Golden Visa: How It Works, Benefits and Top Countries in 2026

A Golden Visa, also known as residency by investment, is a program that allows foreigners to live, work, and study in another country in exchange for a substantial financial investment. 

Golden Visas can lead to permanent residency and, in some cases, citizenship in the host country, reducing dependence on a single jurisdiction and expanding your long-term options. 

In 2026, more than a dozen countries offer Golden Visa programs across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Investment thresholds, residency requirements, and citizenship pathways vary significantly between them. 

Minimum investments range from around €50,000 for the Latvia Golden Visa to over $10 million for the Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP). 

However, in 2026, investors often compare factors beyond the investment amount. Family inclusion, stay requirements, processing times, and future citizenship opportunities all play an important role when evaluating Golden Visa options. 

This guide explains how Golden Visas work, their main benefits and requirements, and the countries that offer them in 2026. It helps you compare Golden Visa programs and identify the options that best align with your goals. 

Golden Visa: Key Takeaways

A Golden Visa grants residency in another country in exchange for a qualifying investment and, in some cases, can lead to permanent residency and citizenship. 
Many Golden Visa programs allow applicants to include family members and have low or no minimum stay requirements. 
A Golden Visa acts as a Plan B, giving investors and their families the right to live in another country if personal, political, or economic circumstances in their home country change. 
Popular Golden Visa countries in 2026 include Greece, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Latvia, the UAE, and the United States. 
Common investment routes include real estate, investment funds, businesses, bank deposits, government bonds, and cultural contributions. 
European Golden Visas provide visa-free travel across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area while maintaining residency rights. 

What a Golden Visa Gives You

money and passport for residence by investment

A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants foreigners the right to live, work, and study in a country in exchange for an investment such as purchasing real estate, making a government contribution, or creating jobs. 

The specific investment options and requirements vary by country, but most Golden Visa programs allow applicants to include family members, such as spouses and dependent children, in the same application. 

Golden Visas are different from citizenship-by-investment programs.

  • Golden Visa programs (residency by investment): Provide a residence permit in exchange for an investment.
  • Citizenship by investment programs: Grant full citizenship directly.

    However, it is important to note that, in countries such as Portugal and Italy, a Golden Visa can lead to permanent residency and citizenship through naturalization.

    Most Golden Visa programs have low or no minimum stay requirements, allowing investors to keep living and working in their home country while maintaining residence status abroad.

    • Residence permit: Allows you to legally live in a country for a specified period. The residence permit can often be renewed, depending on the conditions of the permit and whether you continue to meet the requirements.
    • Permanent residence: Allows you to legally live in a country indefinitely after meeting specific requirements. You will not have the same rights as with citizenship, such as the right to vote in national elections or have a passport.
    • Citizenship: Provides you with full legal membership rights of a country, including the right to a passport and being able to vote in national elections.

    Golden Visa Countries: Compare Active Programs

    Greece Golden Visa

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    • Minimum investment: €250,000
    • Permanent residency: After 5 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 7 years (required to live in Greece)
    • Stay requirement: None   
    • Family inclusion: Yes   
    • Processing time: 4-6 months  

    The Greece Golden Visa ranks first in the Global RCBI Report 2025 by the Global Intelligence Unit (GIU) as the world’s best residency-by-investment program. It is one of the few European Golden Visa programs that still offers a real estate investment route, with the entry route being a commercial property converted into residential use or the restoration of a protected heritage building for €250,000.

    Family rules: Residency extends to family members, including the spouse, dependent children up to 21, and parents of both the primary applicant and spouse, with no requirement to provide proof of dependency and no age restrictions on parents.

    The Greek Golden Visa can lead to permanent residency after five years and Greek citizenship after seven years, making it an attractive option for investors seeking long-term access to Europe. You will, however, need to physically live in Greece during the seven years to be eligible.

