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-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary and then permanent residency through standard immigration categories (employment, retirement income, or family reunification). The country has a relatively accessible residency pathway for rentistas (those with demonstrable foreign income) and pensioners, but there is no minimum real-estate or fund investment threshold that automatically grants residency rights. Permanent residency leads to eventual eligibility for citizenship after two years of permanent residence.
Argentina allows foreign nationals to reside under the Rentista or Pensionado categories upon demonstrating regular foreign income; no specific investment...
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Benin does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme. Standard long-stay visas and residency permits are available through conventional immigration channels administered by the Direction Générale des Affaires Consulaires et de la Migration.
Benin issues long-stay visas and renewable residence cards (carte de séjour) through standard immigration processes. The country has positioned itself as a...
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Bulgaria formally abolished its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme in March 2022 following pressure from the European Commission and European Parliament. The programme had previously allowed non-EU nationals to obtain Bulgarian citizenship by investing BGN 2 million (approximately USD 1.1 million) in government bonds or regulated investment vehicles. No equivalent direct citizenship-by-investment route is currently in place. A standard long-term residency permit may still be obtained by non-EU nationals who establish a company employing Bulgarian citizens or through other legal migration channels, but these are not formalised investment-migration programmes.
Bulgaria is an EU and Schengen member state (Schengen accession completed January 2024 for air and sea borders). EU/EEA citizens may reside and work without...
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Chile does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary residency by demonstrating sufficient income or assets (e.g., through the 'rentista' visa category), but there is no statutory minimum investment threshold tied to residency rights in the manner of a structured investment-migration scheme.
Chile offers several visa pathways for foreign nationals, including the Temporary Residency Visa (rentista category) for those with provable passive income,...
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China does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme for foreigners. Foreign nationals may obtain long-term residence permits (up to 5 years, renewable) based on work, family, or talent criteria, but there is no designated investment-migration pathway granting permanent residency solely in exchange for a capital investment. China introduced a points-based 'green card' (permanent residence) system that considers investment and contributions, but it remains restrictive and rarely granted compared to similar programmes elsewhere.
Foreign nationals relocating to China typically require a work visa (Z visa) or residence permit tied to employment, family, or recognised talent status....
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Croatia does not operate a formal Golden Visa or residence-by-investment programme. No fixed investment threshold grants automatic residency. Third-country nationals may obtain a temporary residence permit by demonstrating sufficient income (approximately €2,500/month per person in 2024) and holding health insurance. Business formation or property ownership can support a residency application but are not themselves an automatic entitlement. After five years of continuous legal residence, permanent residency may be sought; Croatian citizenship requires a minimum of eight years of continuous lawful residence.
Croatia joined the Schengen Area and adopted the euro in January 2023. EU/EEA citizens may reside freely; non-EU nationals must obtain a temporary residence...
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The Czech Republic does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals have freedom of movement and right of residence. Non-EU nationals may obtain long-term residence permits through employment, business activity, or family reunification, but there is no dedicated investment-linked fast-track residency route. The Czech government has not legislated a structured investment-migration scheme as of 2024–2025.
EU and EEA citizens may reside and work in the Czech Republic freely. Non-EU nationals typically require a long-term visa or residence permit based on...
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Estonia does not operate a traditional Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. However, Estonia offers a Digital Nomad Visa (valid up to 1 year) and a Startup Visa for founders of scalable technology businesses, neither of which is a direct investment-migration route. Standard long-term residency requires employment, family reunification, study, or business activity; there is no passive investment threshold for residency.
Estonia offers a widely used e-Residency programme that grants a digital identity and access to EU-based business registration, but e-Residency does not...
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Guinea-Bissau does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship/residency-by-investment programme as of 2026. Standard visa categories include tourist and business visas; long-term residency is governed by general immigration law administered by the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras. No legislative framework for investment-linked residency or citizenship has been enacted.
Guinea-Bissau requires a visa for most nationalities, obtainable through embassies in Dakar (Senegal) or Lisbon (Portugal); processing typically takes 3–5...
