Golden Visa Programs: A Global Comparison

Introduction

Let’s imagine that you’re considering going abroad and settling there, maybe Europe, perhaps the U.S., or maybe the UAE. But the usual process to achieve this can feel like a maze. You will have to deal with an intense amount of paperwork, visa restrictions, the immigration process and the long wait.

This is where a Golden Visa comes in. A Golden Visa is really just a shortcut which gives you residency rights in some of the most high-value and high-demand countries, if you are not uncomfortable having to spend a certain amount of money made as an investment.

The golden visa is not just for millionaires looking for parking money. This is for families, professionals, or entrepreneurs wanting to move abroad, access to healthcare or schools, or who really just prefer new lifestyle options. You do not need to be a multi-billionaire to achieve this. 

Let me walk you through some of the biggest Golden Visa options out there right now, how they work, how much they cost, and what is distinct about each. This will help you decide which country might be the best fit for you.

What is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is essentially a way to gain residency in another country by way of an investment in that country, such as a purchase of property, business start-up, placing money into a government-approved fund or equivalent donation to a cultural or scientific purpose. 

You might think of it this way: instead of going through the lengthy traditional immigration process, you are saying, “I want to be part of your country and here is my contribution.” In exchange for this, they give you the right to reside there, sometimes with added bonuses like visa-free travel, work rights and, down the road, potentially citizenship.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the most talked-about Golden Visa programs in the world:

Also Read: What Are the Requirements to Study Medicine Abroad?

Greece: Europe’s Most Affordable Residency-by-Investment Option

If you’re looking to spend the least possible to live in a European country, Greece is really tough to beat. 

• Investment Zones (effective August 31, 2024 / through 2025): The program now uses three tiers based on Location: 
• Zone A (Hot demand areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini): Minimum investment €800,000 / approximately ₹80.56 lakh.
• Zone B (Established cities and tourist regions): Minimum investment €400,000–€500,000 / approximately ₹40.28 to ₹50.35 lakh. 
• Zone C (Less popular islands and mainland areas): Minimum investment €250,000 / approximately ₹25.17 lakh.

There is no physical residency requirement to maintain the visa. You are granted a five-year renewable residency, and you can apply for citizenship after seven years. You can also include your spouse, kids (under the age of 21) and dependent parents.

Portugal: Citizenship With Minimal Stay

Portugal eliminated the real estate option, but the Golden Visa program is available through other options:

• Invest in private equity or venture capital of at least ₹50.35 lakh.
• Donate to the cultural heritage of at least ₹25.17 lakh.
• Fund R&D projects with ₹50.35 lakh
• Establish a business and employ 10 people.

There is a requirement for a seven-day stay in year one, and after that, it is 14-day stays every two years. Plus, after five years of residency, you can apply for citizenship (10 years if the proposal goes through). Family members are included, and it allows you full access to the Schengen Zone.

Spain: Golden Visa Temporarily Halted

Spain closed the real estate option in April 2025. Previously, you had to buy at least ₹50.35 lakh of property. For the time being, there is no active Golden Visa route, but the Government may announce new ones shortly.

If Spain is on your list, simply keep it in your radar for updates.

USA: EB‑5 For Direct Green Card Access

The U.S. does not call it a “Golden Visa”, but the EB‑5 Investor Visa is the same concept – invest money, create jobs, and get permanent residency! 

• Invest $1,050,000 (~₹9.15 crore) in a U.S. business, or
• $800,000 (~₹6.97 crore) if you invest in a Targeted Employment Area (a rural or high-unemployment area) 
• You must create or preserve 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within about two years of being granted conditional residency. 
• After/you receive your EB‑5 approved application (Form I‑526), you will receive conditional green card status for 2 years. Near the end of the 2 years, you file your Form I‑829, demonstrating that the jobs and investment have been maintained, and it is submitted prior to the conditional green card expiration to get the permanent green card status. 
• From the date of obtaining permanent residency, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years. It is subject to meeting all residency and physical presence tests (~30 months out of 5 years) and passing the basic English and civics tests. 
• Family counts – a spouse and unmarried children under 21 also become green card holders.

UAE: Golden Visa With No Residency Requirements

If you’ve got about ₹4.7 crore, you can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa UAE—without a job offer and without a requirement to live there full time. 

Here’s how: 

• Purchase property of worth AED 2 million (₹4.7 crore)—it can be one or many (even off-plan).
• Or, invest AED 2 million in a UAE bank or an approved fund—you’re just parking the money for 2 years. 
• Or start a UAE business in which you invest AED 500,000 or more (this costs ₹1.2 crore)—as long as it’s innovative and approved. 
• There is no requirement to stay in the UAE to keep the visa! You can sponsor your family, there is no income tax, and you enjoy full healthcare access, full educational access, and full benefits of doing business.

Canada: Two Ways

There are two primary ways to gain residency in Canada through investment:

1. Quebec Investor Program (QIIP): 

• You will need a minimum of ₹12.5 crore net worth.
• If you invest ₹6+ crore for a 5-year term (you get your investment back), you will also have to pay a non-refundable fee of ₹1.25 crore.
• You will need to speak French and have at least some business experience.
• You must live in Quebec for at least 6 months in the first 2 years. 

2. Start-Up Visa (SUV):  

• You must have a business idea with a Canadian investor or incubator.
• You may not need millions if you take the incubator route.
• You must have a good language proficiency in English or French.
• You can move to Canada and run your business. 

What is Right for You? 

Let’s keep this simple.

• If you want something low-cost and really hands-off, Greece is your answer.
• If you want EU citizenship but want to be in India most of the time anyway, select Portugal.
• If you want to live your dream life in America and you can afford it, then look into EB-5 
• If you want a tax-free life with no residency requirement whatsoever, and a truly futuristic lifestyle, the UAE should be your first option. 
• If you’re planning something long-term, especially with family and education in mind, I think Canada might be great for you.

Also Read: Merit vs. Need-Based Study Abroad Scholarships: Which Should You Target?

Need Help Getting Started?

Visa regulations can change fast. Timelines can change. And you do not want to lose time and money. So, if you are prepared to be serious about this, contact someone who can advise you professionally.

Who should you reach out to? SA Visa Central, a trusted consulting agency which has already helped many achieve their dreams of moving abroad. We can help you understand the nuances of each country’s Golden Visa regulations. We can also help you route map, apply, and get approved for your golden visa.

Check out our website here: SA VISA Central.