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

28

Countries

23

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. Each country name in the table below links to the full program page.

Country Program Type Min. Investment Processing Citizenship Path
🇵🇹 Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa RBI Income-based 3 months 10 years (7 for EU/CPLP nationals)
🇪🇸 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
🇧🇭 Bahrain Self-Sponsorship (Investor/Property Owner) RBI $133,000 Approximately 40 working days No direct path (Bahrain does not offer citizenship by investment)
🇲🇾 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
🇶🇦 Qatar Residence Permit (Real Estate Investment) RBI $200,000 Days to a few weeks once the property purchase is registered No (Qatar does not offer citizenship by investment)

Explore Each Program

Detailed cards below — investment requirements, timelines, and key benefits for each program.

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

10 years (7 for EU/CPLP nationals)

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

88

  • 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
Bahrain

Self-Sponsorship (Investor/Property Owner)

Residency

$133,000

Two variants: BHD 100,000+ (~$266,000) in share ownership of a Bahraini enterprise, or BHD 50,000+ (~$133,000) in Bahraini property plus stable income of BHD 500+/month. Administered by the Ministry of Interior's Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs directorate.

Processing

Approximately 40 working days

Stay Requirement

None

Visa Duration

2, 5, or 10 years (renewable, fee scales with duration)

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No direct path (Bahrain does not offer citizenship by investment)

Visa-Free Countries

87

  • Lowest published entry cost of any Gulf residency program on this site (from ~$133,000)
  • Official ~40 working day processing estimate, among the most specific published in the Gulf
  • Predates the Golden Residency brand; distinct administrative channel
Malaysia

MM2H Silver

Residency

$150,000

USD 150,000 fixed deposit in Malaysian bank + mandatory property purchase RM 600K+. No income or liquid asset requirements (removed under June 2024 reform). 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
  • No monthly income or liquid asset requirements
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
Qatar

Residence Permit (Real Estate Investment)

Residency

$200,000

QAR 730,000+ (~$200,000, QAR/USD peg 3.64) in approved freehold real estate within designated investment zones (The Pearl-Qatar, Lusail, West Bay Lagoon, and similar Cabinet-approved areas). Renewable residence permit tied to continued ownership of the qualifying property.

Processing

Days to a few weeks once the property purchase is registered

Stay Requirement

Approximately 90 days/year, continuous or intermittent, to keep the permit renewable

Visa Duration

Renewable for as long as the qualifying property is held

Work Rights

Yes

Citizenship Path

No (Qatar does not offer citizenship by investment)

Visa-Free Countries

118

  • Fast-track issuance: residency and title can follow within days of a registered purchase
  • No employer sponsorship required; residency is tied to the property, not a job
  • Access to public healthcare and education for the primary holder and dependants

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