Investments starting under ₹45 lakh can now open doors to living, working, and thriving overseas. Golden visas have evolved from exclusive privileges for the ultra-wealthy into smart pathways to security, global mobility, and opportunity. Let’s explore these 14 standout programs—from affordable options to premium investments—tailored for Indian applicants.
What’s a Golden Visa?
A golden visa is a residency permit granted in exchange for a qualifying investment—such as real estate, bonds, or business capital—offering the holder and their family rights to live, work, study, and access healthcare in the host nation. Unlike citizenship-by-investment, it doesn’t automatically grant a passport—but in countries like Greece and Portugal, residents may qualify for citizenship after several years.
Why Are Indians Choosing Golden Visas?
- Global mobility and visa-free travel
- High-quality education, healthcare, and lifestyle
- Strong alternatives for political or economic safety
- Attractive family relocation options
Golden Visas You Can secure Under ₹60 Lakh
(Budget-savvy choices with long-term benefit)
- Mauritius
- Investment: USD 50,000 (~₹43.7 lakh) in a business or professional venture
- Perks: Residency for the whole family (spouse, parents, dependents under 24), 10-year validity or tied to property ownership
- Austria
- Investment: EUR 50,000 (~₹51.1 lakh) in liquid funds
- Benefits: Visa-free access across Schengen countries, with potential citizenship eligibility after 10 years
- UK (Innovator Founder Visa)
- Investment: GBP 50,000 (~₹59.1 lakh) for a new, viable business endorsed in the UK
- Perks: Live/work freely in the UK, family included, pathway toward permanent residence in 3 years
Mid-Range Picks: ₹60 Lakh to ₹2.5 Crore
- Canada (Start-Up Visa)
- Investment: CAD 295,734 (~₹1.8 crore) in an innovative start-up
- Highlights: Live, work, and retire anywhere in Canada; citizenship eligibility in 3 years; family included
- Malaysia (MM2H – My Second Home)
- Investment: MYR 1 million (~₹2 crore) in a fixed deposit
- Benefits: 20-year renewable residency, no minimum stay requirement, includes spouse, parents, in-laws, and children under 21
- Switzerland (Residence Program)
- Investment: CHF 200,000 (~₹2.18 crore) as a lump-sum tax to a canton
- Rewards: Access to top-tier living standards and stability; family included
- UAE (Golden Visa Program)
- Traditional Investment: AED 1 million (~₹2.3 crore) for 5-year visa (age 55+), or AED 2 million (~₹4.7 crore) for 10-year visa
- Perks: Long-term renewable residency, family included, robust access to one of the fastest-growing global hubs
- Greece (Golden Visa)
- Investment: EUR 250,000 (~₹2.5 crore) in real estate
- Perks: Schengen travel, no residence requirement, family eligible, citizenship eligibility after 7 years
- Italy (Investor Visa)
- Investment: EUR 250,000 (~₹2.5 crore) in innovative start-ups
- Rewards: Schengen access, cultural richness, family inclusion, citizenship possible after 10 years under special circumstances
- Portugal (Golden Residence Permit Program)
- Investment: EUR 250,000 (~₹2.5 crore) toward cultural or heritage projects
- Benefits: Schengen access, right to live/work/study, citizenship after 5 years, very low physical presence requirement (14 days in first 2 years; 21 days next 3)
Premium Takeaways: Investments Over ₹7 Crore
- USA (EB-5 Program)
- Investment: USD 800,000 (~₹7 crore) in a Targeted Employment Area
- Benefits: Green Card for investor + spouse + children under 21, pathway to US citizenship; must create or preserve 10 full-time jobs
- New Zealand (Active Investor Plus Program)
- Investment: NZD 5 million (~₹25.7 crore)
- Perks: Residency that includes spouse and dependents, pathway to permanent residence through managed funds/business investment
- Hong Kong (Capital Investment Entrant Scheme)
- Investment: HKD 30 million (~₹33.7 crore)
- Advantages: Long-term residence in Asia’s financial hub
- Singapore (Global Investor Program)
- Investment: SGD 10 million (~₹68.2 crore) in a business creating at least 30 jobs
- Perks: Permanent residence, family relocation, entry into a stable and business-friendly environment
Why These Programs Matter:
- They cater to a broad budget range—from economical options like Mauritius (₹43 lakh) to high-end choices like Singapore (₹68 crore).
- Many include family-friendly benefits, offering residency for spouses, children, and in some cases, parents.
- Strategic residency gives access to better education, healthcare, and global business or lifestyle opportunities.
- For several countries, golden visas are stepping stones to eventual citizenship.