Investment Migration Programs Under $500,000

Forty-seven active programs fall below the $500,000 threshold, covering nearly every region and program type. This range includes flagship European golden visas (Portugal, Greece, Hungary), all Caribbean CBI programs, multiple Asian residency pathways, and several citizenship-by-investment options. Investors at this budget level have the widest selection of both CBI and RBI programs globally.

Programs

47

Countries

35

Types

CBI & RBI

From

Income-based

Key Takeaways

  • Covers 80% of all active investment migration programs worldwide
  • All 5 Caribbean CBI programs fall within this budget
  • European golden visas in Portugal, Greece, Hungary, and Latvia qualify
  • Turkey CBI at $400,000 is the only citizenship program offering a G20 passport in this range

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
🇲🇾 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
🇬🇷 Greece Golden Visa RBI €250,000 2-3 months 7 years
🇰🇳 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
🇯🇴 Jordan Investor Residency (Real Estate) RBI $280,000 2-4 months Not direct (residency only)
🇨🇾 Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit RBI €300,000 2-3 months 7 years (by naturalization)
🇮🇩 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
🇨🇭 Switzerland Lump-Sum Taxation Residence RBI CHF 450,000 3-6 months 10 years (12 years for non-EU nationals)
🇯🇴 Jordan Citizenship by Investment CBI $490,000 3-6 months Direct
🇲🇾 Malaysia MM2H Gold RBI $500,000 3 months No direct path
🇵🇹 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
🇲🇨 Monaco Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour) RBI €500,000 2-6 months 10 years (application to the Prince; dual citizenship not permitted at naturalisation)

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
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
Greece

Golden Visa

Residency

€250,000

Property: €800K in Athens/Thessaloniki/Mykonos/Santorini, €400K other areas, €250K for commercial-to-residential conversions only. Also bank deposits (€500K), gov bonds (€500K), funds (€350K).

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

No minimum stay

Visa Duration

5 years (renewable)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

7 years

Visa-Free Countries

188

  • Broadest family inclusion in EU (parents + in-laws of both partners)
  • No stay requirement
  • Schengen access
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
Jordan

Investor Residency (Real Estate)

Residency

$280,000

JOD 200,000 (~USD 280K) in qualifying real estate from licensed developers. Grants investor residency (not citizenship). Renewable while the property is held.

Processing

2-4 months

Stay Requirement

None specified

Visa Duration

Renewable residency (property-linked)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

Not direct (residency only)

Visa-Free Countries

51

  • Real-estate-backed residency at JOD 200K, no citizenship path
  • Distinct from the full CBI routes (which were restructured July 2025)
  • Suitable for applicants wanting regional presence without the full citizenship threshold
Cyprus

Permanent Residence Permit

Residency

€300,000

Property purchase (€300K+ new build from developer).

Processing

2-3 months

Stay Requirement

Visit once every 2 years

Visa Duration

Permanent

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

7 years (by naturalization)

Visa-Free Countries

176

  • 12.5% corporate tax, no inheritance tax, 15-year non-dom regime
  • €50,000/year foreign-source income required (plus €15,000 per dependent)
  • Fast processing
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
Switzerland

Lump-Sum Taxation Residence

Residency

CHF 450,000

CHF 450K+ annual tax payment (lump-sum taxation based on living expenses, not income). Varies by canton.

Processing

3-6 months

Stay Requirement

Must reside in Switzerland

Visa Duration

1 year (renewable)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

10 years (12 years for non-EU nationals)

Visa-Free Countries

191

  • Tax based on living expenses, not actual income — ideal for very high earners
  • CHF 450K+ annual minimum tax payment — not a fixed investment
  • Cantons Vaud, Valais, Geneva, Ticino offer lump-sum; Zurich and Basel abolished it
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)
Malaysia

MM2H Gold

Residency

$500,000

RM 1M fixed deposit in Malaysian bank + mandatory property purchase RM 1M+. Proof of RM 1.5M liquid assets and RM 50K/month offshore income required. Up to 50% FD withdrawal allowed after 1 year for approved purposes.

Processing

3 months

Stay Requirement

90 days/year

Visa Duration

15 years (5-year renewal cycles)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

No direct path

Visa-Free Countries

180

  • 15-year visa — longest among MM2H tiers after Platinum
  • Property purchase mandatory — minimum RM 1M
  • RM 50K/month offshore income 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
Monaco

Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour)

Residency

€500,000

Minimum ~€500K bank deposit with a Monaco-licensed bank (bank-set threshold, not legislated). Secure housing in Monaco (rental ~€3,000-5,000/month minimum for a studio; purchase typically €3M+ for a one-bedroom). Proof of financial self-sufficiency, clean criminal record, and private health insurance required.

Processing

2-6 months

Stay Requirement

Genuine residence required (no hard day-count in law; renewal requires demonstrated actual presence)

Visa Duration

1 year (renewable)

Work Rights

No

Citizenship Path

10 years (application to the Prince; dual citizenship not permitted at naturalisation)

Visa-Free Countries

  • Zero income tax since 1869 (French nationals excepted under 1963 bilateral convention)
  • Bank deposit is your money in your account, not a fee, but bank sets the floor at ~€500K
  • Housing cost is the real barrier: Monaco is the world's most expensive real estate per sqm

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