Investment visas, Golden Visas, and citizenship by investment programs worldwide
Explore 45+ residency and citizenship programs available from the UAE. Golden Visas, citizenship by investment, digital nomad visas, and skilled worker permits with investment requirements, processing times, and eligibility details.
Entrepreneur visa for starting a business in Portugal. Apply via VFS Global Dubai. Lower investment than Golden Visa. Path to EU citizenship in 5 years with 7 days/year presence.
Investment via AIMA (formerly SEF). Fund investment or real estate in low-density areas. Currently experiencing backlogs. EU citizenship in 5 years with minimal presence requirement.
Most affordable EU Golden Visa. €250K in low-demand areas, €400K-€800K in Athens/islands (2024 increase). No minimum stay required. Includes three generations. Processing via Greek Consulate.
Direct path to US Green Card. Investment in TEA (Targeted Employment Area) job-creating projects. USCIS processing 24-36 months. Interview at US Consulate Dubai. Citizenship after 5 years.
Treaty investor visa. Requires second citizenship from treaty country (e.g., Grenada). Apply at US Consulate Dubai. Renewable indefinitely. Spouse gets work permit. No direct path to Green Card.
For citizens of 50+ friendly nations. Requires $5K bank deposit + $300K assets abroad, or $200K property/business. Apply in Panama. Permanent residency after 2 years. Citizenship after 5 years.
Permanent residency via business investment registered with Central Bank (RDE-IED). Apply at Brazilian Consulate Dubai. Must maintain investment 4 years. Citizenship possible after 4 years.
New program launched April 2025. Growth tier: NZ$5M/3 years/21 days presence. Balanced tier: NZ$10M/5 years/105 days. Fast processing averaging 31 working days for approval.
Most affordable Caribbean CBI. Official processing 3-4 months via government CBI Unit. Visa-free to 140+ countries including UK, EU, Singapore. No residency requirements.
Only CBI with USA E-2 treaty access. Visa-free to China, UK, EU, Singapore. Processing via official CBI Committee. Real estate option: $270K (can resell after 5 years).
World's oldest CBI program (since 1984). Premium passport with strongest reputation. Accelerated processing available (45-60 days). Visa-free to 150+ countries.
Apply via VFS Global Dubai. Min 15 calendar days processing. For retirees and remote workers with passive income (pension, dividends, rental). Physical presence required. EU citizenship in 5 years.
For financially independent individuals not working in Spain. Apply at Spanish Consulate Dubai. No work allowed. Full Schengen access. Citizenship after 10 years residence.
Apply at Italian Consulate Dubai. Up to 90 days official processing. For retirees and financially independent. Proof of stable passive income required. Citizenship after 10 years.
Apply via French Consulate Dubai or TLScontact. Long-stay visa for financially independent visitors. No work permitted. Full access to French healthcare. PR and citizenship pathway.
Financially Independent Person visa. Lower cost alternative to Golden Visa. Apply at Greek Consulate Abu Dhabi. Full EU/Schengen benefits. Citizenship pathway available.
Permanent residency through property purchase or €10K/year rental. Special 15% flat tax on foreign income. English-speaking EU country. Strong banking sector.
Rebranded as Thailand Privilege. Apply directly online. Fast processing 2-4 weeks. VIP benefits: airport fast-track, lounges, annual health check. Multiple tiers from 5 to 20 years.
My Second Home program. Tiered system (Platinum/Gold/Silver). Fixed deposit required. Must use licensed agent. 90 days/year presence for main applicant. Low cost of living.
Apply via RaDEX platform or consulate. For passive income earners. Fastest citizenship in Americas - eligible after only 2 years of residence. Express processing available.
For retirees with stable pension (3x basic salary ~$1,410/mo). USD economy. Diverse climate. Permanent residency after 21 months. Citizenship after 3 years. Import tax exemptions.
