Due to their ability to expand business and lifestyle opportunities and extend market reach, golden visas are the key to optimizing a high-net-worth portfolio. Acquiring a golden visa is the best possible insurance policy against economic and political risk in a volatile world. In addition to enabling global mobility, golden visa programs give wealthy individuals the option of physically relocating to a more favorable jurisdiction and accessing full residence rights, including the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare in that country.
In its most basic form, golden visa acquisition, commonly associated with residence by investment, denotes the process whereby qualified, vetted candidates are granted residence rights in exchange for a defined economic contribution to the host country. This process is distinct from citizenship by investment, which offers full citizenship rights under similar principles. Golden visa programs give high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) the option of physically relocating to a favorable jurisdiction — either now or upon retirement — and becoming residents of that state with full legal rights, including the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare in that country.
A golden visa provides investors and their families with access to new markets and a host of business, career, educational, healthcare, tax, and lifestyle opportunities on a worldwide scale, for both present and future generations. Many golden visa programs allow the successful applicant to apply for citizenship after a few years of residence, such as the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, which offers citizenship eligibility after five years. The Greece Golden Visa Program allows investors to apply for citizenship after seven years, and the Italy Residence by Investment Program after 10 years.
Providing increased optionality worldwide along with the ability to hedge against potential risk and volatility, golden visas allow HNWIs and their families to:
There is now golden visa legislation in place in over 100 countries around the world, spanning five continents. Over 60% of EU member states have programs that are functional and active, with the UK and the US having among the world’s longest running golden visa programs. Other popular golden visa countries include Portugal, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, Italy, and the UK. Discover the full list of more than 30 golden visa programs that Henley & Partners promotes.
Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship planning. We specialize in both residence and citizenship by investment and facilitate the acquisition of golden visas (residence programs) across Europe, North America, Asia and the Pacific, and Africa.
Depending on our clients and their families’ specific needs and ambitions, they can explore the unique benefits of the following 32 golden visa programs and select their preferred route to alternative residence:
There is a range of investment options available to individuals and families seeking alternative residence. From accessible pricing structures such as the Thailand Privilege Residence Program at a minimum application fee of THB 650,000 (approximately USD 18,000) or the Latvia Residence by Investment Program at an investment of EUR 60,000 to programs aimed at ultra-high-net-worth investors such as the Singapore Global Investor Program requiring SGD 2.5 million.
Investment options depend on the specific program’s requirements; however, real estate is the most popular option among investors. International real estate has always been a reliable asset class for global investors due to its long-term staying power. As such, the purchase or lease of real estate is a key driver and requirement of residence by investment programs, with popular EU destinations including Cyprus, Greece and Malta. Real estate–linked golden visa programs have the additional advantage of enhancing one’s options for relocation or retirement (or both), alongside the tried-and-tested benefits of investment in international real estate. The potential gains over the lifetime of this kind of hybrid investment include the core value of the asset, rental yields, and global access as an ultimate hedge against market and political volatility.
Other investment requirements for programs include government bonds, annual tax contributions as per the Switzerland program, specific language competencies such as per the Austria program, company shares and business creation as in Portugal, and a points-based test such as that required by the Hong Kong golden visa program. Most golden visa programs also include a residence requirement, meaning that new residents need to spend a certain amount of time in the country to maintain residence status.
The process begins with a personalized consultation, where one of our experienced client advisors will assess your requirements and guide you through selecting the most suitable golden visa program for your individual needs and preferences. With a wide range of options available, offering pathways from residence to eventual citizenship, selecting the right program requires careful consideration.
Once the most suitable option has been selected, the golden visa application process typically involves choosing an investment, preparing the necessary documentation, and completing all required due diligence checks. Applicants will then proceed with making the qualifying investment and submitting the application to the relevant authorities. Processing times vary by country and may depend on the complexity of the application and the specific requirements involved.
Please contact us to find out more or to arrange your initial consultation free of charge.
A golden visa is a residence permit granted to foreign nationals who make a qualifying financial investment, such as buying real estate, investing in funds, or creating jobs. A golden visa provides legal residence and often includes a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship.
