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Golden visa programmes

Residency through qualifying investment. EU mobility, low-tax tracks and Asia hubs, with all the active programmes side by side.

Active programmes
3
Lowest entry point
From €400,000+
Fastest processing
From 7–10 working days (Dubai)

Key facts at a glance

Figures are drawn from the programme pages below and update when a programme changes.

  • Active programmes

    3

    Programmes listed on this page

  • Lowest entry point

    From €400,000+

    Smallest qualifying investment across the listed programmes

  • Fastest processing

    From 7–10 working days (Dubai)

    Shortest typical timeline quoted by a listed programme

  • Family inclusion

    3 of 3

    Programmes that accept a spouse and children on one application

  • Countries

    3

    Jurisdictions covered on this page

What a Golden Visa is, and is not

A Golden Visa is a residence permit granted in return for a qualifying investment in the host country. It is not citizenship. The holder gains the right to live, study and (in most cases) work in the host country, plus the practical benefit of easier movement within its region: the Schengen Area for European programmes, the GCC for the UAE and ASEAN for Singapore.

Some European Golden Visas, such as Portugal and Greece, can lead to permanent residency or citizenship over time if the holder meets the residence, language and integration tests set by national law. The UAE Golden Visa and Singapore's GIP are residency tracks without a fixed citizenship pathway. European programmes have moved away from real estate in some countries and towards fund and business routes, so the qualifying options change over time.

Who it suits

  • Families who want the right to live, study or work in another country, often in Europe
  • Applicants who want a residence option without relocating straight away, where stay rules are light
  • Investors planning a longer term path to permanent residence or citizenship where national law allows it
  • People who want easier travel within a region, such as the Schengen Area for European programmes

How it works

  1. Pick a country and route

    Compare programmes and choose a qualifying route, such as funds, business investment, real estate where still permitted or a capital transfer.

  2. Make the investment

    Complete the qualifying investment and keep evidence that it meets the programme rules.

  3. Apply and enrol biometrics

    Submit the application with civil, police and financial documents, then attend biometrics in the host country where required.

  4. Renew and keep the conditions

    Renew the permit on schedule, keep the investment in place and meet any minimum stay to remain eligible for long term residence.

Active Golden Visa programmes

Filter by region or open a programme for its routes, eligibility and timeline.

  • Portugal Golden Visa Programme
    Golden Visa

    Portugal

    เงินลงทุนขั้นต่ำ
    €500,000
    ระยะเวลาดำเนินการ
    6–8 months
    ปลอดวีซ่า
    186 ประเทศ
    ครอบครัว
    รวมอยู่ด้วย
  • UAE Golden Visa Programme
    Golden Visa

    UAE

    เงินลงทุนขั้นต่ำ
    AED 2,000,000
    ระยะเวลาดำเนินการ
    7–10 working days (Dubai)
    ปลอดวีซ่า
    180 ประเทศ
    ครอบครัว
    รวมอยู่ด้วย
  • Greece Golden Visa Programme
    Golden Visa

    Greece

    เงินลงทุนขั้นต่ำ
    €400,000+
    ระยะเวลาดำเนินการ
    3–6 months
    ปลอดวีซ่า
    186 ประเทศ
    ครอบครัว
    รวมอยู่ด้วย

How they compare

Headline figures side by side. Open a programme page for the full detail and official sources.

ProgrammeMinimum investmentProcessingStay requirementFamily
Greece Golden visa€400,000+3–6 monthsNoneYes
Portugal Golden visa€500,0006–8 months7 days/yrYes
UAE Golden visaAED 2,000,0007–10 working days (Dubai)NoneYes
Compare programmes in detail

Costs to plan for

Beyond the qualifying investment, budget for these cost types. Each programme page sets out the official amounts with sources.

  • Qualifying investment

    The capital placed in the qualifying route, held for the period the programme requires.

  • Government charges

    Application, permit and renewal charges set by each country, per family member.

  • Documents and insurance

    Translations, apostilles, local representation where required and health insurance.

  • Ongoing costs

    Renewals, property or fund running costs, and any travel needed to meet stay rules.

Risks to weigh

Every route carries trade offs. Weigh these before you commit capital.

  • Several European countries have closed or narrowed real estate routes, and rules keep changing
  • A residence permit is not citizenship, and naturalisation can require years of residence, language and integration tests
  • Spending time in the host country can create tax residence there
  • Fund and property investments can lose value or be hard to exit

Citizen Sure on golden visas

Our Golden Visa practice covers the active European programmes, including Portugal and Greece, alongside the UAE and Singapore tracks. We work on each applicant's due diligence and substance brief from the start, because the goal is not only the visa but a durable residence position. Speak to an advisor for a confidential consultation.

The practical decision points are mobility (EU, GCC or ASEAN), tax residency and time horizon (a path to citizenship or long-term residency). Some families combine a European Golden Visa for schooling with a UAE Golden Visa for business, as the two can complement each other.

Speak to a senior adviser

Not Sure Which Programme to Choose?

Book a one to one video consultation. We look at your goals, family and budget, then set out which programmes fit you, with the costs, timelines and next steps.

  • Confidential, covered by an NDA
  • Led by a senior adviser
  • Final price shown before you book
Consultation

Programme Review

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US$200Fixed fee · usd
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Plan your next step

Compare live programmes on eligibility, timelines and family rules, check where you qualify, then read the country guides before you book a paid 60-minute consultation.

  • Browse live programmes

    Residency and citizenship by investment programmes that are currently open, with the qualifying routes for each country.

  • Compare programmes

    See two or more programmes side by side: investment routes, processing stages, family inclusion and residence rules.

  • Check your eligibility

    Answer a few questions about your nationality, family and goals to see which programmes may fit.

  • Read the country guides

    Plain guides to each programme: requirements, documents, due diligence and the steps from application to approval.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Golden Visa the same as citizenship?

No. A Golden Visa grants residency. Some programmes, such as Portugal and Greece, can lead to citizenship over time if the holder meets the residence, language and integration requirements in national law. The UAE and Singapore programmes are residency only.

How much physical presence is required?

It depends on the programme. Portugal sets a low minimum stay. Greece does not set a minimum stay for renewal. The UAE Golden Visa requires an entry to activate the visa. Singapore GIP links presence and activity to the chosen investment track. Each programme page sets out the current rule.

Can I include my family?

Every operative Golden Visa programme includes spouse and dependent children. Parental inclusion varies, Portugal allows it for dependent parents over 65; Greece allows it broadly; UAE includes parents with documentary support of dependence.

What investment routes qualify?

Qualifying routes vary by country. Portugal focuses on investment funds, cultural and research contributions and business routes, as real estate is no longer a qualifying route. Greece uses real estate by zone. The UAE accepts real estate, business and talent routes. Singapore GIP is built on business and fund investment. See each programme page for the current options.

What about tax residency?

A Golden Visa does not by itself trigger tax residency. The UAE programme combines naturally with tax residency (0% personal income tax). Portugal has the NHR-2.0 regime; Greece offers a non-dom flat-tax option. Tax residency strategy is independent of the visa and should be planned together.

Which countries offer a golden visa?

The active programmes on this page include Portugal, Greece, the UAE and others. Each card links to the programme page with current qualifying routes.

Can a golden visa lead to citizenship?

In some countries, yes, after the residence period and other tests set by national law. In others, such as the UAE, the golden visa is a residence permit only.

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