{"meta":{"source":"https://getwherenext.com/investor-visas","licence":"CC BY 4.0","attribution":"Data from WhereNext (getwherenext.com). Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.","lastGenerated":"2026-05-25T06:31:28.993Z","programmeCount":30,"activeCount":29,"closedCount":1,"staleCount":0,"registryVersion":"1.0.0","docs":"https://getwherenext.com/api-docs#/intelligence/golden-visa","contact":"https://getwherenext.com/methodology"},"filters":{"status":"all","budgetMaxEUR":null,"citizenshipMaxYears":null,"presenceMaxDays":null,"schengenOnly":false,"euCitizenshipOnly":false,"countries":null},"programs":[{"code":"PT","name":"Portugal Golden Visa (ARI)","shortName":"Portugal Golden Visa","countryName":"Portugal","flagEmoji":"🇵🇹","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"April 2026 nationality-law amendment pending presidential signature — extends citizenship timeline from 5 to 10 years for most applicants.","minInvestmentEUR":200000,"minInvestmentNote":"€200,000 cultural/heritage donation is the cheapest route (non-refundable).","routes":[{"type":"cultural-donation","amountEUR":200000,"note":"Donation to approved cultural/heritage projects; non-refundable."},{"type":"investment-fund","amountEUR":500000,"note":"Qualifying CMVM-registered fund; ≥60% Portuguese-companies allocation; 6–8 year hold typical.","primary":true},{"type":"research-donation","amountEUR":500000,"note":"Contribution to Portuguese research institutions."},{"type":"job-creation","amountEUR":0,"note":"Create and maintain 10+ full-time jobs in Portugal."},{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":1500000,"note":"Transfer to Portuguese bank account or government bonds."}],"processingMonths":[36,40],"processingNote":"AIMA backlog: ~50,000 pending files as of May 2025. Government pledged 2026 resolution; 2025 pledge was broken.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":7,"physicalPresenceNote":"14 days in first 2-year permit, 14 days per each 2-year renewal period.","citizenshipYears":10,"citizenshipNote":"April 2026 amendment extends to 10 years for most (7 for Portuguese-speaking countries + EU); law pending presidential action. Pre-law applicants may benefit from transitional provisions — test with counsel.","permanentResidencyYears":5,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":true,"grandparents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":true,"closureRiskScore":4,"closureRiskNote":"Real estate removed 2023; citizenship law tightening 2026. Programme continues but politically less durable than a decade ago.","articleSlug":"portugal-golden-visa-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Portugal country profile","href":"/country/pt"},{"label":"Portugal IFICI tax regime","href":"/blog/portugal-ifici-tax-regime-guide-2026"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.aima.gov.pt/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-08-15"},{"code":"GR","name":"Greece Golden Visa (Investor Permanent Residence Permit)","shortName":"Greece Golden Visa","countryName":"Greece","flagEmoji":"🇬🇷","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"Short-term-rental ban (€50K fine) introduced in 2025; further threshold changes possible.","minInvestmentEUR":250000,"minInvestmentNote":"€250,000 for commercial→residential conversion or listed-building restoration anywhere in Greece.","routes":[{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":250000,"note":"Commercial-to-residential conversions or listed-building restoration, anywhere in Greece."},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":400000,"note":"Standard real estate outside prime-zone list.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":800000,"note":"Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and Aegean/Ionian islands over 3,100 inhabitants."},{"type":"government-bonds","amountEUR":400000,"note":"Greek sovereign bonds with ≥3-year residual maturity."},{"type":"bank-deposit","amountEUR":400000,"note":"Fixed-term deposit in a Greek bank, auto-renewable."},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":400000,"note":"Capital contribution to Greek-registered company."}],"processingMonths":[2,6],"processingNote":"Faster than Portugal. Application complete after property acquisition.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No minimum stay required to maintain the permit.","citizenshipYears":7,"citizenshipNote":"Requires B1 Greek language test.","permanentResidencyYears":5,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":true,"closureRiskScore":3,"closureRiskNote":"Reformed in 2024 rather than closed; unlikely to close outright but thresholds may rise further.","articleSlug":"greece-golden-visa-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Greece country profile","href":"/country/gr"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Enterprise Greece / Greek Ministry of Migration","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-06-15"},{"code":"HU","name":"Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP)","shortName":"Hungary GIVP","countryName":"Hungary","flagEmoji":"🇭🇺","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"Direct €500K real estate option removed 15 January 2025. Two routes remain.","minInvestmentEUR":250000,"minInvestmentNote":"€250,000 in MNB-approved real estate investment fund (min 40% Hungarian residential exposure).","routes":[{"type":"real-estate-fund","amountEUR":250000,"note":"MNB-approved real estate fund; ≥40% NAV in Hungarian residential real estate; 5-year hold.","primary":true},{"type":"education-donation","amountEUR":1000000,"note":"Non-refundable donation to a Hungarian higher-education institution operated by a public trust."}],"processingMonths":[1,2],"processingNote":"Fastest mainstream European golden visa at 4–8 weeks end-to-end.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No minimum stay required. Visit at least once per year for renewal paperwork.","citizenshipYears":8,"citizenshipNote":"Requires A2 Hungarian language (~180-200 learning hours). Hungarian is a Category IV language for English speakers.","permanentResidencyYears":5,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":true,"closureRiskScore":5,"closureRiskNote":"Hungary-EU rule-of-law tensions; programme could face EU scrutiny. 2025 reform removed the direct-RE route — further narrowing possible.","articleSlug":"hungary-golden-visa-2026-guide","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Hungary country profile","href":"/country/hu"},{"label":"Hungary for Chinese applicants","href":"/blog/hungary-golden-visa-for-chinese-applicants-2026"}],"sourceUrl":"https://nmi.gov.hu/en","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Hungarian National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"MT","name":"Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)","shortName":"Malta MPRP","countryName":"Malta","flagEmoji":"🇲🇹","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"Legal Notice 146 of 2025 (July 2025) reformed fee structure: unified €37K government contribution, spouse+minor children free, adult dependants reduced to €7.5K.","minInvestmentEUR":114000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€114K government-related costs (main fee €60K + contribution €37K + DD + NGO) + property.","routes":[{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":375000,"note":"Property purchase in Malta or Gozo, held 5 years."