Connect with us
Connect with us
Planning to relocate overseas or secure a second residency as your backup plan? The Golden Visa through real estate investment is one of the most sought-after pathways to global mobility and security. Why? Because they don't only grant you residency or citizenship, you also gain tangible asset ownership, potential rental income, and a place to call home.
Dozens of countries and islands worldwide offer these programs—we'll show you the most attractive and practical options available. Beyond securing an appreciating asset, you're opening doors to enhanced global mobility, tax advantages, and long-term security for your family's future.
This expert guide provides the essential information you need to evaluate your options and make a confident decision.
A Golden Visa via real estate investment is a residency or citizenship program where a country grants legal status to foreign nationals who purchase property that meets certain requirements. These programs usually require a minimum purchase amount, a holding period, and compliance with due diligence checks.
Summary: A Golden Visa through real estate lets you secure residency or citizenship by purchasing qualifying property in a participating country.
Governments offer these programs to attract foreign capital, stimulate their property markets, and strengthen economic ties with global investors. For applicants, the appeal lies in securing a second home, mobility rights, or even a new passport, while holding a tangible, appreciating asset.
Several European Union and Schengen countries continue to offer Golden Visas tied to real estate. Here are some of the most sought after location:
Summary: Malta, Cyprus, and Greece are the main EU countries still offering real estate investment routes.
- Malta – Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP): Applicants can either rent or purchase property. The purchase option requires a property worth at least €375,000 plus contributions and fees, totaling about €481,500. Malta offers permanent residency with visa-free Schengen travel, though it does not lead directly to citizenship.
- Cyprus – Permanent Residency by Investment: Requires a minimum of €300,000 in residential or commercial property. The property must be maintained to keep permanent residence status. Citizenship eligibility is available after seven years of residence.
- Greece – Golden Visa: Greece’s program requires property purchases starting from €250,000 to €800,000, with thresholds varying by location and project type. Prime areas like Athens and popular islands require higher investments, while restoration projects or commercial-to-residential conversions qualify for lower minimums. It grants renewable five-year residency permits, visa-free Schengen access, and the right to include family members.
Even within the EU, there have been several issues with questionable property deals and acquisition challenges in countries like Greece. In these cases, we lean towards more stable, regulated markets like Malta. However, there is always opportunity when you work with the right developer and experienced advisory team.
Summary: No. As of the most recent changes, Portugal no longer accepts real estate purchases for Golden Visa eligibility.
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains active but has shifted away from property. Investors can now qualify by contributing to funds, supporting job creation, or cultural donations. While Portugal once led Europe’s real estate Golden Visa market, policy shifts have redirected investor flows toward Greece, Cyprus, and Malta.
The Caribbean continues to be a hotspot for fast-track citizenship via property investment. Each country offers visa-free travel and attractive tax regimes.
Summary: Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica all allow real estate options under their citizenship by investment programs.
- St. Kitts & Nevis – Citizenship by Investment: Offers real estate options starting from around $325,000 to $600,000. Properties must be held for 7 years before resale.
- St. Lucia – Citizenship by Investment: Requires investment of at least $300,000 into an approved real estate development, held for a minimum of 5 years.
- Grenada – Citizenship by Investment: Real estate investors can qualify with a minimum investment of $270,000 in government-approved projects.
- Dominica – Citizenship by Investment: Real estate options begin at $200,000, with a minimum 3 year holding period.
- Antigua & Barbuda – Citizenship by Investment: The real estate route requires a minimum $300,000 investment in government-approved properties, with a mandatory 5-year holding period. Antigua's real estate program stands apart from other Caribbean options. While most programs sell fractional shares in unseen developments, Antigua offers full freehold ownership of actual properties: bungalows, villas, and real assets.
All these programs grant citizenship, not just residency, usually within months, making them highly attractive for families seeking immediate global mobility.
Summary: Yes. The UAE, specifically Dubai, offers one of the most straightforward property-based Golden Visa programs.
The United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Golden Visa allows investors to qualify through real estate purchases of AED 2 million (about $550,000). The program grants 10-year renewable residency, enabling investors and their families to live, work, and study in Dubai without restrictions. Given Dubai’s thriving property market and strategic location, this has become a leading choice for Middle Eastern residency.
The 2-year Property Investor Visa offers a lower entry point at AED 750,000. This renewable visa permits joint spousal ownership and family sponsorship, ideal for those exploring UAE residency without full commitment.
Dubai’s real estate market is characterized by robust growth, record-breaking sales, and a surge in high-net-worth individuals investing in luxury properties, despite a slight recent dip in prices in early 2025.
Summary: Panama and Costa Rica both provide property-based residency pathways in Latin America.
