Golden visa programs are popular among high-net-worth expats for a reason. They provide benefits such as a “Plan B” residency, path to second citizenship, enhanced financial and business opportunities, and life quality upgrade.
Processing times differ for each country, and can take anywhere from a few months to a year. Take a look at seven Golden Visa guides that explain how to get a visa fast.
1. UAE Golden Visa
Obtainment time: 2—3 months.
The United Arab Emirates has one of the fastest golden visa programs in the world. It is especially popular among international entrepreneurs, since the government is very pro-business.
Requirements for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa:
- investing at least AED 2+ million in real estate in a Freehold Zone; a mortgage with a 20% down payment is possible;
- paying AED 160,000+ as a processing fee;
- paying AED 3,860+ in state fees;
- undergoing a medical checkup;
- getting $400+ health insurance.
Investors must be over 18, with legal income and no criminal record, or serious communicable diseases including STDs and tuberculosis. Family members can join the investor — this includes their spouse, unmarried sons under 25, and unmarried daughters of any age.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa include:
- renewability, with citizenship eligibility in 30 years;
- no obligatory stay in the country;
- residency of a politically stable, economically developed nation;
- tax benefits, such as no capital gains, income, gift, inheritance, or property taxes;
- access to multi-currency international banking;
- free ESAAD Privilege Card with generous offers, bonuses and discounts on the leading global brands
2. Spain Golden Visa
Obtainment time: 5+ months.
Spain offers one of the most attractive golden visa programs in Europe, ideal for those seeking residency in the EU. It is particularly favored by real estate investors.
Requirements for the Spain Golden Visa:
- investing at least €500,000 in real estate;
- additional costs such as legal fees and property taxes apply, typically adding up to 10-15% of the property’s value;
- health insurance coverage in Spain;
- proof of legal income and a clean criminal record.
Investors must be over 18, with legal income and no criminal record. Family members can join the investor, including their spouse, children under 18, and dependent parents.
Benefits of the Spain Golden Visa include:
- renewability, with eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years;
- no requirement to reside in Spain;
- free movement within the Schengen Area;
- access to high-quality education and healthcare;
- right to work and conduct business in Spain.
3. Cyprus Golden Visa
Obtainment time: 9+ months.
Cyprus’ Golden Visa program is designed for investors looking to establish a foothold in Europe through real estate or business investment.
Requirements for the Cyprus Golden Visa:
- investing at least €300,000 in real estate;
- proof of annual income of at least €50,000, increased by €15,000 for a spouse and dependent and €10,000 for each dependent child.
Applicants must be over 18, with a clean criminal record, and provide health insurance for themselves and their family members.
Benefits of the Cyprus Golden Visa include:
- permanent residency status for life;
- free movement within the Schengen Area (pending Cyprus’ Schengen membership);
- no requirement to reside in Cyprus;
- access to education and healthcare;
- possibility of applying for citizenship after 7 years of residency.
4. Greece Golden Visa
Obtainment time: 4+ months.
Greece offers a popular golden visa program, particularly appealing due to its low investment threshold and strategic location.
Requirements for the Greece Golden Visa:
- investing at least €250,000 in real estate;
- comprehensive health insurance for the investor and their family;
- proof of funds and a clean criminal record.
Investors must be over 18, with a legal source of income. Family members, including the spouse, children under 21, and parents of both the investor and spouse, can also apply.
Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa include:
- renewability every 5 years, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency and citizenship after 7 years;
- no requirement to reside in Greece;
- free movement within the Schengen Area;
- access to the European education system;
- attractive tax benefits.
5. Italy Golden Visa
Obtainment time: 4+ months.
The Italy Golden Visa program is tailored for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in the country’s economy
Requirements for the Italy Golden Visa:
- investing at least €500,000 in an Italian company or €250,000 in an innovative startup;
- alternatively, a donation of €1,000,000 to a public-interest project in Italy or the purchase of €2,000,000 in government bonds;
- health insurance and proof of sufficient income to support themselves.
Applicants must be over 18, with a clean criminal record. Family members can join the investor, including the spouse and minor children.
Benefits of the Italy Golden Visa include:
- renewability, eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years;
- no requirement to reside in Italy;
- free movement within the Schengen Area;
- access to Italy’s high-quality healthcare and education systems;
- tax incentives, including no wealth tax and favorable income tax rates.
6. Hungary Golden Visa
Obtainment time: 3—6 months.
Hungary’s Golden Visa program, known as the Residency Bond Program, offers a straightforward route to European residency.
Requirements for the Hungary Golden Visa:
- investing €250,000+;
- health insurance coverage in Hungary.
Investors must be over 18, with a clean criminal record and proof of legal income. Family members, including the spouse and minor children, can also apply.
Benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa include:
- permanent residency after 3 years;
- no requirement to reside in Hungary;
- free movement within the Schengen Area;
- access to Hungary’s healthcare and education systems;
- favorable tax regime, including no wealth tax and low personal income tax rates.
7. Portugal Golden Visa
Obtainment time: 12+ months.
Portugal is one of the most sought-after Golden Visa countries. It has updated its Golden Visa program in 2023, eliminating real estate investment options and focusing on other types of investments.
Requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa:
- investing at least €500,000 in an investment fund;
- creating at least 10 jobs in Portugal;
- supporting artistic production or the maintenance of cultural heritage with a minimum investment of €250,000.
Investors must be over 18, with a clean criminal record and proof of legal income. Family members, including the spouse, children under 26, and dependent parents, can also apply.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa include:
- renewable every 2 years, with eligibility for permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years;
- no requirement to reside in Portugal;
- free movement within the Schengen Area;
- access to Portugal’s high-quality education and healthcare systems;
- attractive tax regime with benefits for new residents, including a 10-year tax exemption on foreign-sourced income.
In a Nutshell
Golden visa programs are popular among high-net-worth expats for a reason. They provide benefits such as a Plan B residency, path to second citizenship, enhanced financial and business opportunities, and a life quality upgrade.
Processing times differ for each country, starting at 2—3 months.