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

Written by

Shrishti Bajpai

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Oct 08,2024

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Golden visas have surfaced as a popular option for individuals seeking residency or citizenship in foreign countries, constantly as a means to expand business openings, enhance quality of life, or secure a backup plan for their families. This article answers all your burning questions like what is a golden visa, how to get it, and much more. You will get a comprehensive overview of golden visas, covering various aspects including golden visa benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.

What is a Golden Visa?

The simple answer to what is a golden visa is that a Golden visa relates to residency or citizenship programs offered by various countries worldwide. These programs generally allow investors to make a substantial financial investment in the host country in exchange for residency rights or citizenship. The Golden Visa is constantly sought after by high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors looking for necessary residency or citizenship options.

Golden Visa Benefits

Benefits of Golden Visa Programs

  • Access to residency or citizenship in foreign golden visa countries without the need for extensive background checks or language proficiency tests.

  • Freedom to travel, work, and live within the host golden visa countries and, in some cases, other countries within the visa-free trip zone.

  • Golden visa benefits grant implicit duty benefits, including favorable duty administrations for investors and their families.

  • Access to high-quality healthcare, education, and other social services available to residents or citizens of the host country.

  • Diversification of means and investment portfolio by gaining exposure to foreign requests.

Golden Visas Investment Comparison

This table provides information on various golden visa countries and citizenship by investment programs, detailing the investment type, minimum investment required, validity, minimum hold period, citizenship(s) acquired, and any limitations associated with the program.

Country 

Program 

Investment Type 

Minimum Investment

Validity 

Minimum Hold Period

Citizenship

Malta 

Malta Individual Investor Programme

Financial Investment

€650,000

Permanent 

5 years

Maltese 

Spain 

Golden Visa

Real Estate

€500,000

2 years

5 years

Spanish 

Greece 

Golden Visa

Real Estate

€250,000           

5 years

5 years

Greek 

Portugal 

Golden Visa

Real Estate

€500,000

1 year

5 years

Portuguese 

Cyprus 

Cyprus Investment Programme

Real Estate

€2,000,000

Permanent 

5 years

Cypriot 

United States

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Capital Investment

$900,000 (Rural) or $1,800,000 (Urban)

Permanent 

2 years

American 

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, it's recommended to consult the relevant official sources.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility conditions vary from one golden visa program to another but constantly include a minimum investment threshold, analogous to copping real estate, making a business investment, or contributing to a government fund.

  • Applicants must demonstrate the legality of the source of finances used for investment to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.

  • Some programs may put fresh criteria analogous to minimum net worth, good character, and the absence of a lawless record.

Popular Golden Visa Programs 

  • Portugal:  Requires investment in real estate, business creation, or capital transfer.

  • Spain: Offers residency for investors who buy property exceeding a certain value.

  • Greece: grants residency for real estate investment or strategic business investments.

  • Malta: Offers citizenship by investment program taking a combination of investment, donation, and residency conditions.

  • United States: The EB-5 migrant Investor Program provides endless residency to investors who produce jobs through significant capital investment.

Application Process

  • Probe and choose an applicable golden visa program grounded on long-term pretensions, residency conditions, and investment choices.

  • Seek advice from investment counsels, immigration specialists, or attorneys to comprehend the legal conditions, functional procedures, and hidden troubles.

  • Prepare and submit the necessary documentation, which should include fiscal documents, medical examinations, background checks, and evidence of investment.

  • Await blessing from immigration authorities and defy any new directives or guidelines handed throughout the process.

  • After the blessing, finish all needed paperwork, including carrying residency permits, meeting investment conditions, and clinging to reporting guidelines.

Risks Involved in Golden Visa Scheme

  • Changes in immigration programs or regulations may impact the eligibility criteria, investment conditions, or residency rights associated with golden visa programs.

  • Political instability or profitable downturns in the host country could affect the value of investments or the overall viability of the program.

  • Some golden visa schemes have been criticized for lack of translucence, implicit abuse for capitalist laundering, or undermining original containing requests.

  • Investors should precisely estimate the financial risks, legal implications, and long-term consequences before committing to a golden visa program.

  • Due assiduity is essential to avoid fraudulent schemes, unauthorized agents, or misleading information regarding golden visa openings.