},{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":70000,"originalAmount":"€14,000/year × 5 years","note":"Rental property (€14K/year anywhere in Malta, €12K in Gozo/southern Malta), held 5 years.","primary":true}],"processingMonths":[8,14],"processingNote":"Predictable. Due diligence is thorough post-IIP-closure tightening.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No minimum stay. Residence is permanent from day one.","citizenshipYears":5,"citizenshipNote":"Naturalization is separate from MPRP. Requires Maltese-language fluency (not English), integration test, continuous residence.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"medical-only","parents":"dependency-only","grandparents":"dependency-only","adultDependantFeeEUR":7500},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":true,"closureRiskScore":4,"closureRiskNote":"Malta EU-scrutinised; IIP (passport sales) already closed in 2025. MPRP reformed rather than terminated but future tightening possible.","articleSlug":"malta-mprp-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Malta country profile","href":"/country/mt"}],"sourceUrl":"https://residencymalta.gov.mt/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Residency Malta Agency (RMA)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"IT","name":"Italy Investor Visa","shortName":"Italy Investor Visa","countryName":"Italy","flagEmoji":"🇮🇹","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":250000,"minInvestmentNote":"€250,000 in an Italian innovative startup (startup innovativa).","routes":[{"type":"startup","amountEUR":250000,"note":"Italian innovative startup registered with Chambers of Commerce."},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":500000,"note":"Equity investment in Italian limited company (SRL/SPA).","primary":true},{"type":"government-bonds","amountEUR":2000000,"note":"Italian government bonds (BTPs etc.) with ≥2-year residual maturity."},{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":1000000,"note":"Donation to Italian public-interest project (culture, education, research, heritage)."}],"processingMonths":[3,6],"processingNote":"Nulla osta processed in parallel with consulate visa — fastest EU option.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"None required for the permit. Tax residency triggers at 183+ days.","citizenshipYears":10,"citizenshipNote":"Requires B1 Italian language test. Continuous legal residence during the 10 years.","permanentResidencyYears":5,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"medical-only","parents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":true,"closureRiskScore":2,"closureRiskNote":"Launched 2017, stable. Flat-tax regime amount increased €100K→€200K for new electants from Aug 2024 — further changes possible.","articleSlug":"italy-investor-visa-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Italy country profile","href":"/country/it"}],"sourceUrl":"https://investorvisa.mise.gov.it/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MISE)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"CY","name":"Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment","shortName":"Cyprus PR","countryName":"Cyprus","flagEmoji":"🇨🇾","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"Annual-income requirement raised from €30K to €50K (2023 reform). Further alignment expected as Cyprus prepares for Schengen accession in 2026.","minInvestmentEUR":300000,"minInvestmentNote":"€300,000 investment + €50,000 annual secured income requirement.","routes":[{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":300000,"note":"Residential real estate purchase.","primary":true},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":300000,"note":"Share capital in Cyprus-based physical-operations company."}],"processingMonths":[2,3],"processingNote":"Relatively fast among EU options.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"Visit once every 2 years to maintain permit.","citizenshipYears":null,"citizenshipNote":"Cyprus removed the 5-year investment-PR-to-passport route in 2026. Citizenship only via standard 7-year naturalization with B1 Greek.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":true,"closureRiskScore":6,"closureRiskNote":"Parents/in-laws already excluded (2023). Citizenship fast-track removed (2026). Programme likely to tighten further with Schengen accession.","articleSlug":"cyprus-pr-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Cyprus country profile","href":"/country/cy"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/CRMD/crmd.nsf/index_en/index_en?OpenDocument","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-06-15"},{"code":"LV","name":"Latvia Residence Permit by Investment","shortName":"Latvia Golden Visa","countryName":"Latvia","flagEmoji":"🇱🇻","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":60000,"minInvestmentNote":"€50K equity in Latvian company paying ≥€40K/year in taxes + €10K state fee = €60K total.","routes":[{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":60000,"note":"€50K equity in Latvian company + €10K one-time state payment. Company must pay ≥€40K/year in taxes.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":262500,"originalAmount":"€250,000 + 5% state fee","note":"Real estate purchase + 5% state fee."},{"type":"bank-deposit","amountEUR":280000,"note":"Subordinated bank deposit with Latvian bank."},{"type":"government-bonds","amountEUR":250000,"note":"Latvian government bonds."}],"processingMonths":[2,3],"processingNote":"Fast processing. Visit Latvia annually for renewal.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No minimum stay; visit yearly for renewal.","citizenshipYears":10,"citizenshipNote":"Latvian citizenship requires 10 years continuous residence, Latvian language (B-level), citizenship test.","permanentResidencyYears":5,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":false},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":true,"closureRiskScore":4,"closureRiskNote":"Latvia tightened due-diligence after 2022 Russian-applicant scrutiny. Residency permits issued before political shifts remain valid.","articleSlug":"latvia-golden-visa-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Latvia country profile","href":"/country/lv"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"AE","name":"UAE Golden Visa","shortName":"UAE Golden Visa","countryName":"United Arab Emirates","flagEmoji":"🇦🇪","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":516000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€516K (AED 2,000,000) property investment — full valuation required, not just down payment.","routes":[{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":516000,"originalAmount":"AED 2,000,000","note":"Property valued at AED 2M+ (~USD 545K / ~€516K). Single or multiple properties registered to same owner.","primary":true},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":516000,"originalAmount":"AED 2,000,000","note":"Active business investment or entrepreneur route."},{"type":"talent-based","amountEUR":0,"note":"Exceptional talent / scientists / specialised professionals — varies by discipline."