While “Home” generally refers to an area defined within the restrictions of an individual’s native country, it can mean many things. For example, in the past few years, many Indian High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), along with international entrepreneurs, have begun pursuing global residency through Golden Visa programs (GVPs) that are available through investment from foreign nationals; this has resulted in an increase of interest in investing (GVP) in foreign countries in order to gain a second residency (and possible citizenship) through making an economic contribution to a foreign country where they may wish to reside long-term.
At the end of 2025, there were over 100 countries offering some form of residency/citizenship by investment legislation; however, only around 30 to 35 programmes are considered active & mainstream globally as Golden Visa by Investment Programs. With considerations such as tax optimisation, providing world-class education for their children, or simply having a “Plan B” in an unstable world, these programmes have become one of the most important tools for diversifying portfolios among India’s elite class.
What are Golden Visas by Investment Programs?
A Golden Visa is similar to a work or tourist visa with the exception that it allows the individual to establish residency in a foreign country based on an eligible investment. This investment could be in the form of real estate, the transfer of capital into an investment fund, purchasing government bonds or creating potential opportunities for locals.
For many Indian families, these types of visas provide an alternative safety net that protects them from political/economic turbulence and provides them with the potential for long-term residency and/or a pathway to citizenship.
Top Destinations: The Best Golden Visa Countries
When selecting the Best Golden Visa Countries, investors need to consider their future plans. Some investors will want to obtain immediate Citizenship, while others may want to take advantage of the “90/180-day” visa-free travel privilege inside the Schengen Area. Here is our list of preferred countries for the year 2025:
Greece: Overall, Greece continues to rank number one on the 2025 Global Residence Program Index. Despite a high level of demand, the Greece Golden Visa remains a top choice for many investors due to the lack of minimum stay requirements that can be obtained. The lowest investment is €250,000, which would be used for either the conversion of an existing property or for the restoration of a historic property; however, in prime real estate locations in Athens, the investment amount has recently increased up to €800,000.
Portugal: Long home to one of the most famous Golden Visa Programs, Portugal has transitioned away from real estate. Investors now secure residency through Investment Funds with a €500,000 contribution. It is highly valued for its low physical stay requirement just 7 days per year and a clear 5-year path to citizenship.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): Because of proximity to India and the tax-free environment in the UAE, the Golden Visa offered through the UAE has become extremely appealing to Indian nationals. Investors can obtain a 10-year renewable residency through a real estate investment of AED 2 million (approximately ₹ 4.5 crore).
Italy: As an up-and-coming destination for entrepreneurs, Italy has introduced a Residency by Investment option for Investment starting at €250,000 in Innovative Startups and €500,000 in Limited Companies with Full Schengen Access and Exceptional Quality of Life.
The main draw for Indian investors to European Golden Visas is because of the access to Schengen Zone countries. Having a residence permit from a country such as Greece or Portugal allows for travel between 29 different European countries without the need to apply for separate visas for business trips or family holidays.
Also, by utilising Golden Visa programmes for Indians, many Indian families have an opportunity to put their children into European universities. These universities typically offer lower tuition rates to EU residents, as well as job placement centre opportunities after graduation. There have been several changes to the Golden Visa programme for Indians in 2025; for example, Spain’s recent changes to restrict the real estate pathway in major cities vs. new competitive options from other European countries that are trying to attract Indian money through their Golden Visa programs.
Strategic Value of a Golden Investor Visa
Obtaining a Golden Visa by an Investment Program is more than just relocation; it is also about Wise Investment. For Indian entrepreneurs who operate within the International arena, it allows them to establish themselves legally within either the European Union or the Middle East as a means of aiding Trade and Protection of their Assets.
With the recent introduction of the U.S.A. Gold Card (“Gold Card”) Program ($1,000,000 Green Card), and the continued success of the EB-5 Program (from $800,000 dollar investments), the potential for Indian entrepreneurs continues to expand. The Golden Visa Program has become available to a significantly broader group of Indian Upper-Middle-Class Professionals and Successful Business Leaders, and the term “Golden Visa” is no longer synonymous with “Ultra Wealthy Individual”.
Comparing Investment Thresholds at a Glance
For those evaluating golden visas for Indians, the following investment levels represent the 2025 market standard. In Greece, the entry point remains at €250,000 for specialized real estate, while Portugal and Italy generally start at €500,000 and €250,000 (for startups) respectively. The UAE requires approximately ₹4.5 crore for its 10-year residency, and the United States’ popular EB-5 route requires $800,000 in targeted employment areas.
In the Caribbean, Golden visa programmes for Indians often lead directly to citizenship (Golden Passports) with lower thresholds, such as Dominica or St. Lucia, where contributions start around $200,000.
Your Global Journey Starts Here
International Law, Tax Implications, and Property Vetting are complicated; therefore it requires guidance from an experienced professional to successfully navigate. If you are pursuing the fastest method to obtain a European Passport or a stable Second Home in the UAE, Golden Visa by Investment Programs will create endless possibilities for your family’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can my family join me on a Golden Visa?
A: Yes, almost all Golden Visa by Investment Programs allow you to include your spouse and dependent children. Many programs, like those in Greece and Malta, also allow you to include dependent parents and even grandparents under the same application.
2. Do I have to live in the country to keep my Golden Visa?
A: It depends on the country. Countries like Greece, Spain, and the UAE have no “minimum stay” requirement to maintain residency. Portugal requires only 7 days per year. However, if your long-term goal is citizenship, you may need to demonstrate more permanent physical residency.
3. Is real estate still an option for the Portugal Golden Visa?
A: As of late 2025, direct real estate investment is no longer an option for the Portugal program. Investors now primarily use the €500,000 investment fund route or the €250,000 cultural donation route.
4. Which is the cheapest Golden Visa for Indians in Europe?
A: Greece currently offers the lowest entry point for European residency at €250,000 for specific property conversions. For those looking outside Europe, Caribbean citizenship programs start around $200,000.
5. How long does the application process take?
A: Processing times vary by jurisdiction. The UAE and Greece are relatively fast, often taking 3-6 months. In contrast, programs in Portugal or the USA (EB-5) can take 12 to 24 months due to high demand and rigorous vetting procedures.
