Golden visas: What are they and which countries offer them?

Several countries offer golden passports, allowing foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through substantial financial investments or property acquisitions

As nations ramp up efforts to curb illegal immigration, individuals with the means can still secure legal residency abroad. Among the options available are “Golden visas” provide entry through investment, while “golden passports” offer full citizenship. The financial threshold varies, making some programs exclusive to the ultra-rich and others more accessible.

Golden visas, commonly referred to as “residence by investment” programmes, provide individuals with the opportunity to secure temporary or permanent residency through financial investment. This may involve purchasing property, establishing a business, or making a donation.

In some cases, full-time residency isn’t required, making these visas a convenient backup plan for those who want travel access without permanent relocation.

Often, the citizens of countries such as Russia, China, Middle East prefer golden visas to be able to reside in western Europe or the United States.

However, securing a golden visa is not as easy as it sounds. Often, law enforcement officials fear that these programmes create opportunities for illicit activities and are vulnerable to corruption.

Portugal launched its golden visa programme in 2012, granting residency to non-EU nationals who invested €500,000 ($557,000) in property, funds, or businesses—later lowering the property threshold to €350,000, according to a Bloomberg report.

Greece, Spain, and Hungary introduced similar programme in 2013, offering residence permits in exchange for real estate investments. These visas not only provided residency but also allowed free travel across many EU nations, with most offering a pathway to citizenship.

Hungary, after shutting down its programme in 2017 amid corruption allegations, relaunched a new version in 2024, requiring investments of at least €250,000 in local funds or €500,000 in real estate for a renewable 10-year residency.

Several countries, including the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Greece, and Malta, have either discontinued or tightened restrictions on their golden visa or equivalent residency programs due to security and money laundering concerns.

New Zealand announced that it was relaxing requirements for its golden visa program in an effort to attract wealthy immigrants and help spark an economic recovery after a sharp recession in 2024.

Several countries offer golden passports, allowing foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through substantial financial investments or property acquisitions.

Citizenship through a golden passport is available in some countries via substantial investment or a government contribution. In certain cases, applicants who have held a golden visa for several years—such as five years in Portugal—may also qualify.

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program with a "gold card" that would offer a route to American citizenship for a $5 million investment.

The EB-5 program currently allows foreign investors who create or sustain US jobs to gain permanent residency.

The EB-5 program grants "green cards" to foreigners promising to invest in US businesses.

"We are going to be selling a gold card," Trump said. "We are going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million," he added.

"It's going to give you green card privileges plus it’s going to be a route to (American) citizenship, and wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card," Trump said, adding that details about the scheme will come out in two weeks.