}],"processingMonths":[1,2],"processingNote":"Dubai Land Department handles property-based applications; very fast for qualifying purchases.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No minimum stay. Return at least once every 6 months to maintain Emirates ID.","citizenshipYears":null,"citizenshipNote":"UAE citizenship is rarely granted to foreign investors. Golden Visa holders cannot expect a UAE passport through this route.","family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":true},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":2,"closureRiskNote":"Active government priority; thresholds have eased rather than tightened over time.","articleSlug":"uae-golden-visa-chinese-hnwi-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"UAE country profile","href":"/country/ae"}],"sourceUrl":"https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/golden-residency/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"US","name":"USA EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme","shortName":"USA EB-5","countryName":"United States","flagEmoji":"🇺🇸","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":736000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€736K (USD 800,000) Target Employment Area (TEA) investment; USD 1,050,000 non-TEA.","routes":[{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":736000,"originalAmount":"USD 800,000","note":"Target Employment Area (TEA) investment — rural or high-unemployment areas. Must create/preserve 10 full-time US jobs.","primary":true},{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":967000,"originalAmount":"USD 1,050,000","note":"Non-TEA investment with same 10-job requirement."}],"processingMonths":[17,120],"processingNote":"Rural-TEA unreserved: ~17 months to conditional green card. China-mainland applicants: 5-10 years backlog for unreserved visas; rural/high-unemployment/infrastructure set-asides bypass backlog.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":183,"physicalPresenceNote":"US green card holders must establish US residence; absences over 6 months risk abandonment of residency.","citizenshipYears":5,"citizenshipNote":"Green card to US citizenship requires 5 years (4 if married to US citizen), English + civics test. Citizenship via investment is a 7-10 year total for China-origin applicants under unreserved category.","permanentResidencyYears":2,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":3,"closureRiskNote":"EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act reauthorised programme through 2027; set-aside categories stable.","articleSlug":"usa-eb5-investor-visa-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"US country profile","href":"/country/us"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-08-15"},{"code":"SG","name":"Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP)","shortName":"Singapore GIP","countryName":"Singapore","flagEmoji":"🇸🇬","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":6900000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€6.9M (SGD 10M) minimum business investment; €17.3M (SGD 25M) for fund; €138M (SGD 200M) for family office route.","routes":[{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":6900000,"originalAmount":"SGD 10,000,000","note":"SGD 10M in new or existing Singapore business; must create ≥30 jobs (50%+ Singapore Citizens, ≥10 new)."},{"type":"investment-fund","amountEUR":17300000,"originalAmount":"SGD 25,000,000","note":"SGD 25M in a GIP-approved fund."},{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":138000000,"originalAmount":"SGD 200,000,000 (family office)","note":"Family office with ≥SGD 200M AUM + ≥SGD 50M into GIP fund."}],"processingMonths":[6,12],"processingNote":"GIP fee increased to S$20K in May 2025. Thorough due diligence.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":183,"physicalPresenceNote":"PR holders expected to spend majority of time in Singapore to maintain status.","citizenshipYears":2,"citizenshipNote":"Singapore citizenship available 2 years after PR, but discretionary. No language test, but good character and integration expected. Dual citizenship not permitted — must renounce prior nationality.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":2,"closureRiskNote":"Singapore has progressively raised GIP thresholds (doubled from SGD 10M for fund route in recent years). Further increases possible.","articleSlug":"singapore-global-investor-programme-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Singapore country profile","href":"/country/sg"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/incentives-and-programmes/global-investor-programme.html","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"AU","name":"Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858)","shortName":"Australia NIV","countryName":"Australia","flagEmoji":"🇦🇺","status":"open","statusNote":"Launched 7 December 2024, replacing the Global Talent Visa (GTV) and Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP).","minInvestmentEUR":0,"minInvestmentNote":"No financial investment required. Invitation-only, based on exceptional achievement in a specific field.","routes":[{"type":"talent-based","amountEUR":0,"note":"Proven exceptional achievement in Professions, Sport, Arts, or Academia/Research. State/territory/Australian-organisation endorsement required before application."}],"processingMonths":[4,8],"processingNote":"Direct-to-PR. Expression of Interest + invitation required before application can be lodged.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No minimum stay for the permit. For citizenship path, standard residence rules apply (~4 years lawful, 365+ days as PR).","citizenshipYears":4,"citizenshipNote":"Standard Australian citizenship pathway from PR.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"medical-only","parents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":2,"closureRiskNote":"Newly restructured in Dec 2024; stable for the medium term.","articleSlug":"australia-national-innovation-visa-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Australia country profile","href":"/country/au"}],"sourceUrl":"https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/national-innovation-858","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Australian Department of Home Affairs","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"CH","name":"Switzerland Residence via Lump-Sum Taxation","shortName":"Switzerland Lump-Sum","countryName":"Switzerland","flagEmoji":"🇨🇭","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":450000,"minInvestmentNote":"~CHF 450K minimum annual lump-sum tax (varies by canton; Zurich & Basel-Stadt abolished; Geneva ~CHF 450K floor).","routes":[{"type":"talent-based","amountEUR":450000,"originalAmount":"CHF 450,000/year minimum","note":"Negotiated annual lump-sum tax contribution to canton. No minimum capital or investment — the tax IS the qualifying contribution.","primary":true}],"processingMonths":[3,6],"processingNote":"Negotiated at canton level; varies significantly by canton.