Relocation & golden-visa routes
Countries with residency- or citizenship-by-investment programmes, ordered by minimum investment, plus how foreign residents can invest locally.
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Argentina does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship/residency-by-investment programme of the type common in Europe or the Caribbean. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary residency through the standard immigration law (Law 25.871) by demonstrating passive income (rentista), retirement income (pensionado), or by incorporating and investing in an Argentine business (inversionista category), with no fixed published minimum investment threshold. These routes are administered by the National Directorate of Migration (DNM).
Argentina allows foreign nationals to establish residency under the 'rentista' (passive income), 'pensionado' (retiree), or 'inversionista' (business...
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Chile does not operate a formal Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment programme in the conventional sense. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary residency through investment or work visas under general immigration law (Ley de Migración No. 21.325, in force since 2022), but there is no dedicated minimum-capital investment-migration track offering permanent residency or citizenship in exchange for a specified financial contribution. Foreigners who legally reside in Chile for five continuous years may apply for permanent residency and, thereafter, citizenship through the standard naturalization process.
Chile offers a standard temporary work/investment visa pathway under its 2022 immigration law. No dedicated investment-threshold residency programme exists....
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Croatia does not operate a formal Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Standard temporary residence permits are available to non-EEA nationals who can demonstrate sufficient income (approximately €2,500/month per person) or who establish a company in Croatia (minimum ~€25,000 investment with at least 3 local employees hired). After five years of legal residence, permanent residence may be applied for; after eight years, citizenship eligibility may arise. These are standard immigration pathways, not dedicated investment-migration programmes.
Croatia is an EU and Schengen member state. EU/EEA citizens move freely without permits. Non-EEA nationals may obtain temporary residence via employment,...
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Côte d'Ivoire does not operate a formal codified citizenship-by-investment or residency-by-investment programme comparable to Caribbean or European schemes. Foreign nationals may obtain long-stay visas and residence permits through standard immigration channels administered by the Direction Générale des Étrangers. There is no published minimum investment threshold that automatically confers residency rights.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Côte d'Ivoire must apply for a long-stay visa and then a residence permit (carte de séjour) through the Direction...
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Iceland does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship/residency-by-investment programme. Residency in Iceland is generally obtained through employment, family reunification, or EEA freedom of movement rights. There is no government scheme that grants residency or citizenship in exchange for a qualifying capital investment.
EEA/EFTA nationals may live and work in Iceland freely. Non-EEA nationals require a residence permit, typically tied to employment or family status. Iceland...
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India does not operate a formal Golden Visa or residency-by-investment programme equivalent to those offered by many other countries. Foreign nationals generally cannot obtain permanent residency or citizenship through passive investment. The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is available to persons of Indian origin (PIOs) and their spouses, granting long-term multi-entry visas and certain economic rights, but it is based on ancestry or marriage to an Indian citizen rather than capital investment. India's citizenship law (Citizenship Act, 1955) does not provide a citizenship-by-investment pathway.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in India long-term typically require an Employment Visa, Business Visa, or Entry Visa (X-Visa) sponsored by an eligible...
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Kazakhstan does not operate a formal Golden Visa or Citizenship-by-Investment programme in the conventional sense. Foreigners can obtain a long-term visa or temporary residency through investment, employment, or business activity under the general immigration framework, and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) offers streamlined work-permit and residency pathways for qualifying financial-sector professionals and their families. There is no published minimum investment threshold for a dedicated residency-by-investment scheme comparable to EU golden visa programmes.
Kazakhstan allows foreigners to obtain temporary residence permits through employment, business registration, or investment. The AIFC in Astana provides a...
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Mexico does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme in the conventional sense. However, Mexico offers a Temporary Resident visa and pathway to Permanent Residency based on economic solvency (demonstrating sufficient income or assets), not a direct investment-for-residency scheme. Foreign nationals who can demonstrate monthly income equivalent to approximately 500 times the daily minimum wage (roughly USD 2,600/month) or assets of approximately 20,000 times the daily minimum wage may qualify for Temporary Residency, which is renewable annually for up to four years before Permanent Residency can be applied for.
Mexico allows foreign nationals to obtain Temporary Residency based on demonstrated financial solvency (income or savings thresholds set by the INM,...
