You don’t need to be rich to hold a second passport anymore. Across the globe, smart travelers and everyday investors are quietly unlocking a world of freedom, where borders blur, taxes shrink, and tropical hideouts double as home.
These Golden Visa programs aren’t just for billionaires—they’re reshaping how regular people build safety nets, retire in style, or give their kids a brighter future. If you’ve ever dreamed of a plan B that feels like plan A, this list is your guide. The doors are open, and some won’t stay open forever. Let’s see where a signature (and some savings) could take you.
1. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa is often the first one people talk about—and for good reason. It offers more than just residency; it’s your backstage pass to the entire Schengen Zone. Through real estate investment, job creation, or capital transfer, Portugal opens its doors wide. And the best part? You only need to stay 7 days per year to maintain it. That’s right—7 days.
Many who take this path aren’t looking to move right away—they just want a Plan B, a warm place to retire, or a flexible future option. The lifestyle is hard to beat: sunny coastal towns, safe neighborhoods, incredible healthcare, and English is widely spoken. I’ve known expats who came “just to try it” and ended up staying for good.
Plus, after 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. And yes, that includes an EU passport.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: May, June, September (warm, fewer crowds)
- Minimum investment: €500,000 (real estate or investment funds)
- Processing time: 6–12 months
- EU benefits: Visa-free travel across Europe
- Path to citizenship: 5 years
2. Spain
Spain’s Golden Visa offers a mix of Mediterranean magic and legal clarity. By investing at least €500,000 in property, you and your family get full residency rights—including the ability to work and study in Spain. It’s a generous program with low physical presence requirements, too. Just one visit per year keeps your residency active.
What sets Spain apart? Cultural richness, world-class food, and cities that somehow blend modern energy with ancient architecture. You can be sipping wine in Barcelona one week, and hiking in the Pyrenees the next.
While Spanish citizenship takes 10 years, for many, the Golden Visa is less about a passport and more about freedom and quality of life. You get full access to Spain’s healthcare and education system, and eventually, EU mobility.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: April–June, September–October
- Minimum investment: €500,000 (real estate)
- Processing time: ~3 months
- Tax perks: Non-resident tax status available
- Path to citizenship: 10 years (2 years for some Latin American citizens)
3. Greece
Greece’s Golden Visa is one of the most affordable in Europe. With a real estate investment starting at just €250,000, it’s a budget-friendly gateway into the EU. And unlike many other countries, Greece allows remote work and rental income from your investment property—yes, even Airbnb.
The charm of Greece is something else entirely. I mean, sunsets over Santorini, lunch in a whitewashed cliffside café, weekend getaways to islands that seem frozen in time? It feels like a movie—but you’re in it.
And let’s not forget: you get residency for life as long as you keep the investment. There’s no minimum stay requirement, making it super flexible for digital nomads or investors.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: May, June, September
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (real estate)
- Processing time: 3–6 months
- EU benefits: Visa-free Schengen travel
- Path to citizenship: 7 years
4. Italy
Italy’s Golden Visa—formally the “Investor Visa for Italy”—feels like a gateway to la dolce vita. While it’s slightly less known than Portugal or Spain’s programs, it’s rising fast in popularity. You can qualify by investing in startups (€250K), companies (€ 500 K+), or government bonds (€2M). That’s right—Italy rewards innovation and capital.
Italy is more than pizza and opera—it’s a lifestyle with a legacy. Many families choose Italy for its family-friendly culture, superb education system, and the chance to live in everything from a Tuscan villa to a stylish Milan apartment.
It’s also a dream if you’re seeking citizenship by descent. Combine that with the visa, and you’re looking at a powerful, long-term European presence.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: April–June, September–October
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (startups)
- Processing time: 4–6 months
- Tax perks: Flat tax regime available
- Path to citizenship: 10 years
5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE might not offer you an EU passport, but it does offer a shot at wealth, tax-free living, and a 10-year renewable Golden Visa. Launched to attract talent and investors, this program allows residency for property investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and even outstanding students.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates give you world-class infrastructure, zero income tax, and unmatched business perks. You don’t even have to live there full-time. Many use this Golden Visa as a residency base while continuing to work internationally.
If you’re not dreaming of Europe but want global freedom, a UAE Golden Visa is pure strategic gold.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: November to March (cooler weather)
- Minimum investment: AED 2 million (~$545,000 real estate)
- Processing time: 2–4 weeks
- Tax benefits: No personal income tax
- Citizenship path: Limited, case-by-case
6. Malta
Malta is often called the “Rolls Royce” of Golden Visas, and for good reason—it’s one of the few that grants direct citizenship within 12–36 months. It’s not cheap, but if you’re serious about a second passport and want the perks of living and working across the EU, it delivers.
The program requires a mix of donations, real estate investment, and residency, making it more complex than others. But it comes with real benefits: Maltese citizenship equals EU citizenship, giving you access to countries like Germany, France, and beyond. And Malta itself? A stunning island nation with year-round sun, English as an official language, and a booming expat scene.