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Iceland does not offer a golden visa, residency-by-investment, or citizenship-by-investment programme. Investment in property, a company, or a fund does not confer a direct right to Icelandic residency. Standard residency is obtained through employment, study, or family reunification. Citizenship is available after seven years of legal domicile and continuous residence, subject to language requirements and other conditions.
Iceland permits EEA/EFTA nationals to live and work freely. Non-EEA nationals must obtain a residence permit through standard immigration routes...
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India does not operate a formal golden visa or residency-by-investment programme for foreign nationals. The country offers various long-term visas (e.g., the 10-year Tourist Visa, OCI – Overseas Citizen of India card for persons of Indian origin, and business/employment visas), but none of these constitute an investment-migration pathway in the conventional sense. The Indian government has historically restricted dual citizenship for non-OCI holders and does not grant citizenship purely on the basis of investment.
Foreign nationals may reside in India on Employment Visas (employer-sponsored), Business Visas, or Project Visas. Persons of Indian origin may apply for the...
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Kazakhstan does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme equivalent to those found in the EU or Caribbean. However, foreign nationals may obtain long-term residency (up to 10 years) through investment in priority sectors of the Kazakhstani economy as defined by the Law on Investments (2003, as amended). The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) offers preferential visa and work-permit regimes for qualifying financial-sector professionals and investors, but these do not constitute a standardised investment-migration pathway. Permanent residency (vid na zhitelstvo) can be pursued after 5 years of legal residence.
Kazakhstan has emerged as a notable destination for expatriate relocation, particularly from Russia following 2022. Astana and Almaty offer relatively...
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Mali has no formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme recognised under international investment-migration frameworks.
Mali is governed by a military junta following coups in 2020 and 2021. Multiple governments, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, France,...
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Morocco does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme equivalent to a 'golden visa'. Foreign nationals may obtain residency permits through standard channels including employment, business establishment, or property ownership, but there is no structured investment-migration scheme with a defined minimum threshold granting automatic residency or citizenship.
Foreign nationals can obtain a one-year renewable residency card (carte de séjour) by demonstrating legal presence and sufficient income or employment....
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Nigeria does not operate a formal golden visa or residency-by-investment programme. There is no statutory framework granting permanent residency or citizenship in exchange for a qualifying capital investment by foreign nationals.
Foreign nationals relocating to Nigeria typically require a Subject to Regularisation (STR) visa converted to a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and...
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Pakistan does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme comparable to international 'golden visa' schemes. Foreign nationals may obtain various categories of visa and residence permits through standard immigration channels, and the Board of Investment facilitates foreign direct investment, but there is no dedicated investment-migration programme granting automatic residency or citizenship in exchange for a defined financial threshold.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Pakistan must apply through standard visa categories (business, employment, or family). Long-term visas and...
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Poland does not operate a formal golden visa or residency-by-investment programme. EU/EEA citizens have free movement rights. Non-EU nationals may obtain temporary residence permits through business registration, employment, or study, but there is no dedicated investment-threshold pathway to permanent residency or citizenship equivalent to programmes in Portugal, Malta, or Greece.
Poland is an EU member state; EU/EEA citizens may reside and work freely. Non-EU nationals require a national visa or residence permit (e.g., temporary...
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Romania does not operate a formal golden visa or residency-by-investment programme equivalent to those in Portugal, Greece, or Malta. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary residency permits for business or employment purposes, and Romanian citizenship can be obtained after a qualifying period of legal residency (typically 8 years, or 5 years for EU citizens). Romania's January 2025 full Schengen Area membership means Romanian permanent residency confers visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen states.
Romania imposes a flat 10% personal income tax rate, one of the lowest in the EU. The microenterprise corporate tax regime offers 1% (with employees) or 3%...
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Senegal does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain long-term residency through standard immigration channels, including business establishment and employment permits, but no dedicated investment-migration pathway with a published minimum threshold exists as of 2025.
Foreign nationals may reside in Senegal under business, employment, or family-based permits issued by the Direction Générale des Étrangers. Dakar is a...
