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.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Affordable Golden Visas and Citizenship by Investment

This paragraph introduces the concept of golden visas and citizenship by investment as a means to achieve global mobility, business opportunities, tax optimization, and access to superior education and healthcare. It highlights the benefits of such programs, including visa-free travel and the potential for real estate investment returns. The paragraph lists the most affordable options, starting with Dominica's citizenship by investment program, which offers two investment options: a non-refundable contribution to the economic diversification fund or an investment in approved real estate. It also mentions St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Vanuatu, each with their own investment requirements and benefits such as visa-free travel to over 100 countries, eligibility for a 10-year US Visa, and no personal income tax.

05:03

🏠 Golden Visas and Residency Programs in Malta, UAE, and EU Countries

The second paragraph delves into the Malta Permanent Residence Program, detailing the two paths for non-EU nationals to obtain residency: one involving a property rental and the other a property purchase, each with specific financial requirements and benefits. It then discusses the UAE residency program, which can be obtained through property investment in Freehold zones, with different visa durations and investment amounts. The paragraph also covers golden visa programs in EU countries like Greece, Portugal, and Italy, each with varying investment thresholds and benefits such as visa-free travel within the Schengen area, minimal residency requirements, and potential pathways to EU citizenship. The paragraph concludes by summarizing the most affordable golden visas and encouraging listeners to seek further information or legal assistance for their global opportunities.

Keywords

💡Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan refers to someone who is at home in the world, familiar with many parts of the globe and their cultures. In the context of the video, it relates to the theme of global mobility and the benefits of having a second passport or residency for traveling without visas. The term is used to describe the ideal lifestyle of someone who can navigate different countries and cultures with ease.

💡Golden Visa

A Golden Visa is a residency permit granted to individuals who invest a substantial amount of capital in a foreign country. The video discusses various countries offering such visas, emphasizing the investment required and the benefits like travel freedom and access to better education and healthcare. It's central to the narrative as it outlines pathways to global opportunities.

💡Investment

Investment in this context refers to the financial commitment required to obtain a Golden Visa or citizenship by investment program. The script outlines different investment options such as real estate, government bonds, or economic funds, which are crucial for understanding the financial aspect of acquiring a second passport or residency.

💡Residency

Residency here denotes the right to live in a country, which is often granted alongside a Golden Visa. The video explains how certain investments can lead to residency, which may offer additional benefits like access to local services and the ability to live and work in the country.

💡Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by Investment is a program where countries offer citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for a significant capital investment. The script mentions several countries like Dominica and St. Lucia that offer such programs, highlighting the benefits of visa-free travel and potential real estate returns.

💡Visa-free travel

Visa-free travel is the ability to enter other countries without needing a visa. The video emphasizes this benefit of having a second passport, as it allows for greater global mobility and convenience when traveling for business or leisure.

💡Economic Diversification Fund

The Economic Diversification Fund is mentioned as one of the investment options in Dominica's citizenship program. It's a fund that aims to diversify the country's economy, and investing in it is a way for individuals to qualify for a Golden Visa or citizenship.

💡National Development Fund

The National Development Fund is another type of investment fund mentioned in the context of Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship program. Contributions to this fund support national development projects, and in return, investors can apply for citizenship.

💡Real Estate Investment

Real estate investment is highlighted as a common requirement for many Golden Visa programs. Investors are often given the option to invest in approved real estate projects, which can provide returns and potentially be resold after a certain period, as mentioned in the cases of St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda.

💡Tax Optimization

Tax optimization refers to the strategic management of an individual's or company's financial affairs to minimize tax liabilities. The video suggests that obtaining a second passport or residency can offer tax optimization benefits, as certain countries may have more favorable tax regimes.

💡Healthcare

Healthcare is mentioned as one of the benefits of obtaining a second passport or residency, implying access to superior healthcare systems in the countries offering such programs. This is particularly relevant for individuals seeking high-quality medical services.

