USA Golden Visa Comparison: Investment Programs Worldwide

Introduction

Golden visa programs have transformed how wealthy individuals approach global mobility and residency planning. These investment-based immigration pathways allow affluent investors to obtain residency rights—and potentially citizenship—in exchange for significant financial contributions to a host country’s economy.

The concept has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, with over 30 nations now offering some form of residency or citizenship by investment. From the United States’ EB-5 program to Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit, these programs cater to high-net-worth individuals seeking expanded global access, business opportunities, and lifestyle flexibility.

This comprehensive comparison examines how the USA’s golden visa stacks up against alternatives worldwide, helping potential investors understand the unique benefits, requirements, and limitations of each program before making this significant financial and life decision.

What Are Golden Visa Programs?

Golden visa programs, also known as residence by investment schemes, offer a streamlined path to residency rights in exchange for a qualifying investment in the host country. These programs have become increasingly popular among wealthy individuals seeking greater global mobility, business opportunities, and lifestyle options.

Core Concept and Purpose

At their core, golden visa programs represent a mutually beneficial arrangement. Host countries attract foreign capital to stimulate economic growth, while investors gain residency rights and potential pathways to citizenship. The investment typically flows into real estate, government bonds, business creation, or other approved vehicles that benefit the local economy.

Unlike traditional immigration pathways that might require employment, family connections, or lengthy waiting periods, golden visas provide a relatively straightforward route based primarily on financial capability. This makes them particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals who value flexibility and efficiency.

Global Appeal and Benefits

The appeal of golden visa programs extends beyond simple residency rights. Key benefits that drive their popularity include:

• Global mobility: Many programs offer visa-free travel to numerous countries, particularly those in the Schengen Area for European golden visas
• Business expansion: Access to new markets and business environments
• Education opportunities: Entry to world-class educational institutions for investors and their children
• Healthcare access: Many host countries offer excellent healthcare systems
• Political and economic stability: Protection against volatility in home countries
• Tax planning advantages: Potential tax benefits depending on the jurisdiction
• Family inclusion: Most programs extend benefits to immediate family members

According to Henley & Partners, golden visas serve as “the best possible insurance policy against economic and political risk in a volatile world,” providing wealthy individuals with expanded options for physical relocation and full residence rights.

USA Golden Visa: The EB-5 Program

The United States’ primary residency-by-investment pathway is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, established in 1990. While not officially called a “golden visa,” it functions similarly to programs that carry this designation in other countries.

Investment Requirements and Structure

The EB-5 program requires foreign investors to make a significant capital investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. The standard investment amounts are:

• $1,050,000 for standard investments

• $800,000 for investments in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) – economically distressed or rural areas

Investors can choose between two primary investment routes:

1. Direct investment: Creating and operating a new business directly

1. Regional Center investment: Investing through government-approved Regional Centers that manage job creation and business operations

Conditional Green Card Process

The EB-5 process follows these general steps:

1. Initial application: Filing Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur)

1. Conditional residency: Upon approval, investors and their families receive conditional green cards valid for two years

1. Condition removal: After demonstrating that investment and job creation requirements have been met, investors file Form I-829 to remove conditions

1. Permanent residency: Upon approval, investors and their families receive permanent green cards

The “Trump Gold Card” Development

In early 2025, the Trump administration introduced what some are calling the “Trump Gold Card,” a new investment visa program with a significantly higher investment threshold of $5 million. According to Travel Noire, this new program differs from the traditional EB-5 by eliminating employment generation requirements while substantially increasing the investment amount.

The administration has positioned this program as providing “great economic value” for the United States, though it remains among the most expensive investor visa programs globally. The program is expected to be fully available to the public within weeks of its announcement.

European Golden Visa Programs

Europe hosts some of the world’s most popular golden visa programs, with Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Spain leading the pack. These programs are particularly attractive due to the Schengen Area benefits they provide, allowing visa-free travel throughout most of Europe.

Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal’s Residence Permit for Investment (ARI) has been one of Europe’s most sought-after golden visa programs since its introduction in 2012. According to Nordic HQ, the program has undergone significant changes, now focusing on capital investment, job creation, and cultural contributions rather than real estate investment.

Key features: – Investment options: €500,000 in shares of a non-real estate investment or €500,000 to form a company that employs five people – Cultural contribution: €250,000 donation toward artistic or cultural heritage maintenance – Minimal stay requirement: Just seven days in the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods – Path to citizenship: Eligibility after five years – Recent changes: Portugal has eliminated real estate investment options that were previously available

Greece Golden Visa

Greece’s program, launched in 2013, offers permanent residence permits to non-EU nationals through various investment options. The permit requires renewal every five years but has no minimum stay requirement.

