Investment Programs That Include Work Rights

Not all investment migration programs include the right to work. Some residency permits are explicitly non-working (Greece Golden Visa, Spain NLV, most Mauritius visas). Others grant full employment and business rights from day one. For investors who plan to be economically active in their new country, work rights are non-negotiable. This page lists every active program that includes work authorization.

Programs

39

Countries

35

Types

CBI & RBI

From

Income-based

Key Takeaways

  • 39 of 58 active programs include work rights
  • All CBI programs grant full work rights through citizenship
  • Portugal Golden Visa, Italy Investor Visa, and Hungary Golden Visa include RBI work rights
  • Greece Golden Visa notably excludes work rights despite being one of the most popular programs

All Programs at a Glance

Sorted by minimum investment. Click any country to explore in detail.

Country Program Type Min. Investment Processing Citizenship Path
🇵🇹 Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa RBI Income-based 3 months 5 years
🇪🇸 Spain Digital Nomad Visa RBI Income-based 1-3 months 10 years
🇭🇷 Croatia Temporary Residence for Business Activity RBI Income-based 1-3 months 8 years (5 years continuous residence + 3 years permanent residence)
🇦🇺 Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV) RBI Income-based 12-24 months 4 years (after PR)
🇿🇦 South Africa Critical Skills Visa RBI Income-based 4-8 weeks 10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship)
🇲🇺 Mauritius Occupation Permit (Investor / Self-Employed) RBI $50,000 2-3 months No direct path
🇱🇻 Latvia Golden Visa RBI €50,000 1-3 months 10 years (PR after 4 years)
🇵🇾 Paraguay Investor Residency (SUACE) RBI $70,000 1-3 months 3 years
🇳🇷 Nauru NECRCP (Climate Resilience Citizenship) CBI $90,000 3-6 months Direct
🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment CBI $90,000 2-3 months Direct
🇰🇭 Cambodia Cambodia My Second Home (CM2H) RBI $100,000 4-6 months 5 years (by naturalization under 1996 Nationality Law)
🇸🇱 Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment CBI $100,000 2-3 months Direct
🇻🇺 Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) CBI $130,000 1-3 months Direct
🇩🇲 Dominica Citizenship by Investment CBI $200,000 3-4 months Direct
🇵🇦 Panama Friendly Nations Visa RBI $200,000 3-6 months 5 years
🇲🇾 Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) RBI $215,000 4-6 weeks No direct path
🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment CBI $230,000 3-6 months Direct
🇬🇩 Grenada Citizenship by Investment CBI $235,000 4-6 months Direct
🇱🇨 St Lucia Citizenship by Investment CBI $240,000 3-4 months Direct
🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment CBI $250,000 3-6 months Direct
🇮🇹 Italy Investor Visa RBI €250,000 3-6 months 10 years
🇪🇬 Egypt Citizenship by Investment CBI $250,000 6-12 months Direct
🇭🇺 Hungary Guest Investor Program (Golden Visa) RBI €250,000 3-6 months 8 years + language exam
🇧🇿 Belize Investor Residency RBI $250,000 3-6 months 5 years
🇮🇩 Indonesia Golden Visa RBI $350,000 1-3 months No direct path
🇲🇺 Mauritius Residence via Property (IRS / RES / PDS / SCS) RBI $375,000 2-4 months No direct path
🇹🇷 Turkey Citizenship by Investment CBI $400,000 6-12 months Direct
🇯🇴 Jordan Citizenship by Investment CBI $490,000 3-6 months Direct
🇵🇹 Portugal Golden Visa (ARI) RBI €500,000 12-18 months 5 years
🇹🇭 Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR) RBI $500,000 2-3 months No direct path
🇧🇬 Bulgaria Investor Residence Permit RBI €512,000 3-6 months 5 years (PR), then citizenship after additional residency
🇺🇸 United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program RBI $800,000 12-24 months 5 years (after green card)
🇲🇾 Malaysia MM2H Platinum RBI $1,000,000 3 months No direct path
🇸🇻 El Salvador Freedom Visa (Bitcoin Passport) CBI $1,000,000 2-3 months Direct
🇦🇪 UAE Golden Visa RBI AED2,000,000 1-3 months No direct path (UAE does not offer CBI)
🇳🇿 New Zealand Active Investor Plus RBI NZD 5,000,000 6-12 months 5 years
🇿🇦 South Africa Business/Investment Visa RBI ZAR 5,000,000 3-12 months 10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship)
🇸🇬 Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP) RBI SGD 10,000,000 6-12 months 2 years (eligible to apply after PR)
🇭🇰 Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) RBI HKD 30,000,000 6-12 months 7 years (permanent residency)

Explore Each Program

Detailed cards with investment requirements, timelines, and key benefits.

