The Golden Visa program allows investors to live, work, and travel around the world. In 2024, this permit became especially popular among U.S. citizens looking for new opportunities to move and maintain mobility. Find out which 10 countries had the most popular programs, as well as the features and benefits of each

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The Golden Visa program gives the right to live, work and travel around the world. In 2024, these special permits were especially popular, including among US citizens. In particular, through the permit, Americans were looking for opportunities to move and ways to maintain international mobility.

According to Henley & Partners, 2024 was a record year for the number of applications for golden visas among US citizens, which is explained by the increase in interest in alternative places of residence and citizenship after the presidential election.

We will tell about the 10 countries whose golden visas were the most popular among applicants in 2024 later in this article.

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What is a golden visa?

A golden visa is a program that grants the right to temporary or permanent residence in exchange for investments in real estate, startups or high taxes.

Depending on the country, such a visa can be a step towards citizenship or open up other opportunities for investors, such as providing tax benefits or access to improved business conditions or the right to visa-free travel.

Top 10 Golden Visa Programs in 2024

Greece

Greece’s Golden Visa program is one of the most affordable in Europe, attracting investors due to its cost and favorable location.

- Requirements: Investment of at least $271,000 in real estate.

- Benefits: Visa-free travel within the Schengen area, unlimited stay, and the opportunity to obtain citizenship after 7 years. Greece also offers a favorable climate and business development, making it attractive for startups.

Italy

Italy offers a Golden Visa program for investors with flexible investment conditions.

- Requirements: Investment of €271,000 (about $295,000) in startups.

- Benefits: Path to citizenship in 10 years and a two-year investor visa. Italy also has an impeccable cultural heritage, which attracts not only businessmen, but also those who want to improve their quality of life in one of the most beautiful corners of Europe.

Latvia

Latvia offers one of the most affordable golden visa programs in Europe, attracting investors looking for an easy path to the EU.

- Requirements: Investment of $54,000 in real estate.

- Benefits: Five-year residence permit, visa-free Schengen. Latvia also offers a stable economy and business prospects in the Baltic region.

Malta

Malta offers the opportunity to obtain permanent residency for investment, as well as citizenship through a “golden passport”.

- Requirements: $406,000 real estate investment or $15,100 annual rent.

- Benefits: Visa-free access to the Schengen area, citizenship in a few years. Malta is also one of the most profitable places for business, thanks to low taxes and investor support.

Panama

Panama offers a fast and affordable path to permanent residency.

- Requirements: $300,000 investment in real estate or $100,000 in natural resource restoration.

- Benefits: Fast residency process, convenient location for investing in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Portugal

Portugal has one of the most popular golden visa programs due to its simplicity and low residency requirements.

- Requirements: Investment of at least $271,000 in real estate in areas with low population density.

- Benefits: Citizenship after 5 years, only 7 days of residence per year. Portugal also offers excellent business opportunities, especially in the technology sector.

Spain

Spain offers golden visas for investors with the possibility of obtaining citizenship after two years.

- Requirements: Investment of at least €500,000 in real estate.

- Benefits: Path to citizenship after two years of residence. Spain is also one of the centers for technology startups and has a strong economy.

Switzerland

Switzerland offers golden visas for investors who are willing to pay high taxes.

- Requirements: Investment of $300,000 to $1.2 million per year.

- Benefits: Security, high standard of living, neutral political status and visa-free access to Schengen.

Thailand

Thailand’s Golden Visa program offers long-term residency with low investment requirements.

- Requirements: Investment of $20,000 or more for a 20-year visa.

- Benefits: Easy visa for families, low cost of living, providing a high standard of living and opportunities for investors looking to do business or holiday in one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

UAE

The UAE offers one of the most attractive Golden Visa programs with tax benefits and long-term residency.

- Requirements: Investment of AED 2 million (approximately $550,000) or more in real estate.

- Benefits: 10-year visa with the ability to travel and live tax-free. The UAE also offers unique opportunities for business and infrastructure investment.

Golden Visa programs in 2024 remain very popular among Americans looking for new opportunities to live abroad. Each country offers its own unique conditions for investors, be it accessibility, speed of obtaining citizenship or tax benefits. Regardless of whether you want to live in Europe or in countries with favorable conditions for business, these programs open the door to new opportunities at the international level.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to choose the best Golden Visa program for moving.

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Let us remind you! After Donald Trump won the election, the number of search queries for migration and relocation among American users increased by almost 1514%. Most people choose English-speaking countries and states in Europe. We have already talked about the conditions for obtaining golden visas in the most popular EU countries.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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