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Peru does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary or permanent residency through investment under general immigration law (Decreto Legislativo 1350), which allows residency for those who invest in productive activities or real estate, but there is no codified minimum investment threshold marketed as a golden visa scheme.
Peru permits foreign nationals to reside on investor, rentista (passive income), or work visas. The cost of living is low relative to Western markets. Lima...
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Poland does not offer a traditional Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. A Temporary Residence Permit for Conducting Business Activity (under Article 142 of the Act on Foreigners of 12 December 2013) is available to foreign entrepreneurs who establish and actively operate a business in Poland, provided the business generates income equal to at least 12 times the average monthly gross salary in the relevant voivodship (approximately €15,000–€20,000 annually as of 2024), or employs at least two Polish citizens or permanent residents full-time for a minimum of one year.
EU/EEA citizens may reside and work in Poland without a permit. Non-EU nationals require a residence permit; the most common route for investors is the...
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Slovakia does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals can obtain temporary residency through standard business-purpose pathways, such as establishing a Slovak s.r.o. (limited liability company) with a minimum share capital of €5,000, or by registering as self-employed. Real estate purchase alone does not confer a residence permit. Full Schengen-area mobility applies to holders of Slovak residency permits.
Slovakia is an EU and Schengen member using the euro. Non-EU nationals may obtain temporary residency through business establishment or employment; no...
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Slovenia does not operate a formal Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Investors and entrepreneurs may obtain a temporary residence permit by establishing or investing in a Slovenian company, but there is no structured investment-migration scheme with defined thresholds analogous to Golden Visa programmes in other EU states.
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals may reside and work in Slovenia freely. Non-EU nationals must obtain a residence permit; an entrepreneur or investor pathway exists...
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Vietnam does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship/residency-by-investment programme equivalent to those found in the EU or Caribbean. Foreigners may obtain long-term visas (up to 5 years) tied to investment or business activities, and a temporary residence card (TRC) may be issued to foreign investors who hold a valid investment certificate. There is no standardised minimum investment threshold that automatically confers permanent residency or citizenship.
Foreign nationals can obtain temporary residence cards (TRC) valid for 1–5 years linked to business registration or investment. Full permanent residency and...
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The Philippines offers the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). The SRRV grants long-term, renewable residency to qualifying foreign nationals who meet minimum deposit requirements in a PRA-accredited bank. Several SRRV sub-categories exist: SRRV Classic requires a minimum time deposit of USD 20,000 (for applicants aged 50 and above with a pension) or USD 50,000 (for those without a pension or under 50); SRRV Smile requires USD 20,000 deposited in a Philippine bank. The deposit can be used for qualified investments such as condominium purchase or long-term lease after initial holding. SRRV holders may live, study, and work in the Philippines and are exempt from certain exit clearance and re-entry permit requirements. The programme does not lead to citizenship.
The Philippines is a popular destination for English-speaking expatriates due to widespread English proficiency, relatively low cost of living, and a warm...
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Latvia operates a residency-by-investment programme (Golden Visa) under Section 23(1)(28) of the Immigration Law, originally established in 2010. Investment routes include: (1) €50,000 equity investment in a qualifying Latvian company that pays at least €40,000 per year in taxes, plus a one-time €10,000 government fee; (2) €250,000 real estate purchase; (3) €280,000 subordinated bank deposit. The programme grants a temporary residence permit (renewable). Permanent residency may be applied for after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years of continuous residence. No minimum physical residence requirement applies for the temporary permit itself. The programme recorded 201 approvals in 2025 and is under ongoing parliamentary review as of mid-2026.
Latvia is a Schengen Area and EU member state. Residence permit holders may travel visa-free across 29 Schengen countries. Latvia operates a flat 20%...
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Lithuania does not offer a traditional passive-investment Golden Visa (no real estate route). It operates a business-investment residency programme under Article 45 of the Legal Status of Aliens Act. The standard investor tier requires a minimum investment of approximately EUR 50,000 (~USD 54,000) in a Lithuanian business, along with a viable business plan and demonstrated operational activity. A higher-tier special agreement for large-scale strategic projects exceeds EUR 1.4 million. A separate Startup Visa pathway exists for qualifying founders with an innovative business concept evaluated by the Startup Lithuania Committee. Legislative changes in 2024–2025 tightened requirements, introduced stricter quotas, and enhanced compliance measures. The programme grants a temporary residence permit, renewable; permanent residency eligibility arises after 5 years of legal residence.