Portugal

D7 Passive Income Visa

Residency

Income-based

Proof of passive income (approx. €900/month minimum)

Processing

3 months

Stay Requirement

183+ days/year

Visa Duration

2 years (renewable)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

5 years

Visa-Free Countries

191

  • No investment required, income-based
  • Pension income accepted
  • Must reside in Portugal
Spain

Digital Nomad Visa

Residency

Income-based

No investment. Must demonstrate remote employment or freelance activity for a non-Spanish company, with minimum income of approximately €2,520/month (200% IPREM).

Processing

1-3 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside in Spain

Visa Duration

1 year visa, then 3-year residence permit (renewable)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

10 years

Visa-Free Countries

191

  • Beckham Law eligible: 24% flat tax on Spanish-source income for first 6 years
  • No investment required, income-based qualification
  • Full Schengen access
Croatia

Temporary Residence for Business Activity

Residency

Income-based

Company registration in Croatia or appointment as director/board member. No minimum capital requirement for d.o.o. (LLC equivalent).

Processing

1-3 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside in Croatia

Visa Duration

1 year (renewable annually, leads to permanent residence after 5 years)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

8 years (5 years continuous residence + 3 years permanent residence)

Visa-Free Countries

188

  • EU + Schengen + Eurozone access from 2023
  • Actual path to Croatian (EU) citizenship via 8-year integration
  • Full work rights, unlike the Digital Nomad Visa
Australia

National Innovation Visa (NIV)

Residency

Income-based

No minimum investment threshold. Invitation-only based on exceptional achievement and recognised contribution to innovation, research, entrepreneurship, investment, sport, or arts. Must submit Expression of Interest (EOI); Department issues invitations. State nomination required for most streams.

Processing

12-24 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside in Australia

Visa Duration

Permanent (direct PR)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

4 years (after PR)

Visa-Free Countries

189

  • Merit-based, not investment-based — no minimum capital threshold
  • Grants permanent residence directly, not a provisional visa
  • Highly selective: ~300 invitations issued from 9,000+ EOIs as of 2025
South Africa

Critical Skills Visa

Residency

Income-based

No investment. Must hold qualifications in a gazetted critical skill (engineering, IT, finance, healthcare, etc.).

Processing

4-8 weeks

Stay Requirement

Must reside and work in South Africa

Visa Duration

5 years (renewable, leads to PR)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship)

Visa-Free Countries

106

  • No investment required, skills-based entry
  • Fast processing (4-8 weeks typical)
  • Full work rights from day one
Mauritius

Occupation Permit (Investor / Self-Employed)

Residency

$50,000

Investor route: $50,000 USD equity in a Mauritian business or annual business turnover of $50K+. Self-Employed route: $35,000+ annual revenue from a Mauritian professional activity. Issued for 3 years, renewable, convertible to permanent residence after 3 years of active operation.

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

Active business or professional operation in Mauritius

Visa Duration

3 years (renewable, PR after 3 years active)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

148

  • Lowest capital threshold for Mauritius residency via active business
  • Self-employed professionals qualify at $35K annual revenue
  • Converts to permanent residence after 3 years of active operation
Latvia

Golden Visa

Residency

€50,000

Real estate: €250K+ in Riga or within 30km (freehold, 5-year hold, +5% government fee). Business: €50K into Latvian company (<50 employees) or €100K (50+ employees), plus €10K government fee. Bank deposit: €280K fixed for 5 years. Income proof: €2,220/month required.

Processing

1-3 months

Stay Requirement

Must maintain investment

Visa Duration

5 years (renewable)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

10 years (PR after 4 years)

Visa-Free Countries

188

  • Lowest EU Golden Visa business investment route at €50K
  • Corporate tax on distributed profits only — reinvested profits untaxed
  • Permanent residency available after 4 years
Paraguay

Investor Residency (SUACE)

Residency

$70,000

$70K bank deposit or business investment.