Key features: – Real estate investment: €250,000 in most areas (€500,000 in prime locations like Athens) – Alternative options: Capital contributions of €400,000 to Greek companies or government bonds – Family benefits: Includes spouse, children under 21, and parents of both spouses – Path to citizenship: Possible after seven years of legal residency – Processing time: Approximately 2-3 months

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta’s program offers permanent residence through property investment and government contributions, with new requirements effective January 2025.

Key features: – Financial requirements: Minimum €500,000 in capital assets – Property purchase: €350,000 (or annual rental of €12,000) – Administrative fee: Non-refundable €50,000 – Donations: €2,000 to local non-governmental organizations – Path to citizenship: Available after established residency period

According to Imperial Citizenship, Malta’s program is particularly straightforward but requires substantial donations to local organizations in addition to the investment requirements.

Key Differences from USA Program

European golden visa programs differ from the US EB-5 in several important ways:

1. Lower investment thresholds: Most European programs require significantly less capital than the US EB-5

1. Minimal physical presence requirements: Many European programs have very low or no residency requirements

1. Schengen Area benefits: Immediate access to visa-free travel throughout most of Europe

1. Faster processing: Generally quicker approval timelines than the US program

1. Different investment focus: Less emphasis on job creation and more on real estate or government contributions

Asian Golden Visa Programs

Asian golden visa programs offer unique advantages for investors seeking opportunities in rapidly growing economies. Singapore and the UAE stand out with well-structured programs catering to high-net-worth individuals.

Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP)

Singapore’s GIP, administered by the Singapore Economic Development Board, offers permanent residence through three distinct investment pathways.

Key features: – Investment options: Minimum SGD 2.5 million (approximately USD 1.85 million) – Business track: Investing in new or expanding Singapore-based businesses – Fund investment: Investing in GIP-approved funds that support Singapore-based companies – Family office option: Establishing a family office with at least SGD 200 million in assets – Stringent requirements: Business experience and track record of successful entrepreneurship

UAE Golden Visa Program

The UAE’s program offers long-term residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talents, combining property investment options with professional qualification pathways.

Key features: – Investment threshold: Approximately $600,000 for investors – Real estate option: Property investments at varying thresholds – Long-term residency: Up to 10 years of residency rights – No income tax: Benefits from UAE’s zero personal income tax regime – Processing time: Typically 2-3 weeks, making it one of the fastest programs globally

According to Global Residence Index, the UAE program is particularly attractive for its tax benefits, strategic location, and relatively quick processing time.

Key Differences from Western Programs

Asian golden visa programs differ from their Western counterparts in several ways:

1. Business focus: Greater emphasis on active business involvement rather than passive investment

1. Tax advantages: Often situated in low or zero-tax jurisdictions

1. Regional mobility: Strategic access to growing Asian markets

1. Different lifestyle benefits: Unique cultural and business environments

1. Varying citizenship pathways: Generally more difficult paths to citizenship compared to European programs

Lesser-Known Golden Visa Programs

Beyond the well-established programs in major economies, several lesser-known golden visa options offer unique advantages for specific investor profiles.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

This South Pacific nation offers one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment programs globally.

Key features: – Investment requirement: Minimum of $130,000 for individuals (higher for families) – Minimum savings: Applicants must demonstrate $250,000 in savings – Tax benefits: Exemption from global income tax – Processing time: As little as 45-60 days – Limitations: Recent suspension of visa-free travel to the EU due to security concerns

According to Travel Noire, Vanuatu’s program is notable for its relatively low investment threshold and tax benefits, though recent changes have affected its visa-free travel advantages.

Hungary’s Guest Investor Residence Permit

Hungary recently relaunched its investor program after ending a previous version in 2017.

Key features: – Investment options: €250,000 in an investment fund for five years or €1 million donation to higher education – Residency period: Up to 10 years – No minimum stay: No physical presence requirements – Family inclusion: Spouse and dependent children eligible – EU benefits: Access to the Schengen Area

Latvia Residence by Investment

Latvia offers a tiered investment program based on company size and economic impact.

Key features: – Investment threshold: Starting at €60,000 – Business focus: Investment options based on company size and economic contribution – EU benefits: Residence in an EU member state – Path to permanent residence: Available after five years – Limited information: Government provides minimal official details

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Golden Visa

When evaluating golden visa programs, investors should consider several critical factors that will impact both short-term satisfaction and long-term value.