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Serbia does not operate a formal Golden Visa programme. There is no single large-investment threshold that automatically confers residency. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary residency by purchasing real estate (for citizens of 70+ countries holding reciprocity agreements with Serbia) or by forming and registering a company in Serbia. Temporary residency is initially granted for one year and is renewable. After three continuous years of temporary residency, holders may apply for permanent residency; after a further three years of permanent residency they become eligible for citizenship by naturalisation. Serbia does not offer direct citizenship-by-investment.
Serbia offers a relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe, a 15% flat corporate tax rate, and no minimum investment threshold for residency...
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Slovenia does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. EU/EEA nationals have the right to reside freely. Non-EU nationals may obtain a temporary residence permit via employment, study, or family reunification. There is no statutory minimum investment threshold tied to residency rights. Slovenia did discuss but has not legislated an investment-based residency route as of 2024.
Slovenia is a Schengen Area and EU member state. Non-EU nationals generally require a valid residence title (work permit, study visa, family reunification,...
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Tanzania does not operate a formal Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain residence permits under Class A (investor/business), Class B (employee), or Class C (specific activities) categories administered by the Tanzania Immigration Services Department. Class A investor permits require evidence of qualifying business investment in Tanzania. There is no published minimum investment threshold for a standard residency-by-investment pathway, and no programme that automatically grants permanent residency or citizenship in exchange for a passive financial investment.
Foreign nationals relocating to Tanzania for business or employment purposes may apply for the relevant class of residence permit through the Tanzania...
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Vietnam does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary residence cards (TRC) for business, investment, or work purposes under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014, amended 2019). A 5-year TRC may be granted to investors meeting certain capital thresholds under the Law on Investment, but there is no structured residency-by-investment pathway analogous to golden visa programmes in other jurisdictions.
Foreign nationals may reside in Vietnam on business visas, work permits, or temporary residence cards. Long-term residency (up to 5 years, renewable) is...
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The Philippines offers the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) administered by the Philippines Retirement Authority (PRA). The SRRV is available to foreign nationals aged 35 and above and provides permanent non-immigrant status with multiple-entry privileges. Several sub-categories exist: SRRV Classic requires a time deposit of USD 10,000 (age 50+ with pension) or USD 20,000 (age 50+ without pension) or USD 50,000 (age 35–49); SRRV Smile requires USD 20,000 time deposit (no pension requirement); SRRV Human Touch targets former Filipino citizens with a USD 1,500 time deposit requirement. The time deposit can be invested in approved instruments such as real estate or a long-term lease after initial deposit. The visa grants indefinite stay and exemption from certain immigration requirements. There is no direct citizenship-by-investment programme.
Foreign nationals may apply for the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) through the Philippines Retirement Authority. The country uses English widely in...
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Lithuania does not offer a traditional passive-investment golden visa. Instead, under Article 45 of Lithuania's Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, foreign nationals may obtain a temporary residence permit by establishing or investing in a business in Lithuania, with investment tiers ranging from approximately EUR 14,000 for smaller ventures to EUR 1.4 million or more for large-scale special agreements. Investors must take an active role in the business and hire local employees paying social security contributions. Permanent residency is available after 5 years of qualifying residence, with a pathway to citizenship after 10 years. Real estate purchase alone does not qualify. Recent 2024–2025 legislative changes tightened quotas and compliance requirements.
Lithuania is an EU and Schengen Area member with a eurozone currency. It offers a Startup Visa for qualifying foreign entrepreneurs, a Digital Nomad Visa,...
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Colombia does not operate a formal Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. However, foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in Colombian assets (such as real estate or businesses) of at least approximately USD 27,000 (equivalent to 650 times the monthly minimum wage, as periodically adjusted) may apply for a Migrant (M) visa with investor status, which provides renewable temporary residency. Sustained legal residence for five years can lead to eligibility for permanent residency, and ten years for naturalization. The programme is administered by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) and does not grant citizenship directly.
Colombia issues several visa categories relevant to foreign residents: the Migrant (M) visa (including investor and digital nomad sub-categories) and the...