Processing

1-3 months

Stay Requirement

Minimal

Visa Duration

Permanent

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

3 years

Visa-Free Countries

143

  • Fastest citizenship in South America — 3 years from permanent residency
  • $70K investment threshold — lowest in the Americas for a PR+citizenship path
  • Flat 10% territorial tax — no tax on foreign income whatsoever
Nauru

NECRCP (Climate Resilience Citizenship)

Citizenship

$90,000

$90,000 standard contribution to Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Programme. Promotional rate of $80,000 available through June 2026.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

48

  • Direct citizenship from $90K standard ($80K promotional through June 2026)
  • Zero-tax jurisdiction: no income, corporate, capital gains, or VAT
  • Only 48 countries visa-free — chosen for cost diversification, not mobility
São Tomé and Príncipe

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$90,000

$90K donation to National Transformation Fund (single applicant). $95K for families of 2-4. Total cost with fees ~$105K.

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

61

  • Cheapest CBI program globally ($90K)
  • Fastest processing (as little as 6 weeks)
  • CPLP member: fast-track to Portuguese/Brazilian residency
Cambodia

Cambodia My Second Home (CM2H)

Residency

$100,000

$100K+ in approved real estate project (government-approved developments only, including residential and mixed-use in Phnom Penh). Includes KHCA membership fee. Total cost typically $50K–$100K depending on chosen project. Work rights included from day one.

Processing

4-6 months

Stay Requirement

Minimal

Visa Duration

10 years

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

5 years (by naturalization under 1996 Nationality Law)

Visa-Free Countries

54

  • USD de facto currency — eliminates exchange rate risk for dollar investors
  • Citizenship eligible after 5 years — fastest path to SE Asian passport
  • Work rights included — unlike some competing programs
Sierra Leone

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$100,000

$100K Heritage track (African descent) or $140K standard track contribution. Total cost with fees approximately $117K–$157K depending on track.

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

64

  • Two tracks: $100K Heritage (African descent) or $140K standard
  • Fully remote, no visit required
  • Fast processing (2 months)
Vanuatu

Development Support Program (DSP)

Citizenship

$130,000

$130K government contribution (single applicant). Additional fees for family members.

Processing

1-3 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

89

  • World's fastest CBI (approvals routinely in 30-60 days, some in 3 weeks)
  • Zero-tax jurisdiction: no income, corporate, capital gains, or inheritance tax
  • Schengen access revoked March 2022; UK requires a Standard Visitor visa
Dominica

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$200,000

$200K donation to Economic Diversification Fund or $200K+ real estate (3-year hold).

Processing

3-4 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

145

  • Most affordable CBI globally
  • No residency or visit requirement
  • No interview required
Panama

Friendly Nations Visa

Residency

$200,000

$200K+ in Panamanian real estate or 3-year Certificate of Deposit in a Panamanian bank. Alternatively, employment with a Panamanian company qualifies. Provisional residency within ~72 hours, permanent residency after 2 years. Available to 50+ eligible nationalities including US, UK, EU, and most Commonwealth countries.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Visit every 2 years

Visa Duration

Permanent Residence

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

5 years

Visa-Free Countries

143

  • Territorial tax — zero tax on all foreign-source income
  • USD-based economy — no currency risk for dollar-denominated wealth
  • Provisional residency granted in ~72 hours
Malaysia

Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

Residency

$215,000

RM 1,000,000 fixed deposit in Malaysian bank (approx. USD 215K; up to 50% withdrawable after 6 months for approved uses). Requires RM 40K/month offshore income and proof of RM 10M+ in global assets. No property purchase required.

Processing

4-6 weeks

Stay Requirement

None specified

Visa Duration

20 years (5-year renewal cycles)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

180

  • No property purchase required — only Malaysia program with this
  • Full work, business, and directorship rights
  • 20-year renewable visa with 4-6 week processing
Antigua and Barbuda

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$230,000

$230K donation to National Development Fund (covers family of up to 4 at same price, unique among Caribbean CBI). Or $260K University of the West Indies Fund (family of up to 6, one member enrolled, inclusive of processing fees). Or $300K+ real estate (5-year hold, joint investment option: two families invest $200K each in same property). Or $1.5M direct business investment.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

5 days in first 5 years

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

154

  • Family of 4 covered at same $230K donation price (best family value in Caribbean CBI)
  • Only Caribbean CBI with any residency requirement (just 5 days in 5 years)
  • UK access via Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, £20, valid 2 years)
Grenada

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$235,000

$235K donation to National Transformation Fund (single applicant or family of up to 4), or $270K+ shared real estate (+$50K NTF), or $350K+ sole ownership real estate (+$50K NTF).

