Top 20 Countries That Offer Golden Visas. Golden Visa programs are growing fast in 2026. More countries now offer residency or citizenship in exchange for investment. This guide explains everything in simple language so you can compare each program and choose what fits your goals.
What Is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residency permit given to foreign investors who make a qualifying investment in a country. Many European, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries offer these programs.
A Golden Visa allows you and your dependents to:
- Live in the country
- Study in the country
- Work or run a business
- Travel visa-free within specific regions (for example, Schengen Area)
Most Golden Visa programs offer:
- Real estate investment
- Investment fund subscription
- Capital transfer
- Government donation
- Company formation or job creation
Golden Visas usually include your spouse, children, and sometimes parents or grandparents.
Important:
You do not need to live full-time in most Golden Visa countries. You can keep your residency by visiting once or twice a year.
Some Golden Visas may even lead to citizenship after 5–10 years.
Benefits of Golden Visas
Golden Visas offer life-changing benefits. These include:
1. Easy Global Mobility
Many programs give access to Schengen visa-free travel, making Europe easy to explore.
2. A Second Home and Plan B
You’ll have the right to live in another country whenever you need. This is especially popular among business owners.
3. Education Opportunities
Your children can access world-class schools and affordable university education.
4. Business Expansion
You get a chance to open new companies, invest, and enjoy tax advantages.
5. Pathway to Citizenship
Some countries offer citizenship after maintaining residency for a few years.
6. Family Security
You can include dependents. This gives your entire family long-term stability.
Golden Visa Program Requirements
Each country has its own rules. But most Golden Visa programs require:
- Clean criminal record
- Funds legally obtained
- Proof that you are using your own money
- Maintaining the investment for a required period
- Valid passport and health insurance
Some countries ask for:
- Proof of income
- Minimum net worth
- No past visa refusals
How to Get a Golden Visa
Follow these simple steps:
1. Choose Your Investment Route
Common investment types:
- Real estate
- Government bonds
- Start a business
- Bank deposit
- Investment fund
- Donation to government projects
2. Prepare Your Documents
Usually includes:
- Passport
- Bank statements
- Police clearance
- Investment documents
- Proof of address
- Family relationship documents (marriage, birth certificate)
3. Make the Investment
This must be done before submitting your residency application in most countries.
4. Submit Your Golden Visa Application
Applications are typically processed in 2 to 9 months depending on the country.
5. Receive Residency Cards
After approval, you’ll get your residence permit, which may be renewed every 1–5 years.
Golden Visa Application Process
- Check eligibility
- Select a country
- Choose investment type
- Hire a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer
- Prepare all documents
- Transfer required funds
- Submit biometrics
- Wait for approval
- Receive the residence permit
- Maintain your investment and residency rules
Top 20 Countries Offering Golden Visa Programs in 2025
Below is the updated list of the top 20 Golden Visa countries, their investment amounts, processing time, and core benefits.
1. Portugal Golden Visa
- Investment From: €500,000
- Type: Residency by Investment
- Processing Time: 6–12 months
- Benefits:
- Schengen access
- Low stay requirement
- Pathway to citizenship after 5 years
Portugal remains the most popular choice.
2. Greece Golden Visa
- Investment From: €250,000 (varies by area)
- Processing: 3–6 months
- Benefits:
- One of the cheapest in Europe
- Schengen visa-free travel
- Includes parents
3. Spain Golden Visa
- Investment: €500,000 real estate
- Processing: 2–4 months
- Benefits:
- Live in Spain
- Full family inclusion
- Path to citizenship after 10 years
4. Malta Permanent Residency Program
- Investment From: €150,000
- Processing: 3–6 months
- Benefits:
- Permanent residency
- Access to Schengen Area
- Stable EU country
5. Italy Investor Visa
- Investment: €250,000 – €2 million
- Benefits:
- Live and work in Italy
- No physical stay requirement
- Tax incentives for investors
6. Turkey Citizenship by Investment
- Investment: $400,000 real estate
- Processing: 2–6 months
- Benefits:
- Direct citizenship
- Strong passport
- Business-friendly environment
7. UAE Golden Visa (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
- Investment: AED 2 million
- Valid For: 10 years
- Benefits:
- No income tax
- Full business ownership
- Family sponsorship
8. Qatar Residency by Investment
- Investment: QAR 730,000 (property)
- Benefits:
- Long-term residency
- Healthcare access
- Business opportunities
9. Cyprus Residency by Investment
- Investment: €300,000
- Benefits:
- Fast residency
- High living standards
- Strategic European location
10. Ireland Investor Visa
- Investment: €1 million
- Benefits:
- Access to EU market
- Strong education system
- English-speaking country
11. Germany Investor Residency
- Investment: €250,000+ business investment
- Benefits:
- Gateway to EU
- High-quality healthcare
- Strong economy
12. France Talent Passport
- Investment: €300,000+
- Benefits:
- Live in France
- Access to Schengen
- Path to citizenship after 5 years
13. Switzerland Residency by Investment
- Investment: CHF 250,000 lump sum tax agreement
- Benefits:
- High living standards
- Strong banking system
- Safe and stable
14. United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa
- Investment: Business-based (no fixed amount)
- Benefits:
- For entrepreneurs
- Fast-track settlement
- English-speaking ecosystem
15. United States EB-5 Investor Visa
- Investment: $800,000
- Benefits:
- U.S. Green Card
- Family inclusion
- Path to citizenship
16. Canada Start-Up Visa
- Investment: No fixed minimum (requires approved organization support)
- Benefits:
- Permanent residency
- Free healthcare
- Education benefits
17. Australia Business Innovation Visa
- Investment: AUD 1.25 million
- Benefits:
- Live and work in Australia
- Path to citizenship
18. New Zealand Investor Visa
- Investment: NZD 5 million+
- Benefits:
- Safe, peaceful environment
- Strong education
- Residency and citizenship options
19. Singapore Global Investor Program
- Investment: SGD 2.5 million
- Benefits:
- World-class business hub
- Low taxes
- Safe and stable
20. Thailand Elite Residence Program
- Investment: Starts at $20,000
- Benefits:
- Long-term residency
- Premium lifestyle benefits
- Fast approval
Conclusion
Golden Visas in 2026 offer a smart way to secure residency, expand business, and protect your family’s future. With options across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, you can choose a country that fits your investment budget and long-term goals. Each program has unique benefits, so take time to compare requirements before applying.
