Golden Visas 2025: Which Countries Offer Them and Which Is the Best Choice?

By Ronald Kapper

As global mobility becomes increasingly valuable, more countries are offering Golden Visas—residency or even citizenship in exchange for investments. From Dubai’s 10-year Golden Visa to Portugal’s real estate-centric programs, high-net-worth individuals are choosing where to invest not just for returns, but also for access, safety, and a better future.

But which country offers the best deal in 2025? Here’s a full comparison of the world’s most attractive Golden Visa destinations.

🌍 What Is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is a government-issued residency permit offered to foreign nationals who make a substantial investment in a country’s economy. This could be through real estate, startups, government bonds, or job creation. In some cases, it leads to permanent residency or full citizenship.

🌟 Top Countries Offering Golden Visas in 2025

🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE)

• Minimum Investment: AED 2 million (~USD 545,000) in real estate or business

• Validity: 10 years, renewable

• Tax Benefits: No income tax

• Perks: Family sponsorship, access to top-tier healthcare and education, fast-tracked banking and residency

• Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, tech investors, luxury property buyers

🔗 Dubai Golden Visa official portal

🇵🇹 Portugal

• Minimum Investment: €500,000 in real estate or €250,000 in cultural projects

• Validity: 5 years (renewable); citizenship after 5 years

• Tax Benefits: Non-habitual resident tax regime

• Perks: Visa-free EU travel, path to EU citizenship

• Ideal For: Europeans, digital nomads, retirees

Note: Portugal phased out the real estate route in 2023 in urban zones, but it remains valid in rural areas and cultural projects.

🇬🇷 Greece

• Minimum Investment: €250,000 in real estate (increasing to €500,000 in some zones)

• Validity: 5 years (renewable)

• Tax Benefits: Low property taxes

• Perks: Visa-free travel in Schengen Zone, family inclusion

• Ideal For: Investors looking for affordable EU entry

🇪🇸 Spain

• Minimum Investment: €500,000 in real estate

• Validity: 2 years (renewable)

• Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income (if not a resident)

• Perks: Live and work in Spain, Schengen travel

• Ideal For: Latin Americans, digital workers, EU-bound investors

🇲🇹 Malta

• Minimum Investment: €738,000 including government contributions and property purchase

• Validity: Citizenship in 12–36 months

• Tax Benefits: Tax treaties with 70+ countries

• Perks: EU citizenship, visa-free travel to 180+ countries

• Ideal For: Ultra high-net-worth individuals seeking EU passports

🇹🇷 Turkey

• Minimum Investment: $400,000 in real estate

• Validity: Direct citizenship within 6–8 months

• Tax Benefits: Relatively low personal taxes

• Perks: Citizenship for family, E2 visa access to USA

• Ideal For: Middle Eastern and South Asian investors

📊 Golden Visa Comparison Chart

🧠 Expert Verdict: Which Is the Best Golden Visa in 2025?

It depends on your goals:

• For Tax Benefits & Luxury: Dubai is unmatched. No income tax, stunning infrastructure, and ease of business make it a top pick for entrepreneurs.

• For EU Access & Citizenship: Portugal still reigns supreme with its straightforward path to EU citizenship in 5 years and a relaxed stay requirement.

• For Speed: Turkey offers one of the fastest routes to full citizenship.

• For Affordability: Greece is the cheapest EU entry point with long-term flexibility.

• For Global Mobility: Malta offers the most powerful passport through investment—at a price.

🔍 Things to Consider Before Applying

• Stay Requirements: Some countries require you to stay a few weeks per year; others don’t.

• Family Inclusion: Check if dependents and parents are covered.

• Exit Options: Can you sell your real estate after a few years without losing residency?

• Political & Economic Risk: Stability matters. Choose countries with predictable immigration and investment laws.

🧾 Final Word

Golden Visas are not just about immigration—they’re strategic tools for wealth preservation, global access, and future planning. As geopolitical uncertainty rises, having Plan B (or C) in place is becoming essential for global citizens.

Whether you’re a startup founder from Mumbai, a retiree from London, or an entrepreneur in Nairobi, there’s a Golden Visa that matches your ambition—and opens doors to new worlds.