    Source: Hellenic Republic Ministry of Migration & Asylum

    Portugal Golden Visa

    Visit Pena Palace in Sintra as one of the best things to do in Portugal
    • Minimum investment: €250,000
    • Permanent residency: After 5 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 10 years (seven for EU and CPLP nationals)   
    • Stay requirement: Approximately 7 days per year     
    • Family inclusion: Yes   
    • Processing time: 18 to 24 months  

    Launched in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most established Golden Visas.  

    Unlike Greece, Hungary, and Latvia, real estate no longer qualifies for Portugal’s Golden Visa. In 2026 investment options include:

    • €250,000 donation to the arts or to the restoration of Portuguese cultural heritage 
    • €500,000 investment into approved funds 
    • €500,000 transfer to scientific research 
    • Company formation with five full-time jobs
    • The creation of 10 full-time jobs 

    Family rules: Applicants can also include eligible family members and travel visa-free throughout the EU and the Schengen Area. 

    Permanent residency is available after five years, and Portuguese citizenship after 10 years (7 for EU and CPLP nationals) under Portugal’s 2026 nationality law. One highlight of the Golden Visa Portugal is its low physical presence requirement of just seven days per year on average, allowing investors to maintain Portuguese residency without having to relocate full-time.  

    Source: AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).

    woman looking to Lisbon and the 25 Abril bridge

    Start your path to EU residency through the Portugal Golden Visa.

    Malta Permanent Residence Program

    Grand Harbour in Malta
    • Minimum investment: €53,000 (rental route) or €414,000 (purchase route)      
    • Permanent residency: Immediately
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 10 to 15 years   
    • Stay requirement: None   
    • Family inclusion: Yes, up to five generations 
    • Processing time: Up to 12 months   

    The Malta Residency by Investment Program (MPRP) is one of the few Golden Visas that grant permanent residency from the start. 

    To apply for Malta’s Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Hold assets of at least €500,000 (including €150,000 in financial assets) or €650,000 (including €75,000 in financial assets) 
    • Invest in property through purchase (€375,000) or rent (€14,000 per year) 
    • Make a government contribution of €37,000 plus a €2,000 donation. 

    The Malta Residency by Investment program has no minimum stay requirement and allows visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area. 

    It also has one of the broadest family inclusion policies in Europe, covering spouses, children, parents, and grandparents under a single application. 

    Since January 2025, Malta has offered a one-year temporary residence permit, allowing investors to move to Malta while their permanent residence application is being processed. 

    Cyprus Golden Visa

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    • Minimum investment: €300,000
    • Permanent residency: Immediately
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 7 years   
    • Stay requirement: Visit Cyprus at least once every two years  
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 2 to 6 months   

    The Cyprus Golden Visa has one of the shortest processing timelines among EU Golden Visas, granting permanent residence in two to four months in 2026.  

    To qualify, applicants must invest at least €300,000 in approved assets, such as residential or commercial property or shares in a Cypriot company or investment organization, and demonstrate annual foreign income of at least €50,000. 

    Family rules: Spouses and dependent children under 25 can be added to the Cyprus Golden Visa application, allowing families to obtain EU residency together. An addiitonal €15,000 is required in annual income for a spouse and €10,000 per dependent.

    The Cyprus Non-Dom Tax Residence is an additional benefit for investors. This regime exempts foreign residents from tax on worldwide dividends, interest, and most capital gains for up to 17 years.  

    After seven years of residency, applicants may apply for Cypriot citizenship. While Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Zone, residency still provides a long-term base within the European Union.

    Source: Migration Department, Government of Cyprus.

    Italy Golden Visa

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    • Minimum investment: €250,000
    • Permanent residency: After 5 years   
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 10 years   
    • Stay requirement: None  
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 3 to 6 months   

    The Italy Golden Visa stands out for its streamlined application process and a timeline of three to six months as of October 2026. 

    Unlike most Golden Visa programs, investors receive government approval before making their investment, reducing upfront financial risk. 

    Investment options start at €250,000 through an innovative Italian startup, making it among the lowest entry thresholds for European Golden Visas.  

    Family rules: Applicants for the Italy Investor Visa can also include eligible family members, which include the spouse, children under 18 (over 18 if dependents), and parents over the age of 65.

