There are dozens of options for citizenship by investment or residency by investment around the world. Each program has its advantages and disadvantages, sometimes making it difficult to choose among them. There is no “one size fits all” solution, and itt ultimately depends on your specific situation, needs or preferences.
As citizenship by investment schemes become more and more popular, new residency by investment programs emerge. This makes the market more competitive and increases the variety. In this article, we’re going to explain what Golden Visa is and which countries offer this scheme.
Golden Visa Countries
Portugal
Spain
Greece
Cyprus
Malta
St. Kitts and Nevis
Antigua and Barbuda
Dominica
Turkey
United States
Anguilla
Austria
Canada
New Zealand
St. Lucia
Switzerland
The Cayman Islands
Vanuatu
Goldev visas around th world
A Golden Visa refers to the immigration program which allows wealthy individuals to get a residence permit or even citizenship in another country simply by purchasing a house there or making a relatively large investment or donation.
Those who can apply for a Golden Visa can easily acquire a second passport, or at least residency in another country, for themselves and their family members.
In recent years, these types of visas have risen in popularity, especially those offered by European Union countries, where a passport or residence permit comes with a host of other benefits, such as freedom of movement in Schengen and access to the EU free market.
So, what exactly is a Golden visa and who can apply?
What is the Golden visa?
Golden Visa is a permit that allows individuals and their dependent family members to get residency in a country. Several European countries offer Golden Visa programs to individuals who are looking to get residency, and eventually even citizenship.
How to get a GOLDEN VISA?
The first step in the Golden Visa application is to decide on your investment criteria. While real estate acquisition is the most popular route, the capital transfer is getting a lot of attention, too. Some Golden Visa schemes also include options such as fund investment, job creation, or make a donation.
Once you decide on your investment criteria, you can start your application. The processing time for a Golden Visa is two to nine months.
Although the required investment amounts vary, Golden Visa schemes are typically based on real estate acquisition, investment fund subscription, capital transfer, or donation. Once you decide on your investment type, you can start your application process as the main applicant.
Most Golden Visa programs allow family inclusion which means that you’re able to include your immediate family members. Some countries also allow the inclusion of grandparents and parents-in-law.
What makes the Golden Visa so attractive is that it doesn’t require you to move to the country you’re getting a Golden Visa. If you have business interests in your home country and are planning to get a Golden Visa just as a “Plan B”, note that you can keep your status only by visiting the country on a required frequency.
Golden Visa schemes might lead to citizenship depending on the country’s residency requirements. In some countries, it’s five years. In some, you might be eligible only after 10 years of full-time residency.
The below table gives a quick wrap-up of Golden Visa countries and their requirements.
| Program | Spain | Portugal | Greece | Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Residency by investment | Residency by investment | Residency by investment | Residency by investment |
| Minimum investment amount | 500.000€ | 280.000€ | 250.000€ | 400.000€ |
| Application process | 1-2 months | 6-12 months | 2-3 months | 3-4 months |
Golden Visa Program Requirements
Countries with a Golden Visa scheme have their own set of requirements. However, there are some basic requirements such as:
- Having a clean criminal record
- Proving that you’ll use your own funds to make the investment
- Keeping the investment for a certain period of time (time may vary depending on the country)
- Demonstrating that you’ve acquired your funds legally
Some countries might require you to show that you have a certain amount of net worth, separate from the amount you’re going to invest.
If you’re planning to make a Golden Visa application, it’s wise to speak to professionals before you commit any funds or make an investment.
Golden Visa Application Process
The application process for each Golden Visa program differs, however, there are some steps that each program requires. Below a table to give you an understanding of the application process.
1. Speaking to advisors You speak to Golden Visa experts and lawyers to have a better understanding of the process.
2. Choosing the investment Depending on your needs and criteria, you choose your investment type.
3. Submitting the documents You prepare all the documents and submit them to your lawyer.
4. Due Diligence The authorities check your eligibility for the program.
5. Getting your residence permit Card After providing biometrics, you receive your first residence card.
6. Renewal of the residence permit Depending on the program, you apply for renewal after one to five years.
7. Citizenship application If your chosen program is a residency by investment scheme, you can be eligible for citizenship after a certain period of time.
Golden visas in different Countries
The different Countries that offer this type of Visa differ a bit, so you need to update yourself with the specific situation in the specific moment you intend to proceed to it. For instance, early days Portugal has announced that they may cancel the Golden visa programme, Vanuatu has all Tourist visas blocked in Europe, or that Malta has raised the minimum requirements, and so on.
