Comparison table of golden visa/investment immigration programs
The table below neutrally organizes the key conditions (types, minimum thresholds, investment methods, residency requirements, and pathways to citizenship) for various countries' investment immigration/golden visa programs. The table is not ranked by preference; thresholds and terms are subject to change, please refer to the latest official announcements from each country.
| Program | Type | Minimum Investment Threshold | Primary investment methods. | Residency Requirements | Pathways to citizenship. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇷 Greek Golden Visa | Residency (Golden Visa) | Approximately €250,000–€800,000 (depending on region/type) | Primarily real estate; other pathways include capital investment, etc. | No minimum stay requirement | After legally residing for a certain number of years and meeting conditions, one may apply for citizenship. |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal Golden Visa | Residency (Golden Visa ARI) | Approximately €250,000 (specific routes such as cultural/artistic donations); the qualifying fund route is €500,000. | Qualified funds, research/cultural donations, job creation (real estate pathways have been discontinued). | On average, about 7 days per year (low residency requirement) | Effective from May 19, 2026, under Organic Law No. 1/2026, the residency period for citizenship has been increased from 5 years to 10 years for general applicants (7 years for CPLP member state nationals and EU nationals), and applicants must also meet A2 Portuguese proficiency, a civic and historical knowledge test, and a declaration of democratic principles. Citizenship applications filed before January 2026 are protected by the courts and remain subject to the original 5-year rule. |
| 🇲🇹 Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP) | Permanent Residency (MPRP) | Under the 2025 reform (Legal Notice 146/2025): the government contribution is a flat €37,000, plus an administrative fee of €60,000 (payable in installments); the real estate purchase threshold is raised to a uniform €375,000 nationwide, or a lease option (public records indicate from approximately €14,000 per year), plus a charitable donation of €2,000; dependents are no longer subject to additional government contributions. Total on-the-ground costs still reach hundreds of thousands of euros; exact amounts and installment methods are subject to the latest official announcements from Residency Malta Agency. | Government contribution, real estate (purchase or lease), charitable donations | No minimum residency requirement | There is also an independent pathway for citizenship through special merits, with higher thresholds and scrutiny. |
| 🇪🇸 Spain Golden Visa (No Longer Available) | Residency (Golden Visa) — New applications have been suspended. | Suspended (previously primarily based on real estate €500,000, etc.) | Suspended | Not applicable (has been discontinued). | Not applicable (has been discontinued). |
| 🇦🇪 UAE Golden Visa | Long-term residency (5-year/10-year Golden Visa) | Real estate starting at approximately AED 2,000,000; or meeting conditions of other categories. | Real estate, public investment/deposits, entrepreneurship, talent nomination | Highly flexible, with no traditional minimum residency days (to avoid long-term absence invalidation). | Golden visas do not lead to citizenship; UAE citizenship is by invitation only and extremely limited. |
| 🇹🇷 Turkish Investment Citizenship | Investment Citizenship (CBI, obtaining citizenship/passport) | Real estate investment starting at US$400,000 (subject to a holding period). | Real estate, bank deposits, fixed capital investments, etc. | No long-term residency requirement | Direct acquisition of citizenship upon meeting the requirements |
| 🇺🇸 U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | Employment-based immigration (investment immigration, obtaining permanent residency green card) | US$800,000 (TEA) / US$1,050,000 (general) | Invest in a new commercial enterprise and create at least 10 full-time jobs. | After obtaining a green card, it is necessary to maintain U.S. residency status. | After holding a green card for a certain number of years and meeting conditions, one may apply for naturalization. |
| 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis Investment Citizenship | Investment Citizenship (CBI, direct acquisition of citizenship/passport) | Starting from approximately US$250,000 (Sustainable Development Contribution SISC) | Government contribution (SISC) or approved real estate, etc. | No residency requirement | Direct acquisition of citizenship upon meeting the requirements |
| 🇬🇩 Grenada Investment Citizenship | Investment Citizenship (CBI) | Starting from approximately US$235,000 (National Transformation Fund NTF) | Government Fund Contribution (NTF) or Approved Real Estate | No residency requirement | Direct acquisition of citizenship upon meeting the requirements |