Golden visa cost varies by country. In Europe, it can range from EUR 50,000 in Latvia to EUR 800,000 in Greece. Portugal requires EUR 200,000–EUR 500,000, while the US EB-5 program ranges from USD 800,000 to USD 1,050,000. Additional government fees, legal costs, and due diligence charges also apply.
Key golden visa benefits include legal residence, the right to live, work, and study, access to healthcare and education, visa-free travel (such as Europe’s Schengen Area for EU programs), and the ability to include family members. Many programs also offer a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship.
Yes, golden visa citizenship is possible in many countries. Many countries allow for citizenship through naturalisation. For example, Portugal allows citizenship after five years, Greece after seven, and Italy after ten, provided requirements are met. Requirements typically include maintaining the investment, meeting minimum residence obligations, and passing language or integration tests.
A golden visa vs citizenship by investment comparison shows that a golden visa grants residence rights first, allowing you to live, work, and study in a country, while citizenship by investment provides full citizenship and a passport directly. Golden visas usually require a period of residence before becoming eligible for citizenship.
A golden visa investment can include a range of qualifying options depending on the country. Common routes include purchasing real estate, investing in approved funds, buying government bonds, starting or investing in a business, or creating jobs. Some programs also allow donations to cultural, scientific, or public interest projects. The available investment types, minimum amounts, and requirements vary by country, with some nations recently shifting away from real estate toward fund-based or donation options.
The golden visa minimum stay requirement varies significantly depending on the country. For example, Portugal requires just seven days of physical presence per year, while countries like Greece have no minimum physical presence requirements at all. Some programs may require occasional visits for biometric appointments or residence card renewals. It is important to check the specific residence obligations for each program, as these requirements can directly impact visa renewals, as well as the timeline for permanent residence or citizenship.
Yes, most golden visa family members can be included in the application, typically a spouse, dependent children, and in some cases, dependent parents. However, the exact eligibility criteria vary by country, including age limits for children and how financial dependence is defined. It is important to review each program’s specific requirements to ensure all family members qualify.
The golden visa application process typically involves choosing an investment, preparing documents, passing due diligence checks, making the investment, and submitting the application. Processing times vary by country. Please contact us to find out more.
Yes, a golden visa Schengen benefit allows holders of a golden visa from a European Union or Schengen member state — such as Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, or Latvia — to travel freely across all 26 Schengen Area countries without needing additional visas. This visa-free travel is one of the most valuable advantages of European golden visa programs.
Golden visa tax implications depend on residence status. Holding a golden visa does not automatically make you a tax resident; this is usually based on the number of days spent in the country.
Yes, Spain officially ended its golden visa program for real estate investments in April 2025. Existing holders retain their status, but no new applications through real estate are accepted. Investors who were previously considering Spain are now exploring alternatives such as Portugal, Greece, and Italy.
Golden visa processing time varies. Some countries process applications in around 3–4 months, while others may take 12–18 months due to backlogs. Timelines also depend on how complete the applicant’s documentation is. Please contact us to find out more about a specific program.
Yes, in most cases, you can work with a golden visa, as it typically grants the right to live and work, often including family members as well.
Golden visa investment risk depends on the specific program, as requirements vary by country. For real estate investments, what matters most is the original purchase price, not the current market value, so a drop in property value usually does not affect your visa status. For fund investments, you are typically required to keep your investment for a set holding period. Because rules differ by country, it’s important to check the specific requirements or consult an advisor.
Golden visa due diligence includes verification of identity, source of funds, criminal background screening, anti-money laundering checks, and political exposure assessments. These checks are conducted by government authorities and, in many cases, independent third parties.
The best golden visa program depends on your individual goals — whether you prioritize a pathway to citizenship, tax planning, business expansion, quality of life, or minimal physical presence requirements. Key factors include investment thresholds, family inclusion policies, residence obligations, processing times, and the political stability of the host country. As the global leader in residence and citizenship planning, Henley & Partners can provide personalized guidance so you choose the program best suited to your needs.
Henley & Partners assists international clients in obtaining residence and citizenship under the respective programs. Contact us to arrange an initial private consultation.
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