housing (purchased or leased) and private health insurance with coverage in Austria.

Advertisement

3. Canada: Approved start-up and a minimum of $13,310 in personal funds

3. Canada: Approved start-up and a minimum of $13,310 in personal funds
A man canoes on Patricia lake in autumn at Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

To be eligible for Canada's "Start-Up Visa Program" applicants need to have a qualifying business, get a letter of support from a designated organization, meet the language requirements, and bring enough money to settle.

The minimum amount of personal funds required begins at $13,310 and increases depending on the number of family members applying.

4. Cyprus: €300,000 minimum investment required

4. Cyprus: €300,000 minimum investment required
A panorama of Limassol, Cyprus.kirill_makarov/Shutterstock

Applicants from non-European countries may qualify for Cyprus' investor immigrant visa by investing at least €300,000 in one of four approved categories, according to the country's Civil Registry and Migration department:

1. Investment in a house or apartment

2. Investment in non-residential real estate such as offices, shops, or hotels

3. Purchasing share capital of a company registered in the Republic of Cyprus

4. Purchasing units in Cyprus-based investment funds

Advertisement

5. Greece: €250,000 real estate purchase required

5. Greece: €250,000 real estate purchase required
Corfu, Greece.Maniscule/Getty Images

Greece's "Golden Visa program" offers several investment options in exchange for a residence permit, including a real estate purchase worth a minimum of €250,000, the acquisition of shares in a Greek company equal to at least €400,000, or purchasing government bonds worth at least €400,000.

6. Hong Kong: point-based system

6. Hong Kong: point-based system
Victoria harbor, Hong KongFei Yang/Getty Images

To apply to Hong Kong's "Quality Migrant Admission Scheme" applicants must meet the program's age, education, character, language, and financial prerequisites. There is no minimum investment required.

Financially, applicants must demonstrate they have enough money to support themselves "without relying on public assistance" in Hong Kong.

Applicants who successfully meet the requirements are then awarded points through a "general points test" and an "achievement-based points test," and "compete for quota allocation with other applicants," according to Hong Kong's Immigration Department.

Advertisement

7. Italy: €250,000 minimum investment required

7. Italy: €250,000 minimum investment required
Tuscany, Italy.Shaun Egan/Getty Images

Italy's "Investor Visa" is a two-year visa for citizens of non-EU countries who "make significant investments in strategic areas for the Italian economy and society," according to Italy's Ministry of Economic Development.

Here are the program's four investment options:

1. €2 million in Italian government bonds

2. €500,000 in an Italian limited company

3. €250,000 in an Italian innovative start-up

4. €1 million in a philanthropic initiative

8. Jersey: Purchase or lease real estate worth at least £1.75 million

8. Jersey: Purchase or lease real estate worth at least £1.75 million
Yachts, cruisers and speed boats moored at St Aubin's Bay in the Channel Island of Jersey.Tim Graham/Getty Images

In order to be eligible for Jersey's "High Value Residency" program, you must make a yearly income of at least £725,000 per year and demonstrate that "your residency in Jersey will benefit the Island in some way," according to Jersey's government website.

If approved, you must purchase or lease real estate worth at least £1.75 million. Approved high-value residents can work and live on the Channel island, located approximately 14 miles off the coast of France.

Advertisement

9. Latvia: €60,000 minimum investment required

9. Latvia: €60,000 minimum investment required
Riga, Latvia around Christmas time.Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images

The real estate investment option within Latvia's golden visa program was recently suspended in January 2022, leaving three alternative investment routes for foreign nationals seeking a residency permit, according to Henley & Partners.

1. A €50,000 investment into the equity capital of a Latvian company, plus a €10,000 contribution to the state budget.

2. Purchase €250,000 worth of "special-purpose interest-free bonds," plus a €38,000 to the state budget.

3. Invest €280,000 into the "subordinated capital of a Latvian bank for a period of five years," plus a €25,000 contribution to the state budget.