| 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda Investment Citizenship | Investment Citizenship (CBI) | Approximately US$230,000 (National Development Fund NDF, including fees). Note: OECS member states coordinated CBI fee structures in 2024; please confirm the current exact threshold with Antigua's CIU. | NDF donations, approved real estate, university funds, etc. | A minimal actual stay is required within the first five years (as per regulations) | Direct acquisition of citizenship upon meeting the requirements |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP) | Permanent Residency (GIP) | — | — | — | After obtaining PR, eligible individuals may apply for citizenship (Singapore generally does not recognize dual citizenship). |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) has been suspended for new applications since 2023. | Residence (investment immigration, application has been suspended) | Historically, the threshold was approximately €1,000,000 (for business investment pathways; other options include funds, donations, etc.). | Business investments, approved investment funds, and hybrid donations (all historical pathways before termination). | Historically, it required only short-term landings each year (usually a few days), with no long-term residence obligation. | Historically, one must meet long-term legal residence and citizenship conditions before applying separately, not automatically obtained. |
| 🇮🇹 Investor Visa for Italy | Residence (investor visa/golden visa type) | Approximately €250,000 (innovation startup company pathway; equivalent to approximately US$270,000, depending on the exchange rate). | Innovative startups €250,000, Italian joint-stock companies €500,000, government bonds €2,000,000, charitable donations €1,000,000. | Generally, there are no mandatory minimum residence days, but conditions for maintaining residency and subsequent status still apply. | Generally, after residing for the required period (usually around 10 years) and meeting citizenship criteria, one may apply; it is not automatically granted. |
| 🇱🇻 Latvia Investment Residency | Residence (investment residence/golden visa type) | Approximately €250,000 (real estate pathway; additional national fees apply, equivalent to approximately US$270,000, depending on the exchange rate). | Acquisition of real estate, investment in company equity, or payment of required amounts to financial institutions/government. | Generally, there are no strict minimum residence days, but investment must be regularly updated and maintained. | Permanent residency must be obtained first, after which conditions for long-term residency and naturalization must be met; it is not automatically granted. |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus Investment Permanent Residency (CBI was discontinued in 2020) | Residence (investment permanent residence; investment citizenship has been suspended since 2020) | Approximately €300,000 (real estate/company/fund; equivalent to about US$320,000, subject to exchange rates) | Acquisition of newly constructed residential or commercial real estate, investment in company equity, or investment in qualified funds. | It is necessary to maintain a connection with the local area (such as regular entries) and demonstrate a stable annual income from abroad. | Investment citizenship has been suspended; permanent residents must legally reside for the required period and meet citizenship criteria to naturalize. |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary Guest Investor Programme | Residence (guest investor residence/golden visa type) | Approximately €250,000 (real estate fund pathway; equivalent to approximately US$270,000, depending on the exchange rate). | Investment in a real estate fund regulated by the Hungarian Central Bank for €250,000, or a donation of €1,000,000 to a higher education institution. | Generally, there are no strict minimum residence days, but investment must be maintained and updated as required. | Generally, after residing for the required period (approximately 8 years) and meeting citizenship criteria, one may apply; it is not automatically granted. |
| 🇲🇰 North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment | Investment Citizenship (CBI) | Approximately €200,000 (private equity fund pathway; equivalent to approximately US$215,000, depending on the exchange rate). | Investment in a qualified private equity fund for €200,000 (held for approximately 2 years), or €400,000 to invest in a new business and create jobs. | Generally, there are no minimum residence requirements. | Obtain citizenship upon meeting the requirements and receiving approval; however, there are annual quotas. |
| 🇩🇲 Dominica Citizenship by Investment | Investment Citizenship (CBI) | Approximately US$200,000 (EDF fund donation or approved real estate). | Contribute to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or purchase approved real estate in development projects (must be held for a certain period). | Generally, there are no minimum residence requirements. | Citizenship is obtained after passing due diligence and completing the investment. |
