Best investment visa programs in 2025: Top countries or residency and citizenship - Harkishan Singh

Investment visas provide a fast-track route to residency or citizenship for individuals willing to invest in a country’s economy. Whether through real estate, business investments, or government bonds, these programs offer high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs access to new opportunities, tax benefits, and global mobility.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best investment visa programs in 2025, their requirements, and why they are worth considering.

1. Portugal Golden Visa (EU Residency in 5 Years)

Why Invest? Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of the most attractive in Europe, offering residency with a pathway to citizenship in just five years.

✅ Investment Options:

• €500,000 in a qualified investment fund
• €280,000+ in real estate renovation projects
• €500,000+ in scientific research or cultural projects

✅ Key Benefits:

• EU residency with visa-free travel to Schengen countries
• No requirement to live full-time in Portugal
• Low tax incentives for new residents

Ideal for: Investors seeking EU citizenship with a low physical presence requirement.

2. Spain Golden Visa (Fast-Track EU Residency)

Why Invest? Spain’s Golden Visa program offers one of the fastest approvals in Europe, providing residency within a few months.

✅ Investment Options:

• €500,000+ in Spanish real estate
• €1 million in Spanish company shares or deposits
• €2 million in government bonds

✅ Key Benefits:

• Residency for the whole family (spouse & children)
• No minimum stay required for renewal
• Pathway to Spanish citizenship after 10 years

Ideal for: Investors looking for quick EU residency and access to Schengen countries.

3. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa

Why Invest? The UAE offers long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals in key industries.

✅ Investment Options:

• AED 2 million (~$545,000) in real estate
• AED 2 million in a UAE-based business or government bonds
• Entrepreneurs with high-growth startups qualify with a UAE-based incubator

✅ Key Benefits:

• No personal income tax
• 10-year renewable visa with no sponsorship needed
• Access to Dubai’s business-friendly environment

Ideal for: Investors seeking a tax-free lifestyle, business-friendly environment, and luxury real estate opportunities.

4. United States EB-5 Visa (Green Card via Investment)

Why Invest? The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a direct path to a U.S. Green Card through job-creating investments.

✅ Investment Options:

• $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
• $1.05 million in non-TEA projects

✅ Key Benefits:

• Green Card for investor, spouse, and children under 21
• Access to the U.S. education system and healthcare
• No sponsorship required

Ideal for: Investors looking for U.S. permanent residency and a path to citizenship.

5. Australia Significant Investor Visa (SIV)

Why Invest? Australia’s Significant Investor Visa (SIV) provides residency with flexible investment options.

✅ Investment Options:

• AUD 5 million (~$3.2 million) in government-approved funds
• No direct real estate investment allowed

✅ Key Benefits:

• Pathway to Australian PR
• No strict English language or work requirements
• Access to one of the world’s strongest economies

Ideal for: High-net-worth individuals seeking long-term residency in a stable, developed country.

6. Canada Start-Up Visa (Permanent Residency for Entrepreneurs)

Why Invest? Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) grants direct PR to innovative entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas.

✅ Investment Options:

• Business idea backed by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor, or incubator
• No minimum personal investment required

✅ Key Benefits:

• Direct PR upon approval (no temporary visa stage)
• Access to Canada’s healthcare & education
• No age, net worth, or language restrictions (unlike Express Entry)

Ideal for: Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas looking for Canadian PR.

7. Malta Citizenship by Investment (EU Passport in 12-36 Months)

Why Invest? Malta offers one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment programs in the EU.

✅ Investment Options:

• €600,000 donation for a 3-year residency before citizenship
• €750,000 donation for a fast-track 12-month citizenship option
• Additional €700,000+ real estate purchase or €16,000 annual rental

✅ Key Benefits:

• EU passport within 12-36 months
• Visa-free travel to 190+ countries, including the US & UK
• No residency requirement after citizenship is granted

Ideal for: High-net-worth individuals looking for EU citizenship with global mobility benefits.

Conclusion: Which Investment Visa is Right for You?

Each investment visa comes with its own benefits, residency timelines, and investment structures. The best choice depends on your budget, long-term goals, and desired benefits.

📞 Looking to apply for an investment visa? Contact our experts today to explore the best options for you!