Apply at Mexican Consulate Dubai. Visa issued within 10 working days after interview. Enter Mexico within 180 days. Exchange for resident card at INM. Citizenship after 5 years.
Apply via VFS Global Dubai. Min 15 days processing. For remote workers employed outside Portugal. Income threshold €3,480/mo (2025). Path to permanent residency and citizenship.
Apply at Spanish Consulate Dubai. 20-day official processing for complete applications. Special 15% flat tax (Beckham Law) for first 5 years. Extendable to 5 years total.
Official processing up to 30 days. EU member with no local income tax for nomads. Extended to 18 months in 2025. Must leave 6 months before reapplying. €523 admin fee.
Europe's most digital-friendly country. Apply at Estonian Embassy. €100 visa fee. Can combine with e-Residency for EU company setup. Valid up to 365 days, extendable to 548 days.
Apply at German Consulate Dubai. 7 working days to 12 weeks processing. For freelancers/artists with German clients. Must prove benefit to German economy. PR after 5 years.
Apply at Greek Consulate Abu Dhabi. 50% income tax exemption for first 7 years. Beautiful islands and affordable lifestyle. Renewable up to 2 years total.
Apply online via Residency Malta Agency. 30 working days official processing. €300 non-refundable fee. No Maltese tax on foreign income. Renewable up to 4 years total.
New visa launched April 2024. Apply at Italian Consulate Dubai. 30-90 days processing. For remote workers in qualified professions. Biometrics required from Jan 2025. Renewable.
For individuals with extraordinary ability. USCIS processing 2-6 months. Premium processing available (15 days, $2,805). US Consulate Dubai interview wait ~1 month. ~94% approval rate.
Green Card for extraordinary ability. No employer sponsor needed. Self-petition available. Premium processing option. Evidence of sustained national/international acclaim required.
Green Card for outstanding professors and researchers. Requires 3+ years teaching/research experience. Employer sponsorship required. International recognition in academic field.
For leaders in academia, research, arts, digital tech. Apply via gov.uk. 3 weeks standard processing. Endorsement from Tech Nation, UKRI, or Arts Council required. ILR after 3 years possible.
Apply via VFS Global Dubai. Standard 3 weeks processing. Priority (5 days) and super-priority (next day) available. Employer sponsorship required. Settlement after 5 years.
For recent graduates from top global universities. No job offer needed. Work, self-employment, or job search allowed. Apply via VFS Dubai. Can switch to other visa categories.
For experienced entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas. Endorsement required from approved body. No minimum investment. Settlement possible after 3 years.
Apply at German Consulate Dubai. 7 working days to 12 weeks processing. For highly qualified professionals. University degree required. PR in 21 months with B1 German or 33 months with A1.
Apply at German Consulate Dubai. For qualified professionals with recognized degree or vocational training. Job offer required. PR after 4 years. Strong social security benefits.
Apply via French Consulate Dubai or TLScontact. Multi-track visa for qualified employees, researchers, artists, entrepreneurs. Family members can work. PR after 5 years.
IND processing up to 90 days official, typically 2-4 weeks for recognized sponsors. MVV visa sticker at embassy in 10 working days. 30% tax ruling benefit. English widely spoken.
Employment permit for in-demand occupations. Currently experiencing significant backlog (6-10+ months). Immediate family reunification. Stamp 4 (open work) after 2 years.
Fast-track visa for tech professionals. Apply via VFS Dubai. Must join certified Portuguese startup or tech company. Growing Lisbon tech hub. EU citizenship in 5 years.
Family reunification visa for spouses of EU citizens. Allows permanent residence in the Schengen area. Each EU country has different requirements.
Fiancé visa for partners of US citizens. Must marry within 90 days of arrival. Leads to Green Card and citizenship.
Family visa for spouses of UK citizens or settled persons. Path to ILR after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years.
Spousal sponsorship for permanent residence in Canada. Direct PR on arrival. Citizenship eligible after 3 years.