Lithuania is an EU member state with full Schengen Area access. Residents benefit from EU social security, free public healthcare, and the right to work...
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Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a long-stay residence programme allowing foreigners to obtain a renewable multiple-entry social visit pass (up to 20 years per renewal cycle) by meeting financial requirements including fixed deposit placement and minimum offshore income thresholds. As of the 2023 revised guidelines, applicants are categorised into Platinum, Gold, and Silver tiers with varying deposit, income, and minimum-stay requirements. MM2H does not confer citizenship or permanent residency but grants long-stay social visit status.
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is the primary long-stay programme for foreigners. The programme was significantly revised in 2021 and again in 2023,...
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Brazil does not operate a formal 'Golden Visa' programme in the European sense. However, Brazil's immigration law (Lei de Migração No. 13,445/2017) provides for residency permits based on investment. Foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in Brazil — typically a minimum of BRL 500,000 (approximately USD 90,000–100,000 at prevailing rates) in a Brazilian company or government-approved investment fund — may apply for a temporary residency visa. After four years of continuous residence, permanent residency may be sought, and after four additional years, naturalization may be applied for. The program is administered by the National Immigration Council (CNIg) and the Federal Police.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Brazil may apply for an investor visa or residency permit under the Lei de Migração framework. A Brazilian CPF (tax...
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Kenya does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain a Class G (Investment) Permit under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act by making a qualifying investment in a Kenyan enterprise, typically a minimum of USD 100,000 in paid-up capital in an active business. This permit grants temporary residency (renewable) tied to the continued existence and operation of the investment. Separate permanent residency and citizenship pathways exist but are not structured as investment-migration products in the conventional sense.
Kenya accepts foreign residents under several permit categories including investment, employment, and dependent passes, all administered by the Department...
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Indonesia introduced a Second Home Visa (Visa Rumah Kedua) in 2022, allowing foreign nationals to reside in Indonesia for 5 or 10 years (renewable) upon placing a minimum of IDR 2 billion (approximately USD 130,000) in an Indonesian state-owned bank or purchasing qualifying Indonesian assets of equivalent or greater value. The programme is administered by the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Foreign nationals may apply for Indonesia's Second Home Visa with a qualifying bank deposit or asset purchase. Indonesia does not generally permit...
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Colombia offers a residency-by-investment programme administered by Migración Colombia. Foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in Colombian real estate, business, or financial instruments of at least approximately 650 times the current monthly minimum wage (roughly USD 175,000–200,000 at current rates) may apply for a Migrant (M) visa category under investment. Sustained investment can lead to permanent residency after holding the visa for five consecutive years, and permanent residents may subsequently apply for Colombian nationality after five years of permanent residency.
Colombia is a popular destination for foreign residents and digital nomads. The country does not levy worldwide income tax on non-resident foreigners in...
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Ghana does not operate a formal golden visa or residency/citizenship-by-investment programme in the conventional sense. However, Ghana offers a 'Right of Abode' for members of the African diaspora under the Joseph Project and the Year of Return initiative, which grants indefinite residency rights to persons of African descent. Standard investor residency permits are available through the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) for qualifying foreign investors who meet minimum capital thresholds (typically USD 200,000 for joint-venture enterprises or USD 500,000 for wholly foreign-owned businesses). These are residency permits, not citizenship pathways.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside and work in Ghana must obtain the appropriate visa and permit category (e.g., investor visa, work permit, or immigrant...
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Qatar operates a residency-by-investment programme commonly referred to as the Qatar Golden Visa. Foreign nationals can obtain long-term renewable residency permits by purchasing qualifying residential real estate in designated zones (threshold typically reported at QAR 730,000 / ~USD 200,000 for a basic permit, or QAR 3,650,000 / ~USD 1,000,000 for premium benefits). Permit holders gain the right to own property, establish businesses without a local partner, sponsor immediate family members, and access healthcare and education. In March 2024 the government-owned Qatar Manpower Solutions Co. (Jusour) also launched the 'Mustaqel Visa', a five-year renewable residency programme targeting talented individuals and entrepreneurs. Long-term residents may apply for Qatari citizenship after 25 consecutive years of residence, subject to a statutory cap of 50 naturalizations per year.