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":183,"physicalPresenceNote":"Lump-sum tax residency requires actual Swiss residence (183+ days); cannot earn Swiss-source income under this regime.","citizenshipYears":10,"citizenshipNote":"Swiss citizenship requires 10 years residence, 3 years marriage-to-Swiss-citizen, language proficiency (official language of residence canton), and canton-level integration test.","permanentResidencyYears":5,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":3,"closureRiskNote":"Zurich and Basel-Stadt cantons abolished lump-sum taxation by referendum; other cantons voted to retain it. Programme is canton-specific.","articleSlug":"switzerland-lump-sum-taxation-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Switzerland country profile","href":"/country/ch"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.estv.admin.ch/estv/en/home.html","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Swiss Federal Tax Administration","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"PA","name":"Panama Qualified Investor Visa","shortName":"Panama Qualified Investor","countryName":"Panama","flagEmoji":"🇵🇦","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"$300K real estate threshold expires 15 October 2026; reverts to $500K after that date.","minInvestmentEUR":276000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€276K ($300K) real estate investment, unencumbered, held 5 years. Threshold rises to $500K after 15 Oct 2026.","routes":[{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":276000,"originalAmount":"USD 300,000 (temporary)","note":"Real estate purchase, free of liens. Held 5 years. Temporary reduced threshold until 15 Oct 2026.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":460000,"originalAmount":"USD 500,000 (post Oct 2026)","note":"Post-15-Oct-2026 baseline real estate threshold."},{"type":"bank-deposit","amountEUR":690000,"originalAmount":"USD 750,000","note":"Fixed-term deposit in a Panamanian bank."},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":460000,"originalAmount":"USD 500,000","note":"Panamanian Stock Exchange securities investment."}],"processingMonths":[1,3],"processingNote":"Very fast — typical 30–90 days. No physical presence required during processing.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No minimum stay required to maintain permanent residency.","citizenshipYears":5,"citizenshipNote":"5 years as permanent resident, Spanish language proficiency, integration test. Dual citizenship permitted with Panama by treaty for some countries but generally requires renunciation.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":5,"closureRiskNote":"Temporary $300K threshold is explicitly sunsetted 15 Oct 2026. Programme itself continues but at $500K threshold.","articleSlug":"panama-qualified-investor-visa-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Panama country profile","href":"/country/pa"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.migracion.gob.pa/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Servicio Nacional de Migración de Panamá","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-08-15","notes":"The October 2026 threshold sunset is the critical near-term planning variable."},{"code":"MC","name":"Monaco Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour)","shortName":"Monaco Residence","countryName":"Monaco","flagEmoji":"🇲🇨","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":500000,"minInvestmentNote":"€500,000 bank deposit (not a fee — remains yours, must be maintained). Plus obligatory Monaco property (purchase or 12-month+ lease).","routes":[{"type":"bank-deposit","amountEUR":500000,"note":"€500K+ deposit at a Monaco bank (amount varies by bank; some require more). Deposit remains under your ownership.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":0,"note":"Must own or rent (12 months+) a Monaco property as primary residence. No minimum price but Monaco rental market starts around €4K/month for a studio."}],"processingMonths":[3,6],"processingNote":"Process begins with bank reference letter (confirming deposit), then application to Monaco authorities. Typically 3-6 months for initial temp card.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":90,"physicalPresenceNote":"Minimum 3 months per year actual residence in Monaco. Monaco is very small — this is easy to meet for genuine residents.","citizenshipYears":10,"citizenshipNote":"Monaco citizenship is discretionary and rarely granted. Naturalization requires 10+ years continuous residence, French proficiency (Monaco's official language), and is granted at the Prince's discretion. Most residents remain permanent residents indefinitely.","permanentResidencyYears":10,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":2,"closureRiskNote":"Monaco's residence framework is politically stable; programme has existed since the 1950s. The €500K deposit minimum is set by banks (not the state) and has gradually risen.","articleSlug":"monaco-residence-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Monaco country profile","href":"/country/mc"}],"sourceUrl":"https://en.gouv.mc/Policy-Practice/The-Economy/Settling-in-Monaco","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Government of the Principality of Monaco","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"NZ","name":"New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa","shortName":"NZ Active Investor Plus","countryName":"New Zealand","flagEmoji":"🇳🇿","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"Rules relaxed in 2025 — Growth category (NZD 5M) has much lower physical-presence requirement (21 days over 36 months).","minInvestmentEUR":2760000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€2.76M (NZD 5M) Growth category (higher-risk investments); NZD 10M Balanced category (broader acceptable investments).","routes":[{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":2760000,"originalAmount":"NZD 5,000,000","note":"Growth category: managed funds, direct NZ business investments, angel/venture. Held 36 months. 21 days NZ presence required.","primary":true},{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":5520000,"originalAmount":"NZD 10,000,000","note":"Balanced category: broader acceptable investments (listed equities, bonds, managed funds, qualifying property developments, philanthropy). Held 60 months. 105 days NZ presence (reducible with Growth allocation)."}],"processingMonths":[3,6],"processingNote":"Processed by Immigration New Zealand. 2025 reforms streamlined the process.