    For investors planning to relocate, Italy’s flat tax regime allows eligible new tax residents to pay a fixed annual tax of €300,000 on foreign income, regardless of how much they earn abroad. 

    Latvia Golden Visa

    View of Riga, Capital of Latvia

    • Minimum investment: €50,000
    • Permanent residency: After 5 years   
    • Pathway to Citizenship: 10 years in total
    • Stay requirement: None  
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 2 to 3 months   

    The Latvia Golden Visa is the world’s most affordable Golden Visa program, with a starting investment of €50,000 in a local company with fewer than 50 employees.  

    Latvia’s Golden Visa is typically processed in around two to three months.

    Family rules: Residency can be extended to your spouse, dependent children under 18, and dependent parents who are medically dependent on the investor under a single application.

    Permanent residency may be available after five years of qualifying residence, with citizenship potentially available after a total of ten years, subject to the relevant residence, language, and other legal requirements.

    Latvia’s Golden Visa is an attractive option for those seeking a lower-cost route to EU residency, while the country also offers a more affordable cost of living than several other European countries.

    Important note: The Latvia Golden Visa has undergone significant changes as of 15 September 2026, including changes to the investment routes and validity of residence permits. Find out more in our complete guide to the Latvia Golden Visa.

    Buying Property in Latvia: View over Riga

    Read our Latvia Golden Visa Guide

    Hungary Golden Visa

    view of Budapest and

    • Minimum investment: €250,000
    • Permanent residency: 3 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 8 years of permanent residency
    • Stay requirement: None  
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 3 months   

    The Hungary Golden Visa grants a ten year residence permit from the start. It’s renewable for another ten years. After three years you can secure permanent residency and after eight years of permanent residency, you are eligible for Hungarian citizenship.  

    Officially known as the Hungary Guest Investor Program (GIP), the scheme has two investment routes: a €250,000 investment in a real estate fund or a €1,000,000 donation to a public trust supporting higher education.  

    Family rules: Investors can include spouses, children, and dependents in their application.

    Hungary’s Golden Visa processing time is around three months in 2026, and applicants receive pre-approval before completing the investment, reducing the risk of rejection. 

    Serbia Residency by Investment

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    • Minimum investment: None. Applicants must only purchase residential/commercial property anywhere in the country        
    • Permanent residency: After 3 years   
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 6 years   
    • Stay requirement: At least 183 days per year   
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 30-60 days  

    The Serbia Residency by Investment program allows investors to obtain residency by purchasing residential or commercial real estate. One of its biggest drawcards is that it has no minimum investment requirement. 

    Investors can include eligible family members in their Serbian Golden Visa application and obtain temporary residency within 30 to 60 days of the purchase.  

    Family rules: Eligible family members include a spouse, dependent children up to 25, and parents over 65.

    An attractive advantage is that Serbia is a treaty country with the United States. This means that Serbian citizens can apply for the E-2 Visa and acquire U.S. residency through investment.

    EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa – USA

    Statue of Liberty in NY, USA

    • Minimum investment: $800,000
    • Permanent residency: Immediately   
    • Pathway to Citizenship: 5 years after holding a Green Card
    • Stay requirement: At least 183 days per year  
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 3 to 5 years

    The EB-5 Visa is the United States’ residency-by-investment program. It grants investors and their families a Green Card in exchange for an investment and the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.  

    Family rules: You can include your spouse and unmarried children in your EB-5 petition.

    Investment thresholds start at $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and $1,050,000 in other locations. 

    The main advantage of the EB-5 is that it provides a direct permanent residence in the United States, with a pathway to citizenship after 5 years of holding a Green Card. 

    E2 Visa – USA

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    • Minimum investment: None
    • Permanent residency: No
    • Pathway to Citizenship: No   
    • Stay requirement: No minimum stay. Maximum stay of two years per entry   
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 3 to 6 months  

    The E-2 Visa allows citizens of treaty countries to live and work in the United States by investing in and operating a US business.  