Qatar levies no personal income tax on individuals. Expatriates comprise approximately 84.5% of the total labour force. Residency is typically tied to...
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Taiwan does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme in the conventional sense. However, foreign nationals who establish or invest in a qualifying business in Taiwan may apply for an Employment Gold Card (a four-in-one combined work permit, residence permit, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit valid for 1–3 years), or for permanent residency after meeting qualifying investment and residency thresholds under the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. The Investment Commission under the Ministry of Economic Affairs administers related investment immigration pathways.
Foreign nationals investing NTD 6 million (approx. USD 190,000–200,000) in a Taiwanese enterprise or qualifying financial instrument may be eligible to...
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Saudi Arabia operates a Premium Residency programme (informally called the 'Saudi Green Card'), established in May 2019. It grants expatriates the right to live, work, own businesses, and own property in the Kingdom without requiring a Saudi sponsor. Two tiers exist: a permanent (lifetime) residency for SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 213,000) and a one-year renewable residency for SAR 100,000 (approximately USD 26,700 per year). The programme targets high-net-worth individuals, investors, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs, and is part of Saudi Vision 2030. It does not confer citizenship or a Saudi passport.
Saudi Arabia does not grant citizenship to non-nationals through investment. The Premium Residency programme grants long-term residency rights including the...
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South Korea does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme in the conventional sense. A Public Interest Investment Visa (D-8-4) exists for foreign investors establishing or investing in Korean corporations meeting certain thresholds, and an F-2 long-term residency status can be obtained by foreign investors who invest KRW 300 million or more in job-creating businesses, with a path to permanent residency (F-5) after meeting further criteria. These programmes are administered by the Korea Immigration Service and are not marketed as 'golden visa' schemes.
Foreign nationals may reside in South Korea under various visa categories. The D-8-4 investor visa and F-2 long-term residency are available to qualifying...
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Egypt introduced a residency-by-investment programme in 2022 (Law No. 11 of 2022 and subsequent amendments). Foreign nationals may obtain a five-year renewable residency permit by depositing USD 250,000 in a non-interest-bearing account at the Central Bank of Egypt for a minimum of three years, or by purchasing real estate worth at least USD 300,000 (or EGP equivalent), or by investing USD 500,000 in an Egyptian business or depositing that amount in a bank. A permanent residency option is available via a one-time USD 500,000 deposit. Residency grants the right to live, work, and own property in Egypt but does not confer citizenship.
Egypt allows foreign nationals to purchase property and establish businesses. Cost of living is relatively low by regional standards. Cairo and Alexandria...
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Sri Lanka does not operate a formal Golden Visa or Citizenship-by-Investment programme in the conventional sense. The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka offers long-term residence visas (up to 5 years, renewable) to qualifying foreign investors who invest a minimum of USD 250,000 in approved sectors. This residence visa does not confer a path to citizenship solely through investment. A separate 'Resident Guest' scheme allows certain categories of retired or high-net-worth foreign nationals to reside in Sri Lanka. There is no programme granting citizenship purely through financial investment.
Foreign nationals may apply for a Resident Guest visa or BOI investor visa. Sri Lanka requires all foreign nationals to obtain visas; an Electronic Travel...
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Thailand operates the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa programme, launched in September 2022 and administered by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a 10-year renewable permission to stay under four categories: Wealthy Global Citizens (minimum USD 500,000 investment in Thai government bonds, Thai real estate, or Thai equities), Wealthy Pensioners (minimum USD 250,000 investment plus passive income of USD 40,000/year, or USD 80,000/year with no investment requirement), Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly Skilled Professionals. Benefits include a flat 17% personal income tax rate for qualifying skilled professionals, fast-track airport services, and the ability to add dependents. The programme does not lead directly to permanent residency or citizenship, though separate pathways for those exist under Thai law. Thailand also offers the Thailand Privilege (Elite) Visa as a fee-based long-stay lifestyle visa.
Thailand is a popular relocation destination for retirees, digital nomads, and expatriate professionals in Asia. The LTR Visa and Thailand Privilege Visa...