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Mexico does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme in the traditional sense. However, Mexico offers a Temporary Resident visa (Residente Temporal) and Permanent Resident visa (Residente Permanente) that can be obtained by demonstrating sufficient economic solvency: either via proof of monthly income above a set threshold (approximately USD 2,000–2,600/month for temporary residency) or via sufficient savings/investment balances held in a Mexican or foreign bank account (typically equivalent to ~400 times the daily minimum wage, roughly USD 40,000–50,000). Real estate ownership does not automatically confer residency, but property income may be counted toward the solvency threshold. Permanent residency can generally be obtained after four years of continuous temporary residency.
Mexico allows foreign nationals to obtain Temporary Resident status based on demonstrated economic solvency (income or asset thresholds set by the National...
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Latvia operates a residency-by-investment programme (commonly called a 'Golden Visa') granting temporary residence permits to qualifying foreign investors. As of mid-2026, active investment routes include equity capital investment in a Latvian company (minimum €50,000) and other qualifying investments, each requiring a €10,000 state fee. Real estate and government securities routes face potential legislative removal: Latvia's parliament passed a new Immigration Law on 11 June 2026 by 65 votes to 17 that would eliminate the real estate (€250,000 minimum) and bond purchase routes, but the president declined to sign it and returned it for parliamentary review, so the law is not currently in force. The programme has no minimum stay requirement; permanent residency may be applied for after five years of full-time residence and citizenship after ten years. Citizens of Russia and Belarus have been barred from first-time applications since April 2022.
Latvia is an EU and Schengen member state with a relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe. Riga is the largest city and economic hub....
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South Korea does not operate a formal 'golden visa' or citizenship-by-investment programme equivalent to those in Europe or the Gulf. Foreign nationals may apply for a D-8 (Corporate Investment) visa by investing KRW 100 million (approx. USD 75,000) or more in a Korean company and creating at least one full-time job. Long-term거주 (F-2) and permanent residency (F-5) are available after sustained investment and residency requirements are met, but there is no direct pathway to citizenship by investment alone. The government has periodically discussed expanding investment-migration incentives but no formal programme existed as of 2025.
Foreign nationals relocating to South Korea for work or business typically require an appropriate visa category (D-8 for investors, E-7 for skilled workers,...
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Brazil does not operate a traditional 'golden visa' programme granting residency solely in exchange for a passive financial investment. However, Brazil's immigration law (Lei de Migração No. 13.445/2017) provides a residency pathway for foreign investors who make a qualifying investment in a Brazilian company and create jobs. The minimum investment threshold set by the National Immigration Council (CNIg) has historically been around BRL 500,000 (approximately USD 90,000–100,000 at prevailing rates) for investments that generate employment. Successful applicants may obtain a temporary residence permit, renewable and convertible to permanent residency after four years. Brazil also offers residency to retirees who can demonstrate a minimum monthly pension income (historically around USD 2,000/month). There is no formal citizenship-by-investment shortcut; naturalisation generally requires four years of permanent residency (or one year in some cases for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries).
Brazil is open to foreign residents and retirees. A long-term resident visa requires proof of ongoing income (pension or employment) or a qualifying...
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Egypt operates a residency-by-investment programme under which foreign nationals can obtain a renewable residency permit by depositing a minimum amount in a designated Egyptian bank (non-interest-bearing), purchasing real estate above a specified value, or making a qualifying direct investment. A USD 250,000 deposit or real estate purchase grants a five-year renewable residency; lower thresholds (USD 100,000) grant a one-year renewable residency. A USD 400,000 investment can qualify for permanent residency or nationality consideration under specific conditions. The programme is administered by the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI).
Egypt allows foreigners to reside and work subject to standard visa and work-permit requirements. Investment residency permits are available through GAFI....
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Kenya does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreigners may apply for a Class G (Investor) Permit under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act if they invest a minimum threshold in a Kenyan business, subject to approval by the Department of Immigration Services. This is a work/investor permit, not a passive investment residency or citizenship-by-investment scheme.
Kenya issues Class G Investor Permits for foreign nationals establishing or investing in a business in Kenya. Permit holders may reside and work in Kenya...
