Have you been planning to obtain a golden visa? But there are many, who aren’t aware of its meaning. So, for those who aren’t, a golden visa can allow permanent residence and even citizenship by investment. This could be in the real estate, donation, or any other monetary contribution required by the country. In fact, many programs also extend to your family members! So if you have also been planning to apply for a golden visa, here’s a list of countries that offer this program.
Countries Offering Golden Visa
1. Austria
Austria is known for having one of the most expensive European golden visa programmes. Applicants can receive this visa after they make an investment of €3 million to a government fund and €10 million in business. However, there’s a catch: if someone is investing in the business, it must also create job opportunities for Austrians and benefit the economy.
Although this visa is quite expensive, it does have several benefits. One of them is that it gives visa-free access to the rest of the Schengen area! However, it’s worth noting that Austria doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so one will have to renounce their original citizenship to obtain this one. With the process of the application taking approximately 36 months to obtain Austrian citizenship, make sure to read all about this before you decide to apply.
2. Antigua And Barbuda
The processing time to obtain a second passport here could be from three to four months. And the best part about owning a second passport for Antigua And Barbuda is its visa-free access to 150 countries including the UK. So, those who wish to obtain a golden visa here must be ready to invest anywhere between US$1,00,000 to US$1.5 million. Additionally, these investments don’t have to be made on a person’s own accord, they can be joint ones as well. The benefit of this golden visa is that it allows people to bring their parents along if they are over the age of 58. Additionally, it also extends to children and spouses!
3. Canada
Canada’s Quebec Immigrant Investor Program offers permanent residency to applicants, who make the necessary C$1.2 million investment to a government bond fund, provided they meet all the requirements. However, it is pertinent that anyone looking to obtain Canadian citizenship through this residency permit must live in the country for three years. Moreover, they must be present in Canada for at least 183 days each year during the period.
Malta is known for offering one of the most affordable residency by investment programmes. It’s called the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, allowing applicants to choose between purchasing or renting property for their qualifying investment. Not to mention, this visa also extends up to four generations for family reunification! The investment must be anywhere between €50,000 to €3,50,000 and this permanent residency can also transform into European Citizenship if you live in the country for five years and meet certain requirements.4. Malta
5. St. Kitts And Nevis
St. Kitts And Nevis offers a passport immediately upon making the investment, provided the applicant meets all the requirements. Offering visa-free access to 160 countries, this nation’s golden visa programme is relatively affordable. One has to make an investment of anywhere between $1,50,000 and $2,00,000. It is worth noting that for each family member, including parents over the age of 55, the application fee is $4000.
6. Singapore
Singapore is known for holding one of the strongest passports for visa-free travel. Called the Singapore Global Investor Program, it allows people to live in the country and eventually even obtain citizenship. However, one has to make SGD2.5 million worth of investment and business, an approved fund, or a single-family office in the country. Yes, and after this, each year following the investment, the turnover must be at least SGD50 million and after living in the country for two years, one can apply for citizenship and receive a passport. However, one must keep in mind that Singapore doesn’t allow dual citizenship!
7. Switzerland
To obtain a golden visa in Switzerland, there are two programs that require an investment. One of these requires the applicant to pay a lump tax sum tax annually, ranging anywhere between CHF2,00,000 to CHF6,00,000 per year. While the second program requires an investment of CHF1 million for starting a new business or contributing to an existing business in the country. Additionally, one is eligible for the status of permanent resident until after 10 years of living in the country.
8. Germany
The golden visa in Germany requires the applicant to first apply for a self-employed visa. Once this is done, they can open a business in Germany on the basis of this visa. Moreover, it must create jobs for Germans and benefit the local economy. Although there’s no upfront investment, one must invest at least €3,60,000 and after living in the country for three years, they can obtain permanent residency. While this can transform into citizenship after eight years of living in Germany.
9. Cayman Islands
Offering golden visas for those wanting to invest in prime real estate, the Cayman Islands require an investment of CI$2.3 million. One can also apply for long-term residency of 25 years if they earn at least CI$1,20,000 per year and invest CI$1 million, with at least CI$5,00,000 invested in developed real estate. One can apply for British overseas citizenship after they’ve spent five years in the Cayman Islands. Additionally, they should not have spent any more than 90 days at a time away from the island.
Grenada offers a golden visa that gives the applicant a second passport. For this, they must make an investment of $1,50,000 to the National Transformation Fund or $2,20,000 in real estate. Not to mention, the processing time can be anywhere between three to four months. However, it’s also important to note that investment and real estate can be made only after it is approved by the government.10. Grenada
So, if you too wish to obtain a golden visa in any of these countries, make sure to read up all about their rules and regulation before you take the leap!
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