Investment Migration Programs Under $200,000

Twenty-six active programs require $200,000 or less. This bracket opens access to European residency (Greece, Latvia, Hungary, Austria, Croatia), Caribbean CBI (Vanuatu at $130,000), and Asian options including Malaysia MM2H Silver and Cambodia. Most programs in this range offer family inclusion and several provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

Programs

26

Countries

21

Types

CBI & RBI

From

Income-based

Key Takeaways

  • Greece Golden Visa starts at EUR 250,000 in lower-demand areas, making it the gateway to Schengen
  • Malaysia MM2H Silver at $150,000 is the most established Asian residency program
  • Vanuatu DSP at $130,000 is the fastest CBI globally (30-60 days)
  • Several European programs in this range offer a path to EU citizenship within 5-10 years

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 Non-Lucrative Visa RBI Income-based 5 months 10 years
🇪🇸 Spain Digital Nomad Visa RBI Income-based 1-3 months 10 years
🇮🇹 Italy Elective Residence Visa RBI Income-based 3-6 months 10 years
🇨🇷 Costa Rica Rentista (Passive Income) RBI Income-based 3-6 months 7 years
🇨🇷 Costa Rica Pensionado (Retiree Residency) RBI Income-based 3-6 months 7 years
🇲🇺 Mauritius Premium Visa RBI Income-based 2-4 weeks No direct path
🇭🇷 Croatia Digital Nomad Visa RBI Income-based 1-2 months No direct path
🇭🇷 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)
🇧🇿 Belize Qualified Retired Persons Programme (QRP) RBI $24,000 2-3 months 5 years (via standard naturalisation after 1 year residency + 4 years PR)
🇲🇺 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)
🇦🇹 Austria Residence Permit (Financially Independent) RBI €100,000 3-6 months 10 years (6 years under certain conditions)
🇸🇱 Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment CBI $100,000 2-3 months Direct
🇻🇺 Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) CBI $130,000 1-3 months Direct
🇲🇾 Malaysia MM2H Silver RBI $150,000 2-3 months No direct path
🇲🇹 Malta Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP) RBI €150,000 4-6 months No direct path
🇨🇷 Costa Rica Investor Residency RBI $150,000 3-6 months 7 years
🇩🇲 Dominica Citizenship by Investment CBI $200,000 3-4 months Direct
🇵🇦 Panama Friendly Nations Visa RBI $200,000 3-6 months 5 years

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

Non-Lucrative Visa

Residency

Income-based

Proof of passive income of ~€2,300/month (400% of Spain's IPREM index) for main applicant, plus ~€575/month per dependent. Private health insurance mandatory. Property lease or purchase required. Cannot work for Spanish employers.

Processing

5 months

Stay Requirement

183+ days/year in Spain (6 months continuous absence risks permit loss)

Visa Duration

1 year (renewable)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

10 years

Visa-Free Countries

191

  • No investment required — income-based route only
  • Beckham Law available: flat 24% tax on Spanish income for first 6 years
  • Pension, dividend, and rental income all qualify as passive income
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
Italy

Elective Residence Visa

Residency

Income-based

Proof of stable passive income (no fixed minimum, typically €31K+/year) + property.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside in Italy (183+ days/year). No work permitted.

Visa Duration

1 year (renewable)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

10 years

Visa-Free Countries

191

  • Income-based, no investment required
  • Cannot work in Italy
  • Flat tax regime available
Costa Rica

Rentista (Passive Income)

Residency

Income-based

Proof of $2,500/month stable passive income for 2+ years.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Visit once/year

Visa Duration

2 years (renewable)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

7 years

Visa-Free Countries

153

  • Income-based, no investment
  • Pension income accepted
  • Must not work in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Pensionado (Retiree Residency)

Residency

Income-based

Proof of $1,000/month pension income from a recognised pension source.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Visit once/year

Visa Duration

2 years (renewable, permanent residency after 3 years)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

7 years

Visa-Free Countries

153

  • Lowest income threshold of the three Costa Rica routes ($1,000/month)
  • Pension income accepted from any country
  • Must not work in Costa Rica
Mauritius

Premium Visa

Residency

Income-based

$1,500/month income from foreign sources OR approximately $18,000 equivalent bank deposit alternative. 1-year renewable long-stay visa. Designed for remote workers, retirees, and long-stay tourists. Local Mauritian employment prohibited. Launched October 2020.

Processing

2-4 weeks

Stay Requirement

None (visa is for long-stay purposes)

Visa Duration

1 year (renewable)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

148

  • No investment required, income or deposit based
  • Fast processing (2-4 weeks) via online application
  • Remote workers can operate for foreign employers
Croatia

Digital Nomad Visa

Residency

Income-based

Proof of €2,540/month income from remote work for non-Croatian employer.

Processing

1-2 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside in Croatia

Visa Duration

1 year (non-renewable, can reapply after 6 months)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

188

  • No Croatian tax on foreign income during the visa period
  • Full Schengen access — Croatia joined Schengen and adopted Euro in 2023
  • Non-renewable — must leave for 6 months before reapplying
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
Belize

Qualified Retired Persons Programme (QRP)

Residency

$24,000

$2,000/month income proof ($24,000/year) from a pension, annuity, or other stable source outside Belize.

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

Approximately 1 visit per year

Visa Duration

Permanent (annual renewal of QRP status)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

5 years (via standard naturalisation after 1 year residency + 4 years PR)

Visa-Free Countries

96

  • Income-based, no lump-sum investment required
  • All foreign income and assets fully tax-exempt under QRP
  • English-speaking, common law jurisdiction
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
Austria

Residence Permit (Financially Independent)

Residency

€100,000

€100K+ in demonstrable financial means. No specific investment vehicle required but must prove financial independence.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside in Austria

Visa Duration

1 year (renewable, PR after 5 years)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

10 years (6 years under certain conditions)

Visa-Free Countries

191

  • Vienna rated world's most livable city multiple years running
  • Strict annual quota — apply early in the year, spots fill fast
  • German language certification required for permit renewals
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
Malaysia

MM2H Silver

Residency

$150,000

RM 500K fixed deposit in Malaysian bank + mandatory property purchase RM 600K+. Proof of RM 1.5M liquid assets and RM 40K/month offshore income required. Up to 50% FD withdrawal allowed after 1 year for property, healthcare, or education.

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

90 days/year

Visa Duration

5 years (renewable)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

180

  • Property purchase mandatory — minimum RM 600K
  • Cannot work or do business in Malaysia
  • RM 40K/month offshore income required
Malta

Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP)

Residency

€150,000

Government contribution (€68K-€98K) + property purchase (€300K+) or rent (€12K/year) + €2K donation.

Processing

4-6 months

Stay Requirement

Minimal

Visa Duration

Permanent

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

188

  • 4-generation family inclusion (most generous in EU)
  • Schengen access
  • Permanent residence
Costa Rica

Investor Residency

Residency

$150,000

$150K+ in real estate (must be in applicant's personal name), business investment, private equity funds, shares, securities, or sustainable tourism projects. Note: $150K is a temporary threshold (reduced from $200K under Law No. 9996); may revert to $200K if not extended past mid-2026.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Visit once/year minimum

Visa Duration

2 years (renewable, PR after 3 years)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

7 years

Visa-Free Countries

153

  • Territorial tax — foreign income fully exempt
  • No military since 1948 — one of Latin America's most stable democracies
  • Permanent residency available after 3 years of actual residence
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

More Budget Comparisons

Get the Free Comparison Guide

A comprehensive breakdown of CBI and RBI programs worldwide, delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.