10. Luxembourg: €500,000 minimum investment required

10. Luxembourg: €500,000 minimum investment required
Vianden, Luxembourg.Reuben Atienza / EyeEm via Getty Images

Luxembourg offers a residence permit for investors who fulfill one of the four investment requirements listed on the government website.

1. Invest at least €500,000 in an existing company registered in Luxembourg.

2. Invest at least €500,000 in a new business registered in Luxembourg and create at least five jobs within 3 years.

3. Invest at least €3 million in a "management and investment structure, either existing or still to be created," registered in Luxembourg.

4. Deposit at least €20 million worth of funds into a financial institution established in Luxembourg, and keep the deposit for at least five years.

Advertisement

11. Malaysia: Minimum investment of 1 million Malaysian ringgits

11. Malaysia: Minimum investment of 1 million Malaysian ringgits
The Sultan Abdul Samad building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Kiszon Pascal/Getty Images

Through the "Malaysia My Second Home" program, foreigners can receive a 10-year renewable residency visa in exchange for investing in the country.

When the program re-opened following its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism raised the investment requirement to a fixed deposit of 1 million Malaysian Ringgits (approximately $224,000).

Applicants must also provide proof of "bankable assets" worth approximately $350,000, as well as proof of monthly income of approximately $10,000.

12. Malta: €500,000 in savings required, plus a €175,000 minimum contribution

12. Malta: €500,000 in savings required, plus a €175,000 minimum contribution
Luxury yachts and sailboats at Kalkara marina in Malta.Holger Leue/Getty Images

Malta's "permanent residence" visa provides recipients with the ability to reside permanently on the island, located between Sicily and the North African coast. Up to four generations may be included in the application.

Here are the program's five financial requirements, as listed by the Residency Malta Agency, the entity responsible for managing and promoting Malta's golden visa program:

  1. Submit an application via a Licensed Agent and pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.
  2. Rent a property for a minimum of €10,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the rest of Malta or purchase a property for a minimum value of €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €350,000 in the rest of Malta.
  3. Pay a Government contribution of €28,000 if purchasing a property or €58,000 if leasing a property.
  4. Hold the qualifying property for a minimum period of 5 years after which a residential address is required.
  5. Make a donation of €2,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations.
Advertisement

13. Mauritius: $375,000 minimum real estate investment required

13. Mauritius: $375,000 minimum real estate investment required
Aerial view of Port Louis, Mauritius.Norbert Figueroa / EyeEm via Getty Images

The Mauritius "Residence by Investment Program" offers 10 different investment options in exchange for a 10-year residence visa, according to Henley & Partners.

One path is to invest $375,000 in one of four real estate options including luxury residential property and smart city projects. Alternatively, applicants can invest $35,000 to $54,000 in start-ups, technology, and other approved business activities.

14. Panama: $40,000 minimum investment required

14. Panama: $40,000 minimum investment required
Panama City, Panama.Rodrigo Cuel/Shutterstock

Panama offers two main types of investor visas with requirements ranging from $40,000 to $750,000, according to Henley & Partners.

The least expensive route is the "Panama Reforestation Visa Program," where foreign investors can contribute $40,000 into a reforestation initiative approved by the Ministry of Environment.

Alternatively, you can apply through the "Qualified Investor Program" where applicants can receive permanent residence status in exchange for a real estate investment of $300,000, stock exchange investment of $500,000, or fixed-term bank deposit of $750,000.

Advertisement

15. Portugal: €250,000 minimum donation required

15. Portugal: €250,000 minimum donation required
Funchal, Madeira.Getty

Portugal's golden visa program is one of the most popular investor visas among wealthy Americans, multiple investment migration firms previously told Insider.