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":7,"physicalPresenceNote":"Growth: 21 days over 3 years (~7/yr). Balanced: 105 days over 5 years (~21/yr), reducible by 14 days per each additional NZD 1M in Growth allocation (max 42 days reduction).","citizenshipYears":5,"citizenshipNote":"NZ citizenship requires 5 years of residence as a PR, with at least 240 days presence in each of those years. More restrictive than the visa's own presence requirement.","permanentResidencyYears":3,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"medical-only","parents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":3,"closureRiskNote":"Programme reformed and relaxed in 2025 — direction is favourable, not restrictive. Future changes unlikely in short term.","articleSlug":"new-zealand-active-investor-plus-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"New Zealand country profile","href":"/country/nz"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/active-investor-plus-visa/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Immigration New Zealand","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"TH","name":"Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa","shortName":"Thailand LTR","countryName":"Thailand","flagEmoji":"🇹🇭","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":460000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€460K (USD 500K) minimum for Wealthy Global Citizens category. Other categories are income-based or talent-based without fixed investment.","routes":[{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":460000,"originalAmount":"USD 500,000 in Thai assets (+ USD 1M total assets)","note":"Wealthy Global Citizens: USD 1M+ total assets including USD 500K+ in Thai government bonds, Thai real estate, or Thai-listed equities.","primary":true},{"type":"talent-based","amountEUR":0,"originalAmount":"USD 80,000/year income","note":"Work-from-Thailand Professionals: remote workers with $80K+/yr from well-established overseas employers (2-year track record)."},{"type":"talent-based","amountEUR":0,"originalAmount":"USD 80,000/year pension","note":"Wealthy Pensioners (50+): $80K/yr passive income, OR $40K/yr + USD 250K in Thai assets."},{"type":"talent-based","amountEUR":0,"note":"Highly-Skilled Professionals: targeted industries (tech, healthcare, science), flat 17% Thai tax (vs up to 35% standard)."}],"processingMonths":[1,3],"processingNote":"Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) administers the programme. Fast processing for well-documented applications.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No minimum stay to maintain the 10-year visa. 90-day report extended to annual under LTR (major quality-of-life upgrade over standard Thai visas).","citizenshipYears":null,"citizenshipNote":"LTR does not provide a citizenship pathway. Thai citizenship through naturalization is very restrictive (5 years continuous residence, Thai language, renouncing original nationality for most applicants).","family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":3,"closureRiskNote":"Programme launched 2022, refined 2025. Thailand is actively promoting the LTR to attract HNW and remote talent. Programme stability is high in the short-to-medium term.","articleSlug":"thailand-ltr-visa-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Thailand country profile","href":"/country/th"},{"label":"Thailand LTR for Chinese retirees","href":"/blog/thailand-ltr-visa-chinese-retirees-2026"}],"sourceUrl":"https://ltr.boi.go.th/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15","notes":"Best-in-class for HNW retirees and remote-work professionals seeking Thailand as a base without citizenship aspirations. Tax exemption on foreign-source income is a major differentiator."},{"code":"LU","name":"Luxembourg Investor Residence Permit","shortName":"Luxembourg Investor","countryName":"Luxembourg","flagEmoji":"🇱🇺","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":500000,"minInvestmentNote":"€500K into an existing or new Luxembourg company (commercial/industrial/craft). Real estate explicitly excluded from qualifying investments.","routes":[{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":500000,"note":"€500K into an existing Luxembourg company with commercial/industrial/craft activity; maintain existing employment for 5 years.","primary":true},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":500000,"note":"€500K into a new Luxembourg company; create at least 5 jobs within 3 years."},{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":3000000,"note":"€3M into an existing or new investment/management structure based in Luxembourg with genuine substance."},{"type":"bank-deposit","amountEUR":20000000,"note":"€20M deposit in a Luxembourg financial institution, held for at least 5 years."}],"processingMonths":[4,6],"processingNote":"Typical ~6 months. Stringent due diligence standard for Luxembourg.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":90,"physicalPresenceNote":"Substantial physical presence expected to maintain the permit; Luxembourg enforces actual residence more strictly than some EU peers.","citizenshipYears":5,"citizenshipNote":"Luxembourg citizenship after 5 years of legal residence plus Luxembourgish language (one of three official languages; most applicants take the Luxembourgish B1 test). Dual citizenship permitted.","permanentResidencyYears":5,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":true,"closureRiskScore":2,"closureRiskNote":"Stable programme within a financially sophisticated jurisdiction. Unlikely to change materially in the short term.","articleSlug":"luxembourg-investor-residence-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Luxembourg country profile","href":"/country/lu"}],"sourceUrl":"https://guichet.public.lu/en/citoyens/immigration/plus-3-mois/ressortissant-tiers/investisseur/investisseur-pays-tiers.html","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-08-15"},{"code":"TR","name":"Turkey Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"Turkey CBI","countryName":"Turkey","flagEmoji":"🇹🇷","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":368000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€368K (USD 400K) real estate investment — direct citizenship route, not a golden visa. Property held 3 years.","routes":[{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":368000,"originalAmount":"USD 400,000","note":"Real estate purchase (residential or commercial), held 3 years. Combined properties allowed. Valuation and DAB currency document must all show ≥USD 400K.","primary":true},{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":460000,"originalAmount":"USD 500,000 deposit","note":"Fixed-term deposit in a Turkish bank, 3 years."},{"type":"government-bonds","amountEUR":460000,"originalAmount":"USD 500,000","note":"Turkish government bonds, 3 years."},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":460000,"originalAmount":"USD 500,000","note":"Fixed capital contribution to a Turkish company."}],"processingMonths":[3,9],"processingNote":"3–6 months for a clean application; up to 9 months with complications.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement — this is a citizenship-by-investment programme, not a residency-by-investment programme.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship at the end of processing. No language tests, no interview stages. Dual citizenship permitted (Turkey allows it). No integration requirements.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":4,"closureRiskNote":"Turkey periodically adjusts the real-estate threshold (raised from $250K to $400K in 2022). Further rises possible as programme matures. EU/Schengen visa-waiver tensions periodically threaten programme perception.