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Sri Lanka offers the 'Golden Paradise Residence Visa', a long-term investor residence programme administered by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Under the Individual Investor Category, a foreign national must open a Golden Paradise Foreign Currency Account (GPFCA) and deposit a minimum of USD 100,000 (maintaining at least USD 50,000) in a Central Bank-licensed local bank to be eligible for a 10-year visa; alternatively, a minimum deposit of USD 200,000 qualifies under a higher-tier category. Up to 50% of the minimum investment may be withdrawn after the first year from visa issuance. Directors of companies investing at least USD 75,000 in condominium property are eligible for a 5–10-year visa. The programme does not confer citizenship or a passport.
Foreign nationals can obtain long-term residence in Sri Lanka through the Golden Paradise Residence Visa programme with a qualifying bank deposit. English...
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Malaysia's primary residency-by-investment programme is Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), which allows foreign nationals to obtain a long-stay renewable visa. The programme was revamped in 2021 with stricter financial requirements, including minimum fixed deposit placements. There are three tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with fixed deposit requirements ranging from RM 500,000 to RM 1,000,000 (approximately USD 106,000 to USD 213,000 at prevailing rates), plus minimum offshore income and liquid asset thresholds. It grants a 5-year renewable multiple-entry visa, not permanent residency or citizenship. Malaysia does not operate a formal citizenship-by-investment programme.
Malaysia has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Western nations and Singapore. Kuala Lumpur is the main expatriate hub. MM2H visa holders...
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Indonesia introduced a Second Home Visa programme in 2022 under Government Regulation No. 37/2021, allowing foreign nationals to obtain a long-stay visa/residence permit for up to 5 years (renewable to 10 years) by demonstrating proof of funds held in an Indonesian bank account (minimum IDR 2 billion, approximately USD 130,000) or by purchasing property meeting the minimum price threshold set by the government. The programme is administered by the Directorate General of Immigration and does not confer permanent residency or citizenship.
Foreign nationals can reside in Indonesia under the Second Home Visa (E33G) introduced in 2022, which requires proof of sufficient funds or qualifying...
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Ghana does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme in the conventional sense. However, Ghana's 'Joseph Project' and 'Year of Return' initiatives offer a pathway for members of the African diaspora to apply for Indefinite Residence Permits (Right of Abode) under the Ghana Citizenship Act. This is not a standard investment-migration scheme but rather a diaspora-reconnection initiative. General residence permits may also be obtained through investment registration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), which requires minimum foreign capital thresholds (typically USD 200,000 for a joint-venture enterprise or USD 500,000 for a wholly foreign-owned enterprise), though the permit is linked to business activity rather than passive investment.
Foreign nationals seeking to live and work in Ghana must obtain a residence permit, typically through the Ghana Immigration Service. Investors registering...
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Saudi Arabia operates a 'Premium Residency' (Iqama Mumayaza) programme launched in 2019. It offers long-term residency to qualifying foreign nationals. One pathway is a one-time fee of SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 213,000) for permanent premium residency. A second pathway is an annual fee of SAR 100,000 (approximately USD 26,700) per year for temporary premium residency. Eligibility requires a clean criminal record, valid passport, and health insurance. Premium residents may own residential property, conduct business, and sponsor family members without requiring a Saudi employer sponsor. The programme does not confer citizenship or a Saudi passport.
Saudi Arabia has significantly reformed its expatriate residency system. The Premium Residency programme allows qualifying individuals to live, work, and...
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Cyprus operates a Permanent Residence by Investment programme (Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations), commonly called the 'Golden Visa'. Non-EU nationals who invest a minimum of €300,000 (~USD 324,000 at prevailing rates) in qualifying assets: new residential or commercial property, share capital of a Cyprus-registered company employing at least five persons, or units in regulated Cyprus investment funds, may obtain a permanent residence permit. The framework was revised by the Council of Ministers on 2 May 2023. The main applicant must demonstrate a secured annual income of at least €50,000 sourced from abroad. Holders must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain status. A prior citizenship-by-investment (CIP/'golden passport') programme was terminated in November 2020 following the 'Cyprus Papers' controversy; citizenship remains available via naturalisation after 8 years of lawful residence.
