Golden Visa Checker
Compare investment visa and residency-by-investment programs across 20 countries
Data last updated: September 2026Budget
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?
Since the July 2024 Caribbean Memorandum of Agreement, the Eastern Caribbean citizenship programs all start at USD 200,000, Dominica and St Kitts & Nevis among them. For residency-only, the Thailand Privilege Card starts at about USD 19,000 (650,000 THB). In Europe, Hungary's Guest Investor Programme at EUR 250,000 is now the cheapest mainstream route; Greece starts at EUR 400,000 for ordinary property, with a EUR 250,000 tier limited to conversions and listed-building restorations.
Can I get EU citizenship through a golden visa?
Some do, but the routes have narrowed sharply. Portugal now requires 7 years of residence for EU and CPLP nationals and 10 years for everyone else under Lei Organica 1/2026, counted from the first residence card. Greece requires 7 years and Italy 10. Spain abolished its golden visa in April 2025, and the Court of Justice of the EU struck down Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme in 2025, so no EU country now sells citizenship directly. You must also meet language requirements and minimum physical presence rules.
Do I need to live in the country to keep my golden visa?
Residency requirements vary significantly. Portugal is the lightest of the EU programmes at an average of 7 days per year (14 days per two-year period). Greece has no minimum stay for visa renewal. Hungary sets no minimum stay. New Zealand asks for 21 days over 3 years on the Growth category, and Singapore’s GIP requires 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. Programs close often, Spain abolished its golden visa in April 2025, Malta closed its citizenship-by-investment scheme in July 2025 after the ECJ ruled it unlawful, Australia shut the Significant Investor Visa in July 2024, and Montenegro closed its programme at the end of 2022, so always confirm current program status before proceeding.
