Golden Visas: Your Guide to Cheapest Residency and Citizenship Options

Are you considering settling in a new country? While job offers and university admissions are common paths, there’s another exciting option: Golden Visas. These visas offer you flexible access to a new homeland, often with enticing benefits like extended visa-free stays and even the potential to become a citizen.

What is a Golden Visa?

A golden visa is a type of residency permit that is granted to investors who meet certain financial requirements. Golden visas are often seen as a way to fast-track residency or citizenship in a new country, and they can offer a number of benefits, such as:

• The right to live and work in the country
• Visa-free travel to other countries
• Access to healthcare and education
• The possibility of citizenship after a certain period of time

How much does a Golden Visa cost?

The cost of a golden visa varies depending on the country. However, there are a number of countries that offer golden visas for relatively low investment amounts.

Cheapest Golden Visa Options

Contrary to the misconception that they are exclusively for the wealthy elite, several countries offer citizenship and residence through affordable investments.

These golden opportunities are available to qualified individuals, including those with specialized talents that can contribute to their new nation’s growth. The best part? Some golden visas require no minimum investment, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Here is a list of the cheapest golden visa options available to Indians, and other nationals;

1. Antigua and Barbuda

Known for its stunning beaches and tropical climate, Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean paradise that offers citizenship and the opportunity to include family members.

• Investment: $100,000 (Rs82,93,995)
• Benefits: Obtain citizenship for yourself, your spouse, children under 31, parents, grandparents aged 55+, and unmarried siblings.
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2. Dominica

Dominica, often called the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” is famous for its lush rainforests and pristine natural beauty. It offers citizenship by investment and the option of dual citizenship.

• Investment: $100,000 (Rs82,93,995)
• Benefits: Gain citizenship for yourself, your spouse, unmarried children under 31, parents, grandparents aged 65+, citizenship by descent, and the right to dual citizenship.
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3. St Lucia

St Lucia, another Caribbean gem, boasts picturesque landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Its golden visa program extends citizenship privileges to family members.

• Investment: $100,000 (Rs82,93,995)
• Benefits: Secure citizenship for yourself, your spouse, children under 31, siblings under 18, and parents aged 55+, along with the right to dual citizenship.
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4. Hong Kong

As a vibrant global financial hub, Hong Kong provides residence opportunities without a minimum investment, making it an attractive option for professionals and entrepreneurs.

• No minimum investment is required.
• Benefits: Obtain residence rights for your spouse and unmarried children under 18, with work and study options based on your chosen residence scheme.
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5. Montenegro

Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline and historic towns are captivating. With no minimum investment requirement, it offers a path to permanent residence within five years.

• No minimum investment is required.
• Benefits: Eligibility to apply for permanent residence after just five years.
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6. Thailand

Thailand’s golden visa program provides a minimum stay-free residence option with exclusive services, making it an enticing choice for those seeking to live in Southeast Asia.

• Investment: ฿600,000 (Rs13,76,352)
• Benefits: Enjoy residence status without a minimum stay requirement, along with exclusive services such as a dedicated personal assistant, international flight assistance, lounge access, and a 24-hour member contact centre.
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7. Austria

Austria, known for its stunning Alpine landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a golden visa with the potential for citizenship eligibility after a decade of residence.

• Investment: €40,000 (Rs35,35,440)
• Benefits: Gain the right to free movement within Austria, the European Union, and the Schengen Area, with the possibility of citizenship eligibility after a decade of residence.
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8. Latvia

Latvia provides visa-free access to the Schengen Area and a path to citizenship after ten years of residence, making it a gateway to Europe’s diverse culture.

• Investment: €60,000 (Rs53,03,160)
• Benefits: Secure visa-free access to the Schengen Area, eligibility for residence permit renewal without a minimum stay, and the potential for citizenship after ten years of residence.
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9. Panama

Panama offers residence rights to a wide range of family members, making it an attractive choice for those looking to settle in Central America.

• Investment: $100,000 (Rs82,93,995)
• Benefits: Obtain residence rights for your spouse, children under 18, single children aged 18-25 as full-time students, differently-abled children of any age, and parents of any age.
• Learn More

10. United Kingdom

The UK’s Innovative Founder visa allows individuals to build innovative businesses while enjoying the prospect of permanent residence and bringing family members.

• No minimum investment is required. Requires £1,270 (Rs1,28,989) in a bank account for 28 days before applying for the Innovative Founder visa, along with an innovative, scaling business endorsed by an authorized endorsing body.
• Benefits: Eligibility for permanent residence after three years and the right to bring family as dependents.
• Learn More

11. Canada

Known for its natural beauty and multicultural society, Canada offers various pathways to citizenship, including options for entrepreneurs and investors.

• No minimum investment required for business incubation; CAD75,000 (Rs46,12,037) from an angel investment group; innovative startup business support from a designated organization; CAD13,757 (Rs8,46,013) for self-sustenance.
• Benefits: Eligibility for citizenship after three years of permanent residence.
• Learn More

Benefits of Golden Visas

Golden visas can offer a number of benefits to holders, including:

The right to live and work in the country: Golden visas typically grant holders the right to live and work in the country where the visa is issued. This can be a great way to expand your career opportunities or to start your own business.

Visa-free travel to other countries: Many golden visa programs also allow holders to travel visa-free to other countries. This can make it much easier and less expensive to travel internationally.

Access to healthcare and education: Golden visa holders often have access to healthcare and education on the same terms as citizens of the country where the visa is issued. This can be a significant benefit, especially for families with children.

The possibility of citizenship after a certain period of time: Some golden visa programs allow holders to apply for citizenship after a certain period of time. This can be a great way to obtain citizenship in a new country, especially if you plan to live and work there for an extended period of time.