Golden visa programmes: Countries around the world are strengthening restrictions on unauthorised immigration, whilst maintaining pathways for investment-based residency. Investment visa schemes provide opportunities to obtain residential status or nationality through monetary commitments. Although traditionally popular amongst Chinese, Russian and Middle Eastern investors, these programmes now draw applicants from across the globe.
Golden visas allow for investment-linked residency on a temporary or permanent basis. These are linked to applicants making qualifying financial contributions, including property acquisition, enterprise establishment or state fund deposits. The flexible residency requirements of certain programmes appeal to those seeking alternative options whilst retaining freedom of movement.
What is a Golden Visa?
A golden visa programme is a legal pathway where qualified individuals receive residential privileges in a country by making specified financial investments. This differs from citizenship-by-investment schemes, which provide complete citizenship benefits. Through golden visas, wealthy individuals can obtain legal residency status, allowing them to live, pursue employment, education and access healthcare services in their chosen nation.
Nations increasingly provide residence and citizenship through investment schemes such as golden visa programmes, featuring diverse investment choices tailored to individual family needs.
So how much is the minimum capital to get golden visas in various countries? Below is the entire range of investment migration programs as listed by Henley & Partners along with details on the minimum capital required:
Golden passports provide “citizenship by investment”. They deliver comprehensive citizenship privileges, frequently including admission to regional economic zones. Within the European Union, Malta’s scheme enables investors to live, work and pursue education across all EU member states. In the Caribbean region, nations including St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada provide competitive options beginning at approximately $200,000.
Golden Visa Benefits:
- In today’s uncertain and dynamic global environment, affluent individuals seek alternative arrangements for themselves and their loved ones – arrangements that provide secure havens during turbulent times whilst enabling enhanced access to worldwide commercial and lifestyle prospects.
- Golden visas serve as strategic tools for affluent individuals seeking to safeguard their wealth and enhance their global mobility. These programmes are said to offer a reliable safeguard against economic and political uncertainties in an unstable global environment.
- The golden visa scheme enables high net worth persons to establish residence in financially advantageous jurisdictions whilst securing comprehensive residential rights, including access to employment, educational institutions and healthcare facilities in the host country.
Some Available Golden Visa Programmes for Indians
According to an ET report, despite tightening regulations, Indian applicants can still access several golden visa schemes:
- Portugal continues to offer residency through investments in qualified funds, scientific research initiatives, or business expansion projects.
- Greece has adjusted its programme, raising the real estate investment threshold to €400,000, whilst offering a €250,000 alternative route through local startup investments.
- Spain’s scheme remains accessible to investors who submitted applications prior to 2024, despite plans to discontinue the programme.
- Malta maintains its citizenship by investment option, subject to thorough background checks.
- Various Caribbean nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint Lucia, provide passports for investments beginning at $200,000.
- The UAE golden visa programme continues to welcome Indian investors and professionals from essential sectors, including healthcare, technology, and business.
- Singapore’s Global Investor Program, whilst not technically a golden visa, enables permanent residency through substantial local business investments.
Trump’s Gold Card
US President Donald Trump has introduced the “gold card” scheme as a replacement for the existing EB-5 visa system. This initiative would grant residency rights and citizenship prospects in exchange for a $5 million investment. Unlike the current EB-5 programme, the proposed scheme suggests direct payment to the US government to address national debt. This arrangement could present an alternative solution for Indian investors facing extensive waiting periods in the current employment-based green card system.
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