Golden Visas FAQs

A Golden Visa is a residence by investment program that allows foreign nationals to obtain long-term residency in a country by making a qualifying investment. Popular Golden Visa destinations include countries such as Portugal, Greece, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. The visa grants the right to live in the country and, in many cases, travel freely within specific regions such as the Schengen Area.

Golden Visas offer legal residency, visa-free travel benefits, family inclusion, and flexibility in physical stay requirements. Many programs also provide access to education, healthcare, and a stable business environment. Some Golden Visas can lead to permanent residency or citizenship over time, subject to local laws.

No. A Golden Visa grants residency, not immediate citizenship. Citizenship by investment programs offer direct nationality, which is different and available only in a few countries. Golden Visa holders may become eligible for citizenship later, after meeting residence, language, and integration requirements.

The minimum investment varies by country and investment route. It can range from a few hundred thousand euros for real estate or funds to higher amounts for business or capital investments. Each country sets its own thresholds and conditions, which are subject to change.

Qualifying investments typically include real estate purchases, government-approved investment funds, business investments that create local employment, capital transfers, or contributions to research or development funds. The acceptable investment options depend on the specific country and the chosen Golden Visa program.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates without the need for a local sponsor. It is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, researchers, outstanding students, and other specialised categories.

Eligible applicants include real estate investors, business owners, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, engineers, creative professionals, executives, outstanding students, and individuals with exceptional talents. Each category has specific eligibility and documentation requirements set by UAE authorities.

The UAE Golden Visa is typically issued for 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant category, and it is renewable as long as eligibility conditions continue to be met.

Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and in some cases domestic staff. Family members are granted residency for the same duration as the main visa holder.

No. One of the key advantages of the UAE Golden Visa is that there is no strict minimum stay requirement. Visa holders can remain outside the UAE for extended periods without losing their residency status.

For investors, the most common route is real estate investment with a minimum value of AED 2 million. Other investment or professional categories have different financial or qualification thresholds.

The total cost varies based on visa duration, category, and whether family members are included. It generally includes government fees, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa issuance charges. Costs can change based on regulations.

Yes. Property investment is one of the most popular routes. The property must meet the minimum value requirement and be located in approved areas. Both completed and mortgaged properties may be accepted, subject to conditions.

Yes. Golden Visa holders are allowed to start, own, and manage businesses in the UAE. They can also apply for relevant trade licences and operate without a local sponsor, depending on the business activity.

No. The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency only. It does not automatically lead to UAE citizenship, which is granted under exceptional circumstances and by separate government approval.

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU nationals to obtain legal residence in Portugal by making a qualifying investment. The program is officially known as the Portuguese Residence Permit for Investment Activity and offers a pathway to long-term residency and citizenship.

The initial Golden Visa is issued for 2 years. It can be renewed every 2 years, provided the investment is maintained and minimum stay requirements are met.

Non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens who are at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and can make a qualifying investment in Portugal are eligible to apply. Family members can also be included under family reunification.

The minimum investment generally starts from EUR 250,000, depending on the chosen investment route. The amount varies based on the type of investment and location.

Eligible options currently include investment funds, donations to cultural or artistic projects, scientific research contributions, and business investments that create or maintain jobs. Direct residential real estate investment is no longer an eligible option under the current rules.

Key benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, minimal physical stay requirements, family inclusion, and a clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

Yes. After 5 years of legal residency, Golden Visa holders may apply for Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship, subject to meeting eligibility conditions such as basic Portuguese language proficiency and continued compliance.

The best option depends on the applicant’s budget, risk appetite, and long-term goals. Investment funds are currently among the most popular choices due to flexibility and compliance with updated regulations, but suitability varies by profile.

Yes. Portuguese residency allows visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone, which includes most European countries, for short stays.

The total cost includes the investment amount, government application and renewal fees, legal and processing charges, and optional family inclusion costs. Government fees are charged per applicant and at each renewal stage, and overall costs depend on family size and investment type.

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU nationals to obtain legal residence in Greece by making a qualifying investment. It grants residency rights without requiring long-term physical stay in the country.

The minimum investment starts from EUR 250,000, depending on the investment type and location. In certain high-demand areas, the minimum real estate investment requirement is higher.

Eligible options include real estate purchases, long-term lease agreements for hotels or tourist residences, capital investment in Greek companies, government bonds, or investment funds approved under the program.

Key benefits include residency rights in Greece, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, no minimum stay requirement, family inclusion under one application, and access to education and healthcare in Greece.

Non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens who are at least 18 years old, have valid health insurance, a clean criminal record, and can make the qualifying investment are eligible. Immediate family members can also be included.

The residence permit is typically valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.

Processing time generally ranges from 2 to 4 months, depending on documentation, investment type, and application volume.

The Greece Golden Visa does not permit employment as a salaried employee. However, holders are allowed to own businesses, earn rental income, and make investments in Greece.

Yes. After holding legal residency for a qualifying period and meeting residency conditions, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency. Citizenship is possible later, subject to additional requirements such as physical residence and language knowledge.

The total cost includes the investment amount, government application fees, residence permit fees, legal and administrative charges, and optional family application costs. The overall expense varies based on investment choice and family size.