Golden Visa: How to Buy Citizenship in Nine Countries
Many people aspire to settle abroad, but often cannot find a path to do so. One common route is to go overseas for higher education or employment and eventually settle there. However, this opportunity is available only to a select few. For those without such options, several countries have introduced an attractive alternative called the “Golden Visa” — essentially purchasing citizenship by investing money in that country. Though this route can be expensive, it offers a viable option for those without other means.
The benefits of a Golden Visa include the ability to travel to many countries without the need for a separate visa, the option to take one’s spouse, children, and even parents along, tax benefits in some countries, and the possibility of obtaining citizenship by residing for a specified period or by paying the stipulated amount. Additionally, it offers an improved quality of life, a healthy environment, access to world-class medical facilities, and education. In some countries, there is no requirement to reside there immediately upon obtaining the visa; one can continue living in their home country, acquire foreign citizenship after a certain period, and then move abroad.
Here are nine countries offering the Golden Visa, along with the required investment:
- Latvia
To obtain Latvia’s Golden Visa, one must invest €60,000 (approximately ₹60 lakh). This investment allows residency in Latvia for five years, provided the applicant demonstrates sufficient financial means to cover living expenses. - Malta
Malta’s Golden Visa requires an investment of €182,000 (around ₹1.8 crore), which includes various fees and contributions to social causes. With this visa, one can move to Malta and gradually acquire citizenship. - Greece
Greece, an attractive destination for real estate investors, offers its Golden Visa for an investment of €250,000 (about ₹2.5 crore) in the local real estate market. This enables residency for five years with family and visa-free travel within European countries. - Hungary
Hungary offers a residential visa under the Guest Investor Program for €250,000 (approximately ₹2.5 crore). This visa allows residency in Hungary and visa-free travel within the European Union. Applications are processed swiftly, and applicants who meet all criteria can receive the visa within six weeks. - Italy
Italy grants its Golden Visa through an investment of €250,000 (around ₹2.5 crore) in Italian startup companies. This visa allows residency in Italy for ten years, access to EU visa-free travel, and potential tax relief. - Vanuatu
Among the more affordable options, Vanuatu’s Golden Visa costs $130,000 (around ₹11 lakh). The visa can be obtained within one or two months and permits visa-free travel to 130 countries. - Dominica
Dominica offers citizenship through its Golden Visa for a payment of $200,000 (approximately ₹1.71 crore). Dominican citizenship allows visa-free travel to 140 countries worldwide. - Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship can be obtained for $230,000 (around ₹2 crore). After residing in the country for a specified period, citizenship is granted. - United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE offers a lifetime Golden Visa for an investment of AED 2 million (around ₹4.7 crore), with full tax exemption. Additionally, Indian professionals in various fields can acquire the Golden Visa for AED 100,000 (about ₹23 lakh), though this option is limited to experts.