Processing

4-6 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

147

  • E-2 treaty with US (can apply for US investor visa)
  • Only Caribbean CBI with US E-2 access
  • Visa-free access to China and Russia
St Lucia

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$240,000

$240K donation to National Economic Fund (single applicant; $300K for family of 4). Or $300K+ approved real estate (5-year hold). Or $300K+ government bond (non-interest-bearing, 5-year hold, plus administration fee set by the CIU). Or enterprise investment from $3.5M (3+ jobs created).

Processing

3-4 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

144

  • UK: full Standard Visitor visa required (added to UK visa national list April 2026)
  • Schengen visa-free; 144 countries total (Henley March 2026)
  • Only Caribbean CBI with a capital-recoverable bond route
St Kitts and Nevis

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$250,000

$250K Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC, flat rate for family of up to 4). Real estate: $325K+ (Developer's Real Estate, 7-year hold) or $600K+ (Private Real Estate, 7-year hold).

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

None (genuine-link due diligence required)

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

157

  • No mandatory physical residency requirement for citizenship
  • Genuine-link principle enforced: enhanced due diligence, background checks, no illicit ties (CARICOM 2024 agreement)
  • Oldest CBI program (since 1984)
Italy

Investor Visa

Residency

€250,000

€250K in qualifying innovative startup (registered, <5 years old, <€5M revenue), €500K in Italian company (SME or larger), €1M philanthropic donation, or €2M in government bonds. Startup route is most popular entry point.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Must maintain Italian tax residency (183+ days/year or centre of vital interests in Italy)

Visa Duration

2 years (renewable)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

10 years

Visa-Free Countries

191

  • Lowest EU investor visa entry point at €250K (startup route)
  • Flat tax regime: €300K/year on all foreign income (up to 15 years)
  • Path to EU citizenship and passport after 10 years
Egypt

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$250,000

$250K+ real estate or $300K+ government treasury deposit (refundable after 5 years).

Processing

6-12 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

53

  • Affordable entry point for CBI
  • Property investment qualifies
  • Treasury deposit is refundable
Hungary

Guest Investor Program (Golden Visa)

Residency

€250,000

€250K in HNB-approved residential real estate fund (40%+ of NAV in Hungarian residential property, 5-year minimum hold). Or €1M non-refundable donation to a public interest trust supporting Hungarian higher education. Direct real estate route removed January 2025.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Must maintain investment

Visa Duration

10 years (renewable)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

8 years + language exam

Visa-Free Countries

188

  • Lowest-cost EU Golden Visa entry point at €250K (fund route)
  • 10-year renewable permit — longest duration in EU
  • Flat 15% personal income tax, 9% corporate tax (lowest in EU)
Belize

Investor Residency

Residency

$250,000

$250K+ real estate investment.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Approximately 1 visit per year (not strictly quantified in statute)

Visa Duration

Permanent

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

5 years

Visa-Free Countries

96

  • Only English-speaking country in Central America — common law legal system
  • No capital gains tax on any asset class
  • Territorial tax — all foreign income exempt
Indonesia

Golden Visa

Residency

$350,000

Passive investor (individual): $350K for 5-year visa or $700K+ for 10-year visa in government bonds, public company shares, or bank deposits. Entrepreneur (establishing company): $2.5M (5-year) or $5M (10-year). No property purchase option — financial instruments only.

Processing

1-3 months

Stay Requirement

No physical presence requirement

Visa Duration

5-10 years

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

78

  • No residency requirement — full 5 or 10-year validity without presence
  • Entry-level passive investor route starts at $350K (5-year)
  • 5-year visa upgradeable to 10-year by meeting higher threshold
Mauritius

Residence via Property (IRS / RES / PDS / SCS)

Residency

$375,000

$375,000+ in an approved Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS), or Smart City Scheme (SCS) property. Grants permanent residence directly on purchase, covering the investor and immediate family. Government tax of $70K applies for IRS specifically. Registration duty and land transfer tax rising from 5% to 10% from July 2026. 85% of purchase price must be paid in Mauritius rupees (from December 2024).

