Top Golden Visa Countries: Requirements, Benefits & More 2025

The Golden Visa Countries 2025 programs authorise citizenship and residency through economic investments from international individuals. Such visas appeal to prosperous individuals who need worldwide flexibility, tax minimisation, and business expansion. The programs boost economic development by stimulating investment from abroad into residential properties, corporate ventures, and governmental security options.

Countries implement periodic policy modifications to solve their problems regarding housing needs and safety and financial stability needs. Modern modifications in these programs have raised minimum investment values while implementing more rigid regulations to stop their abuse. Although rules keep changing, the Golden Visa programs attract numerous investors who want to obtain additional citizenship or residency.

2025 Golden Visa Program Changes & Trends

Latest trends about Golden visa programs around the world:

• Several European Golden Visa programs have undergone major changes or been suspended as of 2025. Spain officially announced the termination of its Golden Visa program in April 2024. Portugal’s program no longer accepts real estate investments; only fund-based and select alternative options remain. Ireland, the UK, and Cyprus have fully terminated their programs due to regulatory and corruption concerns.

• Greece has increased its minimum investment thresholds, now requiring €500,000–€866,180 in key regions such as Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.

• New entrants and expanded categories are emerging: Hungary relaunched its program with a €250,000+ threshold, and the UAE introduced new Golden Visa categories in 2025 for educators, gaming professionals, and yacht owners.

• Regulatory scrutiny is rising, with a shift from real estate to business/startup investments and stricter due diligence.

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Top European Golden Visa Programs

Golden visas offered by European countries are the most attractive way of obtaining an EU residence, allowing access to the Schengen Area and future citizenship. This is the detailed analysis of dominant European programs in 2025:

Portugal Golden Visa

Even after the entailed policies, the Portuguese Golden Visa is one of the sought-after programs. After the October 2023 changes, real estate investments are no longer non-qualifying. The options available are presently:

• Venture capital investment of 500,000 Euros (no exposure to real estate)

• Cultural heritage gift of 250K euros

• Investment- $500,000 in research activity

• Requirement of jobs to be created: at least 10 babies

Greece Golden Visa

The Greek Golden Visa is the easiest program with a minimum investment of 250000 Euros in Europe. The program does not require residency and takes 46 months to process applications. The invested funds can be placed in equity, property, government bonds (400,000) or bank deposits (400,000).

Malta Golden Visa

The Malta Golden Visa offers direct permanent residence through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. Requirements include:

• Donation channel of a minimum of Euro 150,000 investment

• Buy or rent (property cost 375,000 euros; annual rent 14,000 euros).

• No need to resort to preserving the status quo

Hungary Golden Visa

In 2024, the Hungarian Golden Visa returned with 10 years of validity. The processing time is the fastest in Europe, taking between 6 and 8 weeks, with the real estate funds funding at €250,000. The threshold to become a citizen starts after 11 years of uninterrupted residence.

The Italian Golden Visa is offered to tech entrepreneurs prepared to invest in a startup at EUR 250,000. The program lacks minimum stay requirements, with the approval of applications in 3 months. Other options are a corporate bond purchase worth 500000 or an investment of 2 million government bonds.

Understanding Golden Visa Countries’ Programs

Here’s a quick brief about Golden Visa countries' programs:

• These programs also operate under investor visas or residency by investment programs.

• Your feeble financial contributions towards foreign residency or citizenship application.

• These programs were developed to gain the financial support of international investors while enhancing national economic strength.

Common Investment Types 

Here are the common investment types for Golden visa countries:

• Real estate is the leading choice because it demands buying properties in selected regions.

• Business or startup investment: Encourages entrepreneurship and job creation.

• Government bonds or capital transfer strategy consists of supporting national development funds and financial assets for investment.

• Creating jobs demands the selection of local employees to improve regional economic growth.

• Donations: Contributions to national projects, cultural programs, or research initiatives.

Key Benefits of Golden Visa

Here are the key benefits of Golden visa countries:

• Based on the chosen program, the programs offer access to visit different nations without visa requirements.

