A Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that is granted to foreign investors and entrepreneurs in exchange for a significant investment in the country. Golden Visa programs are offered by a number of countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

The benefits of obtaining a Golden Visa vary from country to country, but they typically include the right to live and work in the country for an extended period of time, the ability to sponsor family members for residency, and the right to apply for citizenship after a certain period of time.

Who is eligible for a Golden Visa?

The eligibility requirements for a Golden Visa vary from country to country, but they typically include the following:

• You must personally own the money you wish to invest.
• Maintain the investment, for at least a minimally-required amount of time.
• Be able to prove you have acquired the money legally.
• Have a clear criminal background.
• You must have enough financial resources to sustain yourself and any family members that are coming with you – even if you do not intend to live there.

How to apply for a Golden Visa

The application process for a Golden Visa also varies from country to country, but it typically involves the following steps:

1. Gather the required documentation.
2. Submit your application to the relevant government agency.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Attend an interview, if required.
5. Wait for a decision on your application.

Golden Visa benefits

The benefits of obtaining a Golden Visa vary from country to country, but they typically include the following:

• The right to live and work in the country for an extended period of time.
• The ability to sponsor family members for residency.
• The right to apply for citizenship after a certain period of time.
• Access to high-quality education and healthcare.
• Freedom to travel and live anywhere in the world.

Golden Visa drawbacks

There are a few drawbacks to consider before applying for a Golden Visa, including the following:

• The investment threshold required to obtain a Golden Visa can be quite high.
• The application process can be complex and time-consuming.
• There is no guarantee that your application will be approved.
• Some Golden Visa programs have strict residency requirements.

Do the same condition applied to family members?

Yes, in most cases, a Golden Visa or Passport is issued to the main investor, as well as their immediate family members (spouse and children).

Which EU countries offer golden visas and investment schemes?

EU countries that offer Golden Visas, Golden Passports, and other residency-by-investment schemes are:

• Spain
• Portugal
• Greece
• Italy
• Malta
• Switzerland
• Austria
• Belgium
• Germany
• Bulgaria
• Ireland

	Portugal	Spain	Greece	Malta	Bulgaria
Minimum investment	€300,000	€550,000	€500,000	€600,000	€510,000
Investment options	Real estate, investment fund, or capital transfer.	Real estate, the Spanish public debt, or company investment.	Real estate, capital transfer, or investment bonds.	National development fund.	Private equity funds, venture capital funds, real estate investment companies, stocks/shares.
Residency requirements to renew  residence permit	Seven to fourteen days per year.	No residency requirements	No residency requirements.	No residency requirements.	No residency requirements.
Citizenship	After 5 years. No residency requirements.	After 10 years of residency.	After 7 years of residency.	After 1 year of residency.	After 24 years. No residency requirements.
Family members included	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Investment holding time	At least five years.	At least five years.	At least five years.	At least five years.	4 – 6 years, depending on the investment.
Visa-free travel to EU/Schengen Zone	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Overall, Golden Visas can be a great way to obtain long-term residency in a new country and enjoy a number of benefits. However, it is important to carefully consider the eligibility requirements, application process, and potential drawbacks before applying for a Golden Visa.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when considering a Golden Visa program:

• Compare the different Golden Visa programs that are available to you. Consider the investment threshold, residency requirements, and other factors before making a decision.
• Get professional advice from an immigration lawyer or consultant. They can help you to determine your eligibility and choose the right Golden Visa program for your needs.
• Be prepared to provide all of the required documentation and meet all of the eligibility requirements.
• Be patient. The application process can take several months or even years.

If you are interested in obtaining a Golden Visa, I encourage you to do your research and consult with a professional.