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Bahrain introduced a Premium Residency permit in 2021 allowing foreign nationals to obtain long-term residency. The self-funded category requires a minimum bank deposit of BHD 100,000 (approx. USD 265,900) maintained in Bahrain. The property ownership category requires owning real estate worth at least BHD 200,000 (approx. USD 531,800). A specialist/professional category is also available for qualified individuals with a Bahraini employer or qualifying income. The permit is renewable and does not automatically confer citizenship.
Bahrain has no personal income tax and offers a relatively open environment for expatriates. The country has a well-developed financial services sector and...
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Hungary relaunched its investment-migration programme in 2024 as the 'Guest Investor Residence' permit (vendégbefektető), effective July 1, 2024, for non-EU and non-EEA nationals. Two pathways are currently active: (1) a minimum EUR 250,000 investment (held for at least 5 years) in an approved Hungarian real estate investment fund; or (2) a minimum EUR 1,000,000 donation to a public-interest higher education institution maintained by a public interest trust foundation. A previously available EUR 500,000 direct residential property purchase pathway was abolished as of January 1, 2025. The permit is granted for 10 years and is renewable once for a further 10 years, with no minimum stay requirement. It confers the right to reside and work in Hungary and allows entry into the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Eligible family members (spouses, minor children, dependent parents) may apply for dependent residence permits.
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF); it has not yet adopted the euro. Budapest offers a relatively low cost of living compared to Western European...
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Greece operates a Golden Visa (residence-by-investment) programme launched in 2013, enabling non-EU/EEA nationals and their immediate family members to obtain a five-year renewable residence permit. Following reforms effective 31 August 2024, real-estate investment thresholds are tiered by zone: €800,000 (approx. USD 880,000) in prime/high-demand areas (Attica/Athens, Greater Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with population above 3,100); €400,000 in all other regions; and €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversions or restoration of listed heritage buildings anywhere in Greece. Additional non-real-estate routes include a minimum €350,000 investment in eligible Greek-focused mutual funds or Alternative Investment Funds, and a minimum €250,000 investment in a Greek startup registered on the Elevate Greece platform. The programme has attracted more than €10 billion in cumulative foreign investment since inception.
Greece offers several relocation-friendly fiscal regimes in addition to the Golden Visa: a 7% flat-tax programme for foreign-sourced pension income (15...
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Jordan operates two formal investment-migration pathways overseen by the Jordan Investment Commission under Investment Environment Law No. 21 of 2022 and the Jordanian Nationality Law of 1954. The residency pathway requires a minimum real estate purchase of JOD 200,000 (approximately USD 282,000) and grants a renewable 5-year residency permit valid for the investor and eligible family members, renewable as long as property ownership is maintained. The citizenship pathway requires a minimum investment of USD 750,000 (through qualifying business investment or real estate) and grants full Jordanian citizenship; the government maintains an annual cap of approximately 500 citizenship approvals. Reforms in July 2025 eliminated passive options such as bank deposits, requiring active economic participation. The programme has been operational since February 2018.
Jordan taxes residents only on Jordanian-sourced income; foreign-sourced income is not subject to Jordanian income tax. There is no capital gains tax on...
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Cyprus operates a Permanent Residency by Investment programme (informally called the 'Golden Visa'). Non-EU nationals may obtain permanent residency by investing a minimum of EUR 300,000 in approved assets, which include new residential or commercial real estate, company shares, or regulated investment funds registered in Cyprus. Applicants must also demonstrate a minimum annual income of EUR 50,000 from abroad (plus EUR 15,000 for a spouse and EUR 10,000 per dependent child). The programme covers the main applicant, spouse, and dependent children. The permanent residence permit is granted for life, with the identity card renewed every ten years, and holders must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain status. Cyprus's former Citizenship by Investment programme was terminated on 1 November 2020. The current programme offers a pathway to eventual Cypriot (and thus EU) citizenship after satisfying standard naturalisation requirements, including an extended period of legal residence.
Cyprus offers a non-domicile (non-dom) tax residency regime under which qualifying new residents pay no tax on dividends or interest (Special Defence...