    Unlike the EB-5 Visa, there is no fixed minimum investment requirement, although successful applicants often invest between $100,000 and $200,000. 

    Family rules: Spouses can also obtain work authorization, while dependent children can study in the United States. 

    One of the program’s main advantages is speed. E-2 applications can be processed in as little as a few months, allowing investors to establish and actively manage a US business without the higher investment thresholds required by other investor visa programs. 

    The E-2 Visa does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. However, it grants an initial residence permit valid for up to two years, which can then be renewed indefinitely, provided the eligibility requirements are met. 

    UAE Golden Visa

    View of Dubai's skyscrapers, in the UAE
    • Minimum investment: AED 2 million (approx USD $550,000) or AED 50,000 monthly (approx USD $136,150)
    • Permanent residency: No, only long-term, renewable residency  
    • Pathway to Citizenship: No   
    • Stay requirement: No    
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 1 to 8 weeks  

    The UAE Golden Visa, also called the Dubai Golden Visa, grants renewable five- or 10-year residency to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talent.  

    The AED 50,000-a-month route is the Exceptionally Talented and Rare Specialisations pathway for entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals, such as doctors and scientists.

    One of the program’s main advantages is the UAE’s tax environment, which does not impose personal income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes.  

    Family rules: UAE Golden Visa holders can also sponsor spouses, children, and parents, making it a popular option for families seeking long-term residency in the Middle East. 

    The program does not lead to UAE citizenship, but its long-term renewable status, business-friendly environment, and strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa continue to attract investors and internationally mobile families. 

    Source: UAE Official Government Website.

    New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP)

    Auckland in New Zealand

    • Minimum investment: NZ$5 million
    • Permanent residency: After 3 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 5 years   
    • Stay requirement: Yes, two to three months per year     
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 35 days

    The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa grants permanent residency through two pathways. Applicants can either invest a minimum of NZ$5 million in the Growth category or NZ$10 million in the Balanced category. 

    Successful applicants can apply for permanent residence after 3 years of keeping their funds in New Zealand if you invest under the Growth category, or after 5 years if you invest under the Balanced category.

    From 1 June 2026, Golden Visa applicants in the Growth category can direct up to 20% of their investment toward philanthropic donations 

    Family rules: Investors receive indefinite residency and can include a partner and dependent children up to 24 in their application. They can become eligible for New Zealand citizenship after five years.  

    Processing time for the New Zealand Golden Visa is relatively quick, taking around 35 working days in 2026. 

    Source: New Zealand Immigration.

    Costa Rica Active Investor Visa

    view of Costa Rica

    • Minimum investment: $150,000
    • Permanent residency: After 3 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 7 years   
    • Stay requirement: One visit per year 
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 4 to 8 months 

    With a short-stay requirement of only one day per year, Costa Rica’s Investor Visa is designed for those who want residency without relocating full-time.  

    Family rules: Successful applicants and family members (spouses and children) are granted a two-year temporary residence permit, renewable for another two years. 

    Because Costa Rica taxes only locally sourced income, any foreign income remains outside the tax system, a significant advantage for investors earning income abroad.

    Luxembourg Residency by Investment

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    • Minimum investment: €500,000
    • Permanent residency: After 5 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 5 years   
    • Stay requirement: To reside in Luxembourg
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 6 months (approx.)

    The Luxembourg Investor Visa was introduced in 2017 and requires a minimum investment of €500,000 into an existing Luxembourg company. The residence permit is granted for up to three years and can be renewed.

    Family rules: Applicants can include spouses and dependent children under the same application.

    Luxembourg Investor Visa Update 2026: The Luxembourg government proposed repealing the Investor Visa program, but the legislation is still progressing through Parliament, meaning the program remains in effect until the new law is formally adopted.  

    Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP)

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    • Minimum investment: S$10 million
    • Permanent residency: Immediately
    • Pathway to Citizenship: 2 years   
    • Stay requirement: No
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 9 to 12 months 

    Singapore’s Global Investor Program grants permanent residency to high-net-worth individuals who invest significant capital in the country’s economy. 