Cyprus is an EU member state. EU/EEA citizens enjoy freedom of movement and the right to reside and work without restriction. Non-EU nationals may apply...
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Mauritius offers several investment-linked residency pathways. A 10-Year Residence Permit is available to non-citizen investors who invest a minimum of USD 375,000 in an approved business activity or acquire qualifying residential property. Retirees aged 50 and above may obtain a 10-Year Residence Permit by demonstrating sufficient income. The Premium Visa is a separate long-stay visa (renewable) that allows foreign nationals (including remote workers, retirees, and their families) to reside in Mauritius without a fixed investment minimum, provided they can show proof of financial self-sufficiency. Property investment routes (such as the Integrated Resort Scheme, Real Estate Scheme, Property Development Scheme, and Smart City Scheme) allow non-citizens who invest USD 375,000 or more in approved residential units to obtain a residence permit. These permits are residency-based and do not grant Mauritian citizenship.
Mauritius has a well-established expatriate community and ranks highly in Africa for ease of doing business. English and French are widely used in business...
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Türkiye operates a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme launched in 2017. Qualifying investment routes include: purchase of real estate valued at a minimum of USD 400,000 (held for at least 3 years); a bank deposit of at least USD 500,000; investment in government bonds or fixed capital contributions of at least USD 500,000. No residency or language requirements apply during the application process. Spouses and minor children are included. Turkish citizenship permits dual nationality. The passport is typically issued within several months to one year of application.
Türkiye does not impose residency requirements for citizenship-by-investment applicants. Foreign nationals may obtain a short-term residence permit during...
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The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), commonly called the Malta Golden Visa, allows non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals to obtain permanent residency through a qualifying investment. Requirements include either purchasing property at a minimum of €375,000 (Malta/Gozo) or renting at a minimum of €14,000/year, plus a contribution to the National Development and Social Fund. Malta's former Citizenship by Investment programme (MEIN) was terminated in 2025 following a European Court of Justice ruling that it was incompatible with EU law. Malta now offers citizenship only through a 'Citizenship by Merit' route for individuals making exceptional contributions to the national interest, not a structured investment pathway.
Malta is an English-speaking EU member state with a well-established legal framework based on English common law and Napoleonic civil law traditions. EU...
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Greece operates a residency-by-investment programme (Golden Visa) established in 2013 under which non-EU nationals can obtain a five-year renewable permanent residence permit through qualifying real estate investment. Following Law No. 5100/2024 effective from 1 September 2024, a three-zone investment threshold system applies: (Zone A) €800,000 minimum for high-demand areas including the entire Attica region (Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations over 3,100; (Zone B) €400,000 minimum for all other areas of Greece, with property of at least 120 sq m required; (Zone C) €250,000 minimum retained solely for conversion of commercial buildings to residential use or restoration of heritage/listed buildings. Investment must be directed into a single property; short-term rental use (e.g. Airbnb) and use as a registered company office are prohibited. The permit covers the investor and dependent family members. Residency can lead to naturalization and Greek (EU) citizenship after seven years of legal residence, but there is no direct citizenship-by-investment route.
Greece is an EU and Schengen Area member. Non-EU nationals residing legally in Greece may access Greek public healthcare and education. Greece levies a flat...
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Taiwan does not operate a conventional 'golden visa' citizenship-by-investment or residency-by-investment programme in the same form as many other jurisdictions. Foreign nationals may apply for an Employment Gold Card (a combined work permit, resident visa, and Alien Resident Certificate) if they meet criteria in specific fields (science, technology, economy, finance, culture, arts, sports, etc.) and earn above a salary threshold (approximately NT$160,000/month). A separate Investment Immigration programme administered by the National Immigration Agency allows foreign nationals to obtain long-term residency by investing at least NT$15 million (approx. USD 460,000) in a Taiwan business or government-approved fund for a defined period, subject to job-creation requirements. Neither programme grants citizenship directly.
Taiwan offers a relatively straightforward pathway for skilled foreign professionals through the Employment Gold Card (valid 1–3 years, renewable), covering...