Highlights

A golden visa allows wealthy individuals to secure residency in another country through investment.

Investors pursue golden visas for travel freedom, new business opportunities, tax optimization, and access to superior education and healthcare.

Caribbean citizenship by investment programs are often discussed alongside golden visas due to their similar benefits.

Dominica's citizenship by investment offers two options starting at $200,000 with passports issued in 6 months.

St Lucia's program starts at $240,000 and includes benefits like low entry costs and global mobility.

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship starts at $230,000 with visa-free travel to over 150 countries.

Vanuatu citizenship by investment requires a minimum $130,000 contribution with the fastest processing times.

Grenada's citizenship by investment requires a $235,000 contribution with visa-free travel to over 140 countries.

Malta's permanent residence program offers two paths starting at €150,000 with a 5-year property rental requirement.

UAE residency can be obtained by buying property in Freehold zones, with a 2-year visa for a minimum investment of 750,000 dham.

St Kitts and Nevis offer citizenship starting at $250,000 with the potential for 2 to 5% annual rental returns on real estate investments.

Greece's 5-year residence permit requires a €250,000 investment in real estate with the possibility of Greek citizenship after 7 years.

Portugal's golden visa requires a minimum €250,000 investment, offering visa-free access to Schengen countries and a path to EU citizenship.

Italy's golden visa starts at €250,000 for investing in an innovative startup, with a pathway to Italian citizenship in 10 years.

The most affordable golden visas are from Dominica, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda, starting at $200,000.

Malta's program is the most affordable among EU nations, starting at €150,000 with a 5-year property rental requirement.

Transcripts

you are listening to passport talks a

podcast on how to become a true

Cosmopolitan how to travel the world

without visas create a safe haven for

your family and access top-notch

education and Healthcare with a second

passport or

[Music]

residency 11 cheapest golden visas a

golden Visa enables wealthy individuals

to secure resid in another country by

investing in real estate government

bonds or approved projects investors

pursue golden visas for several reasons

they offer travel Freedom new business

opportunities tax optimization and

access to Superior education and

Healthcare sometimes it's also a gateway

to living in a better climate it's worth

noting that Caribbean citizenship by

investment programs are occasionally

mislabeled as golden visas despite this

confusion Caribbean passports are

frequently discussed alongside golden

visas due to their similar benefits in

strong value proposition now let's talk

about the most affordable golden visas

and passports the first is dominica's

citizenship by investment it offers two

options 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 passports are issued in 6 months

and the application can include

immediate family members benefits are a

modest investment cost potential real

estate returns Visa free travel to over

140 countries and eligibility for a

10-year US Visa the second is St Lucia

which offers citizenship by investment

starting at

$240,000 through a non-refundable

contribution to the National Economic

fund real estate or Government Bond

Investments are also options at higher

amounts but redeemable or resellable

after 5 years the process takes about 6

months and can include the Investor's

spouse children under 30 parents over 55

and siblings under 18 key benefits

include low entry costs Global Mobility

eligibility for a 10-year US Visa and no

required residency the third Antiga and

Barbuda citizenship starts at

$230,000 through a non-refundable

contribution to the National Development

Fund

alternatively

$325,000 in real estate allows resale

after 5 years families of six or more

can invest

$300,000 in the University of the West

Indies fund offering a year of free

tuition for one member under 29

applications can include immediate

family with processing times of at least

6 months key benefits include visa-free

travel to over 150 countries a 10-year

US Visa low investment costs and no

personal income income tax the fourth is

vanadu citizenship by investment which

requires a minimum

$130,000 non-refundable contribution to

the state fund with applicants needing

at least

$250,000 in Bank assets alternatively

investing

$157,000 in the coconut oil industry

covers up to four family members with

extra charges for additional members the

process is notably fast passports are

issued Within 1 to four months for the

investor and their immediate family

benefits include Visa free travel to

over 100 countries the quickest

processing no income tax a 5-year US

Visa and no residency requirement the

fifth Granada's citizenship by

investment requires a

$235,000 contribution to the National

transformation fund for single investors

real estate options include a $270,000

shared investment or

$350,000 for full ownership both

redeemable after 5 years applications

may include immediate family with

passports processed in at least 8 months

key benefits include 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 six is

