The world’s most expensive golden visas have recently drawn attention following Donald Trump’s announcement of his proposed **$5 million Gold Card** program. This initiative, if implemented, would rank among the priciest investment migration programs globally, significantly exceeding the cost of the existing **EB-5 visa**.
Top 10 Most Expensive Golden Visas Worldwide
10. Quebec Immigrant Investor Program – $871,000
Quebec reopened its immigrant investor program in January 2024, requiring an investment of **$725,000** with Investissement Québec at zero percent interest for five years, plus a **$146,000** intermediary fee. Applicants must demonstrate French proficiency, a secondary diploma, and maintain Quebec residency for at least a year within two years of obtaining a work permit.
9. Seychelles Investor Permanent Residence Program – $1 Million
Seychelles grants permanent residency to investors who commit at least **$1 million** in local businesses. Applicants must have five years of business ties and residency in Seychelles, maintain their investment, and prove financial independence for at least one year after obtaining residency.
8. El Salvador Freedom Passport Program – $1 Million
El Salvador offers citizenship through a one-time **$1 million** payment, payable in USD or Bitcoin. The program, limited to **1,000 participants annually**, targets cryptocurrency enthusiasts and requires no physical presence.
7. Saudi Arabia Premium Residency – $1.1 Million
Saudi Arabia’s **Premium Residency Investor Visa** grants immediate permanent residency through a **$1.1 million** real estate purchase or a **$1.9 million** investment in Saudi businesses. No physical presence is required, and applications are processed within one month.
6. Samoa Citizenship by Investment Program – $1.42 Million
Samoa grants citizenship after three years to investors who commit **$1.42 million** to approved sectors such as tourism, agriculture, or renewable energy. Applicants must spend **15 days annually** in Samoa and demonstrate a net worth of at least **$907,000**.
5. Bermuda Economic Investment Certificate Program – $2.5 Million
Bermuda offers a five-year pathway to permanent residency through a **$2.5 million** investment in real estate, government bonds, local businesses, or charities. Applicants must reside in Bermuda at least **90 days per year**.
4. New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa – $2.85 Million
New Zealand’s investor visa requires a **$2.85 million** investment in direct ventures or managed funds. Investors must spend **21 days annually** in New Zealand, with no English language requirement. More details on **New Zealand’s immigration policies** can be found on Immigration New Zealand.
3. Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme – $3.84 Million
Hong Kong’s program demands a **$3.84 million** investment divided between government-managed portfolios and permissible investment assets. It recently began accepting cryptocurrency as proof of wealth, with residency leading to permanent status after **seven years**.
2. USA Gold Card (Proposed) – $5 Million
Trump’s proposed **Gold Card** would grant **Green Card privileges** through a direct **$5 million** payment to the US government, bypassing traditional business creation requirements. The proposal faces skepticism regarding its feasibility without congressional approval. More information on **U.S. immigration policies** can be found on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
1. Singapore Global Investor Program – $7.78 Million
Singapore tops the list with its **Global Investor Programme**, requiring a minimum investment of **$7.78 million** in businesses or significantly higher amounts in approved funds. Permanent residency is granted within **six months**, with citizenship available after **two years**, provided applicants renounce previous nationalities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Most Expensive Golden Visas
What is a golden visa?
A **golden visa** is a residency or citizenship program offered by a country in exchange for significant investments. These programs attract wealthy individuals seeking residency or citizenship benefits.
How much does Trump’s proposed Gold Card cost?
Trump’s proposed **Gold Card** would cost **$5 million**. It would offer **Green Card privileges** without requiring traditional business investments.
Are there cheaper golden visa options than Trump’s Gold Card?
Yes, many countries offer golden visas at lower investment levels. For example, **Quebec’s program** requires **$871,000**, significantly less than Trump’s proposed **$5 million**.
Can you get citizenship immediately through golden visas?
Immediate citizenship depends on the specific country’s program. Most programs initially offer **residency**, with citizenship available after meeting certain conditions, such as residency duration.
Where are the most expensive golden visa programs located?
The most expensive golden visa programs are located in **Singapore, the USA (proposed), Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Bermuda**. Singapore currently holds the highest investment requirement at **$7.78 million**.
Interested in learning more about golden visas and residency options? Download our FREE guide.
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