What is a Golden Visa & Who is Eligible to Apply?
As global mobility and lifestyle upgrades become top priorities, many wealthy Indians are exploring Golden Visa programs, which are the residency-by-investment options that offer long-term stay in foreign countries in exchange for significant investments.
From the sunny coasts of Portugal and Spain to the luxury lifestyle of the UAE, these programs provide access to top-tier healthcare, education, tax benefits, and visa-free travel across regions.
So, what is a Golden Visa? In this article, we break down the concept, explore the eligibility criteria, highlight the top Golden Visa countries, and walk you through the application process—so you can make a smart, well-informed decision.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is an exclusive immigration program that allows high-net-worth individuals to obtain residency or citizenship in a foreign country in exchange for a significant investment, such as buying property, investing in businesses, or contributing to public projects.
Individuals granted a golden visa can live, work, study, and access healthcare in the host country. In the Indian context, it is also known as Golden Passport India. Due to their lucrative benefits, popular destinations like Dubai Golden Visa programs draw substantial attention from Indian investors.
Several Golden Visa programs also open the pathway to citizenship after maintaining residence for a specific period. For instance, the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program offers citizenship eligibility after five years, the Greece Golden Visa Program allows citizenship application after seven years, and the Italy Residence by Investment Program after 10 years.
Eligibility Criteria to Qualify for a Golden Visa Program
If you are keen to apply for a Golden Visa, you must fulfil the following eligibility parameters:
Legal funds:
You must possess the funds to invest and prove that your wealth has been earned legally.
No criminal record:
You must not have any criminal background.
Minimum investment:
You must commit to maintaining the investment for a period specified by the host country’s government.
Financial stability:
You should demonstrate that you are financially stable and capable of supporting your family.
Health insurance and background checks:
Some countries may require medical insurance and a background check.
Different Ways to Apply for a Golden Visa Through Investment
Listed below are the following ways through which you can apply for a golden visa:
Real estate investment:
You must buy a property in a foreign country where you wish to get citizenship through a Golden Visa. The price of real estate may range from ₹15,664,767 to ₹156,634,990 (approx. USD 200,000 to USD 2 million). This is the most common process most countries provide to apply for a Golden Visa.
Investment in companies:
Invest in a company's stocks or shares.
Government bonds:
Invest in that foreign country's government bonds or public debt instruments.
Job creation:
Generate employment opportunities in that foreign country.
Innovative projects:
Invest in the foreign country's innovative scientific or technological projects.
After investing in either of the above methods, you can apply for a golden visa at an embassy in your country or a governmental authority in the foreign country where you want to obtain citizenship status.
List of Countries Offering Golden Visa
Listed below are the countries that provide Golden Visas:
| 1 | Australia | 21 | Portugal |
| 2 | Austria | 22 | Singapore |
| 3 | Canada | 23 | Spain |
| 4 | Costa Rica | 24 | Switzerland |
| 5 | Cyprus | 25 | Uruguay |
| 6 | Greece | 26 | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| 7 | Hong Kong | 27 | United Kingdom (UK) |
| 8 | Hungary | 28 | United States of America (USA) |
| 9 | Italy | 29 | Antigua and Barbuda |
| 10 | Jersey | 30 | Dominica |
| 11 | Latvia | 31 | Grenada |
| 12 | Luxembourg | 32 | St. Kitts and Nevis |
| 13 | Malaysia | 33 | St. Lucia |
| 14 | Malta | 34 | Nauru |
| 15 | Mauritius | 35 | Egypt |
| 16 | Monaco | 36 | Jordan |
| 17 | Montenegro | 37 | Germany |
| 18 | Namibia | 38 | Turkey |
| 19 | New Zealand | 39 | Thailand |
| 20 | Panama | |
What are the Benefits of Holding a Golden Visa?
By holding a Golden Visa, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and their families can:
Secure an alternative safe haven in politically and economically stable countries.
