Exploring the World’s Leading Golden Visa Programs
Golden Visa programs have become a gateway to residency and even citizenship for high-net-worth individuals seeking greater global mobility, financial security, and tax benefits. Over the years, countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas have refined their residency-by-investment schemes to attract foreign capital and boost economic growth.
With the recent introduction of the US Gold Card, a proposed $5 million investor visa under Donald Trump’s immigration plan, the ranking of the world’s most expensive and exclusive Golden Visa programs has shifted. This article explores 12 of the top Golden Visa programs, analyzing their investment requirements, benefits, and how the US initiative measures up against existing schemes.
Top 12 Golden Visa Programs in 2025
Several countries offer residency-by-investment programs with varying requirements and benefits. Here are the top 12 Golden Visa programs ranked by investment thresholds, accessibility, and long-term value:
1. Austria – Investment Threshold: €10 Million
Austria offers a direct citizenship-by-investment program, but it comes with a steep price. Investors must make a substantial economic contribution—often upwards of €10 million—to be considered. Unlike traditional Golden Visa programs, Austria’s citizenship process is discretionary and only granted to individuals with exceptional contributions to the country.
2. Switzerland – CHF 1-6 Million (Lump-Sum Taxation)
Switzerland does not offer a direct Golden Visa, but its lump-sum tax scheme allows wealthy foreigners to gain residency by paying an annual tax based on their living expenses, rather than global income. The minimum tax requirement varies by canton, generally starting at CHF 150,000 but often reaching CHF 1-6 million for UHNWIs.
3. New Zealand – NZD 5 Million ($3 Million USD)
New Zealand’s Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million in the local economy. Investors can gain residency with the possibility of citizenship, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high standard of living in a politically stable country.
4. United States (Proposed Gold Card) – $5 Million
The US Gold Card, proposed by Donald Trump, aims to attract ultra-wealthy investors willing to contribute $5 million in exchange for residency and a pathway to citizenship. If approved, this visa would become one of the most expensive in the world, surpassing the EB-5 Visa, which currently requires $800,000 to $1.05 million.
5. United Kingdom – £2 Million (Closed in 2022)
The UK previously offered a Tier 1 Investor Visa, which required a £2 million investment in UK assets. However, the program was shut down in 2022, limiting investment migration opportunities in the country.
6. Singapore – S$2.5 Million ($1.85 Million USD)
Singapore’s Global Investor Program (GIP) grants residency to individuals investing at least S$2.5 million in businesses or funds. This visa is popular among Asian investors due to Singapore’s favorable tax environment and business ecosystem.
7. Portugal – €500,000 (Alternative Investments Required)
Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of the most attractive options in Europe, offering residency with a pathway to citizenship in just five years. While the real estate route has been phased out, alternative investments—such as venture capital funds or cultural projects—start from €500,000.
8. Greece – €500,000 (Higher in Prime Areas)
Greece’s Golden Visa allows residency through real estate investments starting at €500,000 in major cities like Athens. The program has seen record-high applications in 2024, though stricter regulations are expected to be introduced in 2025.
9. Spain – €500,000 (Closing in April 2025)
Spain’s Golden Visa program is coming to an end. Investors have until April 2025 to purchase real estate worth at least €500,000 to qualify for residency. The program’s closure aligns with Spain’s housing policy reforms, aimed at making properties more accessible to locals.
10. Malta – €750,000 (Citizenship Route Available)
Malta’s residency and citizenship program allows investors to gain EU residency or citizenship through a €750,000 contribution to the country. The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services (CES) program remains one of the fastest routes to an EU passport.
11. St. Kitts & Nevis – $250,000 (Citizenship Route Available)
For those seeking a passport rather than residency, St. Kitts & Nevis offers citizenship through a $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) fund. This is one of the most accessible citizenship-by-investment programs in the world.
12. United Arab Emirates – AED 2 Million ($545,000 USD)
The UAE’s Golden Visa program grants 10-year residency to investors purchasing real estate worth at least AED 2 million. Dubai remains a top destination for foreign investors, with record-high property sales and increased Golden Visa applications.
Where Does the US Rank?
If approved, the US Gold Card would be one of the most expensive residency programs in the world, ranking 4th in terms of investment requirements. While it surpasses Portugal, Greece, and the UAE in cost, it remains below Austria, Switzerland, and New Zealand’s investment thresholds.
However, unlike European Golden Visas, the US Gold Card promises a direct pathway to citizenship, making it an attractive option for those seeking long-term residency and access to the US economy.
Which Golden Visa Is the Best Investment?
The ideal Golden Visa program depends on the investor’s goals, budget, and desired residency benefits.
•For those seeking EU access, Portugal and Greece remain strong choices.
• If low taxation and financial privacy are a priority, Switzerland and the UAE offer competitive advantages.
• Investors looking for citizenship rather than residency might prefer Malta or St. Kitts & Nevis.
• The US Gold Card, if implemented, will cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want a clear pathway to US citizenship.
As investment migration policies continue to evolve, these rankings may shift. Prospective applicants should stay informed and seek professional guidance before committing to any residency-by-investment program.
