With increasing wealth inequality and growing demands for flexibility, many high-net-worth individuals are turning to citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs as an effective pathway to citizenship. One such recent initiative is the “gold card” visa unveiled by US President Donald Trump on February 25, 2025, aimed at attracting wealthy foreign investors. This move follows a global trend of governments offering residency and even citizenship to those willing to make significant financial contributions.
Trump’s proposal involves a $5 million “gold card” visa that promises permanent residency in the United States, with the potential for citizenship. This new scheme is positioned as a premium alternative to the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which has been operational for over three decades. Unlike the traditional US visa system, which usually prioritizes employment skills or family ties, the gold card exclusively targets financial investors.
Investment residency programs across the globe
Several countries have long implemented investment-based visa programs, offering residency or even citizenship to those willing to invest a specified amount in their economies. These programs vary greatly in cost, conditions, and benefits, and attract investors seeking not only economic advantages but also greater global mobility.
For example, Portugal’s Golden Visa requires an investment of at least €500,000 (approximately $524,000), granting residency and, eventually, citizenship to qualified applicants. Similarly, Greece offers its Golden Visa with a €250,000 property purchase, providing residency rights without a direct path to citizenship. Both countries offer visa-free travel to numerous destinations, making them attractive options for investors worldwide.
The stats below provides a comprehensive overview of countries offering such programs in 2025, the minimum investment required, available investment options, time to citizenship, and key highlights.
The primary appeal of these programs lies in the opportunity for greater global mobility, ease of business operations, and access to more stable political and economic environments. In addition, countries like Portugal and Greece offer pathways to citizenship after several years of residency, making them especially attractive to those looking for long-term solutions.
As reported by BBC, Trump stated that his proposed $5 million “gold card” visas would likely “sell like crazy” because they represent a “bargain” for wealthy investors, noting that they would also help “create jobs” and generate significant tax revenue. The aim is to revitalize the US economy through foreign investment, much like other nations have capitalized on similar programs.
Investment Options for Citizenship
To qualify for citizenship through investment, countries typically require one or more of the following investment types:
Real Estate Investment: Many countries offer investors the opportunity to purchase property as a route to citizenship. In most cases, the real estate must be in a government-approved project. This type of investment often appeals because of the potential for financial returns from owning property.
Non-Refundable Contribution: Some countries offer an easier route to citizenship through a one-time donation to a national development fund. This option tends to be one of the more affordable and faster routes to obtaining second citizenship. Countries like Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are known for offering this as part of their CBI programs.
Business Investment: This option is available in several countries, where investors must either invest in an existing business or start a new one. These investments usually need to create jobs for local residents, benefiting the country’s economy.
Bank Deposit: In some countries, applicants can gain citizenship by depositing a large sum in a local bank. Though refundable, the minimum deposit is often higher than for other types of investment, and it does not earn interest or profits.
Government Bond Investment: In some programs, investors can purchase government bonds, offering a risk-free option for obtaining citizenship. The investment is generally guaranteed by the government but does not generate significant returns.
Requirements for Citizenship by Investment
Aside from the financial investment, several common criteria must be met to obtain second citizenship:
• Applicants must be over 18 years old.
• They should hold a clean criminal record.
• Applicants must be in good health with no infectious diseases.
• Some countries may restrict applicants with close ties to certain countries from applying.
It’s important to note that while most countries offering CBI programs allow dual citizenship, some may require applicants to renounce their original nationality.
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