Many countries are opening their doors to wealthy foreign investors through a program known as the ‘Golden Visa’. This initiative allows individuals to gain residency, or even citizenship, by making significant financial investments in real estate, businesses, or government bonds. The appeal is mutual: foreign investors can secure a new home base with potential tax advantages, while host countries attract much-needed capital to stimulate their economies.
But as the demand for Golden Visas grows, so do the questions about their true economic impact. For nations like Portugal, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates, these programs have revitalised industries and brought in billions of dollars. Real estate markets are booming, luxury tourism is thriving, and job creation is on the rise.
Read also: The top 10 cities with the fastest growing millionaire populations However, this influx of wealth is not without its drawbacks. In cities like Lisbon and Athens, property prices have skyrocketed, pushing local residents out of their own housing markets. Meanwhile, critics argue that some governments are “selling” citizenship with little oversight, potentially inviting financial crimes like money laundering.
According to Investopedia , here are 10 countries that offer and leverage Golden Visas to build national wealth and how they attract long-term economic effects. Portugal’s Golden Visa program has been a significant magnet for foreign investors, particularly in real estate. In.