There are several options for citizenship by investment or residency by investment around the world. Each program has its advantages and disadvantages, sometimes making it difficult to choose among them. There is no “one size fits all” solution. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
As citizenship by investment schemes become more and more popular, new residency by investment programs emerge. This makes the market more competitive and increases the variety. In this article, we’re going to explain what Golden Visa is and which countries offer this scheme.
Golden Visa Explained: What It Is and How It Works
Golden Visa is a permit that allows individuals and their dependent family members to get residency in a country. Today there are many European Golden Visa countries offering residency and/or citizenship by investment programs to individuals.
Although the required investment amounts vary, Golden Visa schemes are typically based on real estate acquisition, investment fund subscription, capital transfer, or donation. Once you decide on your investment type, you can start your application process as the main applicant.
Most Golden Visa programs allow family inclusion which means that you’re able to include your immediate family members. Some countries also allow the inclusion of grandparents and parents-in-law.
What makes the Golden Visa so attractive is that it doesn’t require you to move to the country you’re getting a Golden Visa. If you have business interests in your home country and are planning to get a Golden Visa just as a “Plan B”, note that you can keep your status only by visiting the country on a required frequency.
Golden Visa schemes might lead to citizenship depending on the country’s residency requirements. In some countries, it’s five years such as Portugal. In some, you might be eligible only after 10 years of full-time residency like Latvia Golden Visa.
Why Choose a Golden Visa? Key Benefits Explained
Getting a Golden Visa has several worthwhile benefits. By giving access to global markets and stable economic settings, it can lead to new business prospects. Additionally, a lot of programs provide a route to European citizenship, which offers improved international mobility and long-term security. Additionally, admission to top-notch educational institutions for themselves or their kids is frequently advantageous for Golden Visa holders. The ability to live, work, and travel freely within the host nation—and occasionally even outside of it, such as the Schengen Area, is perhaps the most significant benefit that these programs offer.
Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria: What You Need to Qualify
While each country that offers a Golden Visa program has its own unique set of conditions, applicants usually need to fulfill a few standard prerequisites. These include demonstrating that the investment will be made using the applicant’s own money and having a spotless criminal record. Additionally, the majority of programs mandate that the investment be held for a minimum holding term, which varies by nation. Furthermore, candidates need to show that they obtained their money legally. In order to guarantee financial stability above and beyond the needed contribution, several nations may further require applicants to provide evidence of a specific level of net worth, distinct from the investment amount.
How to Obtain a Golden Visa
Selecting your investment criteria is the first step in the Golden Visa application process. Although purchasing real estate is the most common path, financial transfers are also receiving a lot of attention. Options like financial investment, job development, and gift are also included in some Golden Visa programs.
You can begin your application after determining your investment criterion. A Golden Visa takes two to nine months to process.
Portugal Golden Visa
One of the most well-liked residence by investment programs in Europe is the Portugal Golden Visa program, which was introduced in 2012. You can apply for the program by making a qualifying investment in Portugal, as long as you are not a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
Italy Golden Visa
The “Investor Visa for Italy” is another name for the Italy Golden Visa program. In 2017, the Italian government launched its residency program with the goal of encouraging foreign direct investment. Applying for an Italy Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to get a resident visa by making the necessary investment in Italy. The validity of the residency permit is valid for three years following its two-year award.
Spain Golden Visa
In 2013, Spain’s Golden Visa scheme was introduced. Spain is a popular place to relocate because of its vibrant culture, delicious food, sunny beaches, and appealing way of life. You can apply for the Spanish Golden Visa program by making a qualifying investment if you are not a citizen of one of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
Greece Golden Visa
The Greek Golden permit program was introduced in July 2013 and offers a five-year resident permit in exchange for an investment in the nation. You can apply for the program if you are above 18, a non-EU national, and have no criminal history.
