Golden Visa Checker
Compare investment visa and residency-by-investment programs across 20 countries
Budget
Requirements
How Golden Visas Work
Choose a Program
Research and select a country whose residency-by-investment program matches your budget, goals, and lifestyle preferences. Each country has different investment thresholds, residency requirements, and benefits.
Make the Investment
Complete the qualifying investment — typically real estate, government bonds, a business, or a donation to a national fund. Most programs require the investment to be maintained for 3-5 years minimum.
Apply for Residency
Submit your application with proof of investment, background checks, health insurance, and other documentation. Processing times range from 2 months to over a year depending on the country.
Gain Residency or Citizenship
Upon approval, receive your residency permit. Many programs offer a path to permanent residency and eventually citizenship after meeting minimum stay and language requirements.
Important disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Golden visa programs change frequently — investment thresholds, residency requirements, and program availability may have changed since this data was compiled (February 2026). Always verify current requirements with an authorized immigration attorney before making any investment decisions. Suggest a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a golden visa?
A golden visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants legal residency (and sometimes citizenship) in a country in exchange for a qualifying financial investment. Investments typically include real estate purchases, government bonds, business creation, or donations to national funds. Golden visas are popular with expats, retirees, and investors seeking geographic diversification, better quality of life, or access to travel zones like the Schengen Area.
Which country has the cheapest golden visa?
Dominica offers one of the cheapest citizenship-by-investment programs globally, starting at $100,000 for a donation to the Economic Diversification Fund. For residency-only, Thailand's Elite Visa starts at approximately $17,000. In Europe, Greece and Hungary offer programs starting at EUR 250,000, making them among the most affordable European options.
Can I get EU citizenship through a golden visa?
Yes, several EU golden visa programs offer a path to citizenship after meeting residency requirements. Portugal offers citizenship after 5 years, Greece after 7 years, Spain and Italy after 10 years, and Malta offers a direct citizenship-by-investment route. You must meet language requirements and minimum physical presence rules in most cases.
Do I need to live in the country to keep my golden visa?
Residency requirements vary significantly. Portugal's program famously required only 7 days per year (now 14 days). Greece has no minimum stay requirement for visa renewal. Spain requires at least one visit per year. Some programs like Singapore's GIP require substantial physical presence. Always check the specific stay requirements before investing.
Are golden visa programs safe and legitimate?
Golden visa programs run by sovereign governments are legitimate immigration pathways. However, due diligence is essential. Work with licensed immigration attorneys, verify that agents are officially authorized, and never transfer funds to unofficial accounts. Some programs have been suspended or modified (e.g., Portugal ended its real estate route in 2023, UK closed its investor visa in 2022), so always confirm current program status before proceeding.