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Turkey country profile","href":"/country/tr"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.goc.gov.tr/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Republic of Turkey Ministry of Interior — Directorate General of Migration Management","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"KN","name":"St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"St Kitts CBI","countryName":"St. Kitts and Nevis","flagEmoji":"🇰🇳","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) replaces the pre-2024 Sustainable Growth Fund. Biometric data collection mandatory from 14 April 2026.","minInvestmentEUR":230000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€230K (USD 250K) SISC contribution — non-refundable donation. Plus due diligence fees (~$10K main, $7.5K per adult dependant).","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":230000,"originalAmount":"USD 250,000","note":"Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) — replaces the Sustainable Growth Fund. Non-refundable donation to federal consolidated fund.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":368000,"originalAmount":"USD 400,000","note":"Real estate in approved developments (hotels/condos), held 7 years."}],"processingMonths":[4,6],"processingNote":"Approval in principle typical 4-6 months. SISC contribution paid AFTER approval in principle.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement — citizenship granted without physical presence.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship at the end of processing. No language tests, no interview, no residence. Dual citizenship permitted. Passport grants visa-free access to 167+ countries including UK, Schengen area, and Saudi Arabia.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":"dependency-only","adultDependantFeeEUR":7000},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":6,"closureRiskNote":"Caribbean CBI programmes face intense EU scrutiny. St Kitts tightened DD in 2024-2025, adopted biometric collection from 14 April 2026. EU Commission has flagged CBI programmes as potential grounds for visa-waiver suspension — changes to Schengen access are a real downside risk.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"St Kitts & Nevis country profile","href":"/country/kn"}],"sourceUrl":"https://ciu.gov.kn/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-08-15","notes":"Schengen visa-waiver access is valuable but politically contingent. EU has signalled possible suspension if CBI programmes don't tighten further."},{"code":"DM","name":"Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"Dominica CBI","countryName":"Dominica","flagEmoji":"🇩🇲","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"OECS Memorandum of Agreement standardised the regional $200K minimum effective 1 July 2024.","minInvestmentEUR":184000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€184K ($200K) Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) contribution for single applicant; $250K for family of up to 3; $260K family of 4; +$25K per additional dependant.","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":184000,"originalAmount":"USD 200,000","note":"Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) donation — non-refundable. Post-2024 standardised regional minimum.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":184000,"originalAmount":"USD 200,000","note":"Approved real estate (held 3 years for resale, 5 years for repeat-CBI sale)."}],"processingMonths":[4,6],"processingNote":"Approval in principle ~4-6 months. Payment triggered only after approval.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement — citizenship granted directly.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship on approval. No language test, no residence. Dual citizenship permitted. Visa-free access to ~145 countries including UK (but NOT Schengen since EU warnings in 2025).","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":"dependency-only","adultDependantFeeEUR":6500},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":7,"closureRiskNote":"EU Commission has flagged Caribbean CBI programmes as grounds for visa-waiver suspension. Post-2024 OECS MoA tightened compliance but risk remains elevated.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Dominica country profile","href":"/country/dm"}],"sourceUrl":"https://cbiu.gov.dm/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"GD","name":"Grenada Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"Grenada CBI","countryName":"Grenada","flagEmoji":"🇬🇩","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"OECS MoA standardised regional $200K minimum 1 July 2024; NTF donation raised from $150K single to $200K.","minInvestmentEUR":184000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€184K ($200K) National Transformation Fund (NTF) donation for single; $235K for family of 4.","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":184000,"originalAmount":"USD 200,000","note":"National Transformation Fund (NTF) donation.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":253000,"originalAmount":"USD 270,000","note":"Approved real estate. Plus government fees."}],"processingMonths":[4,6],"processingNote":"Typical 4-6 months. Grenada is notable for its E-2 treaty with the US — Grenadian citizens can apply for US E-2 visas.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship. Unique: Grenada is the only CBI-offering country with a US E-2 Treaty of Commerce, enabling citizens to obtain US E-2 investor visas. Visa-free to China (unique among Caribbean), UK, Schengen (at time of writing), Russia. ~144 countries total.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":"dependency-only","adultDependantFeeEUR":6500},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":6,"closureRiskNote":"Caribbean CBI EU-scrutiny risk. US E-2 treaty status may also face diplomatic pressure.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Grenada country profile","href":"/country/gd"}],"sourceUrl":"https://cbi.gov.gd/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"LC","name":"Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"St Lucia CBI","countryName":"Saint Lucia","flagEmoji":"🇱🇨","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"OECS MoA standardised regional $200K minimum 1 July 2024; Saint Lucia set donation at $240K.","minInvestmentEUR":221000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€221K ($240K) National Economic Fund (NEF) donation — standardised minimum.","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":221000,"originalAmount":"USD 240,000","note":"National Economic Fund (NEF) donation.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":276000,"originalAmount":"USD 300,000","note":"Approved real estate (hotels, resorts), held 5 years."},{"type":"government-bonds","amountEUR":276000,"originalAmount":"USD 300,000","note":"Non-interest-bearing government bonds, held 5 years."},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":322000,"originalAmount":"USD 350,000","note":"Enterprise project investment."}],"processingMonths":[3,6],"processingNote":"3-6 months typical. Saint Lucia is known for tighter DD than some Caribbean peers.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship. Visa-free ~146 countries (UK, Schengen at time of writing, Singapore, Hong Kong). Dual citizenship permitted.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":"dependency-only","adultDependantFeeEUR":6500},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":6,"closureRiskNote":"Caribbean CBI EU-scrutiny risk. Saint Lucia's stricter DD posture marginally reduces its individual closure risk vs regional peers.