| 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment | Investment Citizenship (CBI) | Approximately US$240,000 (National Economic Fund NEF donation; real estate starting from US$300,000). | Contribute to the National Economic Fund (NEF), purchase approved real estate, government bonds, or make corporate investments. | Generally, there are no minimum residence requirements. | Citizenship is obtained after passing due diligence and completing the investment. |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt Citizenship by Investment | Investment Citizenship (CBI) | Approximately US$250,000 (Treasury donation pathway; other options include real estate, deposits, etc., at higher amounts). | Government fund contribution of $250,000, approved real estate of $300,000 (held for five years), corporate investment plus contribution, or $500,000 in bank deposits. | Generally, there are no minimum residence requirements. | Obtain citizenship after completing the investment and passing the review; dual nationality is permitted. |
| 🇯🇴 Jordan Citizenship by Investment | Investment Citizenship (CBI) | Approximately US$750,000 and above (capital investment project pathway; thresholds for other pathways are higher). | Investment projects (approximately US$750,000 outside the capital, approximately US$1,000,000 inside the capital, and job creation), company shares, or previous deposit/bond pathways. | Generally, there are no minimum residence requirements. | Obtain citizenship after completing the investment and meeting the requirements. |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR) | Long-term residence (10 years: initial 5 years, renewable for another 5 if conditions maintained; not citizenship) | — | — | Generally no strict minimum stay, but conditions regarding investment, assets, insurance, etc. must be maintained. | LTR is a residence visa and does not itself provide a pathway to citizenship; citizenship follows the general naturalization regulations in Thailand. |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand Privilege Visa (formerly Elite) | Membership-based long-term residence visa (not investment immigration, not citizenship). | The entry-level Bronze is approximately 650,000 Thai Baht (around US$20,000, classified as membership fees rather than investment). | Pay membership fees (non-redeemable investment), with varying terms and services based on tier. | No minimum residence days are required; visa validity depends on membership. | No citizenship pathway is provided, nor is it permanent residency. |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia My Second Home Program (MM2H) | Long-term residency visa (tiered membership, non-citizen). | — | — | Cumulative stay in Malaysia of at least 90 days per year (subject to MOTAC regulations, may include combined stay with dependents). | MM2H is a residence visa and does not provide a pathway to citizenship. |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) | Investment Residency (may sequentially apply for permanent residency) | HK$30 million (approximately US$3.8 million). | HK$27 million in eligible financial assets/real estate + HK$3 million in the CIES portfolio managed by Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited | Maintain investment and renew according to Immigration Department rules (first permitted stay 24 months, subsequent renewals each not exceeding 3 years); permanent residency additionally requires ordinary residence for seven years | Generally, after residing for seven years, one may apply for permanent resident status in Hong Kong (not applicable for non-Chinese nationality pathways). |
| 🇻🇺 Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (DSP) | Investment Citizenship (acquisition of citizenship and passport) | Starting at approximately $130,000 for a single applicant (non-refundable contribution, increasing for families). | Make a non-refundable contribution to the government fund. | Generally, there are no actual residence requirements. | Obtain citizenship directly upon meeting the requirements and passing the review. |
| 🇳🇷 Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (ECRCP) | Investment Citizenship (acquisition of citizenship and passport) | Approximately $115,000 for a single applicant (subject to official confirmation). | Make a non-refundable contribution to the Nauru Treasury Fund. | Public information indicates that there are generally no actual residency requirements. | Obtain citizenship upon meeting the requirements and passing due diligence. |
| 🇨🇦 Canadian Start-up Visa (SUV). | Start-up Immigration (leading to permanent residence) — ⚠️ The current program has closed; see recent changes below. | (Current program closed) Original requirement: Applicants were not required to invest a fixed amount; designated VC commitment of at least approximately CAD 200,000, angel investment of at least approximately CAD 75,000, and incubator had no funding threshold. | (Previous requirement) Obtain a support commitment from a designated organization (VC/angel/incubator) for the entrepreneurial project. | After obtaining permanent residency, comply with general residency obligations for Canadian permanent residents. | One may apply for citizenship after becoming a permanent resident and meeting residency requirements. |
