What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a governmentapproved route that allows you and your family to secure legal residency – and in some countries, full citizenship – through a qualifying investment. This may be achieved through purchasing property, contributing to a national development fund, or investing in approved business projects, such as certified capital funds (for example, approved private equity or venture capital funds). These programmes are valued because they offer a practical way to combine sound investment decisions with longterm plans for your family’s future. Many countries allow you to keep your original nationality while gaining a second, giving future generations the benefit of dual nationality. These schemes are reviewed regularly by governments, so if you identify one that suits your goals, it is wise to take steps while it remains available.
Which countries currently offer Golden Visa programmes?
We provide advice and support for several leading destinations that are accessible from the UK:
- Portugal – EU residency with a pathway to citizenship after 5 years, with minimal stay requirements.
- Greece – Affordable real estatebased residency, including family, with no minimum stay, and a pathway to citizenship after 7 years.
- Malta – Both residency and citizenship options; EU passport typically available after 1–3 years.
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai) – Longterm renewable residency (5 or 10 years) through property or business investment.
Each country has different timelines, investment types and advantages, and we will guide you through which option suits your plans best.
Who should consider applying for a Golden Visa?
There are two main routes:
Residency or Citizenship by Property Investment – Purchase of approved real estate that can often be rented or used as a second home, creating both a residence right and an asset.
Residency or Citizenship by Capital Investment – Contribution to government funds, investments in approved businesses, bonds or other financial instruments.
Investment thresholds vary by country and route:
- Portugal requires a minimum of €500,000 (lower in certain cultural or regional projects)
- Greece offers entry from €250,000 for property in designated areas
- Malta citizenship routes start from €600,000 to €750,000 with residency obligations
- UAE residency starts from approximately £430,000 (AED 2 million)
These figures do not include legal, government and professional fees, which depend on individual circumstances.
What are the costs involved with a Golden Visa?
In addition to the qualifying investment, applicants should plan for legal fees, government application charges, due diligence costs and, where property is involved, taxes or notary fees. These vary depending on the country and the chosen route. Our experts provide a clear, itemised overview of all costs during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Get in touch now for a free consultation via email, phone or live chat or fill in our inquiry form.
What are the key benefits of holding a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa provides legal residency or citizenship rights for you and eligible family members. It often covers your spouse, dependent children and, in many programmes, the parents of either you or your spouse. This means wider security and opportunities for the whole family, including access to education, healthcare, and the ability to live, work or study in the host country.
Holding a Golden Visa usually brings the ability to travel visafree across many countries, often within the Schengen Area or further afield. Many programmes also allow you and your family to hold dual nationality, creating lasting advantages for future generations. A Golden Visa can be a decisive step in protecting your assets, broadening lifestyle choices and creating stability in a wellregulated jurisdictio
Are there any disadvantages or limitations?
While Golden Visas offer significant advantages, it is important to understand their limits. Some programmes require you to hold your investment for a set period or to meet specific renewal conditions. Others grant residency immediately but only allow you to apply for citizenship after several years. These programmes are reviewed and adjusted by governments over time, so early application helps ensure you benefit from current conditions.
Are there tax implications?
Each country has its own tax rules and incentives. Some offer favourable regimes for international investors, while others have specific rules regarding tax residency or foreign income. We always recommend obtaining advice tailored to your own circumstances, and we can introduce you to trusted tax advisors through our network to ensure your planning is complete.
What are the eligibility criteria and stay requirements for a Golden Visa?
Most programmes require you to show a clean criminal record, provide evidence of the lawful source of your investment funds, and complete the host country’s due diligence process. Documentation often includes passports, birth and marriage certificates, and financial statements. Stay requirements vary. For example, Portugal requires an average of seven days per year, while Greece imposes no minimum stay. Malta and the UAE have different rules depending on whether you are applying for residency or citizenship. We provide clear guidance on these details to ensure your eligibility is fully protected.
Can dependants be included in a Golden Visa application?
Yes. Most programmes allow you to include your spouse, dependent children and, in many cases, parents and inlaws. This ensures your family can relocate or benefit together, with access to education, healthcare and longterm settlement rights where applicable.
How do I apply for a Golden Visa?
The application process begins with selecting the most suitable programme and investment route for your goals. From there, you will prepare the required documentation, complete the necessary legal and financial due diligence, and submit your application through licensed professionals in the destination country. Each country’s financial and legal framework will require careful attention, and we make sure you have access to local expertise for each step.
At Immigration Connection, we coordinate and become part of your project management, maintaining strong ties with both you and the local experts involved. We act as your bridge to a wide network of regulated professionals across global destinations, guiding and coordinating the process so you are supported throughout until approval and beyond.
How can Immigration Connection help?
We work only with regulated, licensed and certified service providers in each country. Our role is to give you:
- Initial consultancy tailored to your personal and financial objectives
- Coordination and followup throughout the application process
- Ongoing consultancy support to make sure each stage complies with legal and regulatory requirements
With over 15 years of experience in project management and in explaining complex immigration and investment processes to clients, we provide clear, practical advice you can rely on. We stay by your side from the first consultation through to approval, and beyond.
Contact Immigration Connection today for a personalised consultation.
Immigration Connection – your trusted partner for global residency, citizenship and investment solutions.
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