    Family rules: Immediate family members (applicant’s parents, siblings, children, and spouse).

    There’s no minimum stay requirement. After two years, foreigners can apply for citizenship and acquire a Singaporean passport, which is the 10th strongest in the world according to the Global Passport Report 2026 developed by our Global Intelligence Unit (GIU). However, Singapore requires applicants to renounce their previous citizenship upon naturalization. 

    Source: Singapore Economic Development Board

    Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV)

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    • Minimum investment: $300,000
    • Permanent residency: Immediately
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 5 years of continuous residence   
    • Stay requirement: Once every two years 
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 30 to 90 days 

    The Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) has one of the fastest routes for permanent residency in Central America.  

    The program grants permanent residency from the start, with processing in as little as 30 days. Applicants can qualify by investing $300,000 in real estate for new builds or $500,000 for property that has previously been marketed, occupied, leased, or transferred to an unrelated third party, $500,000 in Panamanian securities, or $500,000 in a fixed-term bank deposit in Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros, or $750,000 in any Panamanian bank.

    Family rules: Investors can include spouses, children, and parents in the same application, and only need to visit Panama at least once every two years. 

    Brazil Investment Visa (VIPER)

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    • Minimum investment: R$150,000
    • Permanent residency: After 4 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: 8 years
    • Stay requirement: 14 days in Brazil every two years 
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 3 to 8 months 

    Brazil’s Investment Visa (VIPER) is one of the most affordable Golden Visas in 2026. Investors and family members can apply for permanent residency after 4 years and for citizenship after an additional 4 years. 

    Family rules: Spouses, partners, and dependent children

    Mauritius Golden Visa Scheme

    mauritius-GARR

    • Minimum investment: $1 million
    • Permanent residency: After 2 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: No   
    • Stay requirement: No
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 5 days

    Mauritius launched its new Golden Visa program in 2026, with a fast application review process of five working days. 

    The country has set a quota of 100 visas a year, and the minimum investment amount is $1 million in high-value industries such as financial technology, global treasury, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. 

    Family rules: Mauritius Residence by Investment applicants and their dependents (spouse and children) will be granted a renewable two-year visa in exchange for investing. 

    Visa holders will also have a dedicated concierge service to assist with the transition, including relocating their businesses to Mauritius. 

    Source: Economic Development Board, Mauritius

    Bahamas Economic Permanent Residency

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    • Minimum investment: $1 million
    • Permanent residency: Immediately 
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 10 years   
    • Stay requirement: 90 days per year 
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 8 to 18 months

    The Bahamas Economic Residency (EPR) allows foreigners to obtain a permanent residence permit and live in The Bahamas indefinitely. Unlike the European Golden Visas, it does not grant the right to work, and an authorization is required for employment or business activities. 

    Family rules: Spouse and minor children can be included in the application.

    Source: Bahamas Immigration Service

    Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

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    • Minimum investment: HKD 30 million                
    • Permanent residency: 7 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: No   
    • Stay requirement: No
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 6 to 9 months

    A financial gateway to mainland China, Hong Kong launched, in 2024, a residency program through capital deployment. It requires a minimum investment of HKD 30 million in permissible assets, along with proof of net assets of HKD 30 million or more. 

    Officially named the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, the program grants an initial 24-month stay, renewable if the applicant meets the requirements. While there is no minimum stay requirement to hold the visa, those seeking permanent residency must have seven years of continuous residence in Hong Kong. 

    Family rules: Under the New CIES, applicants may be allowed to bring in their dependants, such as a spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 years old.

    Source: New CIES, Government of Hong Kong

    Montenegro Residency by Investment

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    • Minimum investment: €150,000
    • Permanent residency: After 5 years
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 10 years   
    • Stay requirement: No
    • Family inclusion: Yes 
    • Processing time: 1 to 3 months

    Positioned on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro rewards investors with a coastal lifestyle and one of the lowest tax rates in Europe.