| 🇨🇦 Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP) | Investment Immigration (leading to Permanent Residency) | A 5-year investment of approximately CAD 1 million (about US$730,000) is required, along with a net worth of at least approximately CAD 2 million. | Make a designated investment with IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc., which also includes contributions to Quebec. | Post-reform, new requirements for residence and work permits in Quebec have been added (subject to regulations). | Citizenship in Canada may be applied for after obtaining permanent residency and meeting residency requirements. |
| 🇵🇦 Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) | Investment Residency (may directly obtain permanent residency) | Real estate is approximately 300,000 USD / securities approximately 500,000 USD / fixed deposits approximately 750,000 USD (depending on the pathway). | Real estate in Panama, Panama securities market, or fixed bank deposits (foreign funds) | Can be initiated remotely, with no strict minimum residency days, but investment must be maintained. | After a certain period of permanent residence and meeting conditions, one may apply for citizenship through general naturalization. |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay investment residence (SUACE) | Investment/Entrepreneurial Residency (leading to Permanent Residency) | Public information indicates an investment commitment of approximately US$70,000 (which may be invested in installments). | Establish a company in Paraguay and invest to create local employment. | Public information suggests that actual residency requirements are relatively lenient, but there are separate residency regulations for naturalization. | After fulfilling certain conditions and a specified duration of permanent residency, one may apply for citizenship. |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico Economic Solvency Residency | Temporary residency (economic self-sufficiency, non-investor immigration program) | Non-fixed investment; publicly available information indicates that savings/investment pathways generally require an average balance of approximately USD 70,000 in recent years (depending on the consulate and the standards for that year). | Meeting standards through income, savings/investment balances, or proof of real estate/capital investment in Mexico (different pathways cannot be mixed). | The temporary residency period may be extended to permanent residency as per regulations. | Citizenship may be applied for through naturalization after obtaining permanent residency and meeting residency requirements. |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica Investor Residency (Inversionista) | Investor Temporary Residency (may convert to Permanent Residency) | ⚠️ Under Law No. 9996, the temporary promotion (USD 150,000) had an application deadline of 2026-07-14, which has expired; the threshold is expected to revert to the original USD 200,000 (per Executive Decree 37112-GOB), but no official follow-up confirmation is available in public sources. Please inquire directly with DGME for the current amount. | Qualified investments include real estate, businesses, or government-approved projects. | During the temporary residency period, investment must be maintained; permanent residency can be applied for after three years. | Application for citizenship is only possible under general naturalization regulations (including residence duration). |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil Investment Residence (VIPER) | Investment Residency (real estate pathway may lead to permanent residency) | Real estate is approximately 1 million reals (around 700,000 reals in the north/northeast); conversion to USD fluctuates with exchange rates. | Purchase of urban real estate in Brazil (must be registered and reported to the central bank); there are also productive investment avenues. | Investment must be maintained for at least four years; permanent residency has additional regulations regarding prolonged absence. | One may apply for citizenship after holding permanent residency for a certain period (commonly four years in public data) and meeting the conditions. |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa | Residency (investment immigration, may lead to permanent residency). | Growth: approximately NZD 5 million / Balanced: approximately NZD 10 million. | Growth: direct investment, managed funds, etc.; Balanced: may include a broader range of asset classes (subject to regulations). | Must stay in New Zealand for a certain number of days during the investment period (Growth: within 3 years, Balanced: within 5 years, subject to regulations). | Obtain permanent residency and, after meeting residency and other conditions, may apply for citizenship. |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia Golden Visa | Residency (long-term residency visa, 5/10 years). | Individual: approximately US$350,000 (5 years) / US$700,000 (10 years); real estate route: approximately US$1,000,000 | Government bonds, listed stocks, mutual funds (E28C); also company establishment, real estate, and other routes. | Public information indicates no strict physical presence requirements (as per regulations) | Indonesia has strict restrictions on dual citizenship and naturalization; the Golden Visa is primarily for residency. |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Premium Residency | Residency (temporary/permanent premium residency, may lead to permanent residency). | Real estate holder: approximately SAR 4 million (mortgage-free); investor: approximately SAR 7 million (as per regulations) | Hold qualifying real estate, invest in MISA-approved enterprises and create local jobs, or follow the talent/entrepreneur category. | No local sponsor required; residency arrangements depend on category. | Primarily for residency; Saudi naturalization has strict regulations |
