A golden visa is a residence permit offered by a nation to people who submit a qualifying investment, which could be sums put in real estate, government bonds, or local businesses. In return, the country’s
government and travel authorities issue the concerned individual a permit to live, work, study, and access healthcare.
The golden visa residency permit differs from citizenship by investment. While it gives an individual residency rights and a green signal to work and live, no passport is issued alongside it. Citizenship by investment comes with full citizenship rights and a passport. In some countries, their visa programs allow you to apply for citizenship after living there for a certain number of years.
People seek the golden visa as it gives them flexibility and security. A golden visa eases international travel, makes schooling and healthcare more accessible and opens up new business opportunities. It also provides a backup plan amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties. According to Henley & Partners’ data as of August 2025, here are some of the countries in the world that may offer you a golden visa as an Indian at varying investment charges.
Mauritius
Upon acquiring the golden visa, the residency applies to the entire family, including spouse, parents and children up to the age of 24. You get access to real estate, business investment, or professional activity and a long-term residence validity. Aspiring Indians require USD50,000 (Rs 43.7 lakh) worth of minimum investment in a company or professional activity.
Austria
The country has a private residence program. The visa opens doors to establish residence as a person of independent means. Visa holders also get visa-free travel access to all the European Schengen Area states and a possible citizenship eligibility after 10 years of residence. Aspirants must put in a minimum of EUR50,000 (Rs51.1 lakh) in liquid funds for the investment visa.
United Kingdom
The UK’s innovator founder visa gives golden visa holders a path to permanent residence after 3 years. You and your family, including spouse and dependent children, get the clearance to live and work anywhere in the United Kingdom. Minimum investment: GBP50,000 (Rs59.1 lakh) in a new, viable business endorsed by a UK-approved body.
Canada
The North American country has a startup visa program. Visa holders can live, work, and retire anywhere in Canada. No age restrictions are enforced and no higher education is required. The visa opens path to citizenship after three years. You will require a minimum investment of CAD295,734 (Rs 1.8 crore).
Malaysia
For a golden visa, you need a minimum investment of MYR1 million (Rs2 crore) in a local fixed deposit. The pros include a 20-year residence visa, which is renewable for the next 20 years. No age restrictions apply on the main applicant. The visa covers spouse, parents, parents-in-law, and unmarried children under 21.
Switzerland
The Swiss Residence Program gives golden visa holders access to top-quality living, education, and healthcare in one of the world’s most stable economies. Minimum investment: CHF200,000 (Rs2.18 crore) annual lump-sum tax to a Swiss canton.
UAE
The Middle East nation’s Golden Visa Program gives you a 5-10-year renewable long-term residence. Those eyeing business opportunities will get to invest in the world’s fastest-growing financial hubs. Minimum investment: AED1 million (Rs2.3 crore) in property (for 5-year visa, age 55+).
Greece
Visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area and an unlimited expiry date of the residence permit alongside citizenship eligibility (after 7+ years). You need to put in a minimum investment of EUR250,000 (Rs2.5 crore) in real estate, according to Greece’s Golden Visa Program.
Italy
Italy’s investor visa program offers visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area, residence amid its rich cultural heritage and global industries, and citizenship eligibility after 10+ years under special conditions. Applicants require a minimum investment of EUR250,000 (Rs2.5 crore) in an innovative start-up.
Portugal
You need a minimum investment of EUR250,000 (Rs2.5 crore) in cultural/artistic support or heritage preservation. Applicants receive visa-free travel in Europe’s Schengen Area, apart from the permit to live, work, and study in Portugal. Citizenship eligibility is attained (dual and multiple citizenships) after five years.
USA
The golden visa acquired via America’s EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program acts as a green card for the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21. It is a pathway to citizenship in the country. You will need a minimum investment of USD800,000 (Rs 7 crore) in a targeted employment area.
New Zealand
The residency program benefits the applicant’s spouse and dependent children up to age 24 as well. You get permanent residence through approved investments. A minimum investment of NZD5 million (Rs 25.7 crore) in approved managed funds or business investments (growth category) is required.
Hong Kong
Applicants will access long-term residency in one of Asia’s leading business hubs at a minimum investment of HKD30 million (Rs 33.7 crore)
Singapore
Its global investor program gives a pathway to permanent residency and access to a stable economy and a flourishing business hub. You can relocate your family and enjoy various tax incentives. Minimum investment? SGD10 million (Rs 68.2 crore) in a new/existing Singapore business that has at least 30 employees.
