As the global landscape becomes increasingly unpredictable, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) continue to turn to golden visas as a strategic means to safeguard their wealth and future, notes Henley & Partners.
These residence-by-investment programmes not only provide a financial hedge against economic and political instability but also open up a world of business, lifestyle, and educational opportunities.
A golden visa is a residence-by-investment program that allows qualified individuals to obtain residency rights in a foreign country in exchange for a significant economic contribution.
Unlike citizenship by investment programmes, which offer full citizenship, golden visas typically grant legal residence rights, including the ability to live, work, study, and access healthcare within the host country.
These visas are an essential tool for global mobility, allowing the wealthy to diversify their portfolios and access new markets.
Golden visa holders can unlock a wide range of benefits, both now and in the future, noted Henley & Partners. For investors and their families, these programmes provide access to:
Alternative Safe Havens: A secure backup plan in case of political or economic turmoil.
Expanded Lifestyle and Business Opportunities: The chance to enrich both personal and professional life in more favorable jurisdictions.
High Quality of Life: Golden visa countries are known for their excellent infrastructure and overall living standards.
Access to Top-Tier Healthcare: Residence in nations with world-class medical facilities.
Education: Eligibility for world-renowned educational institutions for both the investor and their children.
Moreover, many golden visa programmes allow applicants to apply for citizenship after a few years of residency. For example, Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit Programme offers the possibility of citizenship after five years, while Greece allows citizenship after seven years and Italy after ten years.
Where Can You Get a Golden Visa?
Golden visa programmes are now available in over 100 countries across five continents, with more than 60% of European Union (EU) member states running active programmes.
Among the most sought-after destinations for golden visa seekers are Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The US and UK also have some of the world’s longest-running golden visa programmes.
Henley & Partners promotes more than 30 golden visa programmes globally, offering a diverse range of options tailored to different investment profiles.
Here’s a table listing the Golden Visa countries, sourced from Henley and Partners, along with their respective visa programs and investment requirements:
| Sr. No. | Golden Visa Country | Visa Programme | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | National Innovation Visa Programme | No minimum investment |
| 2 | Austria | Private Residence Programme | €50,000 |
| 3 | Canada | Start-up Visa Programme | $215,000 to $275,000 |
| 4 | Quebec | Investor Immigration Programme | CAD 1.2 million |
| 5 | Costa Rica | Residence by Investment Programme | $150,000 |
| 6 | Cyprus | Permanent Residence Programme | €300,000 |
| 7 | Greece | Golden Visa Programme | €250,000 |
| 8 | Hong Kong | Residence by Investment Programme | HKD 30 million |
| 9 | Hungary | Guest Investor Residence Programme | €250,000 |
| 10 | Italy | Residence by Investment Programme | €250,000 to €2 million |
| 11 | Jersey | Residence by Investment Programme | GBP 1.75 million |
| 12 | Latvia | Residence by Investment Programme | €60,000 |
| 13 | Luxembourg | Residence by Investment Programme | €500,000 |
| 14 | Malaysia | My Second Home Programme | Varies based on property investment criteria |
| 15 | Malaysia | Premium Visa Programme | $212,000 |
| 16 | Malta | Permanent Residence Programme | €182,000 |
| 17 | Mauritius | Residence by Investment Programme | $375,000 |
| 18 | Monaco | Residence Programme | No minimum investment |
| 19 | Montenegro | Residence Programme | No minimum investment |
| 20 | Namibia | Residence by Investment Programme | $365,000 |
| 21 | New Zealand | Active Investor Plus Visa Programme | NZD 5 million |
| 22 | Panama | Residence by Investment Programme | $100,000 |
| 23 | Portugal | Golden Residence Permit Programme | €250,000 |
| 24 | Singapore | Global Investor Programme | SGD 10 million |
| 25 | Switzerland | Swiss Residence Permit Programme | CHF 250,000 |
| 26 | Thailand | Privilege Residence Programme | $18,000 |
| 27 | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Residence by Investment Programme | $550,000 |
| 28 | United Kingdom (UK) | Innovator Founder Programme | Innovative and promising business |
| 29 | United States of America (USA) | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme | $800,000 |
Popular Golden Visa Programmes
Golden visa programmes offer various investment pathways, catering to different budget ranges. Some accessible programmes include:
- Thailand Privilege Residence Programme: Starts at THB 650,000 (approximately USD 18,000).
- Latvia Residence by Investment Programme: Requires an investment of EUR 60,000.
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, more exclusive options include:
- Singapore Global Investor Programme: Requires an investment of SGD 2.5 million.
How to Qualify for a Golden Visa
While specific requirements vary by programme, real estate remains the most popular and accessible option for securing a golden visa. International real estate has long been considered a stable investment class, and many golden visa programmes leverage this asset type.
Countries such as Cyprus, Greece, and Malta offer real estate-linked golden visa options, allowing investors to purchase or lease property to meet residency requirements.
Aside from real estate, other investment avenues may include government bonds (as seen in Switzerland), annual tax contributions (in Switzerland), business creation (in Portugal and Spain), and points-based tests (such as in Hong Kong).
Some countries, like Austria, may require specific language skills, while others focus on job creation or economic impact.
A Secure Future with Golden Visas
For HNWIs, golden visas offer more than just a pathway to residence; they are a powerful tool to mitigate global risks and expand business and lifestyle opportunities.
By diversifying their portfolios with international real estate and gaining access to favourable jurisdictions, investors can secure both their financial future and that of their families, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare, education, and a thriving global network.