- Panama – Qualified Investor Program: Requires a minimum real estate investment of $300,000, held for five years. This program provides direct permanent residency and a path to citizenship after five years.
- Panama – Friendly Nations Visa: Available to citizens of 50 designated countries, it requires a real estate purchase worth at least $200,000 (financing allowed). The program begins with a two-year temporary residency, leading to permanent residence and citizenship after five years.
- Costa Rica – Investor Residency (Inversionista Program): Under Law 9996, investors can qualify with a minimum property purchase of $150,000. Residency is initially granted for two years, renewable while the investment is maintained. After three years, applicants may seek permanent residency, with citizenship possible after seven years. Family members, including spouse and dependent children, can be included.
Both Panama and Costa Rica offer investor-friendly policies, geographic advantages, and attractive tax regimes, making them compelling options for North and South American mobility.
Summary: The minimum investment varies by country, ranging from $150,000 in Costa Rica to €375,000 in Malta.
Here’s a snapshot:
Costa Rica: $150,000
Dominica: $200,000
Panama Friendly Nations Visa: $200,000
Grenada: $220,000
St. Lucia: $300,000
Panama Qualified Investor: $300,000
Cyprus: €300,000
Greece: €250,000 – €800,000 depending on location
Malta: €375,000 + fees (≈ €457,000)
UAE (Dubai): AED 2M (~$550,000)
St. Kitts & Nevis: $325,000–$600,000
Summary: Most Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs require property to be held for 3–7 years after citizenship is granted, while residency-based programs generally require the property to be maintained for as long as residency status is kept.
Why it matters: Holding period requirements prevent quick resale, ensuring that foreign investors remain genuinely committed to the host country’s economy while providing long-term stability for both sides. Additionally, failure to maintain the property can result in revocation of all residency or citizenship rights.
Summary: Yes. Most real estate residency and citizenship programs allow inclusion of spouses and dependent children, with some extending coverage to parents and grandparents. In most cases, family members must be financially dependent on the main applicant to qualify.
For example:
Malta: Up to four generations can be included (spouse, children, parents, grandparents).
Cyprus: Spouse and children under 25 can be included.
Greece: Spouse, children under 21, and parents of both spouses.
Caribbean programs: Spouse, children, and often dependent parents are eligible.
UAE: Spouse and children can be included.
Panama: Both parents and dependent adult children may qualify.
Family inclusion is one of the strongest benefits, making these programs attractive for multigenerational planning.
Summary: They combine lifestyle, mobility, and investment benefits in one. After all, you will need a place to live wherever you go. When you're not in the country, most programs allow you to rent out the property, generating income during your absence. Not to mention, for many investors, it's the difference between owning property versus paying rent back home, especially in jurisdictions like Panama that offer exceptional value for your investment dollar compared to acquiring property in places like the US, Canada, or the UK.
Key advantages include:
- Tangible Asset: Property can be a secure, appreciating investment in stable markets. However, thorough due diligence is essential, real estate options and performance varies significantly by location and market conditions.
- Enhanced Global Mobility: Schengen access in Europe, visa-free travel with Caribbean passports, or regional mobility in places like Dubai and Panama.
- Residency or Citizenship: Pathways to permanent residence or a second passport.
- Family Security: Ability to include spouses, children, and often parents.
- Multi-Purpose Investment: Personal use as primary home, vacation retreat or hands-off rental income generation
- Strategic Tax Optimization: Access to favorable tax regimes and potential offshore benefits.
Summary: The right program depends on your goals and priorities: citizenship, residency, global mobility, or investment returns. Here are a few examples:
- For EU mobility: Malta provides the most affordable entry point with flexible rental options and a new fast track temporary permit.
- For fast citizenship: Caribbean programs like Antigua.
- For Middle East lifestyle and business hub: UAE (Dubai).
- For U.S. treaty benefits and tax-friendly structures: Panama.
Your decision should balance lifestyle aspirations, budget, and long-term family planning. Our expert advisors can help you align your goals with the most strategic option.
Golden Visas tied to real estate remain one of the most popular and effective routes to global mobility and security. While Portugal has closed its property route, strong opportunities remain in countries like Malta, Panama and Dubai. By investing in real estate, you not only diversify your portfolio with tangible assets but also acquire life-changing benefits for yourself and your family.
In today's uncertain world, property-linked residency and citizenship are more than just investments, they are gateways to global freedom.
However, due diligence and thorough property market research are extremely important. If you're unfamiliar with your destination's market conditions, economic stability, or regulatory environment, our team of experts is here to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions.
Ingwe Immigration helps you make the right real estate investment for lasting mobility and family security.
📞 Book a 1-on-1 Consultation → https://ingwe.ca/store-alias
📝 Fill Out Pre-Assessment Form → https://ingwe.ca/contact-us