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Malta operates two main investment-migration programmes. (1) The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), updated via Legal Notice 310 of November 2024, grants permanent residency in exchange for a non-refundable administrative fee of €50,000, a government contribution of €30,000 (property purchase) or €60,000 (rental), purchase of property at €375,000 or rental at €14,000/year minimum, and a €2,000 donation to a registered NGO. Applicants must demonstrate total assets of at least €500,000 (€150,000 in financial assets) or alternatively €650,000 total (€75,000 in financial assets). (2) Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) programme for citizenship by investment is under legal review following a 2025 EU Court of Justice ruling that found it in violation of EU law; the Maltese government has indicated it is reviewing the legal implications and may need to amend or discontinue the programme.
Malta is an English-speaking EU member state with a well-developed legal system based on civil and common law traditions. EU/EEA citizens may reside and...
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Mauritius offers several investment-migration routes administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB). The Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) via approved real estate schemes (IRS, RES, PDS, Smart City) requires a minimum investment of USD 375,000 and grants long-term renewable residence valid as long as the property is held. The Investor Occupation Permit requires a minimum USD 50,000 investment in a Mauritian company and is issued for up to 10 years, renewable. The Premium Investor Certificate targets projects of at least MUR 500 million with bespoke incentives. A Premium Visa (introduced 2020, revised 2022) caters to remote workers, retirees and high-net-worth individuals as a long-stay visitor status. In April–May 2026, the Government announced plans for a formal golden visa-style residency pathway. Citizenship by naturalisation is possible after 5–7 years of qualifying residence (reduced to 2 years with a USD 500,000 property investment).
Mauritius is a popular relocation destination for high-net-worth individuals, retirees, and remote workers, offering a favourable flat income tax rate...
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Türkiye offers a Citizenship by Investment programme administered by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation. Foreign nationals who make a qualifying real estate purchase of at least $400,000 USD (or equivalent in TRY), maintain a bank deposit of at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank for three years, create employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens, or invest at least $500,000 in a government bond or approved fund, are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship. The programme grants full Turkish citizenship including a Turkish passport within approximately 3–6 months of approval. Applicants must not have committed any crime against the state. The programme has been in operation since 2017 with updated minimum thresholds introduced in 2022.
Türkiye is a popular destination for digital nomads, retirees, and entrepreneurs. Foreign nationals may obtain a short-stay residence permit (up to 2 years,...
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Romania announced a proposed Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) programme in October 2025. Under the draft legislation, non-EU/EEA nationals could obtain a five-year renewable residence permit through a minimum investment of €400,000 (~approx. USD 435,000 at prevailing rates) via one of four routes: purchasing real estate, acquiring government bonds, investing in ASF-authorised fund units, or purchasing shares in Romanian-registered companies. The investment must be maintained for at least five years. Investors are not required to physically reside in Romania. Spouse and dependent children may be included. As of mid-2026, the law was under parliamentary review and had not yet been enacted in final form.
Romania became a full Schengen member in January 2025, granting residents free movement across the Schengen Area. The country offers a relatively low cost...
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Tanzania does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals seeking residency must apply through standard immigration categories including investor permits issued by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), which require minimum capital thresholds for qualifying investments. The TIC investor permit grants a renewable residence permit tied to the approved investment.
Foreign nationals can obtain a Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) Certificate of Incentives linked to a qualifying investment, which facilitates a Class C...
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Portugal operates a Residence Permit for Investment (ARI), commonly called the Golden Visa. Following the elimination of direct real estate investment as a qualifying route in October 2023, current qualifying routes include: (1) minimum €500,000 subscription into qualifying alternative investment funds (private equity or venture capital, with no real estate exposure, regulated by CMVM); (2) capital transfer of €500,000 or more into scientific research institutions; (3) establishment of a commercial company in Portugal with a minimum €500,000 investment and creation of five permanent jobs; (4) creation of at least 10 full-time jobs in Portugal. After five years, holders may apply for permanent residency. As of May 2026, Portugal's revised Nationality Law extended the naturalization period from five to ten years for most non-EU/non-CPLP nationals (seven years for EU and CPLP citizens). Applications are processed through AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). Processing backlogs have been reported, with biometric appointment wait times of approximately 12 months as of mid-2026.
