The 15 Best Golden Visas for Americans to Live Abroad
- Golden visa programs in countries like Greece, Switzerland, and Italy offer residency or citizenship in exchange for financial investments, with options ranging from real estate to government bonds.
For many Americans, living abroad and exploring new locales outside the U.S. is a dream. While there are plenty of ways to experience life in another nation, one popular route is to establish a home in a second country through a golden visa. Golden visa programs offer foreigners a fast-track route to residency and sometimes even second citizenship in countries such as Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Malta. In exchange for a financial investment—from real estate to donations—applicants gain the right to live, work, and access healthcare. While some nations view golden visas with suspicion , Americans are flocking to them. In fact, interest in these residency-by-investment programs has surged over 1,000 percent in the last five years, according to Henley & Partners —especially among U.S. citizens. Here's a look at some of the most successful golden visa programs available.
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Greece
Greece's golden visa program offers residency to non-EU nationals who make qualifying investments. The most popular method is investing a minimum of €250,000 ($273,000) in real estate, though other options include investing in Greek businesses or government bonds. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and maintain the investment for a specified period. The visa allows for residency in Greece, with the potential for travel within the Schengen Area. Additionally, applicants must have health insurance and meet basic financial requirements to support themselves. After seven years, applicants may apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Switzerland
The Swiss Residence Program , also known as the golden visa, offers a pathway to residency through significant investments, including real estate, though property purchases alone do not grant residency or citizenship. To qualify, the main applicant must be over 18, not employed in Switzerland (though they can manage global investments), and agree to pay an annual lump-sum tax ranging from $300,000 to $1.2 million, plus a one-time application fee. The benefits of the program include the ability to live and study in Switzerland, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and access to high-quality living and education. After maintaining residency for 10 to 12 years, investors may be eligible to apply for Swiss citizenship.
Italy
To get Italy's Investor Visa , you'll need to make a qualifying investment. This could mean putting €500,000 ($546,501) into Italian businesses, €250,000 ($273,000) into a startup, €2 million ($2.1 million) in government bonds, or €1 million ($1 million) in charitable donations. The visa is valid for up to two years, with the option to renew. Plus, it can eventually lead to permanent residency or even citizenship after 10 years.
Portugal
Portugal's Golden Visa program no longer offers a path to residency through real estate investments. However, there are still other investment options available, including venture capital funds starting from €500,000 ($545,000) and cultural donations starting from €250,000 ($272,320). While the program remains popular, there has been a backlog in applications , leading to longer processing times. The visa grants residency for up to five years, and after that, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
U.K.
The U.K.'s previous golden visa program or Tier 1 Investor allowed high-net-worth individuals to gain residency with a £2 million ($2.5 million) investment. However, in 2025, new alternatives were introduced, including the U.K. Innovator Founder Program . This program offers residency to individuals who create innovative, scalable businesses. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, present a viable business idea with growth potential, and secure an endorsement from an approved body. They must also demonstrate sufficient funds to establish the business and have intermediate English skills. Successful innovators can bring their families and extend their stay after three years.
Australia
Australia recently ended its traditional golden visa program, which allowed high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country in exchange for permanent residency. In its place, the government introduced the National Innovation Visa , aimed at attracting talented entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors to boost Australia's economy and technological advancements. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a track record of innovation or business success, possess significant financial backing, and have a business plan that aligns with national priorities.
Canada
Canada's Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) was cancelled in 2014 , but the country offers immigration pathways for entrepreneurs, notably the Start-Up Visa Program . This program targets innovative business founders who can create jobs and compete globally. Applicants must secure support from a designated organization, meet language requirements, and have sufficient settlement funds. Those awaiting permanent residence may be eligible to work in Canada if their business provides significant economic benefits. While Canada lacks a specific golden visa, options like the Start-Up Visa Program offer opportunities for business-minded individuals.
Spain
Applications for Spain's Golden Visa program will be closing on April 3, 2025. The visa currently grants residency for up to three years, with renewals possible. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. To qualify, you'll need to invest at least €500,000 ($546,000) in real estate or choose other options like €1 million ($1 million) in Spanish businesses or €2 million ($2 million) in government bonds.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates' Golden Visa program grants a five- or 10-year residency with investments of at least AED 2 million (around $550,000) in real estate, or similar investments in a business, specialized talent, or public sector contribution. Holders will also be able to add family members of any age. Doctors, scientists, and engineers can also apply with specialized qualifications.
Hungary
Hungary's Golden Visa program allows third-country investors and their families to obtain a Guest Investor Residence Permit through two investment options. First, they can invest at least £250,000 ($323,000) in a real estate fund, with 40 percent of the fund's value invested in residential properties in Hungary. The investment must be held for a minimum of five years. Alternatively, investors can donate at least £1 million ($1.2 million) to a public trust institution supporting higher education. After three years of legal residence, investors can apply for permanent residency, with citizenship potentially available after eight years, subject to passing a cultural exam.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica's residence-by-investment program offers several pathways for potential residents. The Investor Residency category requires an investment of at least $150,000 in real estate, shares of an operational Costa Rican corporation, or the Costa Rican stock market. The Retired People category mandates a monthly pension of at least $1,000, sourced from a government or private entity. For the Fixed-Income Residency category, applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least $2,500 from investments or business activities. The country allows for residency after three years upon approval and potential pathways to citizenship after seven years.
Malta
The Malta Permanent Residence Program lets you live indefinitely in Malta and travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days every 180 days—without needing to make Malta your permanent home. To qualify, you'll need to invest in property worth $406,000 or sign a lease for $15,100 per year for five years, plus some additional fees and donations.
New Zealand
New Zealand is revamping its golden visa program to attract more wealthy investors. Starting April 1, the Active Investor Plus visa will be split into two categories: growth and balanced. The growth category requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million ($2.8 million) over three years, with just 21 days of stay in the country. The balanced category demands NZD 10 million ($5.7 million) over five years, with at least 105 days spent in New Zealand. Changes include removing the English-language test and offering more investment options.
Monaco
Residency in Monaco can be yours by depositing at least €500,000 ($545,000) into a Monaco bank account; however, the country doesn't technically have an official golden visa program. You'll also need to secure long-term accommodation, either through a rental or property purchase . While there's no set minimum for property investment, apartments start at about $1 million, with the most expensive home on the open market priced in excess of $40 million.
Thailand
Thinking of laying low like Greg (a.k.a. Gary) in season three of The White Lotus ? Thailand's Elite Visa program allows holders to access the country for up to 20 years with multiple entries, though you won't be considered a resident or offered citizenship. There's no minimum stay requirement, however, the program has different tiers at various price points. For example, fees for the five-year visa at the gold level start at 900,000 Thai Baht (about $20,000). The program provides visa-free travel within Thailand and access to exclusive services such as expedited immigration processing, concierge assistance, golf courses, and discounts at luxury hotels.
