Even as debates over immigration and asylum policies continue to roil political discourse across the world, some countries are making it easier than ever for foreigners to claim residency – provided they have enough money.
So-called “Golden Visas” have become increasingly popular among the global one percent in recent years. Technically, the term refers to “residence by investment,” meaning that certain countries will allow expatriates to obtain permanent resident status if they purchase property, invest in the economy, or — in some cases — outright give money to the government.
Henley & Partners, a firm dedicated to assisting the wealthy obtain Golden Visas, reported a marked increase in the number of both British and American people seeking residence by investment. Between 2019 and 2024, the firm has seen its American client base increase by 1,000%. In the last year, the number of British people seeking assistance increased by 57%.
“Faced with unprecedented instability and uncertainty, investors and wealthy families are adopting a strategy of geopolitical arbitrage to acquire additional residence and citizenship options to hedge against jurisdictional risk and leverage differences in legal, economic, political, and social conditions across countries,” said Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, in a statement.
The firm ranked countries with Golden Visa programs based on a myriad of factors, including reputation, quality of life, and their requirements for investment, residency, and physically visiting the country in question.
Continue reading to learn more about the best countries for people seeking Golden Visas.
Cambodia scored 53 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Southeast Asian country received particularly high marks for its limited residency requirements.
Vanuatu scored 60 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The South Pacific country received particularly high marks for its limited residency requirements.
North Macedonia scored 63 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Balkan country received particularly high marks for its limited residency requirements.
Jordan scored 63 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Middle Eastern country received particularly high marks for its limited physical visit requirements.
Egypt scored 63 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The North African country received particularly high marks for its limited physical visit and residency requirements.
Türkiye scored 64 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Eurasian country received particularly high marks for its limited residency requirements.
Dominica scored 65 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Caribbean country received particularly high marks for its limited physical visit and residency requirements.
St. Kitts and Nevis scored 66 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Caribbean country received particularly high marks for its limited residency requirements.
St. Lucia scored 66 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Caribbean country received particularly high marks for its limited physical visit and residency requirements.
Nauru scored 66 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Pacific island nation received particularly high marks for its limited physical visit and residency requirements.
Antigua and Barbuda scored 67 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Caribbean country received particularly high marks for its limited residency requirements.
Grenada scored 69 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Caribbean country received particularly high marks for its limited physical visit and residency requirements.
Austria scored 75 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The European country received perfect scores for its quality of life, limited visa requirements, limited residency requirements, and relocation flexibility.
Malta scored 76 out of a possible 100 points on the Henley & Partners global citizenship index. The Mediterranean country received perfect scores for its relocation flexibility and limited visa requirements.
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