11 Cheapest Golden Visas without the gold | E73

Summary

This episode of 'Passport Talks' explores affordable golden visa and citizenship by investment programs. It highlights Dominica, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda, where a minimum investment of $200,000 can secure citizenship with benefits like visa-free travel and potential real estate returns. The show also covers Malta's residence program, and golden visa options in Portugal, Greece, and Italy, which offer paths to EU citizenship and favorable tax conditions.

Takeaways

• 🌍 A golden visa allows wealthy individuals to gain residency in another country through significant investments.
• 🏠 Investors typically seek golden visas for travel freedom, new business opportunities, tax benefits, and access to quality education and healthcare.
• 💰 Dominica offers citizenship by investment with a non-refundable contribution of $200,000 or a $200,000 investment in real estate, with passports issued in 6 months.
• 🇱🇨 St Lucia's program starts at $240,000 with a contribution to the National Economic Fund, and includes family members in the application.
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship starts at $230,000 with a contribution to the National Development Fund, and offers visa-free travel to over 150 countries.
• 🇻🇺 Vanuatu's citizenship by investment requires a minimum non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the state fund, with the fastest processing times.
• 🇬🇩 Grenada's program requires a $235,000 contribution for single investors, with real estate options available and a 10-year US Visa eligibility.
• 🇲🇹 Malta's permanent residence program has two paths, one requiring a property rental for 5 years and a €40,000 administrative fee, the other a property purchase with a €300,000 minimum.
• 🇦🇪 UAE residency can be obtained by buying property in Freehold zones, with a 2-year visa for properties worth at least 750,000 dham.
• 🇸🇰 St. Kitts and Nevis offer citizenship starting at $250,000 in the federal Consolidated fund, with real estate options yielding potential rental returns.
• 🇬🇷 Greece's 5-year residence permit requires a €250,000 real estate investment, with the possibility of Greek citizenship after 7 years.
• 🇵🇹 Portugal's golden visa requires a minimum €250,000 investment, typically in investment funds, with a path to EU citizenship after 5 years.
• 🇮🇹 Italy's golden visa starts at €250,000 for investing in an innovative startup, with a pathway to Italian citizenship in 10 years.

Q & A

What is a golden visa?

A golden visa enables wealthy individuals to secure residency in another country by investing in real estate, government bonds, or approved projects. It is pursued for travel freedom, new business opportunities, tax optimization, and access to superior education and healthcare.

Why are Caribbean citizenship by investment programs sometimes discussed alongside golden visas?

Caribbean citizenship by investment programs are occasionally mislabeled as golden visas due to their similar benefits and strong value proposition, despite the confusion between the two.

What are the two investment options offered by Dominica's citizenship by investment program?

Dominica offers a $200,000 non-refundable contribution to the economic diversification fund or a $200,000 investment in approved real estate, which can be resold after 3 to 5 years.

What are the benefits of St. Lucia's citizenship by investment program?

St. Lucia offers low entry costs, global mobility, eligibility for a 10-year US Visa, and no required residency. The investment starts at $240,000 through a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic fund.

How does Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship by investment program work?

The program starts at $230,000 through a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund. Real estate investments of $325,000 allow resale after 5 years. Families of six or more can invest $300,000 in the University of the West Indies fund.

What is the minimum investment required for Vanuatu citizenship by investment?

The minimum investment required is $130,000 as a non-refundable contribution to the state fund. Alternatively, investing $157,000 in the coconut oil industry covers up to four family members.

What are the key benefits of Grenada's citizenship by investment program?

The program offers visa-free travel to over 140 countries, a 10-year US Visa, and reduced hurricane risk for real estate built in the Caribbean region. The minimum contribution is $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund.

How does Malta's permanent residence program differ from other golden visa programs?

Malta offers two paths: renting a property for 5 years with administrative fees and contributions, or purchasing a property with a minimum value and contribution fee. It grants lifetime residency with specific travel conditions.

What are the requirements for obtaining a UAE residency visa through property investment?

A 2-year visa requires a property worth at least 750,000 dham (about $200,000) with a 50% down payment. A 10-year visa requires an investment of at least 2,000,000 dham (about $545,000).

What are the advantages of St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program?

The program offers eligibility for a 10-year US Visa, a lenient tax regime, and enhanced global mobility. Investment options include the federal Consolidated fund or approved public benefit projects.

What is the minimum investment required for a Greek 5-year residence permit?

A minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate is required, which increases to €800,000 in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.

What are the benefits of Portugal's golden visa program?

The program offers visa-free access to Schengen countries, minimal residency requirements, and a quick path to EU citizenship. The minimum investment is €250,000 in arts and culture or investment funds.

What are the key features of Italy's golden visa program?

The program starts at €250,000 for investing in an innovative startup. Other routes include investments in businesses, philanthropic organizations, or government bonds. Residents permits are valid for 2 years and can be extended.