Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) Countries 2026

Golden Visas, also referred to as Residency by Investment (RBI), Investor Visas, Investment Visas, Permanent Residency by Investment (PR by Investment) or Economic Residency are programs designed to grant Second Residency or Permanent Residency (PR) in exchange for a qualifying financial contribution to the host country. These programs offer High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) opportunities for enhanced global mobility, lifestyle upgrades, and financial benefits.

 

1. What are Golden Visas (Residency by Investment)?

 

Golden Visas (Residency by Investment) are residency permits granted to foreign investors who make significant financial contributions to a country. These programs typically involve investments in real estate, investment funds, government bonds, or businesses and often lead to Permanent Residency (PR) or even Citizenship after a specific period.

 

2. What is Residency by Investment (Golden Visas)?

 

Residency by Investment (Golden Visas) refers to programs that allow individuals to obtain residency in a foreign country by making an approved financial investment. Residency by Investment (Golden Visa) programs are structured to attract foreign capital, stimulate economic growth, and offer investors and their families the benefits of residency in a stable and prosperous nation.

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3. What are Investor Visas and Investment Visas?

 

• Investor Visas: These visas are issued to individuals and their families who invest in a country’s economy, typically through real estate, business ventures, or job creation.

• Investment Visas: A broader term, encompassing any visa obtained through a qualifying financial investment.

 

These programs are more commonly known as Residency by Investment (RBI) or Golden Visa schemes.

 

4. What is Second Residency?

 

Second Residency is the legal right to reside in a country other than your home country. It is often acquired through investment programs and provides benefits such as access to better healthcare, education, and visa-free travel within certain regions.

 

5. What is Permanent Residency by Investment (PR by Investment)?

 

Permanent Residency by Investment (PR by Investment) refers to obtaining long-term or indefinite residency rights in a foreign country by fulfilling the investment requirements of a specific program. Unlike temporary residency, Permanent Residency (PR) status offers greater stability and often serves as a pathway to Citizenship.

 

6. What is Economic Residency?

 

Economic Residency describes residency granted in exchange for financial contributions that benefit the host country’s economy. This includes investments in real estate, investment funds, bonds, businesses, or development funds, making it an integral part of Residency by Investment (RBI) or Golden Visa programs.

 

7. Why do people apply for Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs?

 

Investors seek Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs for reasons such as:

 

• Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to multiple countries.

• Financial Security: Opportunities for asset diversification and tax optimisation.

• Quality of Life: Access to better healthcare, education, and a stable environment.

• Business Opportunities: Access to new markets and favourable business conditions.

• Pathway to Citizenship: Many programs lead to Citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.

 

8. Which countries offer the best Golden Visa or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs?

 

Popular countries offering these programs include:

 

• Europe: Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Hungary, Monaco and the United Kingdom (UK).  

• North America: United States of America (USA).

• Asia-Pacific: Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand.

 

9. What are the typical investment requirements for Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI)?

 

Investment thresholds vary by country and often include:

 

• Real Estate: Minimum investment from EUR 250,000.

• Government Bonds: Investing in state-backed securities, often starting at HKD 30,000,000.

• Business or Job Creation: Establishing or supporting enterprises that generate employment.

• National Development Funds: Donations to government-approved initiatives, typically starting at EUR 200,000.

 

10. What are the costs associated with Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs?

 

Costs include:

 

• Investment amount (e.g. real estate purchase or fund contribution).

• Application and processing fees (often EUR 10,000 – EUR 50,000).

• Legal and administrative fees.

• Annual renewal fees for temporary residency permits.

 

11. Do Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs include family members?

 

Yes, most programs allow applicants to include family members such as:

 

• Spouses or partners.

• Dependent children (usually under 21–25 years of age).

• Parents or grandparents (often with financial dependency).

 

12. Is physical residency required for Golden Visa or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs?

 

Residency requirements vary:

 

• Minimal Residency Requirements: Portugal, Greece, Malta and Hungary.

• Long-Term Residency: Some programs, like the United States of America (USA) EB-5, require substantial physical presence to maintain residency status.

 

13. How long does it take to get a Golden Visa or Residency by Investment (RBI)?

 

Processing times range from:

 

• 2–6 Months: Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (UK).

• 6–12 Months: Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Hungary, Monaco, Hong Kong, Singapore.

• 12–24 Months: Portugal. 

• 24–60 Months: United States of America (USA). 

 

14. Can Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI) lead to Citizenship?

 

Yes, many programs offer a pathway to Citizenship after maintaining residency for a specified period.

 

For example:

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• Portugal, Cyprus, United Kingdom (UK) & New Zealand: Citizenship after five (5) years of residency.

• United States of America (USA): Citizenship after five (5) years of Permanent Residency (PR)

• Greece: Citizenship after seven (7) years of residency.

 

15. What are the tax implications of Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI)?

 

Tax implications depend on the country:

 

• Many programs do not tax worldwide income.

• Many countries offer attractive tax regimes.

• Consulting a tax advisor is essential to understand obligations and benefits.

 

16. Are there risks associated with Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs?

 

Potential risks include:

 

• Policy Changes: Programs may be altered or discontinued.

• Economic Risks: Real estate investments may fluctuate in value.

• Residency Revocation: Failure to meet program requirements (e.g. maintaining investments).

 

17. What is the difference between Golden Visas (Residency by Investment) and Citizenship by Investment (CBI)?

 

• Golden Visas (Residency by Investment): Grant residency rights with the potential to apply for Citizenship after fulfilling requirements.

• Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs: Offer direct Citizenship in exchange for investments, bypassing residency requirements.

 

18. How do governments benefit from Golden Visa or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs?

 

Governments use these programs to:

 

• Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

• Stimulate real estate and infrastructure growth.

• Create jobs and support local businesses.

• Fund national development projects.

 

19. What Due Diligence is required for Golden Visas or Residency by Investment (RBI) applicants?

 

Applicants must pass stringent checks, including:

 

• Verification of financial assets and income sources.

• Criminal background checks.

• Proof of legal and compliant investment activities.

 

20. Can a Golden Visa or Residency by Investment (RBI) program be revoked?

 

Yes, residency can be revoked if:

 

• The investor fails to maintain the required investment.

• Residency obligations, such as minimum stay periods, are not met.

• Fraudulent documentation is provided during the application process.

 

21. How can I choose the best Golden Visa or Residency by Investment (RBI) program?

 

Key considerations include:

 

• Investment Budget: Match the program to your financial capacity.

• Travel and Residency Goals: Evaluate visa-free travel and residency pathways.

• Family Inclusion: Ensure dependents can benefit from the program.

• Tax Benefits: Align the program with your financial planning needs.

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22. How do I apply for a Golden Visa or Residency by Investment (RBI)?

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To apply:

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1. Research Programs: Identify suitable programs based on your goals.

2. Consult Advisors: Seek assistance from licensed agents or immigration lawyers.

3. Prepare Documentation: Gather proof of funds, investment plans, and personal information.

4. Submit Application: Through government-approved channels.

5. Make the Investment: Finalise the financial requirements and secure residency.

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Golden Visas, Residency by Investment (RBI), or Investor Visas provide unparalleled opportunities for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) to gain global mobility, financial benefits, and improved quality of life. With a variety of programs to choose from, investors can tailor their applications to meet personal and professional goals while contributing to the economic development of host countries.