    Investors can move to Montenegro through its residency-by-investment program. There are two main pathways: Through real estate acquisition starting at €150,000 or by establishing a local company.

    The Montenegro residence permit is issued for one year and renewed annually. After five years of continuous residence, applicants can apply for permanent residency.

    Family rules: spouses, dependent family members, and same-sex partners can be included.

    Montenegro is a candidate for EU accession, with a target timeline toward the end of 2028.

    What are the benefits of Golden Visas?

    1. Residence rights and increased global mobility

    A Golden Visa provides greater freedom of movement for investors and their families. It grants the legal right to live in another country while, in some cases, also allowing visa-free travel to additional regions.  

    For example, most European Golden Visas allow visa-free travel across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area.  

    Living abroad can also provide access to healthcare, education, and public services.

    2. Possible path to permanent residence or citizenship (dependent on the country)

    Several Golden Visa programs, including those in Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, and New Zealand, can lead to permanent residency and even a second citizenship after a defined period. In some cases, citizenship can also be passed on to future generations, creating a long-term family legacy. 

    3. Family inclusion

    Golden Visa programs allow applicants to include close family members in the same application. Depending on the country, this can include spouses, dependent children, and parents, giving families access to the same residence rights as you. 

    4. Low or no minimum stay requirements

    Many Golden Visas do not require investors to relocate full-time. This allows applicants to maintain their residence permit while continuing to live, work, or operate a business elsewhere. 

    5. Greater optionality and security

    For many foreign investors, a Golden Visa is not about relocating immediately — it is about having a Plan B. Residence rights in another country provide greater flexibility if personal, political, or economic circumstances change, allowing Golden Visa holders and their families to plan for the long term. 

    Golden Visa Requirements 2026

    The Golden Visa eligibility criteria vary by country, but these are some of the most common requirements across the programs: 

    • Be at least 18 years old 
    • Have a clear criminal record 
    • Provide proof of the legal source of funds

    How much does a Golden Visa cost in 2026? 

    The total cost of a Golden Visa depends on the chosen investment route, legal fees, and application costs, which vary by country and family size. 

    Minimum investment thresholds for Golden Visas also differ. In 2026, they range from around €50,000 for the Latvian Golden Visa to more than $10 million for the Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP). 

    Golden Visa Investment Options

    person checking investment options for Golden Visa

    Golden Visa investment options differ from country to country. These are some of the investment types available in 2026. 

    Real estate purchases

    Buying property is one of the best-known Golden Visa investments. Investors can purchase residential property, commercial spaces, or approved development projects. In countries such as Greece, real estate remains central to the program, while Portugal removed this route from its Golden Visa in 2023. 

    For many investors, real estate serves two purposes at once: providing foreign residency while acquiring a physical asset abroad that can be used as a second home or rented out.

    Business investment

    Some countries grant residency to applicants who invest in local companies, launch businesses, or create jobs. This route is attractive to entrepreneurs and investors who want direct exposure to another market rather than purchasing property.  

    Bank deposits

    Certain Golden Visas allow applicants to qualify by depositing funds into a local bank. This route does not require managing property or operating a company, and the capital remains deposited with the financial institution until the holding period ends. 

    Government bonds

    This route requires investors to lend money to the state in exchange for fixed interest payments over time. Government bonds are ideal for those seeking state-backed investments rather than direct exposure to property or private companies. 

    Arts and cultural contributions

    Some countries offer residency to foreign nationals who invest in cultural, artistic, or heritage projects. 

    Portugal is one of the best-known examples. Through the Portugal Cultural Golden Visa, investors can support museums, exhibitions, theatre productions, archaeological projects, and the restoration of historical landmarks. 

    One investor who chose this route was Gustavo Fonseca, a Colombian physician and researcher based in the United States. Assisted by Global Citizen Solutions, he contributed to Porto’s Serralves Foundation, helping fund a project that gives children greater access to museums and cultural activities. 

    Global Citizen Solutions helped Gustavo Fonseca make a cultural donation to the Serralves Foundation in Porto so that he and his family can relocate to Portugal through the Golden Visa.