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Saint Lucia country profile","href":"/country/lc"}],"sourceUrl":"https://cip.gov.lc/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"AG","name":"Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"Antigua CBI","countryName":"Antigua and Barbuda","flagEmoji":"🇦🇬","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"OECS MoA standardised regional $200K minimum 1 July 2024; UWI Fund offers $260K covering up to 6 family members.","minInvestmentEUR":184000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€184K ($200K) National Development Fund (NDF) donation for single; UWI Fund $260K covers family of 6 (best family value in Caribbean).","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":184000,"originalAmount":"USD 200,000","note":"National Development Fund (NDF) donation for single applicants.","primary":true},{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":239000,"originalAmount":"USD 260,000","note":"UWI Fund — covers up to 6 family members at one price. Best family-size value in Caribbean CBI."},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":276000,"originalAmount":"USD 300,000","note":"Approved real estate, held 5 years."},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":1380000,"originalAmount":"USD 1,500,000","note":"Business investment with employment creation."}],"processingMonths":[3,5],"processingNote":"3-5 months typical. Requires 5 days of physical presence in Antigua during first 5 years.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":1,"physicalPresenceNote":"5 days total physical presence required in first 5 years of citizenship (unique among Caribbean CBI — others have zero).","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship. Visa-free ~150 countries including UK, Schengen (at time of writing), Singapore. Dual citizenship permitted.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":6,"closureRiskNote":"Caribbean CBI EU-scrutiny risk. Antigua's 5-day presence requirement is perceived as slightly more substance-oriented than pure paper-citizenship programmes.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Antigua & Barbuda country profile","href":"/country/ag"}],"sourceUrl":"https://cip.gov.ag/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"NR","name":"Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship","shortName":"Nauru CBI","countryName":"Nauru","flagEmoji":"🇳🇷","status":"open","statusNote":"Launched at COP29 (November 2024). Revenue funds climate-resilience adaptation for the Pacific island nation.","minInvestmentEUR":97000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€97K ($105K) contribution — currently the cheapest direct-citizenship programme globally.","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":97000,"originalAmount":"USD 105,000","note":"Non-refundable contribution to the Economic and Climate Resilience Programme.","primary":true}],"processingMonths":[3,5],"processingNote":"Expected 3-5 months given programme newness. Due diligence administered by external specialist firm.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship. Visa-free ~90+ countries (including UK and some Schengen members). Passport is less powerful than Caribbean CBI passports but significantly cheaper.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":5,"closureRiskNote":"Newest CBI programme — high political risk until track record established. Nauru climate-resilience angle gives legitimacy shield but untested.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Nauru country profile","href":"/country/nr"}],"sourceUrl":"https://citizenship.gov.nr/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Republic of Nauru Citizenship Unit","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-08-15","notes":"Newest CBI programme globally. Climate-resilience framing distinguishes it from legacy CBI pitches."},{"code":"VU","name":"Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"Vanuatu CBI","countryName":"Vanuatu","flagEmoji":"🇻🇺","status":"open-reforming","statusNote":"Programme reopened in 2026 after temporary suspension. Processing affected by Vanuatu National Bank's loss of Australian correspondent banking relationships.","minInvestmentEUR":120000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€120K ($130K) contribution to Development Support Program (DSP). Fastest CBI processing globally (~1 month).","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":120000,"originalAmount":"USD 130,000","note":"Development Support Program (DSP) donation — non-refundable.","primary":true}],"processingMonths":[1,2],"processingNote":"Fastest CBI programme globally — citizenship in as little as 1 month for clean applications.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship. Visa-free access ~100+ countries. Schengen visa-waiver was suspended for Vanuatu in 2022 — Vanuatu citizens need Schengen visas. Dual citizenship permitted.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":8,"closureRiskNote":"Schengen visa-waiver already suspended (2022). Programme has faced repeated temporary suspensions and DD concerns. Banking-relationship fragility is a real operational risk.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Vanuatu country profile","href":"/country/vu"}],"sourceUrl":"https://vcip.gov.vu/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Vanuatu Citizenship Office","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-06-15"},{"code":"EG","name":"Egypt Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"Egypt CBI","countryName":"Egypt","flagEmoji":"🇪🇬","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":230000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€230K ($250K) non-refundable contribution, OR $300K real estate, OR $350K business investment, OR $500K bank deposit (held 3 years).","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":230000,"originalAmount":"USD 250,000","note":"Non-refundable contribution to Egyptian Treasury.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":276000,"originalAmount":"USD 300,000","note":"Approved real estate."},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":322000,"originalAmount":"USD 350,000","note":"Business investment in Egyptian economy."},{"type":"bank-deposit","amountEUR":460000,"originalAmount":"USD 500,000","note":"Non-interest-bearing deposit with Egyptian bank, held 3 years."}],"processingMonths":[6,9],"processingNote":"Approximately 6-9 months. Due diligence conducted by Egyptian General Intelligence Service.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship. Egyptian passport provides visa-free access to ~50 countries only — weakest passport of any CBI programme but the cheapest non-Caribbean CBI route for applicants with Egyptian business/cultural ties.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":4,"closureRiskNote":"Programme launched 2019 and remains stable. Egypt doesn't face the same EU-scrutiny as Caribbean CBI.