Many families and business owners choose Malta not just for mobility—but for a secure, high-quality lifestyle with low crime and strong healthcare.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: April–June, September–October
- Minimum investment: Around €690,000+ total package
- Processing time: 12–36 months (citizenship pathway)
- Language: English is widely spoken
- Citizenship path: Fast-track with investment + residency
7. Turkey
Turkey’s Golden Visa flies under the radar—but it shouldn’t. With a minimum real estate investment of just $400,000, it’s one of the most affordable and fast-track citizenship routes available in 2025. You can apply for full Turkish citizenship within months, and the process is refreshingly simple.
What’s cool about Turkey is its strategic location between Europe and Asia, its booming property market, and vibrant cities like Istanbul. From luxurious Bosphorus villas to coastal apartments in Antalya, the value for money here is wild.
Many investors also choose Turkey because it allows dual citizenship and offers a passport that gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries—not bad at all for under half a million bucks.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: May, June, September
- Minimum investment: $400,000 (real estate)
- Processing time: 3–6 months (citizenship granted)
- Citizenship path: Direct within months
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
8. Ireland
Ireland’s Golden Visa—officially the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)—is perfect for those who value education, language, and tech-driven opportunities. It’s designed for high-net-worth individuals who want EU residency via business, real estate, or philanthropic investment. The minimum? €1 million, held for at least three years.
What makes Ireland a dream choice is its English-speaking environment, proximity to the U.S., and thriving business climate, home to global giants like Google, Meta, and Apple. It’s a modern country that still keeps its rich heritage close, and the lifestyle is incredibly appealing for families.
The visa grants residency with minimal stay requirements, and while citizenship takes 5 years, Ireland’s high quality of life and strategic location make it a worthy contender.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: May–July
- Minimum investment: €1 million (business or fund)
- Processing time: 4–6 months
- Language: English
- Citizenship path: 5 years
9. Thailand
Thailand’s version of the Golden Visa is technically a long-term residency program, but for lifestyle lovers, it’s a golden opportunity. The Thailand Elite Residence Program offers 5 to 20-year visas, depending on your package, starting at just $25,000. It’s less about a passport and more about VIP lifestyle access.
Think fast-track immigration lines, airport pickups, concierge services, and extended visas without bureaucracy. You won’t get a Thai passport from it, but you’ll gain the freedom to live long-term in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or wherever your heart calls you.
Thailand’s low cost of living, exotic beauty, and vibrant expat hubs make it a favorite among retirees, remote workers, and digital nomads who want flexibility with flair.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: November–February (cool/dry season)
- Minimum investment: $25,000+ (membership fee)
- Processing time: 1–3 months
- Citizenship path: Not included
- Bonus: Airport lounges, concierge services, and healthcare discounts
10. Panama
Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa has evolved into a semi-Golden Visa that still offers a solid route to permanent residency and citizenship, especially for Westerners. With just a $200,000 real estate investment, you can gain permanent residency and apply for citizenship in 5 years.
Why Panama? It’s business-friendly, tax-efficient, and uses the U.S. dollar, which simplifies a lot. The expat community is strong, the healthcare is top-tier, and you can wake up to ocean views without burning through your savings.
For many, Panama is about freedom—low taxes, few restrictions, and a tropical lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s a quick flight from the U.S. or Canada, making it ideal for snowbirds and digital nomads alike.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: December–April (dry season)
- Minimum investment: $200,000 (real estate)
- Processing time: 3–6 months
- Tax perks: Territorial tax system
- Citizenship path: After 5 years
11. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis has mastered the art of fast-track citizenship. With a streamlined process and no residency requirement, this dual-island Caribbean nation lets you secure a passport in as little as 4 months—yes, seriously. All it takes is either a $250,000 donation or a $400,000 real estate investment.
This passport isn’t just pretty; it packs a punch, granting visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the EU, UK, and much of Latin America. And while you’re at it, why not enjoy the views? Think volcanic peaks, turquoise waters, and a calm island rhythm that money really can buy.
For entrepreneurs and freedom-seekers, this is more than a second passport. It’s a lifestyle switch, a tax-friendly escape, and an exit plan rolled into one. And yes, you can pass citizenship on to your kids.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: December–April (dry season)
- Minimum investment: $250,000 (donation) or $400,000 (real estate)
- Processing time: 3–4 months
- Citizenship perks: No physical residency required
- Dual citizenship: Allowed and encouraged
12. Antigua and Barbuda
Warm breezes, tax advantages, and one of the most affordable Golden Visas in the Caribbean—Antigua and Barbuda is quietly becoming the new darling of citizenship by investment. You can snag a passport for just a $100,000 donation or $200,000 in property, and like its neighbor, you won’t need to live there.
What makes Antigua different? Besides its 365 beaches (literally one for every day of the year), it also offers low-cost entry for families, making it a strong choice for those with kids. The passport includes visa-free travel to 150+ countries, and the process is smooth and straightforward.
Something is calming about Antigua. You’re not just investing in a passport—you’re buying access to a simpler, sunnier life that asks less and gives more. It’s a quiet flex with a tropical twist.
Other key info:
- Best months to visit: December–May (dry and breezy)
- Minimum investment: $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (property)
- Processing time: 3–5 months
- Residency requirement: Only 5 days in 5 years
- Citizenship perks: Family-friendly, tax-neutral environment
