Investment migration programs in countries like Portugal, Malta, and the United Arab Emirates allow individuals to gain residency or citizenship by meeting set minimum investment requirements.
Overall, investment migration countries like those in the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East provide structured programs that attract expats and high-net-worth individuals seeking mobility, security, and financial diversification.
This article explores:
- What are the various types of investments in investment migration?
- Countries for Investment Migration
- What are the pros and cons of investment migration?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What is investment migration?
Investment migration refers to legal pathways that allow individuals to obtain residency rights or citizenship in a foreign country by making a qualifying financial investment.
These investments may include real estate purchases, government bonds, business ventures, or contributions to national development funds.
For high-net-worth individuals and expats, investment migration is a way to diversify lifestyle, secure better mobility, and access favorable tax environments.
What are the 4 types of investments in investment migration?
While programs vary by country, most fall into four common categories:
- Real estate investment – Purchasing property, often with a minimum value requirement.
- Government bonds or treasury bills – Investing in state-backed financial instruments, offered by countries like Malta or Turkey.
- Business investment or job creation – Starting or expanding a company that creates employment opportunities, common in Canada and the US EB-5 program.
- Direct contribution to a national fund – Making a non-refundable donation to a state development fund, a route widely used in Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.
Investment Migration Countries List
Investment migration countries are nations that officially offer residency or citizenship pathways in exchange for qualifying investments.
Popular destinations include:
| Region / Program Type | Country | Minimum Investment (USD / EUR) | Notes |
| Caribbean (CBI) | Dominica | USD 200,000 | Donation to the National Development Fund or by investing in Government-approved real estate |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | USD 250,000 | Sustainable Island State Fund donation; real estate from USD 325,000. | |
| Antigua & Barbuda | USD 230,000 | National Development Fund donation; real estate USD 300,000. | |
| Grenada | USD 235,000 | Donation option; real estate higher. | |
| St. Lucia | USD 200,000 | Government Fund Donation (single applicant); real estate or bonds require higher amounts. | |
| Pacific (CBI) | Vanuatu | USD 100,000+ | Donation route, depending on family size. |
| Middle East & Africa (CBI) | Turkey | USD 400,000 | Real estate purchase (hold minimum period). |
| Egypt | USD 250,000 | Non-refundable donation; real estate and bank deposit options from USD 300,000+. | |
| Jordan | USD 750,000 | Investment thresholds vary by type/location. | |
| Europe (RBI / Golden Visa) | Portugal | €500,000 | Investment fund/capital transfer (some reduced cultural options at €250,000). |
| Greece | €250,000 | Lowest real estate threshold still exists in limited areas. | |
| Italy | €250,000 | Startup investment; other tracks €500k–€2m. | |
| Malta | €99,000+ (varies) | Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) | |
| Cyprus | €300,000 | Real estate-based residency; CBI ended in 2020. | |
| Latvia | €250,000 | Historically for property/business routes; check current status. | |
| Hungary | €250,000+ | Reopened investor residency scheme in 2024. | |
| Middle East (RBI) | UAE | AED 1,000,000 | Property-based 10-year Golden Visa. |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 400,000 to millions | Premium residency/investor schemes vary | |
| Bahrain | BHD 200,000 | Residency through property or business investment. | |
| North America (RBI) | US | USD 800,000 (TEA) | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa. |
| Canada | CAD 1.2 million | QIIP | |
| Latin America (RBI) | Panama | USD 100,000 | Forestry investment |
| Costa Rica | USD 150,000 | Investor residency program. | |
| Brazil | R$150,000 BRL | Business investment visa | |
| Argentina | ARS 1,500,000 | Investor residency; requires approved business plan. | |
| Asia (RBI) | Indonesia | USD 350,000 | Golden visa; government bonds, bank deposit, or public company shares; |
Recently closed or suspended Investment Migration programs
- Cyprus — Citizenship by Investment (CBI) abolished: Cyprus terminated its CBI scheme in late 2020 (suspended from November 1, 2020).