Fees for a Golden Visa

Fees for golden visas vary depending on the country and program. They generally include application fees, recycling fees, and investment-affiliated charges analogous to real estate purchases or business investments. Also, applicants may dodge legal and monetary fees for backing up the application process.

Final words

With TerraTern by your side, navigating the golden visa process has never been easier. Our expert team offers comprehensive assistance every step of the way, from selecting the right program to ensuring seamless application submission. By partnering with TerraTern, you gain access to tailored guidance, extensive resources, and personalized support to maximize your chances of success. Don't let borders hold you back—unlock the benefits of a golden visa with TerraTern today!

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Shrishti Bajpai

Sr. Content Writer

Shrishti Bajpai is a passionate Sr. Content writer at TerraTern, with more than 7 years of experience in the immigration industry as a content writer. She has a strong command of English and excellent research skills, which help her to write engaging and informative content. Shrishti's work is characterized by a meticulous research process and a compelling writing style, making complex topics accessible and engaging. Beyond her professional achievements, Shrishti's commitment to making a positive impact through her writing drives her continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence in her field.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Golden visa?

A golden visa is a residency or citizenship program where individuals can obtain legal residence or citizenship in a country by making a significant investment in its economy. Typically, this investment involves purchasing property, starting a business, or contributing to job creation. Golden visas are designed to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth by offering investors the opportunity to reside or become citizens of the host country. This program is popular among high-net-worth individuals seeking to diversify their assets or gain access to better education, healthcare, or business opportunities.

How important investment is required for a Golden visa?

Investment requirements for a golden visa vary by country and program, typically encompassing real estate acquisition, business establishment, or governmental fund contribution. These investments, tailored to attract foreign capital, facilitate eligibility for residency or citizenship. The significance of investment lies in its role as a pathway for affluent individuals seeking alternative citizenship or residency options, promoting economic growth, and fostering international relations through capital infusion.

What are the Golden visa benefits?

The golden visa benefits include residency or citizenship rights, access to healthcare and education, duty advantages, and visa-free travel within the host golden visa countries and sometimes to other countries. Additionally, it can provide opportunities for business and investment, increased personal and financial security, and access to better quality-of-life amenities. These visas are often sought after by individuals looking to diversify their assets, establish a foothold in a new country, or secure better opportunities for themselves and their families.

Can my family members also gain residency through Golden visa benefits?

Yes, many golden visa programs offer provisions for family reunification, allowing spouses, children, and occasionally parents to obtain residency rights alongside the primary applicant. This enables families to migrate together and benefit from the opportunities provided by the host country's residency program.

What is a Golden visa waiting period?

The processing time varies depending on the country and program. It can range from numerous months to over time, depending on factors analogous to the complexity of the application and the effectiveness of the immigration authorities.

Are there any language or cultural conditions for golden visa applicants?

Golden visa programs vary widely in their language and cultural requirements. While some countries may not impose any language or cultural conditions, others may require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the host nation's language or pass integration tests. These conditions aim to ensure that applicants can effectively integrate into society and contribute positively to the host country's culture and economy.

Can I use my golden visa to work or launch a business in the nation I am visiting?

Golden visa holders typically have the privilege to work and establish businesses in the nation they're visiting. However, adherence to the program's specific regulations is crucial to ensure compliance. It's advisable to thoroughly review the guidelines to understand any restrictions or requirements associated with employment or entrepreneurship under the golden visa program.

Are there any limitations on the kinds of investments that qualify for a golden visa?

Yes, each golden visa program has specific criteria for qualifying investments. Common options include government bonds, real estate acquisitions, starting a business, or investing in specific industries. However, the nature and extent of acceptable investments vary by country. Thorough research into the requirements and limitations of each program is essential to ensure compliance and successful application.

Can I use a golden visa to apply for citizenship?

Some golden visa programs allow applicants to eventually apply for citizenship after meeting specific residency requirements. However, not all golden visa programs automatically grant citizenship eligibility. Applicants must thoroughly review the conditions of each program to understand if citizenship is an option and what requirements need to be fulfilled.

what is a golden visa drawback?

Golden visas give numerous advantages, but they also carry certain hidden pitfalls, similar to shifting immigration laws, profitable instability, and swindles. Careful consideration and competent counsel are needed before applying for a golden visa.