A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program offering non-citizens legal residence in exchange for defined financial investments—typically real estate, business funds or cultural donations. It provides visa-free travel within host blocs (e.g., Schengen), extends eligibility to family, and often offers a structured path to permanent residency or citizenship, subject to tenure and compliance requirements.

Golden Visas offer multiple advantages: enhanced global mobility through visa-free travel, access to quality healthcare and education, family reunification, and a potential route to permanent residency or citizenship. Moreover, some nations provide attractive tax regimes, minimal physical residency obligations, and investment diversification—making it a strategic geopolitical asset for international families and investors.

Leading Golden Visa jurisdictions include Portugal, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, UAE, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean’s Dominica. Europe dominates due to Schengen access, while Asia and Oceania increasingly offer investor-visa options. New programs in places like Vietnam and the Solomon Islands are emerging, reflecting growing global competition for foreign capital.

Portugal is often cited as the best choice—thanks to its low residency requirement (just seven days per year), clear five-year path to citizenship, Schengen access, and favourable tax climate. Still, Greece is a strong alternative with competitive costs and flexible rules. Ultimately, the best choice depends on priorities like cost, lifestyle, and citizenship timeline.

Greece is often considered the easiest due to modest physical presence requirements (none to renew), multiple investment options, and relatively fast processing (4–6 months). Hungary’s relaunched program also offers a straightforward path with a fixed 10-year residence permit. Portugal is another easy choice because of its minimal stay requirement and inclusive benefits.

Greece currently offers the lowest entry threshold in Europe—starting at €250,000 for qualifying real estate in select areas. Hungary matches this at €250,000 via investment funds. In non-European regions, Vanuatu provides citizenship (not just residency) for around US $130,000, while Caribbean CBI programs begin near US $200,000.

Costs vary: in Europe, you can expect to invest €250,000 in Greece or Hungary, while Portugal’s fund route requires €500,000 (or €250,000 for cultural projects). In Malta, permanent residency begins at ~€182,000. Caribbean citizenship starts from US $200,000. The UAE Golden Visa demands AED 2 million (≈US $545,000).

The top-rated program depends on goals. For EU-based residency, Portugal is generally preferred for its low stay requirement and citizenship timeline. Greece is ideal for cost-conscious property investors. For fast global citizenship, Caribbean CBI schemes (e.g., Dominica) and Vanuatu are standout options, thanks to speed and affordability.

Top golden visa countries include Portugal, Greece, Malta, Hungary, and Cyprus. Portugal remains the most sought-after due to minimal stay rules, Schengen access, and a five-year path to citizenship. Greece is ideal for budget-conscious investors, while Malta and Cyprus offer robust tax incentives. Hungary’s fund-driven program also provides economic flexibility. Ultimately, the best choice depends on investor goals—whether emphasizing mobility, cost-efficiency, or tax planning.

Portugal is frequently ranked as offering the best golden visa program, thanks to its low physical stay requirement (seven days per year), solid legal framework, and a clear route to full citizenship in five years. Moreover, its recent pivot to fund-based investments enhances economic impact. Greece is a strong competitor with its lower cost and property options, though it offers longer citizenship pathways.

The success rate for golden visa applications is typically very high often over 90%, with Portugal reporting approval rates over 98%. However, note that residence permits account for a small share (around 0.9%). Still, provided that documentation is complete, investors have clean records, and comply with program criteria, approval is almost guaranteed. Processing times vary by country but generally range from 4 to 12 months.

Yes, family inclusion is standard: most programs allow a spouse, minor children, and often adult dependent children. Some also permit parents and even siblings. For example, in Portugal, dependents include spouses, children under 18 (or up to 26 if studying), and dependent parents. Greece extends this to children under 21 and parents. Spain and Malta follow similar rules, making golden visas highly family-friendly.

Key European golden visa programs include Portugal, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Hungary, and Italy. Spain recently terminated its scheme as of April 3, 2025. Each program varies: Portugal emphasizes fund investment, Greece remains property-focused, Malta and Cyprus combine real estate with donations, Hungary shifted to property-funds, and Italy uses enterprise capital. Country-specific reforms shape eligibility and investment options as of mid-2025.

Despite advantages, golden visas carry drawbacks: they require significant upfront investment and ongoing fees, expose investors to market risk, and may involve tax complexities. Furthermore, programs can abruptly change or end as seen in Spain, undermining long-term planning. Critics also highlight security concerns, inflation of real-estate prices, and ethical issues around selling residency, which have triggered public backlash in host nations.