Mirella Pandjaitan
Jun 13, 2025
While immigration policies continue to tighten worldwide, many countries are simultaneously preserving a strategic channel for global mobility through Golden Visa programs.
What is a Golden Visa?
In short, a Golden Visa is an exclusive residency or citizenship pathway designed for high-net-worth individuals who can make substantial financial contributions to the host country.
It offers more than just a residency permit; it presents a lifestyle upgrade. Investors gain access to a broad array of benefits, including greater international mobility, enhanced personal and financial security, and the ability to live, work, study, or receive healthcare in the host nation. In many cases, Golden Visa holders can also travel visa-free across the Schengen Area or other regions with reciprocal agreements.
The bottom line? It's an instrument of economic diplomacy crafted to attract foreign direct investment by presenting an expedited path to residency or, in some cases, full citizenship.
The qualifying investments often include real estate purchases, government bond subscriptions, capital transfers, or contributions to national development or cultural heritage funds. Minimum investment thresholds vary by country, but they consistently reflect the elite nature of the program.
Beyond personal lifestyle advantages, these programs serve as powerful economic catalysts for participating nations—fueling real estate markets, stimulating job creation, and funding public initiatives. In return, investors and their families secure a foothold in some of the world’s most desirable locations, with long-term options for permanent residency or even naturalisation.
In a world where borders are increasingly complex, the Golden Visa remains a valuable key to global access—bridging opportunity, security, and mobility through strategic investment.
Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Scroll down to check where and how you can obtain a Golden Visa.
Antigua and Barbuda
This program offers multiple investment routes, including a $100,000 contribution to the National Development Fund or a $400,000 real estate investment. Visa-free travel to over 150 countries is a key benefit, and only five days of physical presence per year are required.
Cambodia
Launched in July 2022, Cambodia’s My Second Home (M2H) Golden Visa program offers up to 10 years of residency with a minimum real estate investment of US$100,000. You can apply for citizenship after five years of residence. Additional benefits include VIP insurance coverage and streamlined border access, positioning Cambodia as an emerging destination for long-term international investors.
Dominica
This Caribbean nation offers citizenship through a $100,000 donation or a qualifying real estate investment. Dominican passport holders enjoy visa-free access to around 140 countries.
Greece
Greece’s Golden Visa program, launched in July 2013, grants a five-year residence permit in exchange for a minimum real estate investment of €250,000. Highlights include a simple application process, visa-free travel in the Schengen area, access to Greek healthcare and education, and renewable residency as long as the property investment is maintained.
Read also: Where to Go: First Time in Greece
Malta
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment initiative—officially known as the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP)—requires a national contribution of at least €600,000, an investment of €10,000 in government-approved financial instruments, and the purchase or lease of property in Malta. You may apply for citizenship and receive an EU passport after one year of residency.
Malaysia
In 2022, Malaysia introduced the Premium Visa Program (PVIP), offering up to 20 years of renewable residency. Visa holders may operate businesses and own property in Malaysia. To qualify, you must place a fixed deposit of approximately US$213,500 in a local bank (non-withdrawable for the first year) and prove an annual income of at least US$109,000.
Read also: Spend a Day in Damansara as a Local
Portugal
Launched in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of the most sought-after in Europe. It offers non-EU investors a pathway to residency through qualifying investments—such as a minimum of €500,000 in real estate, the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs, or a donation of €250,000 to national heritage, arts, or culture. Benefits include the right to live and work in Portugal, visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone, and potential eligibility for citizenship after five years.
Singapore
Since 2004, Singapore’s Global Investor Program (GIP) has granted permanent residency to high-net-worth individuals meeting significant investment thresholds. Options include investing US$7.4 million in a local business, US$18.5 million in the GIP fund, or US$37.1 million to establish a family office and invest in approved securities. Citizenship may be considered after two consecutive years of residence, reflecting Singapore’s strategy to attract transformative global capital.
Spain
Spain introduced its Golden Visa program in 2013. Non-EU investors can secure residency through various channels, including a minimum property investment of €500,000, a capital transfer of €1 million, or a €2 million investment in Spanish government bonds. The program offers a streamlined application process, Schengen visa-free access, and the right to reside, work, and study in Spain.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Established in 1984, this was the world’s first Citizenship by Investment program. Investors can qualify by contributing at least $150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund or by investing in approved real estate projects. You may obtain citizenship and a passport in as little as six months.
Thailand
Thailand's Long-Term Resident Visa, introduced in September 2022, offers 10-year residency for qualified applicants and their families, along with automatic work permits. Eligibility requires a minimum income of US$80,000, assets of at least US$1 million, and an investment of US$500,000 in government bonds, FDI, or real estate. Retirees aged 50 and above may apply with a stable pension of US$40,000 per year and a US$250,000 investment.
Turkey
Turkey's Citizenship by Investment program offers several options: a $400,000 property investment, a $500,000 capital investment, or the creation of jobs for at least 50 people. Citizenship can typically be acquired within three to six months.