• Second, residency programs frequently enable tax benefits, decreasing income, wealth, and inheritance taxes.

• Through business migration programs, individuals gain entry to new international markets, beneficial banking systems, and financial independence.

• Participating in specific programs enables qualified individuals to obtain citizenship after spending a particular time in the program.

• In times of emergencies, a second residency status functions as a security and stability backup.

Investment Requirements and Costs

Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-a-beautiful-island-resort-3601425/

The knowledge of the financial requirements of golden visa countries can be used to choose a program within the budget and the investor's intentions. The required investment level differs considerably in different jurisdictions based on local economic factors and on the purposes of the program.

European Investment Ranges:

• Minimal threshold: Malta (route of donation 150,000 Euros)

• Middle range: Greece, Hungary (250,000euros)

• Larger investments €300 000-500000 Cyprus, Italy

• First-class programs: Austria (3+ million euros)

Global Alternatives:

• There are market alternatives to non-European programs:

• UAE: AED 2 million ( 466,000 ) buy-to-let property

• New Zealand: at least NZD 3 million (suspended program)

• Canada: 200 000-1 000 000 CAD depending on the province

• Costa Rica: A 150,000 real estate investment

Hidden Costs Consideration:

On top of the minimal investments, there are other costs to consider, such as legal costs, due diligence costs, and government processing costs, which amount to between 10,000 and 25,000 Euros, between 5,000 and 15000 Euros, and between 5,000 and 20000 Euros, respectively.

Also Read: Golden Visa 101: Don't Let Borders Hold You Back

Discontinued Golden Visa Programs and Recent Changes

It was a turbulent year for the golden visa countries industry, in which several significant programs were shut down or materially changed. These changes are due to enhanced EU scrutiny, security issues, and the development of policies on immigration.

Recently Closed Programs

• Spain Golden Visa (to be closed in April 2025): On January 3, 2025, the government of Spain planned to close the program, ending the popular €500,000 real estate investment path. More than 100,000 applications have been received in the program since 2013, before its closure. Current permits are valid, and new ones are not being issued anymore.

• New Zealand Active Investor Visa (closed July 2022): The program demanded INZD 3-10 million investments in bonds, equities or philanthropic entities. That was superseded by the Active Investor Plus Visa, which had more constraining conditions.

• UK Tier 1 Investor Visa (Scrapped in February 2022): This type of visa, which used to require investments of 2 million pounds, was cancelled because of national security threats and money laundering. It was substituted by innovation-oriented types of visa, which were more demanding.

Historical Program Closures:

• Cyprus Citizenship by Investment (Closed November 2020): A 2 million euros investment was needed before the program closure due to procedural abuses

• Montenegro CBI Program (Closed January 2023): This program was launched in 2019 and ran until 2022, requiring a total of over 450,000 EUR investment in the program

• Hungary First Golden Visa (Closed March 2017): First program that was initially available 2013-2017 with a government bond requirement of 300,000 Euros

Major Program Modifications

• Portugal Golden Visa Restructuring (October 2023): They removed the most common routes, such as real estate and fund investments. The possibilities are venture capital, cultural heritage, research, and employment creation.

• Greece Investment Increase (2023): Minimum investment in real estate increased to 500.000 Euros in the regions of Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini and Mykonos, and remains in other areas 250.000 Euros.

Reasons for Closures:

1. EU pressure: European Parliament's critique of security risks and economic advantages that are meagre

2. Money Laundering Issues: A desire by financial intelligence units to pay more attention

3. Error Impact on Real Estate Market: The issues of housing affordability in the high-demand cities

4. Administrative Hurdle: The high cost of processing on the one hand and the little application to the local economy on the other.

5. Geopolitical Tensions: Behind security issues are applicants ' backgrounds and home countries.

Impact on Investors:

Current permit holders are usually unaffected and retain rights and renewal privileges. Nonetheless, new candidates are to investigate new programs or new routes of investments in remaining active jurisdictions.

Golden Visa Countries Offering Programs in 2025

Here is a list of top countries offering Golden Visa in 2025:

UAE's Golden Visa Program

Here’s a quick brief of UAE’s golden visa countries’ program:

• Offers long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals.

