What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a unique program in which you can get residency or citizenship in another country by making a substantial investment, usually in real estate or businesses, benefiting both you and the host country.
Let’s see how it’s done!
Securing a new life in a foreign country isn’t limited to job offers or university admissions. Golden visas provide a flexible pathway, often including advantages like extended visa-free stays and even potential citizenship. While they’re often associated with the ultra-wealthy, specific countries offer residency or citizenship through investments that won’t break the bank. These opportunities are extended to screened and qualified individuals, including those with unique skills beneficial to the host nation. While some require no minimum investment, others are attainable for less than one crore rupees. Here’s a list of the most cost-effective golden visa options accessible to Indians.
Investment-based Citizenship:
Antigua and Barbuda
Investment-$100,000 (INR 82, 93,995)
This citizenship also extends to your spouse, children under 31 years old, their families, parents, and grandparents aged 55 and above, as well as unmarried siblings who you can include as dependents.
Dominica
Investment-$100,000 (INR 82, 93,995)
This citizenship allows you to include your spouse, unmarried children under 31, as well as parents and grandparents aged 65 and above as dependents. You also gain the option of citizenship by descent and the right to hold dual citizenship.
St. Lucia
Investment-$100,000 (INR 82, 93,995)
This citizenship comes with the privilege of including your spouse, children under 31, siblings under 18, and parents aged 55 and older as dependents. Additionally, you have the option to hold dual citizenship.
Residency through Investment
Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers residence rights without any minimum investment requirement. This includes rights for your spouse and unmarried children under 18, as well as opportunities for work and study, depending on the chosen residence scheme.
Montenegro
There’s no need for a minimum investment, and what’s even better, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence after just five years.
Thailand
Investment of ฿600,000 (INR 13, 76,352)
You can secure residence without any minimum stay obligations. This package also includes premium services like having your dedicated personal assistant for assistance with international flights and lounge access, as well as a round-the-clock member contact center.
Austria
Investment of €40,000 (INR 35, 35,440)
You gain the privilege of unrestricted travel within Austria, the entire European Union, and the Schengen Area. Additionally, you may become eligible for citizenship after residing for 10 years.
Latvia
Investment-€60,000 (INR 53, 03,160)
Investment grants you visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, the option to renew your residence permit without a required minimum stay, and the potential to apply for citizenship after residing in the country for 10 years.
Panama
Investment-$100,000 (INR 82, 93,995)
You secure residence rights not only for yourself but also for your spouse, children under 18, unmarried full-time student children aged 18-25, children of any age with physical or mental disabilities, and parents of any age.
United Kingdom
Investment– To qualify for the Innovative Founder visa, there is no specified minimum investment. However, you must maintain £1,270 (INR 1, 28,989) in a bank account for 28 days prior to applying to demonstrate financial sustainability. Additionally, you need an innovative, scaling business endorsed by an authorized endorsing body. This visa grants you the opportunity to pursue permanent residence after three years and allows you to bring your family as a dependent.
Canada
Investment-For business incubation, there’s no specified minimum investment required. However, an angel investment group may require CAD 75, 000 (INR 46, 12,037). To qualify, your innovative start-up business must receive support from a designated organisation, and you should have CAD 13, 757 (INR 8, 46,013) to support yourself.
Get more information here.