Processing

2-4 months

Stay Requirement

None (PR is granted regardless of physical presence)

Visa Duration

Permanent Residence

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

148

  • Permanent residence granted directly on property purchase, no separate application
  • 15% flat tax on all income; no capital gains, no inheritance, no wealth tax
  • 45+ double taxation treaties, premier Africa/India investment holding jurisdiction
Turkey

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$400,000

Property purchase ($400K+) or bank deposit ($500K+) or government bonds ($500K+).

Processing

6-12 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

118

  • Strategic location (Europe/Asia bridge)
  • E-2 treaty with US
  • Property can be sold after 3 years
Jordan

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship

$490,000

Framework reformed July 2025; all passive treasury-bond routes eliminated. Five active citizenship routes (thresholds in JOD; approximate USD conversions at 2026 rates): Existing Project retroactive recognition JOD 350K-700K (~USD 490K-990K); New Project with 10-20 Jordanian jobs JOD 500K-700K (~USD 700K-990K); Share Purchase in Jordanian companies JOD 1M (~USD 1.4M, 3-year profit lock-up); Sector-Specific in pharmaceuticals/logistics/priority sectors up to JOD 3M (~USD 4.2M); Employment-Only (no capital floor) with 100-150 Jordanian national hires. Annual cap of 500 approvals across all routes.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

None specified

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

51

  • July 2025 reform eliminated all passive routes; citizenship now requires active investment or job creation
  • Approximately 51 countries visa-free (Henley 2026), chosen for regional business access, not mobility
  • Dual citizenship recognised (no renunciation of existing nationality required)
Portugal

Golden Visa (ARI)

Residency

€500,000

Qualifying investment fund (€500K min, 60%+ allocated to Portugal-based companies, 5-year lock-up). Also: €250,000 standard contribution to Portuguese cultural heritage, artistic production, or national scientific research (Law 56/2023). Reduced to €200,000 for projects in low-population-density regions including Azores, Madeira, and interior NUTS III areas. €1.5M capital transfer. Job creation (10 positions). Property route closed Oct 2023.

Processing

12-18 months

Stay Requirement

7 days/year average

Visa Duration

2 years (renewable)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

5 years

Visa-Free Countries

191

  • Only 7 days/year physical presence required
  • Path to EU passport in 5 years — one of Europe's fastest
  • IFICI flat tax regime (20% on qualifying PT income, 10 years)
Thailand

Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)

Residency

$500,000

Wealthy Global Citizen: $1M+ in assets with $500K invested in Thai government bonds, real estate, or FDI. Income requirement removed for this category since Feb 2025. Wealthy Pensioner: $1M assets or $80K/year income. Work-from-Thailand professional: $80K/year income, 5 years experience.

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

Annual reporting (vs 90-day reporting for standard visas)

Visa Duration

10 years

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

79

  • Four distinct categories — wealthy global citizen, pensioner, remote worker, skilled professional
  • Flat 17% income tax rate for qualifying work-from-Thailand holders
  • Foreign income brought into Thailand exempt from Thai personal income tax
Bulgaria

Investor Residence Permit

Residency

€512,000

€512K+ investment in Bulgarian government bonds, business, or designated projects.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Must maintain investment

Visa Duration

1 year (renewable, PR after 5 years)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

5 years (PR), then citizenship after additional residency

Visa-Free Countries

175

  • Lowest flat tax in the EU — 10% personal and 10% corporate
  • Joined Air Schengen 2024 — full land border Schengen access pending
  • EU citizenship path — one of Europe's lowest-cost routes to an EU passport
United States

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Residency

$800,000

$800K in targeted employment area (TEA) or $1.05M standard. Must create/preserve 10+ full-time jobs.