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Egypt country profile","href":"/country/eg"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.egypt.gov.eg/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Arab Republic of Egypt — Cabinet General Secretariat","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"ST","name":"São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"São Tomé CBI","countryName":"São Tomé and Príncipe","flagEmoji":"🇸🇹","status":"open","statusNote":"Henley Index 2026 debut #8. Newer programme with lower profile than Caribbean CBI.","minInvestmentEUR":83000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€83K ($90K) minimum contribution — second cheapest CBI globally after Nauru.","routes":[{"type":"philanthropic-donation","amountEUR":83000,"originalAmount":"USD 90,000","note":"Non-refundable government contribution.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":184000,"originalAmount":"USD 200,000","note":"Approved real estate, held 5 years."}],"processingMonths":[4,8],"processingNote":"Newer programme — processing times variable during early years.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship. São Tomé passport is a CPLP (Portuguese-speaking) country passport — may facilitate Portuguese naturalization through Lusophone fast-track. Visa-free ~65 countries.","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":5,"closureRiskNote":"New programme — political risk until track record establishes. Small country with limited administrative capacity.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"São Tomé country profile","href":"/country/st"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.gov.st/","sourceType":"secondary","sourceOrganisation":"São Tomé and Príncipe Government (secondary industry sources)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15","notes":"CPLP linkage (Portuguese-speaking countries) may enable downstream Portuguese naturalization routes worth exploring for specific applicant profiles."},{"code":"MU","name":"Mauritius Residence by Investment (Occupation Permit / Property)","shortName":"Mauritius Residence","countryName":"Mauritius","flagEmoji":"🇲🇺","status":"open","minInvestmentEUR":46000,"minInvestmentNote":"~€46K ($50K) Occupation Permit (business route) OR ~€345K ($375K) Integrated Resort Scheme real estate.","routes":[{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":46000,"originalAmount":"USD 50,000","note":"Occupation Permit (Investor) — minimum $50K business investment; 3-year renewable permit.","primary":true},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":345000,"originalAmount":"USD 375,000","note":"Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) / Property Development Scheme (PDS) — buys permanent residency."},{"type":"capital-transfer","amountEUR":230000,"originalAmount":"USD 250,000","note":"Self-employed Occupation Permit."},{"type":"real-estate","amountEUR":690000,"originalAmount":"USD 750,000","note":"Residence for Retired Non-Citizen — retirement route with property investment."}],"processingMonths":[2,4],"processingNote":"Fast processing. Mauritius is a well-established financial services hub with efficient immigration infrastructure.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"Occupation Permit requires some physical presence to maintain business operations; property-based residence has no minimum stay.","citizenshipYears":7,"citizenshipNote":"Mauritian citizenship available after 7 years of legal residence (5 years if married to citizen). Applicants must demonstrate working knowledge of one of Mauritius's languages (English, French, or Creole) and good character. Dual citizenship permitted.","permanentResidencyYears":3,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":false,"parents":"dependency-only"},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":2,"closureRiskNote":"Very stable — Mauritius is a well-regarded financial centre with long-standing residence permits. Programme has expanded rather than contracted over time.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Mauritius country profile","href":"/country/mu"}],"sourceUrl":"https://edbmauritius.org/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Economic Development Board Mauritius","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15"},{"code":"MK","name":"North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment","shortName":"N. Macedonia CBI","countryName":"North Macedonia","flagEmoji":"🇲🇰","status":"open","statusNote":"Lesser-known programme with significantly lower profile than Caribbean CBI peers. Limited industry track record.","minInvestmentEUR":200000,"minInvestmentNote":"€200K investment in a private-investment fund, OR €400K creating at least 10 jobs.","routes":[{"type":"investment-fund","amountEUR":200000,"note":"€200K into an approved Macedonian investment fund.","primary":true},{"type":"company-shares","amountEUR":400000,"note":"€400K business investment creating at least 10 Macedonian jobs."}],"processingMonths":[6,12],"processingNote":"Longer than Caribbean peers. Limited volume means processing infrastructure is less polished.","physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"physicalPresenceNote":"No residency requirement.","citizenshipYears":0,"citizenshipNote":"Direct citizenship. North Macedonian passport offers visa-free access to ~125+ countries including Schengen. Dual citizenship permitted. EU candidate country — Macedonian citizenship could become EU citizenship in the event of EU accession (currently no clear timeline).","permanentResidencyYears":0,"family":{"spouse":true,"minorChildren":true,"adultChildren":"education-only","parents":false},"schengenAccess":true,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":6,"closureRiskNote":"EU accession process creates pressure to tighten or close CBI programmes. North Macedonia's programme could be discontinued as part of EU pre-accession alignment.","relatedLinks":[{"label":"North Macedonia country profile","href":"/country/mk"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.mvr.gov.mk/","sourceType":"secondary","sourceOrganisation":"North Macedonia Ministry of Interior (secondary industry sources)","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-07-15","notes":"EU-accession optionality is the long-term value driver — but timeline is very uncertain."},{"code":"ES","name":"Spain Golden Visa","shortName":"Spain Golden Visa (CLOSED)","countryName":"Spain","flagEmoji":"🇪🇸","status":"closed","statusNote":"Programme formally terminated 3 April 2025. No new applications accepted.","minInvestmentEUR":0,"minInvestmentNote":"N/A — programme closed. Existing permit holders retain rights; successors should consider Portugal, Greece, or Italy.","routes":[],"processingMonths":[0,0],"physicalPresenceDaysPerYear":0,"citizenshipYears":null,"citizenshipNote":"N/A for new applicants.","family":{"spouse":false,"minorChildren":false,"adultChildren":false,"parents":false},"schengenAccess":false,"euCitizenshipPathway":false,"closureRiskScore":10,"closureRiskNote":"Already closed.","articleSlug":"spain-golden-visa-closed-alternatives-2026","relatedLinks":[{"label":"Spain alternatives article","href":"/blog/spain-golden-visa-closed-alternatives-2026"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.exteriores.gob.es/","sourceType":"official","sourceOrganisation":"Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs","lastVerified":"2026-04-15","nextReview":"2026-12-31"}]}