Investment Requirements and Options

The financial commitment varies dramatically between programs:

• Investment amount: From as low as €60,000 (Latvia) to $5 million (new US program)

• Investment type: Real estate, business creation, government bonds, donations, or fund investments

• Return potential: Some investments offer financial returns while others (like donations) do not

• Holding period: Required duration to maintain the investment (typically 3-7 years)

• Liquidity concerns: Ability to access funds if needed during the holding period

Residency and Citizenship Pathways

Programs differ significantly in their residency requirements and citizenship opportunities:

• Physical presence requirements: From zero days (UAE, Greece) to substantial time (US)

• Path to permanent residency: Timeframe and requirements for permanent status

• Citizenship eligibility: Whether and when citizenship becomes available

• Dual citizenship allowance: Whether the country permits holding multiple citizenships

• Generational benefits: Whether status can be passed to future generations

Family Inclusion Policies

Most programs extend benefits to family members, but with varying definitions and limitations:

• Spouse eligibility: All programs include legal spouses

• Children age limits: Typically dependent children under 18-25 years

• Parent inclusion: Some programs allow including parents of the main applicant

• Extended family: Few programs permit including siblings or other relatives

• Future family members: Policies regarding children born after obtaining residency

Tax Implications

Tax considerations can significantly impact the overall value of a golden visa:

• Residency-based taxation: Whether the country taxes worldwide income based on residency

• Physical presence thresholds: How many days trigger tax residency

• Double taxation treaties: Agreements preventing taxation of the same income twice

• Wealth taxes: Presence of taxes on global assets

• Inheritance tax considerations: How assets are taxed upon death

Global Mobility Benefits

The travel advantages vary considerably between programs:

• Visa-free travel: Number of countries accessible without visas

• Quality of passport: Overall ranking and recognition

• Regional access: Special access to economic zones (EU, ASEAN, etc.)

• Travel restrictions: Any limitations on visa-free travel

• Future outlook: Stability and projected value of travel benefits

Pros and Cons of the USA Golden Visa

The United States’ EB-5 program offers distinct advantages and disadvantages compared to alternatives worldwide.

Advantages

• Economic opportunity: Access to the world’s largest economy and business market

• Education excellence: Entry to top-tier universities and educational institutions

• Healthcare quality: Some of the world’s most advanced medical facilities and treatments

• Political stability: Well-established legal system and political institutions

• Pathway to citizenship: Clear route to US citizenship after five years of permanent residency

• Family benefits: Includes spouse and unmarried children under 21

Disadvantages

• High investment threshold: Among the most expensive programs globally, especially with the new $5 million option

• Job creation requirement: Traditional EB-5 requires creating at least 10 full-time jobs

• Long processing times: Often 3-5 years from application to permanent residency

• Strict source of funds requirements: Rigorous documentation of investment capital origins

• Worldwide taxation: US citizens and residents are taxed on global income

• Physical presence requirements: Substantial time in the US required to maintain status

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to alternatives, the US program stands out in several ways:

• Higher investment: Requires significantly more capital than most European or Caribbean options

• Longer processing: Typically slower than programs like Portugal or Greece

• Stronger economy: Offers access to larger markets than most alternatives

• More demanding requirements: Stricter compliance and documentation standards

• Greater long-term stability: More established program with longer history

According to Portico and Bridge, the EB-5 program remains a reliable path to US residency despite its higher costs, offering significant economic, educational, and healthcare advantages that may justify the premium for many investors.

Banking Considerations for Golden Visa Holders

An often overlooked aspect of golden visa planning is banking arrangements. As Nomad Gate points out, traditional banks often charge exorbitant fees for international transactions, which can significantly impact golden visa holders who maintain international lifestyles.

Several banking options cater specifically to globally mobile individuals:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Offers multi-currency accounts with local banking details in multiple countries

• N26: European digital bank available to residents of most European countries

• Charles Schwab: US bank offering unlimited ATM fee refunds worldwide

• Revolut: Digital banking platform with competitive currency exchange rates

These banking solutions can help golden visa holders manage finances across multiple jurisdictions while minimizing fees and maximizing convenience.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Golden Visa Program

The ideal golden visa program depends entirely on your personal circumstances, financial capacity, and long-term objectives. While the USA’s EB-5 program offers access to the world’s largest economy and a clear path to citizenship, its high investment threshold and lengthy processing times may not suit all investors.

European programs like Portugal and Greece offer lower investment requirements and minimal physical presence obligations, making them attractive for those seeking lifestyle flexibility and Schengen Area access. Asian programs in Singapore and the UAE provide strategic positioning in growing economic regions with significant tax advantages.

Before committing to any golden visa program, consider consulting with immigration specialists who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation. The substantial investment required for these programs warrants thorough due diligence and professional advice.

As global mobility becomes increasingly important in an uncertain world, golden visa programs will continue to evolve, offering wealthy individuals expanded options for residency, business, and lifestyle planning. By carefully weighing the factors outlined in this comparison, you can select the program that best aligns with your global citizenship strategy.

Explore Other Articles:

1. UK Skilled Worker Visa – Complete Guide

1. Sweden Job Seeker Visa – How to Apply

1. Portugal’s Job Seeker Visa – What You Need to Know

1. Germany EU Blue Card – Benefits and Requirements