    “We felt that the cultural donation was more along the lines of what we wanted to do, in a more altruistic way. It just felt better, so to speak,” he explains.

    From documentation to submission and time-sensitive updates, GCS coordinated every step, ensuring a smooth and transparent Golden Visa process.

    Screenshot 2026-03-19 164248

    How to apply for a Golden Visa?

    Step 01. Speak to advisors

    Speaking to advisors helps you choose the Golden Visa program that best suits your goals and long-term plans. 

    At Global Citizen Solutions, our consultants help investors compare programs based on factors such as citizenship timelines, tax systems, processing times, family inclusion, and stay requirements. Professional guidance can also avoid delays caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation.

    Step 02. Select an investment route

    Once you choose a country, select a qualifying investment pathway. This can include real estate acquisition, investment funds, company shares, government bonds, bank deposits, or cultural donations.

    Step 03. Gather the documentation

    Golden Visa applications require supporting documents such as passports, proof of address, criminal record certificates, health insurance, and evidence showing the legal source of investment funds. Depending on the country, documents may also need to be translated, apostilled, or legalized.

    Step 04. Submit the application

    Once the documentation and investment route are finalized, the application is submitted to the relevant immigration or government authority.

    Step 05. Receive the residence permit

    Once the Golden Visa application process is finalized, applicants receive a residence permit. Depending on the country, the permit may be temporary or permanent from the start.

    Step 06. Renew residency status

    Many Golden Visa programs require permit renewals every few years. Conditions can include maintaining the investment, meeting minimum stay requirements, and updating documentation.

    Step 07. Apply for permanent residency or citizenship

    Some Golden Visa programs offer a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after a defined period. Citizenship applications can include additional requirements such as language exams, physical residence periods, or integration tests.

    How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

    Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

    We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    To obtain a Golden Visa, you must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and make a qualifying investment.

    The cost of a Golden Visa depends on the country and the investment route. In 2026, minimum investment thresholds range from €50,000 for the Latvian Golden Visa to more than $10 million for the Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP). Applicants should also budget for government fees, legal fees, and application costs, which vary by country and family size.

    Yes, Golden Visa programs are legal, and they allow investors to secure residency in another country. These programs are strictly monitored by their governments and have due diligence processes in place.

    In 2026, Golden Visas are available across Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Some of the most popular Golden Visa countries include Greece, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Hungary, Latvia, Cyprus, the UAE, Costa Rica, Brazil, and The Bahamas. 

    The best Golden Visa depends on your investment goals, budget, and long-term plans. According to the Global RCBI Report 2025, Greece ranks as the world's best residency-by-investment program. Portugal and Malta are also regarded for their Golden Visa programs.

    Latvia has the cheapest Golden Visa in the world, with investment options starting at €50,000 in a local company.

    Golden Visa processing times vary by country. It can range from as little as 30 days for programs like the Panama Qualified Investor Visa to 12 months for options like the Malta Permanent Residence Program.

    The Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) is the fastest Golden Visa in 2026, with a processing time of around 30 days. In Europe, the fastest Golden Visas are Latvia's, with a processing time of two to three months, and Greece's, with a timeline of approximately four months.

    Yes, some Golden Visa programs can lead to citizenship if applicants meet the country's legal requirements. Countries such as Portugal, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, and Serbia offer pathways to citizenship through naturalization after a qualifying period of legal residence. 

    No, a Golden Visa is not the same thing as citizenship by investment (CBI). Golden Visas grant residency in a country in exchange for a qualifying investment. Citizenship programs, on the other hand, give investors immediate citizenship and a second passport in exchange for an investment.   

    Yes, most Golden Visa programs allow investors to include family members in the same application. Depending on the country, eligible family members can include a spouse, dependent children, parents, and, in some cases, grandparents or adult dependent children. Eligibility rules vary by program. 

    Not always. Many Golden Visa programs have low or no minimum stay requirements, allowing investors to maintain their residency without relocating full-time. However, minimum stay rules vary by country and may be stricter if you later apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

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