A golden visa is a form of residency or citizenship by investment program offered by some countries to bring inward investment into their economies. In return for either investment or direct government donation, the prospective applicant is granted either residency or citizenship depending on the program terms.

The investment can typically be into real estate, private equity, government infrastructure or business. Each golden visa program has its own rules for what qualifies based on what that government is targeting as a priority for inward investment. Some programs offer donation options as an alternative to investments in the private sector. That is money paid directly into a government fund with no return.

The first step is to determine which program and country is most suitable for your and your family’s needs. There are a range of golden visa programs that offer residency through to citizenship. In consultation with ourselves at La Vida we can advise and help you choose the most suitable option. We will advise not only on the full costs including any additional charges but on the benefits and downsides to each option. Once determined thereafter you need to make the required investment and submit the full application. Programs vary, some require investment first which essentially secures the residency. Others require application first which is approved after due diligence and before making the final investment.