Portugal is a popular destination for foreign residents and digital nomads within the EU/Schengen Area. The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime was...
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The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme allowing foreign nationals to reside and work in the UAE for 5 or 10 years (renewable). Investment pathways include a minimum real estate purchase of AED 2,000,000 (~USD 545,000) or a public investment of at least AED 2,000,000 in an investment fund or company. Entrepreneurs, specialised talents, and outstanding students also qualify under separate criteria. The visa is self-sponsored and renewable, with no requirement for a local employer sponsor.
The UAE imposes no personal income tax or capital gains tax on individuals. Expatriates make up over 88% of the population. Residency visas are widely...
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Bulgaria abolished its Citizenship by Investment (golden passport) programme in March 2022 following sustained EU pressure. A residency-by-investment route for non-EU nationals remains available under the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria, whereby a significant investment (e.g., in Bulgarian government bonds, registered companies, or designated areas) can qualify a third-country national for long-term residency. No direct citizenship-by-investment pathway currently exists.
EU citizens may reside and work in Bulgaria without restriction. Non-EU nationals may apply for long-term residency through investment or employment routes...
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Kuwait does not operate a traditional 'golden visa' programme. However, Amiri Decree No. 114 of 2024 (effective January 2025) introduced long-term investor residency provisions: qualifying investors may obtain a 10-year renewable residency permit via real estate ownership (typical property values KD 200,000–300,000, approx. USD 650,000–980,000, reviewed case by case) or by establishing a business licensed through the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). No fixed minimum investment threshold is published; applications are reviewed individually. No citizenship-by-investment pathway exists.
Residency in Kuwait is primarily tied to employment sponsorship under the kafala system or to the newer investor residency routes introduced in 2025....
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Oman operates an Investor Residency Programme (Golden Residency), relaunched effective 31 August 2025, administered via the Invest Oman digital platform under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The programme offers a two-tier framework: Tier 1 provides a 10-year renewable residency for a minimum investment of OMR 500,000 (~USD 1.3 million) in a company, government bonds, or real estate, or for establishing a business employing at least 50 Omani nationals. Tier 2 provides a 5-year renewable residency for a minimum investment of OMR 250,000 (~USD 650,000) in a company or real estate, or for retirees demonstrating a fixed monthly income of at least OMR 4,000. Residency extends to spouses, children, and dependent parents. No local sponsor is required; holders may own businesses and property and sponsor domestic staff.
Oman does not levy personal income tax on individuals. The country has a stable, low-crime environment and a relatively straightforward expatriate residency...
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South Africa does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. However, the Department of Home Affairs offers a Financially Independent Person (FIP) permit under Section 27(f) of the Immigration Act, which allows foreign nationals with a net worth of at least ZAR 12 million (approximately USD 650,000 at current rates) to apply for permanent residency without a job offer or business requirement. This is not a structured investment-migration programme and does not confer citizenship. A Retirement Visa is available for persons over 60 with a monthly income of at least ZAR 37,000. The government has discussed but not yet formally launched a dedicated investment-migration scheme as of mid-2026.
South Africa offers a Financially Independent Person (FIP) permanent residency permit for high-net-worth individuals with a net worth of at least ZAR 12...
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Bangladesh does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme for foreign nationals. Standard visa categories (e.g., investor visa, work permit) exist for those establishing businesses, but no structured 'golden visa' scheme with published minimum thresholds has been established as of 2025.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Bangladesh for business purposes may apply for an investor or business visa, which typically requires demonstrating...
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Benin does not offer a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme as of 2025–2026.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Benin typically apply for a long-stay visa and then a residence permit through standard immigration channels...
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Botswana does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may apply for residence permits under standard immigration categories, including investor permits for those establishing or investing in qualifying businesses in Botswana under the Immigration Act. The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) facilitates investment facilitation services but there is no published minimum threshold specifically marketed as a residency-by-investment pathway.
Botswana offers a relatively stable rule-of-law environment and low crime rate by regional standards. Foreign investors may obtain business/investor...
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China does not operate a formal Golden Visa or residency-by-investment programme equivalent to those found in many other countries. Foreigners may obtain permanent residency ('China Green Card') through employment, family ties, or significant investment contributions, but there is no standardised published minimum investment threshold for a public investor-residency scheme.