| 🇲🇺 Mauritius Investment Residency | Residency (investment residency, may lead to permanent residency). | Approximately US$375,000 (EDB-approved qualifying real estate scheme). | Purchase EDB-approved qualifying real estate (IRS/RES/PDS/SCS, etc.). | Low physical presence requirement (subject to regulations). | After meeting residency and other conditions, a pathway to permanent residency/citizenship may be available. |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) | Residency (retirement residency visa, long-term validity, multiple entries). | Designated bank deposit, varying by age and program (PRA has recently adjusted programs, ages, and thresholds; some older programs are no longer accepting new applications; amounts are subject to the latest PRA announcements). | Deposit the required amount in a PRA-designated bank (refundable); may be converted to approved investments upon meeting conditions. | No high physical presence requirement (subject to regulations). | Primarily for residency; naturalization has separate regulations |
The information is a neutral compilation of publicly available official data, provided for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice. For details on each program, please click the name to view or refer to official announcements.
Comparison Table FAQs
Which country has the lowest investment immigration threshold?
According to this table, relatively lower-threshold programs are concentrated in Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (e.g., Dominica from US$200,000, Antigua from US$230,000, Grenada from US$235,000) and Southeast Asian long-term residency (e.g., Thailand LTR from US$500,000); in Europe, Greece starts from €400,000 in general areas (€250,000 for specific types), while Portugal currently requires a minimum of approximately €500,000 (after eliminating the real estate option). Threshold figures exclude government fees and due diligence costs; subject to the latest official announcements from each country.
Which programs offer direct citizenship (citizenship by investment)?
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs grant direct citizenship and passports under law. The main CBI programs covered in this table include: four Caribbean nations (St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica), Turkey, Vanuatu, Egypt, and Jordan. European programs (Greece, Portugal, Malta, Italy) are generally residency-based rather than citizenship, with naturalization requiring years of residence and language proficiency.
Which programs have no residence requirements (or very low requirements)?
Based on this table, the UAE Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement; Caribbean CBI programs (e.g., Antigua requires approximately 5 days cumulative in the first five years) and Malta MPRP have very low residency requirements; Portugal Golden Visa public information indicates approximately 7 days per year on average. Detailed rules should be verified with each program's latest official announcements.
How often are the figures in this comparison table updated?
Each program is marked with a 'Data Date,' typically the latest update within 2026. Investment immigration thresholds and terms often change with each country's policies; this table is for cross-reference only. Before investing, please verify with the latest official announcements from each country. This site notes the update date and makes timely corrections when significant changes are found.
Which programs have been suspended or undergone major changes?
This table notes: Spain Golden Visa (terminated from 2025), Ireland IIP (stopped accepting applications in 2023); Canada SUV is currently suspended for new applications (as of end-2025; 2025 commitment letter holders must submit by end of June 2026). Portugal eliminated the real estate investment option in 2023 but did not close the entire program. See the answer page 'Which Golden Visas Have Been Stopped or Adjusted' for details.
How do I use this comparison table to select a program?
It is recommended to first clarify your objectives (residence, tax, mobility, or backup status), then filter by the 'Type' column (residence vs. citizenship), compare residence requirements and minimum thresholds, and finally calculate total costs including fees and service charges. The comparison table is not ranked by merit; consult a qualified immigration advisor or attorney before making major decisions.