If you want long-term residence in another country without constant visa renewals, a Golden Visa can help you settle down and focus on your goals. These kinds of immigration programs offer long-term residence in exchange for an investment in the host country’s economy or some other financial requirement. Some require you to buy property or start a business, while others accept a one-time payment.
With different rules across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas, it’s worth taking the time to compare and find which Golden Visa fits you best.
In this article, you’ll find out which Golden Visa programs are worth considering, what to watch out for, and how to choose the one that makes the most sense for your plans.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa gives you long-term residency in a country when you make a qualifying investment. That investment might be real estate, a business, or a direct payment to the government. Some programs offer temporary residency first, while others give you permanent residency from the start.
Golden Visas are for people who want to live in a foreign country but do not qualify for other residency programs that require marriage, employment, or long naturalization processes. Instead, they can invest or pay a significant fee for the privilege. Details differ by country, but they all offer the chance to live somewhere long-term without constant visa renewals. In some cases, they can also lead to permanent residency or citizenship.
Golden Visas in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas
Golden Visas are available in many countries, but not all of them will meet your needs or lifestyle, so be sure to examine each one carefully. Here’s a breakdown of popular Golden Visa options across the three major regions that offer them.
Southeast Asia
Thailand Golden Visa (Thailand Privilege Visa)
This visa is one of, if not the easiest, to acquire. The Thailand Privilege Visa doesn’t require you to invest in property or business. Instead, you pay a significant but one-time membership fee. In return, you get a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 to 20 years, plus VIP airport services, a large selection of free luxury perks, and access to concierge support. No proof of income or ongoing investment is required.
Malaysia’s My Second Home (MM2H)
Malaysia’s Golden Visa requires you to show a minimum monthly income and place a fixed deposit in a local bank. The exact amount depends on your age. Processing can take several months, and approval is not guaranteed. Benefits are mostly limited to residency.
Europe
Portugal’s Golden Visa
Portugal lets you qualify for their Golden Visa by investing in funds, real estate, or cultural projects. The lowest investment tier is around €250,000, but most options start at €500,000. You need to spend just seven days per year in the country, and after five years, you can apply for citizenship. It remains one of the most popular Golden Visas in Europe.
Greece’s Golden Visa
This program requires you to buy property worth at least €250,000. You get permanent residency, and there’s no minimum stay to keep the visa. Citizenship is available after seven years, but only if you live in Greece full-time.
Americas
United States: EB-5 Visa
The US EB5 Visa is an investor visa that leads to a green card. You need to invest at least $800,000 in a government-approved project and create at least 10 jobs. Processing can take over a year. It’s one of the most expensive programs, but it leads to permanent US residency (Green Card).
Panama Friendly Nations Visa
This visa is one of the more accessible Golden Visas in the Americas. To get it, you’ll need to open a local bank account and show ties to the country, like starting a business or buying real estate. Once approved, you get temporary residency that can turn into permanent residency over time.
What is the Best Golden Visa in the World?
When you’re looking at Golden Visas, you need to think about how easy they are to apply for, how much they cost, and what you actually get in return. Some sound appealing but come with conditions that aren’t obvious right away. Others are more affordable and give you real benefits but might have extra conditions you can’t meet. Here’s how they compare.
The Easiest Golden Visa to Acquire
Most Golden Visa programs have long applications that require significant paperwork. Thailand’s Golden Visa, the Thailand Privilege Visa, is different. All you need is a passport and a clean background check that the government will do for you. You also don’t need to prove your income or show investment records. The application usually takes about four weeks, and there are government-partnered agents, known as GSSAs, who can help you for free.
The Most Affordable Golden Visa
Most Golden Visas come with high costs to justify their ease of residency. Portugal and Greece require at least €250,000, but usually more, especially considering residency requirements. The US program is the most expensive and starts at $800,000. Even Malaysia asks for a six-figure deposit and proof of steady income.
The Thailand Golden Visa is one of the few that doesn’t ask for ongoing investments or minimum annual income. You pay a one-time fee, and that’s it. No yearly renewals. No extra deposits. No hidden costs. Prices start at around $20,000 for a 5-year visa, with more expensive versions offering longer stays and more luxury benefits.
Golden Visa With the Best Benefits
As the main goal of Golden Visas is to just get expats into the country, many of these programs stop providing benefits once your application is approved. You get residency, and that’s it. Most Western countries offer only the right to stay in the country because these locations are desirable, and they don’t need to. However, competition in Asia is fierce for countries looking to court wealthy investors, so many Golden Visas in the region offer extra perks.
The Thailand Privilege Visa offers more benefits than any other Golden Visa. You get VIP airport services, fast-track immigration, help with opening a bank account, and access to a 24/7 support line. You also earn points each year to spend on free hotel stays, golf, spa treatments, and hundreds of other perks. It’s not just a visa; it’s an exclusive membership that enables the most rewarding and convenient lifestyle in Thailand.
Why Thailand’s Golden Visa stands out?
When you look at all the options, the Thailand Privilege Visa stands out. It’s easier to qualify for, has lower ongoing costs, and offers real, ongoing benefits. You don’t need to invest in property or fill out stacks of paperwork. Just pay the membership fee and get long-term residency.
If you want to live comfortably abroad, especially in Southeast Asia, without constant visa issues, this program makes the most sense. It gives you flexibility, support, and access to a lifestyle that most other visas don’t offer.
If you’re ready to apply for the Thailand Privilege Visa, contact Siam Legal. As an authorized General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA), we’ll prepare your documents, explain the process clearly, and handle the application process for you.
One small mistake can lead to delays or rejection, which could stop you from entering Thailand. Don’t take that chance. Get the support you need from the nation’s leading, award-winning Thailand Privilege consulting team.
