8 Countries Offering Residency: In an increasingly globalized world, many individuals seek Golden Visa programs as a way to gain residency or citizenship in another country through investment. Whether for tax benefits, enhanced travel freedom, or a better quality of life, Golden Visas offer an attractive option for investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals.
But which countries offer the best residency-by-investment programs? In this guide, we’ll explore eight top destinations where you can secure a Golden Visa and what it takes to qualify.
8 Countries Offering Residency
| Country | Minimum Investment | Residency/Citizenship Path | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €500,000 (real estate) | Residency → Citizenship in 5 years | Schengen access, EU benefits |
| Greece | €250,000 (real estate) | Residency, renewable every 5 years | Affordable, Schengen access |
| Spain | €500,000 (real estate) | Residency → Permanent Residency in 5 years, Citizenship in 10 years | Schengen access, strong economy |
| Italy | €250,000 (startup) / €2M (bonds) | Residency → Citizenship in 10 years | Schengen access, top-tier healthcare |
| Malta | €650,000 donation + €150,000 investment | Citizenship in 1 year | EU citizenship, visa-free access to 180+ countries |
| Cyprus | €2M (real estate) | Citizenship in 6 months | Full EU rights |
| Turkey | $400,000 (real estate) | Citizenship in 3-6 months | Visa-free travel to 110 countries |
| Saint Kitts & Nevis | $150,000 (donation) / $200,000 (real estate) | Citizenship in 3-6 months | Tax benefits, visa-free to 150+ countries |
Source: Official government websites and investment immigration agencies.
A Golden Visa can be a powerful tool for achieving global mobility, financial security, and lifestyle flexibility. With multiple options available, selecting the right program depends on your budget, residency goals, and future citizenship plans.
Before investing, consult an immigration lawyer or residency specialist to understand the latest requirements and legal considerations.
What Is a Golden Visa and How Does It Work?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants individuals and their families the right to live, work, or study in a country in exchange for making a qualifying investment. These investments often include:
- Real estate purchases
- Government bonds
- Business investments
- Job creation initiatives
Most Golden Visa programs lead to permanent residency and, in some cases, full citizenship after meeting specific requirements such as language proficiency or physical residency.
8 Best Countries Offering Golden Visas
1. Portugal
- Minimum Investment: €500,000 (real estate), €1M (capital transfer), or creation of 10 jobs.
- Residency Path: 5 years to citizenship.
- Benefits: No physical residency required, visa-free travel in the Schengen Area.
- Official Website: SEF Portugal
2. Greece
- Minimum Investment: €250,000 (real estate).
- Residency Path: Renewable every 5 years; citizenship possible after 7 years.
- Benefits: Cheapest Golden Visa in the EU, Schengen access.
- Official Website: Invest in Greece
3. Spain
- Minimum Investment: €500,000 (real estate) or €1M (business investment).
- Residency Path: Permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship after 10 years.
- Benefits: Top-tier infrastructure, Schengen access.
- Official Website: Spain Immigration
4. Italy
- Minimum Investment: €250,000 (startup) or €2M (government bonds).
- Residency Path: 10 years to citizenship.
- Benefits: Rich culture, top healthcare system.
- Official Website: Invest in Italy
5. Malta
- Minimum Investment: €650,000 (government donation) + €150,000 (financial investment).
- Residency Path: Citizenship within 1 year.
- Benefits: Full EU citizenship, visa-free to 180+ countries.
- Official Website: Malta Residency
6. Cyprus
- Minimum Investment: €2M (real estate or business).
- Residency Path: Citizenship within 6 months.
- Benefits: Full EU rights, high quality of life.
- Official Website: Cyprus Investment
7. Turkey
- Minimum Investment: $400,000 (real estate).
- Residency Path: Citizenship within 3-6 months.
- Benefits: Visa-free travel to 110 countries.
- Official Website: Turkey Citizenship
8. Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Minimum Investment: $150,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate).
- Residency Path: Citizenship within 3-6 months.
- Benefits: No personal income tax, visa-free travel to 150+ countries.
- Official Website: Saint Kitts Immigration
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FAQs On 8 Countries Offering Residency
1. Which Golden Visa program is the easiest to obtain?
- Malta and Saint Kitts & Nevis offer some of the fastest routes to citizenship with minimal residency requirements.
2. Can I work with a Golden Visa?
- In most cases, yes. However, some programs require additional work permits.
3. Which program is the cheapest?
- Greece (€250,000) has the most affordable Golden Visa in the EU.
4. Does a Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
- Not always. Some programs, like Portugal and Spain, require several years of residency before citizenship eligibility.
5. Are Golden Visas tax-free?
- Some countries, like Saint Kitts & Nevis, offer tax advantages, but it depends on your tax residency status.