Processing

12-24 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside in US

Visa Duration

Green card (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

5 years (after green card)

Visa-Free Countries

186

  • Only investment route to a US green card and eventual citizenship
  • TEA threshold: $800K (vs $1.05M standard) — most invest through regional centres
  • US taxes worldwide income permanently from green card issuance — irreversible
Malaysia

MM2H Platinum

Residency

$1,000,000

USD 1,000,000 fixed deposit in Malaysian bank (approx. RM 4.4M-4.7M depending on exchange rate) + mandatory property purchase RM 2M+ + participation fee RM 200K. Proof of RM 1.5M liquid assets and RM 60K/month offshore income required. Work and business rights included.

Processing

3 months

Stay Requirement

90 days/year

Visa Duration

20 years (5-year renewal cycles)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

180

  • Full work and business rights (only MM2H tier with this)
  • 20-year visa, longest of all MM2H tiers
  • USD 1M fixed deposit + RM 2M property + RM 200K participation fee
El Salvador

Freedom Visa (Bitcoin Passport)

Citizenship

$1,000,000

$1M contribution (can be paid in Bitcoin or USD).

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

Citizenship (permanent)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

Direct

Visa-Free Countries

134

  • First Bitcoin-accepting CBI program
  • 100% online, no visit required
  • No capital gains tax on Bitcoin
UAE

Golden Visa

Residency

AED2,000,000

Property: AED 2M+ (equity portion, no 50% threshold since Feb 2026 — off-plan and mortgaged accepted). Or: AED 2M+ public investment/deposits. Entrepreneurs: AED 500K+ in approved startup. Expanded categories include content creators, educators, nurses (15+ years), e-sports professionals.

Processing

1-3 months

Stay Requirement

None (can stay outside UAE without visa cancellation)

Visa Duration

10 years (renewable)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No direct path (UAE does not offer CBI)

Visa-Free Countries

183

  • Zero personal income tax — no employment, investment, or capital gains tax
  • Off-plan and mortgaged property now qualify (rule change Feb 2026)
  • Can sponsor unlimited family members including adult children
New Zealand

Active Investor Plus

Residency

NZD 5,000,000

Growth category: NZD 5M+ in approved managed funds or NZ business direct investment, held 3 years (21 days/year stay). Balanced category: NZD 10M+ in mixed investments including bonds and new residential property, held 5 years (105 days/year stay). Both restructured April 2025.

Processing

6-12 months

Stay Requirement

21 days/3 years (Growth) or 105 days/5 years (Balanced)

Visa Duration

4 years (leads to PR)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

5 years

Visa-Free Countries

189

  • Two-tier structure since April 2025 — Growth (NZD 5M) or Balanced (NZD 10M)
  • Growth category: only 21 days presence over 3-year investment term
  • No capital gains tax on shares or portfolio investments
South Africa

Business/Investment Visa

Residency

ZAR 5,000,000

ZAR 5M (~$270K USD) in a South African business.

Processing

3-12 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside

Visa Duration

3 years (renewable, leads to PR)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship)

Visa-Free Countries

106

  • ZAR 5M (~$270K USD) — among lowest investment thresholds for a direct PR pathway globally
  • Africa's largest and most diversified economy — gateway to continental markets
  • GMT+2 timezone — convenient for Europe-facing business operations
Singapore

Global Investor Programme (GIP)

Residency

SGD 10,000,000

Option A: SGD 10M into new/existing Singapore business (30+ employees, 50%+ Singaporean). Option B: SGD 25M into EDB-approved fund investing in Singapore companies. Option C: Single Family Office with SGD 200M AUM, SGD 50M deployed locally. Application fee SGD 20,000 (from May 2025).

Processing

6-12 months

Stay Requirement

Must be based in Singapore

Visa Duration

Permanent Residence

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

2 years (eligible to apply after PR)

Visa-Free Countries

195

  • World's strongest passport by visa-free access (195 countries)
  • Grants PR directly — no provisional period
  • Citizenship eligible after just 2 years of PR
Hong Kong

Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

Residency

HKD 30,000,000

HKD 30M (~$3.8M USD) in permissible financial assets. No property.

Processing

6-12 months

Stay Requirement

Must ordinarily reside in HK

Visa Duration

2 years (renewable, leads to PR at 7 years)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

7 years (permanent residency)

Visa-Free Countries

171

  • No capital gains tax, no dividend tax, no estate duty — territorial tax system
  • HKD 30M threshold (up from HKD 10M) — property excluded, financial assets only
  • Relaunched 2024 after 9-year suspension (2015–2024)

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