cheapest golden visas available globally, costing $150,000 or less
Golden Visas: Expanding Lifestyles and Assets
Golden visas have become an attractive option for wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and retirees seeking to broaden their lifestyles and assets. These programs, available in 19 countries, offer permanent residency or citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment.
The Vanuatu golden visa program, for instance, requires a minimum investment of $130,000 in the country's national fund, and unlike many others, does not impose a minimum stay requirement. This means you do not have to be physically present on the island to retain citizenship.
In Grenada, you can invest $150,000 in the National Development Fund for citizenship, or opt for purchasing government-approved real estate for at least $220,000. The Grenada golden visa program also offers permanent residency for a $150,000 investment in real estate, or a $150,000 investment in government bonds for citizenship.
The St. Kitts and Nevis golden visa requires a minimum investment of $150,000 in the Sustainable Growth Fund for citizenship, with additional investment options including government-approved real estate starting at $200,000, private real estate starting at $400,000, and donation to an Approved Public Benefit starting at $175,000.
St. Lucia offers citizenship for a minimum investment of $100,000 to the National Economic Fund, and additional investment options include purchasing real estate starting at $200,000, investing in a national action bond starting at $300,000, or an enterprise investment starting at $1 million.
The Philippines Investor Visa offers permanent residency for a $75,000 investment in a government-approved fund, and after 10 years of living in the Philippines, you may apply for citizenship and receive your investment back. The processing time for this visa is just one week, and a visit to the Philippines is required to become a permanent resident immediately.
Anguilla's golden visa program requires a contribution of $150,000 to the Capital Development Fund for permanent residency, and a minimum investment of $750,000 in real estate for citizenship.
The cheapest golden visas require an investment of $150,000 or less. The Grenada, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Vanuatu golden visa programs are some of the cheapest options available.
It's important to note that due diligence and application fees may add extra costs to the golden visa process. Each family member included in a golden visa application may incur additional costs.
Obtaining a golden visa can provide second citizenship, favourable tax rates, and investment opportunities. Some golden visas allow applicants to invest in local real estate, donate to an established government fund, invest in business development, or make a large capital transfer into a locally approved bank account.
The cheapest country to obtain a golden visa that grants permanent residence or even citizenship is typically considered to be the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), where investors can gain long-term residency through real estate investment starting at around 80,000 euros. Other less expensive countries have lower cost of living but may not offer golden visa or citizenship pathways as economically or securely.
In conclusion, golden visas offer a unique opportunity for individuals to expand their lifestyles and assets by investing in another country. Each program has its own regulations and requirements, so it's crucial to research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