There are eight distinct investment options, according to Portugal's federal immigration agency:

  1. €1 million capital transfer into a Portuguese bank account.
  2. The creation of 10 job positions.
  3. Purchase of real estate property worth at least €500,000.
  4. Purchase of real estate property "with construction dating back more than 30 years or located in urban regeneration areas" for at least €350,000.
  5. €350,000 contribution to approved scientific research activities.
  6. €250,000 contribution to approved artistic or cultural heritage initiatives.
  7. €350,000 capital transfer for the acquisition of investment fund or venture capital fund units.
  8. €350,000 investment toward a business headquartered in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs.

16. Singapore: minimum investment of S$2.5 million SGD ($1.8 million USD)

16. Singapore: minimum investment of S$2.5 million SGD ($1.8 million USD)
Singapore, Marina Bay, Garden By the bay, botanic garden, Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest.Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images

Singapore's "Global Investor Program" offers permanent residence status to eligible investors "who intend to drive their businesses and investment growth from Singapore."

Here are the program's three investment options, according to Singapore's Economic Development Board:

1. Invest S$2.5 million in a new business entity or in the expansion of an existing business operation.

2. Invest S$2.5 million in an approved global investor program fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.

3. Invest S$2.5 million in a new or existing Singapore-based single family office with assets under management of at least S$200 million.

Advertisement

17. Spain: €500,000 minimum investment required

17. Spain: €500,000 minimum investment required
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain.Pol Albarrán/Getty Images

Spain's investor visa program offers residence visas to foreigners "making a significant capital investment" through one of the four below options, as listed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

1. €2 million investment in Spanish public debt securities.

2. €1 million investment in stocks or shares in Spanish companies, in investment or venture capital funds incorporated in Spain, or in bank deposits in Spanish financial institutions.

3. Purchase of real estate worth at least €500,000.

4. The creation of a business project in Spain "considered to be of general interest" in regards to the creation of jobs and local socio-economic impact.

18. Thailand: Minimum application fee of $19,000 required

18. Thailand: Minimum application fee of $19,000 required
Twin pagoda monastery built on top of the mountain in the North of Thailand during sunset.Guntaphat Pokasasipun/Getty Images

Thailand's "Elite Visa" membership program provides qualified foreign investors with a "Privilege Entry Visa" that is valid for up to 20 years.

There are eight different program options, ranging from "elite flexible one" to "elite ultimate privilege," according to Thailand Privilege Card Co., the state-owned enterprise within Thailand's federal tourism agency that runs the program. The minimum payment required is an application fee of approximately $19,000

Advertisement

19. United Arab Emirates: AED 2 million minimum investment required

19. United Arab Emirates: AED 2 million minimum investment required
Dubai cityscape.Getty Images

Dubai's golden visa program provides residence status to qualified foreign investors and entrepreneurs who meet one of five guidelines listed on the official UAE government website:

1. Purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million (approximately $540,00)

2. Purchase a property with a loan from specific local banks or buy one or more "off-plan properties" worth at least AED 2 million (approximately $540,00) from approved local real estate companies.

3. Own or partner in a start-up registered in the UAE that generates an annual revenue of at least AED 1 million (approximately $270,000).

4. Obtain an approval for a start-up idea from an official business incubator or from Ministry of Economy or other approved local authorities.

5. Be the founder of an entrepreneurial project that was sold for at least AED 7 million (approximately $1.9 million).

20: United States: $800,000 minimum investment required, plus the creation of 10 full-time jobs for US workers

20: United States: $800,000 minimum investment required, plus the creation of 10 full-time jobs for US workers
The White House is seen from Lafayette Park on July 10, 2022 in Washington, DC.Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

The United States also offers a golden visa program, titled the "EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program."

Eligible foreign investors may apply for a green card through the program upon completion of the following two investor guidelines:

1. Invest $1,050,000 into a "non-targeted employment area project" or $800,000 into a project in a rural area or an area with high unemployment.

2. Create 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified USA workers.

Advertisement
Next StoryI'm a mom of 3 kids in school. I only buy one bra...
Advertisement
Popular on BI
Latest Stories
View All Latest
Trending News
Buying Guides
Advertisement
Popular Categories
Trending Right Now

Copyright © 2024. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.