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March 16, 2024

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Unlock the Benefits of a Golden Visa: The Top 6 Programs for You

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Unlock the Benefits of a Golden Visa: The Top 6 Programs for You

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What is a Golden Visa?

A golden visa is a special type of visa program that is offered by certain countries. It allows individuals to get a residence permit in a foreign country, usually in exchange for an investment. The golden visa program enables investors to gain access to the country’s rights and benefits without having to meet the usual complex immigration requirements. This includes the ability to live, run businesses, work, study, and travel freely within the country. The program also offers many other benefits, such as access to transparent tax incentives, residency, and even citizenship in some cases.

Golden visa programs are becoming increasingly popular as they offer investors a chance to gain access to the many benefits of living in a prestigious country without the hassle of applying for a regular visa. It is also appealing to investors due to the fact that it can be obtained relatively quickly and with minimal effort.


Benefits of a Golden Visa

Besides obvious benefits, the golden visa program is also attractive to investors due to the fact that the initial investment is often relatively low compared to the long-term benefits that it offers. It also offers investors a chance to diversify their investments and gain access to new markets.

In addition, a golden visa program is also a great way to gain access to a new culture and way of life. The opportunity to experience a new country and culture can be a rewarding experience, and, in the long run, investors get a clear path to citizenship and the world's strongest passports.


Countries with Golden Visa Programs

Golden visa programs are becoming increasingly popular as more countries offer these types of programs. Currently, there are dozens of countries that offer golden visa programs, including countries in Europe, the Middle East, and even the United States.

Some of the most successful and truly recognized golden visa programs are offered by Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Malta, France, the UAE, Cyprus, and other countries. Each of these countries offers different types of golden visa programs with different requirements, so it is important to research each one in detail before making a decision.

The United States also offers a golden visa program, known as the EB-5 program. This program allows investors to gain access to the rights and benefits of permanent residency in exchange for an investment of at least $500,000 in a qualifying project.


Social and Economic Benefits of a Golden Visa

Golden Visa programs offer many social and economic benefits not only to investors but also to the countries that provide them. 

Such programs help to inject foreign capital into the country’s economy, giving it an economic boost. They also provide an opportunity for the citizens of these countries to gain access to the global market, allowing them to interact with other countries and learn more about the world.

Further, the Golden Visa helps to attract foreign investors, which in turn helps to create new projects, and jobs, stimulate economic growth and social programs. In addition, it helps to bring in new talent and ideas, providing a boost to the country’s innovation and development. Furthermore, the Golden Visa allows for a more diverse population, which not only enriches the cultural life of the country, but also provides a variety of perspectives and new ways of thinking


Top 6 Golden Visa Programs

Now that we've discussed the benefits of golden visas for investors and the countries that offer them, let’s take a look at the top 5 golden visa programs.

  1. Portugal Golden Visa Program:  The Portugal Golden Visa Program is one of the most popular golden visa programs in the world, specifically for Americans. It requires an investment of at least €280,000 in qualifying real estate and offers investors the right to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union.
  2. Greece Golden Visa Program: The Greece Golden Visa Program is another popular and the cheapest (until 07.2023 ) program in the EU that requires an investment of at least €250,000 in a qualifying project. 
  3. Spain Golden Visa Program: The Spain Golden Visa Program is another popular program that requires an investment of at least €500,000 in a qualifying project. This program offers investors the right to live, work and travel freely throughout Spain and the European Union.
  4. Malta Permanent Residence Permit (MPRP): The Malta Golden Visa Program also known as MPRP  requires an investment of at least €400,000 in a qualifying real estate project. This program offers investors the right to live, work, run business and travel freely throughout Malta and the European Union.
  5. United Arab Emirates Golden Visa: The UAE Golden Visa Program has several options, with the lowest real estate investment option starting from $204,000 (AED 750,000) for a 2 year residence permit and the ultimate one starting from $545,000 to receive a 10 year residence permit
  6. Italy Golden Visa program: The Italy investor visa offers multiple compelling  investment options from startups to government bonds and starts at €250,000 to provide an investor with  a residence permit in 3-6 months with access to Italy and the EU.


Requirements for Golden Visa Programs

Before applying for a golden visa program, it is important to understand the requirements of each program.

  • Most golden visa programs require an investment of at least €250,000 in a qualifying project.
  • In addition, some programs may require additional requirements such as proof of income, language proficiency, and more.
  • It is also important to understand the application process for each program. The application process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the country and program.


How to Apply for a Golden Visa

Applying for a Golden Visa program is relatively straightforward.

  1. The first step is to research the different programs and decide which one best suits your needs and goals. You can also get a professional consultation from experts in citizenship and residency by investment.
  2. Once you have decided on a program, you will need to gather the necessary documents and submit your application to the government authority of a country offering a golden visa program. 
  3. The application process can vary from program to program, so it is important to read the requirements carefully. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a residence permit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that a golden visa program is a great option for those looking to gain access to the rights and benefits of a foreign country without the hassle and expense of applying for a regular visa every time. It is becoming increasingly popular as more countries offer these types of programs and as the benefits they offer become more attractive to investors.

If you want to elevate your global mobility and diversify your freedom, I would recommend researching the different programs and deciding which one best suits your needs. Also, my advice would be to look at citizenship by investment programs offered by 12 countries that offer you a straight path to citizenship and a passport. 


Portugal

Residence Benefits

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Visa-free entry to

The E.U. and the Schengen Area countries

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Global mobility and freedom

8-9 months.

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An opportunity to live in any EU country

No residence limits in Portugal, and up to 90 days per year in other EU countries

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Global mobility and freedom

No tax on global income for 10 years, and a 20% exemption in income tax for NHR holders

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Return on investment

Partaking in investment funds, purchasing hotel shares or rental property with an annual return of up to 7%, and a return on initial investment in 5 years

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Global mobility and freedom

Expansion and entry to the international market

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The prospect of acquiring EU citizenship in 5 years

For investors who retain assets and extend their residence permit under the Golden Visa program terms

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Global mobility and freedom

No need to renounce your existing citizenship in the future when obtaining a Portuguese passport

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US E-2 visa

After obtaining Portuguese citizenship, you have access to a US E-2 investor visa

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Global mobility and freedom

Portugal

Residence Permit

Processing Time and Terms

Enter your estimated application start date for Portugal golden Visa and receive a clear timetable for the entire procedure.

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1

We sign a cooperation agreement with you and conduct preliminary due diligence.

7

We apply for a Portuguese tax ID (NIF), open a bank account and finalise the sale.

14

We prepare the document package and submit your application to the Migration Service (SEF).

90

Review of the documents and receipt of positive preliminary decision.

1

You visit Portugal and submit your biometric data.

60

We receive the final positive decision and we dispatch your residence permit card by the DHL courier service.

There are Always Options to EXPAND YOUR BOUNDARIES! Let's Discuss Yours

Every client is unique

Every case requires an individual approach and solution. Our years of experience in the industry allow us to provide both.

We will answer all your questions and provide detailed information about the available second passport and residency programs to help you make the right choice.

Victoria

Lead Attorney at Golden Harbors

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Victoria

Lead Attorney at Golden Harbors