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Permanent Residence by Investment: 2026 Golden Visa Options for Indians
Quick answer: Permanent residence by investment lets you gain residency in another country by investing in property, business or government funds. In 2026 popular options for Indian investors include the USA EB-5, Malta MPRP, Greece Golden Visa and the UAE Golden Visa; several older programs such as Cyprus citizenship by investment, Australia's BIIP and Portugal's real-estate route have closed or changed.
Many countries around the world offer Permanent Residence Visas through investment programmes, commonly referred to as Golden Visas or Investor Residence programmes. These programmes allow high-net-worth individuals and their families to obtain long-term or permanent residency in exchange for qualifying investments in the host country.
Popular destinations offering investor residence programmes include Portugal, Greece, Spain, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, and several Caribbean nations. Each programme has its own investment thresholds, qualifying investment types (such as real estate, government bonds, or business investment), and residency requirements.
The benefits of investor residence programmes typically include the right to live and work in the host country, access to public healthcare and education, and in many cases, the ability to travel freely within a wider region such as the EU Schengen Area. After a qualifying period of residence, investors may also be eligible to apply for citizenship.
When selecting an investor residency programme, it is important to consider factors such as the total investment required, ongoing residency obligations, tax implications, and the long-term lifestyle and business opportunities available in the host country. Expert advice from immigration and legal professionals is strongly recommended before making any investment decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Which country offers the cheapest residency by investment?
Costs change often. Greece, Malta and the UAE are commonly compared, but thresholds depend on location and investment type.
Does residency by investment lead to citizenship?
Sometimes, after meeting residence and language requirements, but it is not guaranteed.
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