- Montenegro — CBI program closed (Dec 31, 2022): Montenegro’s short-lived CBI program officially ended on December 31, 2022.
- Malta — direct citizenship-by-investment route ended after ECJ ruling (April 29, 2025): Malta’s Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) / direct investment route was effectively closed following an ECJ decision in April 2025; Malta is now revising its citizenship framework.
- Spain — Golden Visa (real-estate investor route) ended for new applicants: Spain ended the real estate route of its Golden Visa program with effect from April 3, 2025 (existing holders retain rights).
- Australia — Business Innovation & Investment Program (BIIP) closed: Australia closed BIIP to new applications as of July 31, 2024.
Which country is the cheapest to immigrate by investment?
The Caribbean region generally offers the most affordable citizenship by investment options, with minimum contributions starting around USD 200,000 in Dominica and St. Lucia.
For residency programs, Panama is one of the most cost-effective, with its forestry investment and Qualified Investor routes requiring lower thresholds compared to Europe.
Which country has the highest visa success rate?
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs are known for their high approval rates, often exceeding 90%, provided applicants pass due diligence checks.
Among residency programs, countries like Portugal and Greece also maintain strong approval records, thanks to clear requirements and straightforward application processes.
Which country rejected visa most?
Historically, Malta’s MEIN (Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation) program had one of the highest rejection rates among investment migration schemes, with estimates ranging between 20% and 30% due to strict due diligence and EU oversight.
However, the program has now been closed to new applicants following EU pressure.
Among currently active programs, EU residency schemes such as in Austria tend to reject more applicants when proof of funds, background checks, or other documentation are incomplete.
In the Caribbean, rejection rates are generally lower but remain firm: applicants with criminal records, sanctions exposure, or unclear source of wealth are typically denied.
Benefits of investment migration
- Global mobility with visa-free travel – Many programs grant access to hundreds of countries, including the EU Schengen Area or the UK, making international business, leisure travel, or a plan B passport more accessible.
- Access to better education and healthcare systems – Families can secure improved educational opportunities for children and benefit from advanced medical facilities abroad.
- Asset diversification and tax optimization – Investors can hold property or financial assets in stable markets and take advantage of favorable tax regimes in certain jurisdictions.
- Second home or retirement options abroad – Programs provide lifestyle flexibility and a secure environment for long-term residence or retirement.
Risks and considerations in investment migration
- Non-refundable contributions – Many programs require government donations or fees that cannot be recovered once the application is processed.
- Potential program closures or legal changes – Examples include the Cyprus citizenship by investment shutdown in 2020 and Malta’s MEIN program closure under EU pressure.
- High due diligence standards – Applicants may face rejection if the source of funds is unclear or background checks reveal any red flags.
- Variations in time frames for residency vs. citizenship – Citizenship-by-investment programs can take months, while residency-by-investment routes may take years before naturalization eligibility.
Conclusion
Investment migration countries offer a strategic path for individuals seeking global mobility, financial diversification, and long-term security.
While programs vary widely in cost, timeline, and requirements, careful planning and due diligence are essential to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
By understanding the available options, from affordable Caribbean CBI programs to European and Middle Eastern residency routes, investors can select the program that best aligns with their lifestyle, family needs, and financial goals.
FAQs
Which EU country is easiest to get citizenship by investment?
Currently, no EU country offers direct citizenship by investment.
Programs in countries like Portugal, Greece, and Italy provide residency through qualifying investments, and citizenship may become available only after several years of legal residence.
What is a golden visa?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program offered by many countries that grants investors and their families temporary or permanent residency in exchange for qualifying financial investments, often with a pathway to citizenship.
What is the happiest country to immigrate to?
According to the World Happiness Report 2024, countries like Finland, Denmark, and Iceland consistently rank as the happiest.
These nations are known for strong social support, high quality of life, safety, and good healthcare and education systems.
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