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Peru offers a residency-by-investment pathway under its immigration framework (Legislative Decree No. 1350 and its regulations). Foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment: such as a fixed-term bank deposit of at least USD 500,000, or a direct business investment of equivalent value generating local employment: may apply for a Rentista or Inversionista residency category, which grants temporary residency renewable annually and may lead to permanent residency after qualifying periods. There is no formal citizenship-by-investment programme; naturalisation requires a separate multi-year residency process under Peruvian nationality law.
Peru does not operate a dedicated 'golden visa' scheme by that name, but the Inversionista and Rentista visa categories allow foreign nationals to reside...
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Portugal's ARI (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento) Golden Visa programme was substantially reformed by Law 56/2023, effective October 2023. Residential real estate purchases no longer qualify as an investment route. Remaining qualifying routes include: capital transfers of at least €500,000 into eligible investment funds (e.g. venture capital or private equity funds investing in Portuguese companies), creation of at least 10 jobs, or capital transfers of €500,000 to support scientific research or arts/culture. The programme grants a renewable temporary residence permit, with eligibility for permanent residence after five years and citizenship after five years of legal residence, subject to meeting language and other requirements. Golden Visa holders may live and work in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
Portugal offers the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime, reformed as NHR 2.0 from January 2024, providing a flat 20% income tax rate on...
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Thailand introduced the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa programme in 2022, administered by the Board of Investment (BOI). It offers a 10-year renewable visa to qualifying foreigners in categories including wealthy global citizens (minimum $1,000,000 USD in assets and $80,000 annual income, or $500,000 invested in Thai government bonds/property/BOI-promoted entities), wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals, and highly skilled professionals. The LTR visa grants a 10-year stay, a work permit (single-license system), tax privileges for some categories, and fast-track airport services. It is not a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship by itself.
Thailand offers the LTR Visa (10-year) for qualifying wealthy individuals, pensioners (50+), remote workers, and highly skilled professionals. Retirees may...
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Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa programme, launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Interior's Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs (NPRA), grants long-term renewable residency to qualifying investors, property owners, retirees, and skilled professionals. Property-based eligibility requires ownership of real estate valued at a minimum of 200,000 BHD (approximately USD 530,000). Existing residents who have lived continuously in Bahrain for five years with average monthly income of at least 2,000 BHD (approx. USD 5,300) are also eligible. Non-resident retirees must demonstrate at least 4,000 BHD (approx. USD 10,600) per month in income. Highly talented individuals: including PhD holders, accredited entrepreneurs, inventors with patents, and award-winning artists, may also qualify. Over 10,000 Golden Visas had been issued by end-2024 to holders from over 100 nationalities. There is no citizenship pathway through this investment-migration programme; Bahraini citizenship is granted only through traditional naturalization or royal decree.
Bahrain is considered one of the more accessible Gulf states for expatriates and foreign professionals. There is no personal income tax. The cost of living...
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Hungary launched its 'Guest Investor' residency programme in 2024, replacing the earlier bond-based programme. Non-EU nationals can obtain a 10-year renewable Hungarian residence permit by investing a minimum of EUR 500,000 (approximately USD 545,000) in a qualifying Hungarian real estate fund approved by the government, or EUR 1,000,000 directly into Hungarian real estate, or by making a EUR 1,000,000 donation to a Hungarian higher-education institution. The programme does not grant Hungarian citizenship directly but provides long-term residency within the Schengen Area.
Hungary is an EU and Schengen member state. EU/EEA citizens have freedom of movement and the right to reside and work without a visa. Non-EU nationals...
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The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme allowing foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without a national sponsor. Investment routes include real estate purchases of AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000) or above, business ownership or partnership with a minimum capital of AED 500,000, or qualifying as a skilled professional, entrepreneur, or outstanding student. The visa is issued for 5 or 10 years and is renewable. Holders may sponsor family members and domestic workers and are not subject to the standard 6-month validity-outside-UAE rule that applies to standard residency permits.
