Introduction
As global mobility becomes increasingly accessible, Indian investors are exploring Golden Visa programmes to secure residency or citizenship in foreign countries. These investment-based residency schemes offer a legal path to live, work, and often gain permanent residency or citizenship in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
Below is an updated overview of popular Golden Visa programmes, their minimum investment requirements, and the benefits associated with each destination.
1. What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme offered by various countries to attract foreign capital. In exchange for a qualifying investment, applicants receive residency rights and, in some cases, a path to citizenship.
Key benefits include:
- Legal residency in the host country
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to multiple countries
- Access to healthcare, education, and real estate
- Family inclusion (spouse, children, and in some cases, parents)
- Potential tax advantages
2. Countries Offering Golden Visas to Indian Citizens
Europe
- Portugal
- Minimum Investment: €250,000 to €500,000 (real estate or fund investment)
- Highlights: Path to citizenship after 5 years, visa-free access to Schengen countries, no requirement to reside full-time in Portugal.
- Greece
- Minimum Investment: €250,000 (real estate)
- Highlights: Lowest real estate threshold in the EU, fast-track residency processing, five-year renewable residence permit.
- Spain
- Minimum Investment: €500,000 (real estate)
- Highlights: Residency with family inclusion, no physical stay requirement for renewal, eligible for permanent residency and citizenship (with conditions).
- Italy
- Minimum Investment: €250,000 (startup) or €2 million (government bonds)
- Highlights: Residency with the possibility of citizenship after 10 years, access to the Schengen Area.
- Malta
- Minimum Investment: €650,000 (government donation) + €150,000 (financial investment)
- Highlights: Path to citizenship through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN), EU residence card within months.
- Cyprus
- Minimum Investment: €300,000 (real estate)
- Highlights: Permanent residency through investment, with a pathway to citizenship after several years of residence.
- Hungary
- Minimum Investment: €250,000
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, access to the Schengen Area.
- Austria
- Minimum Investment: Substantial contribution to the Austrian economy
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, access to the Schengen Area.
- Switzerland
- Minimum Investment: CHF 250,000 in annual taxes
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship after 10 years, access to the Schengen Area.
- United Kingdom
- Minimum Investment: £2 million (Tier-1 Investor visa)
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, access to the UK market.
Middle East
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Minimum Investment: AED 2 million (~INR 4.5 Cr) in real estate or business
- Highlights: 10-year renewable Golden Visa, attractive tax-free income benefits, residency for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and professionals.
- Jordan
- Minimum Investment: USD 750,000
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, strategic location in the Middle East.
Asia
- Singapore
- Minimum Investment: SGD 10 million
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, robust economy and business environment.
- Thailand
- Minimum Investment: THB 650,000
- Highlights: Residency with access to a vibrant lifestyle and economy.
- Malaysia
- Minimum Investment: MYR 1 million
- Highlights: Residency with access to a multicultural society and growing economy.
- Hong Kong
- Minimum Investment: HKD 30 million
- Highlights: Residency with access to a major financial hub.
North America
- United States
- Minimum Investment: USD 800,000 (EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program)
- Highlights: Conditional residency with a path to permanent residency and citizenship, access to a large and diverse economy.
- Canada
- Minimum Investment: CAD 1.2 million (Quebec Immigrant Investor Program – currently suspended)
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, access to a high standard of living.
Caribbean
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Minimum Investment: USD 150,000 (donation) or USD 200,000 (real estate)
- Highlights: Immediate citizenship, visa-free travel to over 150 countries.
- St. Lucia
- Minimum Investment: USD 100,000 (donation)
- Highlights: Citizenship with no residency requirement, visa-free travel to over 140 countries.
- Dominica
- Minimum Investment: USD 100,000 (donation)
- Highlights: Citizenship with no residency requirement, visa-free travel to over 140 countries.
- Grenada
- Minimum Investment: USD 150,000 (donation) or USD 220,000 (real estate)
- Highlights: Citizenship with access to the USA E-2 visa treaty, visa-free travel to over 140 countries.
Oceania
- Australia
- Minimum Investment: AUD 1.5 million (Significant Investor Visa)
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, access to a high standard of living.
- New Zealand
- Minimum Investment: NZD 5 million
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, access to a stable and prosperous economy.
Africa
- Mauritius
- Minimum Investment: USD 375,000 (real estate)
- Highlights: Residency with access to a growing economy and strategic location.
- Egypt
- Minimum Investment: USD 250,000
- Highlights: Residency with potential for citizenship, access to a rich cultural heritage.
3. Considerations Before Applying
Before choosing a country for a Golden Visa, consider the following:
- Investment amount and legal fees
- Residency and physical stay requirements
- Tax obligations in the host country