• This program is an attraction strategy for international professionals and investors to succeed in key economic areas.

Investment Options:

• Real estate investment: Minimum AED 2 million in property.

• You need to be either a shareholder of a UAE-based company or support essential industrial operations.

• Healthcare, engineering, science, technology, and arts professionals are eligible for an investor visa.

Benefits:

• The business activity remains independent without requiring any local sponsor.

• 10-year renewable visa, ensuring long-term stability.

• Tax-free business environment, with no personal income tax.

• The community benefits from first-rate infrastructure development along with expanding economic growth.

Caribbean Golden Visa Countries’ Programs

Here’s a quick brief of the Caribbean’s golden visa countries’ program:

• The program provides citizenship through investment and does not limit itself to residency.

• This program offers fast application processing and substantial advantages through its passport benefits.

• Seeking visa-free travel with tax benefits can be achieved through this immigration program.

Popular Programs in the Caribbean:

The following are the popular golden visa programs in the Caribbean:

St. Kitts & Nevis:

• $250,000+ in government donations.

• $400,000+ in real estate investment.

Dominica:

• $100,000+ donation to a national fund.

• $200,000+ in real estate investment.

Grenada:

• $150,000+ government donation.

• $220,000+ in real estate.

Benefits:

• The program provides citizenship through investment and does not limit itself to residency.

• Fast processing and robust passport advantages are features of this program.

• Seeking visa-free travel with tax benefits can be achieved through this immigration program.

Also Read: Difference Between a Visa and a Passport: Complete Guide

Top European Countries With Golden Visa

Here are the top European countries with Golden Visa:

Portugal's Golden Visa Program (Suspended)

• European investors recognise this Golden Visa program as their number one choice.

• The Golden Visa program received suspension on February 16, 2023, because of worries regarding the housing market.

Investment Options (Before Suspension):

• €500,000+ in real estate.

• €350,000+ in property rehabilitation projects.

• €250,000+ in cultural or artistic donations.

Benefits (When Active):

• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.

• Path to citizenship in 5 years with minimal stay requirements.

• The visa policy features no strict conditions about where residents must stay, making it easy to manage the requirements.

• Portuguese healthcare, educational opportunities, and business possibilities are accessible to the holder.

Spain's Golden Visa Scheme

• The required minimum investment stands at €500,000 until Spain raises it to €1 million.

• This visa provides permanent EU residency to foreigners who invest one million Euros.

Investment Options:

• Real estate purchase of at least €500,000.

• The creation of employment positions in Spain becomes possible through business investments.

• Capital transfer or investment in government bonds.

Benefits:

• Schengen Zone travellers with no additional visas.

• The residency permit has a renewal period of two years.

• Path to citizenship in 10 years, longer than Portugal’s program.

• The program allows you to reside in Spain for work, educational, and healthcare benefits.

Greece's Golden Visa Program

• Among European Golden Visa schemes, an affordable option exists for investors seeking this residency establishment.

• Property buyers must invest at least €500,000 in locations around Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.

Investment Options:

• Real estate purchase of at least €250,000 – €500,000.

• Capital investment in Greek businesses.

Benefits:

• This European visa program offers investors the most affordable solution at attractive prices.

• Investors who manage their properties from a distance do not need to reside in Greece.

• Visa-free travel across the EU with a Greek residency permit.

• The program speedily delivers its services, resulting in 2-3 months.

All European countries with Golden Visa offer great benefits and investment options.

Comparing Golden Visa Countries: Investment Options & Benefits 2025

This table gives a quick comparison of the countries offering Golden Visa. It also shows opportunities and benefits in the Golden Visa countries:

Who Can Apply for Golden Visa Countries’ Programs?

These are the people that Golden Visa countries are most suitable for:

• High-net-worth individuals: Seek global mobility, financial security, and lifestyle benefits.

• Every investor must fulfil particular financial thresholds determined by the country they invest in and specific investment types.

• Business owners who hold entrepreneurial businesses and entrepreneurs can use Golden Visa investment programs to establish additional locations for their operations while gaining access to international business opportunities.