The UAE imposes no personal income tax on individuals. Expatriates make up approximately 85–90% of the resident population and workforce. Residency is...
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Oman offers a residency-by-investment programme under Royal Decree 50/2023, allowing foreign nationals to obtain long-term residency by purchasing property valued at a minimum of OMR 250,000 (approximately USD 650,000) in designated integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) or by making qualifying investments in Omani entities. The programme grants a renewable long-term residency permit to the investor and immediate family members.
Oman has expanded its integrated tourism complex (ITC) zones, allowing foreign nationals to own freehold property in designated areas. A residency permit...
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South Africa does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme. There is no statutory route to permanent residency or citizenship solely on the basis of capital investment. Foreign nationals may qualify for a business visa or critical skills visa, and high-net-worth individuals may apply for permanent residency under the financially independent person category, which requires proof of a net worth of no less than ZAR 12 million (approximately USD 650,000) and payment of a prescribed fee, but this is not marketed as a 'golden visa' scheme and confers no expedited citizenship.
Foreign nationals relocating to South Africa may apply for a variety of visa categories including business visas, critical skills visas, and the financially...
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Qatar introduced a permanent residency programme in 2020 allowing foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency by investing at least QAR 3.65 million (approximately USD 1 million) in real estate or by depositing at least QAR 5 million (approximately USD 1.37 million) in a Qatari investment fund or bank. The programme is administered by the Ministry of Interior and grants holders rights broadly similar to Qatari nationals in areas such as education, healthcare, and business ownership, though it does not confer citizenship or a Qatari passport.
Qatar does not levy personal income tax on individuals. Expatriates make up the majority of the resident population and workforce. Labour regulations are...
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Botswana does not operate a formal golden visa, residency-by-investment, or citizenship-by-investment programme. Foreign nationals may apply for residence permits tied to employment or business ownership under the Immigration Act, but there is no dedicated investment-threshold pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
Foreign nationals wishing to reside in Botswana typically require a work permit or residence permit issued by the Department of Immigration. Permit...
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Burkina Faso does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme.
Burkina Faso is under a state of emergency in large parts of the country due to ongoing jihadist insurgency. Most Western governments advise against all or...
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Jordan does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme comparable to those in Gulf states or Europe. Non-Jordanian investors who deposit a minimum amount in a Jordanian bank or invest in qualifying projects may apply for long-term residency permits under investment-facilitation regulations administered by the Jordan Investment Commission, but there is no legislated automatic residency entitlement tied to a fixed capital threshold at the level of a formal golden-visa scheme.
Jordan permits foreign nationals to establish businesses and own property in qualifying zones. Residency permits are generally tied to employment, business...
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Kuwait does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme. Residency in Kuwait is tied to employment (work-sponsored residence permits), business ownership, or family sponsorship. There is no published investment threshold that automatically confers residency rights to foreign nationals.
Foreign nationals in Kuwait typically require employer or sponsor-based residency permits (Iqama). Kuwait does not permit freehold property ownership by...
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Niger has no formally established residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment programme. No golden visa or investment-migration scheme exists as of the data year.
Niger requires a visa for most nationalities. Following the July 2023 military coup, several Western governments issued travel advisories recommending...
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Togo does not operate a formally codified citizenship-by-investment or residency-by-investment (golden visa) programme. Foreign investors may apply for long-stay visas and residence permits under standard immigration procedures; specific incentives for investors are administered through the investment promotion agency APIEX (Agence de Promotion des Investissements et des Exportations), but these do not constitute a formal investment-migration pathway.
Foreigners wishing to reside in Togo must apply for a long-stay visa and subsequently a residence permit through the Direction Générale de la Documentation...
Country details →Other destinations
Countries without a formal investment-visa programme, with notes on how foreign residents can invest.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or...
Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment...
Slovakia
Slovakia does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme....
Tunisia
Tunisia does not operate a formal golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programme....
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.
Covers the 62 emerging and frontier markets tracked on this site — not a global ranking. Programme rules, minimum investments and eligibility change frequently — verify with the official programme before acting. Not immigration or legal advice. How we classify countries →