Foreign nationals residing and working in China require a residence permit tied to employment, family, or study. Long-term permanent residency (the 'China...
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The Czech Republic does not operate a formal golden visa or residency-by-investment programme equivalent to those found in some other EU member states. Foreign nationals from outside the EU may obtain a long-term residence permit or business visa by establishing a company or making investments in the Czech Republic, but there is no dedicated investment-threshold programme granting automatic residency or citizenship. EU citizens benefit from free movement rights.
EU/EEA citizens have the right to reside and work in the Czech Republic without restriction. Non-EU nationals may obtain a long-term visa or residence...
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Estonia does not operate a traditional golden visa or residency-by-investment programme. However, Estonia offers a Digital Nomad Visa (valid up to 1 year) and a Start-up Visa for founders of scalable technology businesses. Long-term residency for non-EU nationals is possible through standard routes (employment, business establishment) but no direct investment-for-residency pathway exists. Estonia also offers e-Residency, which is a digital identity programme granting access to EU digital business services but does not confer physical residency rights or the right to live in Estonia.
Estonia offers a Digital Nomad Visa (up to 1 year) for remote workers, and a Start-up Visa for entrepreneurs. The country provides e-Residency as a digital...
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Guinea-Bissau does not have a formal golden visa, residency-by-investment, or citizenship-by-investment programme. Residency and citizenship are obtained only through conventional immigration and naturalization processes as defined in national immigration law. No structured financial investment route to residency or citizenship exists.
Guinea-Bissau has no investment-migration programme. Foreign nationals wishing to reside in the country must follow standard immigration procedures,...
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Mali does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme. There is no legislated pathway to residency or citizenship through capital investment.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Mali must obtain a standard visa and residency permit through the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale. The...
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Niger has no formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme.
Niger does not operate a golden visa or investment-migration scheme. Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Niger must apply through standard visa and...
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Nigeria does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship/residency-by-investment programme. There is no statutory framework offering permanent residency or citizenship in exchange for capital investment.
Foreign nationals residing in Nigeria typically require a valid visa and relevant permits (e.g. Subject To Regularisation entry, Combined Expatriate...
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Pakistan does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme analogous to those in the Gulf or Europe. The government has in the past offered Overseas Pakistani Investment Visa (OPIV) and facilitated Roshan Digital Accounts for diaspora investment, but no structured residency-by-investment pathway with a defined minimum investment threshold leading to permanent residency or citizenship has been formally enacted as of mid-2026.
Pakistan does not have a formal residency- or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain business visas, employment visas, and...
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Senegal does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme as of 2025. Foreign nationals may obtain residency permits through business investment or employment, but no codified investment-migration scheme with a fixed minimum investment threshold exists under Senegalese law.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Senegal typically apply for a long-stay visa and then a residency card (carte de séjour) through the Direction...
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Serbia does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreigners may obtain temporary residence permits through standard administrative channels including property ownership, employment, or business/company registration. No minimum investment threshold is prescribed under a dedicated investment-migration programme. Citizens of countries with reciprocity agreements (70+ nations) may obtain a temporary residence permit linked to property ownership by completing a purchase agreement, registering the property, and opening a local bank account.
Serbia imposes no onerous visa or work-permit requirements on foreign nationals; foreigners may freely open local and foreign-currency bank accounts. A flat...
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Togo does not operate a formal golden visa, residency-by-investment, or citizenship-by-investment programme. Standard long-term residence permits are available through the National Police for foreigners with qualifying work or business activity, but no dedicated investment-migration pathway exists.
Foreign nationals seeking long-term residence in Togo must apply for a residence permit through the Togolese National Police. The process is well-defined...
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Tunisia does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain residency permits through investment or employment channels under general immigration rules administered by the Ministry of Interior, but no structured investment-migration pathway with a defined minimum investment threshold exists as of 2024–2025.
Foreign nationals may reside in Tunisia on renewable annual residency permits. A carte de séjour (residency card) is available to those employed locally or...
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Countries without a formal investment-visa programme, with notes on how foreign residents can invest.
Visa and citizenship rules change often and vary by nationality. Always confirm current requirements with the country's official immigration authority and a qualified adviser. This is information, not legal or immigration advice.