• Retirees: Choose a second residency for a better quality of life, lower living costs, and favourable tax policies.

• Families: Apply for better education, healthcare, and a safer environment for their children.

• Most countries that offer Golden Visas demand applicants to present an untouched criminal history to guarantee program security standards.

Benefits of Golden Visa Countries in 2025

Here are some benefits of Golden Visa countries:

• The right to residency includes permissions for investors along with their family members to conduct work while studying and living in the host nation. The residency programs of different countries offer complete access to residency benefits to applicants, but specific programs enforce additional regulations.

• Various European Golden Visas grant cardholders Schengen Zone access, and Caribbean programs give investors visa-free travel to more than 140 countries.

• Many countries create investor interest through advantageous tax systems, including reduced tax rates and restricted taxation of income from outside the country or no inheritance tax.

• The naturalisation process through specified programs requires foreigners to complete specific periods of residence as these lengths vary between five and ten years.

• Applicants may include their wife and children and their parents or grandparents, so the whole family benefits from these programs.

• The residency gives entrepreneurs and investors access to new markets and banking services and generates financial expansion opportunities, serving as their perfect business growth environment.

How to Apply for a Golden Visa Countries Program?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying to Golden Visa Countries:

• 1. Research & Eligibility Check: Review the latest eligibility criteria and investment thresholds for your target country.

• 2. Select Investment Option: Choose from eligible options (real estate, funds, business, etc.), ensuring compliance with current regulations.

• 3. Prepare Documentation: Collect all required documents, including proof of funds, background checks, and health insurance.

• 4. Submit Application: File your application via the official government portal or authorised agencies.

• 5. Make Investment: Complete the investment and provide evidence as required.

• 6. Await Approval: Processing times vary by country; expect 3–12 months. (See the next section for more details)

• 7. Receive Residency/Citizenship: Upon approval, receive your permit or passport and enjoy the associated benefits.

Tip: Each country may have unique steps or timelines—consult with a specialist for the latest guidance.

Golden Visa Comparison Table (2025)

Latest comparison table for golden visa processing:

The Future of Golden Visa Countries’ Programs in 2025 and Beyond

A future outlook on Golden Visa Countries is as follows:

Tighter Regulations

• The EU member states have initiated additional laws that target fraudulent behaviour and misuse of systems.

• Increased background checks and monitoring of investment sources.

Higher Investment Thresholds

• Greece and Spain established higher-value investment requirements, which were implemented recently.

• Several countries could establish rules to decrease real estate speculations.

New Entrants in the Market

• New countries plan to launch Golden Visa programs to draw investors into their territories.

• Middle Eastern and Asian nations are expected to replace European Union nations because they will attract foreign direct investments under new programs.

Shift Towards Business Investments

• The target countries now avoid emphasising real estate properties through these investment programs.

• More emphasis on job creation, startups, and innovation-driven investments.

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Countries That Have Scrapped the Golden Visa Until 2025

• This program has been suspended by Portugal beginning in 2023 because of its severe housing crisis and high property costs.

• The Irish government authorised the termination of its program in 2023 since economic issues appeared alongside misuse of the scheme.

• The UK decided to terminate its investor visa program because security threats and money laundering issues proved to be major concerns.

• Cyprus – Scrapped its citizenship through an investment program after corruption scandals.

• Spain - Spain's Golden Visa program, which allowed non-EU nationals to obtain residency by investing in the country, has been officially terminated.

Conclusion

Global investors have an interest in Golden Visa Countries because they provide residency and financial benefits. European nations remain attractive options for investors, but have raised their mandatory investment levels and strengthened their immigration policies. The Caribbean destination provides investors with quick citizenship access through programs that demand lower investments and simplified processing frameworks.

The Golden Visa program managed by the UAE offers an exemplary choice for potential migrants who need long-term residency alongside business-friendly regulations and tax benefits. A complete research analysis and professional consultation are necessary when investing because policy guidelines tend to be modified often. Therefore, contact TerraTern to ensure a smooth application for your Golden Visa!