the malta permanent residence program it

offers two paths for non-eu non da and

non-swiss Nationals one is to rent a

property for 5 years costing at least

50,000 in total in the south of Malta or

goo and €60,000 elsewhere with a €40,000

administrative fee a 58,000 contribution

€7,500 per additional family Elder and a

€2,000 charity donation the other option

is to purchase a property requiring a

€300,000

minimum in the south of Malta or goo or

€350,000

elsewhere with a 28,000 contribution fee

other costs remain the same applicants

must show €500,000 in assets processing

takes at least 6 months the applicant is

granted lifetime residency with 90 days

of shenen travel per 6 months in our

seventh country the UAE residency is

obtainable by buying property and

Freehold zones for a 2-year V Visa the

property must be worth at least 750,000

dham about

$24,000 with a 50% down payment if

finance a 10-year Visa requires a

property investment of at least 2

million durhams about

$545,000 the process takes about 3 weeks

and applicants must stay in the UAE

during this period the Visa allows

including family members the benefits of

the UAE residents Visa include fast

processing access access to large expat

communities economic opportunities

Emirates ID and discounts via the Assad

privilege card the eth is a Caribbean

State again St kits and neas offer

citizenship starting at a

$250,000 investment in the federal

Consolidated fund or approved public

benefit projects real estate options

include buying shares in approved

projects or condos for $400,000 or

single family homes for

$800,000 these Investments are lock in

for seven years but can yield 2 to 5%

annual rental returns key advantages of

St kits and Neva citizenship include

eligibility for a 10-year US Visa a

lenient tax regime and enhanced Global

Mobility let's return to the EU with the

ninth state of Greece the Greek 5-year

residence permit requires a €250,000

investment in real estate which

increases to €800,000 in cities like

Athens and Thessalon holders enjoy 90day

shenen area access every 6 months and

can pursue Greek citizenship after 7

years along with tax incentives for new

residents Portugal's golden Visa

requires a minimum €250,000 investment

in arts and culture with investment

funds becoming the main option at

500,000 held typically for 6 to 10 years

golden Visa holders must spend only 7

days per year in Portugal residence

cards are renewed by any

and after 5 years eligibility for

citizenship

arises benefits include visa-free access

to shenen countries minimal residency

requirements and a quick path to EU

citizenship last but not least Italy's

golden Visa starts at

250,000 for investing in an Innovative

startup other investment routes are

500,000 in business1 million EUR in a

philanthropic organization or €2 million

EUR in government bonds residents perits

are initially valid for 2 years and can

be extended for three more key benefits

include visa-free shenen access

favorable tax conditions for new

residents and a pathway to Italian

citizenship in 10 years summing up the

most affordable golden visas come from

Dominica St Lucia and Antiga and Barbuda

where you can gain citizenship by

investing at least $200,000 as a

non-refundable contribution real estate

Investments of at least $200,000

offer a potential return in 3 to 5 years

while maintaining Visa status malta's

permanent residence program begins at

€150,000

requiring a 5-year property rental

Portugal Italy and Greece have the

lowest entry points for their golden

Visa programs among EU Nations that's it

for this episode about Golden visas and

passports visit immigrant invest.com for

detailed information about them or book

a meeting with immigrant invest lawyers

who can can help answer tricky questions

take the next step towards your Global

opportunities and secure your future

with immigrant invest and see you in the

next episodes of passport

talks you are listening to passport

talks a podcast on how to become a true

Cosmopolitan how to travel the world

without visas create a safe haven for

your family and access top-notch

education in healthcare with a second

passport or residency