Enhance and diversify lifestyle and business opportunities across international borders.
Enjoy a superior quality of life, benefiting from modern infrastructure and amenities.
Access world-class healthcare services in renowned medical facilities.
Enroll children in top-ranked educational institutions, ensuring the best academic opportunities.
Does a Golden Visa Help You Get Citizenship Status?
Yes. A Golden Visa allows you to get citizenship status in the foreign country for which you have applied, provided you must live in that country for some years in advance.
If you take the example of Spain, you must spend a minimum of 10 years in this country consistently. To obtain permanent citizenship status in Spain, you should have proficiency in Spanish. However, the criteria may differ from one country to another, as each offers a Golden Visa.
Can You Include Family Members in the Application for a Golden Visa?
Yes, your dependent family members can apply for a Golden Visa with you. Family members include your dependent children, spouse and dependent parents. Every family member who applies for a Golden Visa can enjoy legal rights similar to those in the host country.
Is It Necessary to Live in Property Bought for a Golden Visa?
No, living in a property you bought in a foreign country is not required for a Golden Visa. You can renew your Golden Visa indefinitely if you maintain your investment, without selling your housing property. Some countries, like Cyprus and Greece, can also allow you to rent your property while not residing there.
This concludes this piece about 'what is a golden visa'. A golden visa allows you to access a favourable lifestyle and other high-quality facilities in a foreign country that issues this permit.
If you are interested in applying, please review the points mentioned above to avoid any hassles during the application process.
FAQs about Golden Visa
What is the validity of a golden visa?
The validity of a golden visa varies with each country that issues it. Depending on the country that issues the golden visa, the validity may range from 1 to 2 years.
How long does it take to acquire a golden visa?
The processing time varies by country, with each offering a Golden Visa. However, a relevant authority may take 2 to 5 months to process your Golden Visa application request.
What are the investment options for obtaining a Golden Visa?
Investment options vary by country but typically include real estate purchases, business investments, government bonds, and donations to public projects.
Can a Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
Yes, many Golden Visa programs offer a pathway to citizenship after a certain period of residency. For instance, Portugal allows for citizenship after five years of residency.
What are the benefits of a Golden Visa?
Benefits include residency rights, the ability to live, work, and study in the host country, visa-free travel within certain regions (e.g., Schengen Area for European countries), and potential tax advantages.
Can family members be included in the Golden Visa application?
Yes, most Golden Visa programs allow the main applicant to include their spouse, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Golden Visa?
Eligibility requirements vary by country but generally include making a qualifying investment, having a clean criminal record, and maintaining the investment for a specified period.
How long does it take to process a Golden Visa application?
Processing times vary by country. For example, Portugal's Golden Visa application process typically takes around six months.
Are there any additional costs associated with obtaining a Golden Visa?
Yes, additional costs may include application fees, legal fees, property taxes, and maintenance costs for the investment.
Can Golden Visa holders work in the host country?
Yes, Golden Visa holders are generally allowed to work in the host country, although specific regulations may vary by country.
Is it necessary to reside in the host country to maintain the Golden Visa?
Residency requirements vary by country. For example, Portugal requires Golden Visa holders to spend at least seven days in the country during the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.
Can Golden Visa holders travel freely within the Schengen Area?
Yes, Golden Visa holders in European countries like Portugal and Spain can travel freely within the Schengen Area.
What happens if the investment is sold or withdrawn?
Selling or withdrawing the investment may result in the loss of residency status. It is important to maintain the investment for the required period to retain the Golden Visa.
Can Golden Visa holders access public services in the host country?
Yes, Golden Visa holders typically have access to public services such as healthcare and education in the host country.
Do Golden Visa holders need travel insurance while travelling internationally?
Yes, Golden Visa holders should consider travel insurance when visiting countries outside their residence nation. While the visa offers residency and often visa-free travel, it may not cover healthcare or travel-related risks abroad. Insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip delays, and baggage loss.