Many people dream of moving abroad, whether it’s to experience a different culture, a desire for a slower life, or as am escape from the ever changing political climate. But one road block you’ll consistently hit, no matter your nationality, revolves around your visa status. Even if you have a work visa, being able to put down permanent roots in a country where you don’t have citizenship is not at all stress-free. There are some loopholes, however, specifically around international real estate that make the moving (and remaining) process so much easier.
Depending on the country, you can essentially buy your way to citizenship, or at least a permanent residency, by investing in real estate. One of the main caveats comes down to the price, because unfortunately, you can’t simply purchase a $30,000 home in Greece, for example, and expect your dual citizenship to be approved the next day. There are other eligibility requirements you must meet, and they differ by country. These won’t be cheap investments by any means, but ask yourself: How much are you willing to pay to change everything? Below, we’ve broken down 25 countries that offer a Golden Visa to Americans when they purchase a new international home.
owngarden//Getty Images
1
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
The UAE is a popular real-estate-to-residency option for a few reasons: There’s no income, wealth, or inheritance tax. Residents also report a fairly high quality of life rating, depending on their income status, and purchasing property can lead to gaining full citizenship, though not immediately.
After meeting the eligibility requirements listed on the Global Citizen Solutions site and proving that you own property in the country, you’ll then receive a golden visa, which grants you residency for at least five years. The renewal process is fairly simple and can be extended to a ten-year visa. As long as you meet certain exceptional qualities around merit and contributing to the nation’s development, a golden visa holder can gain citizenship.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $545,000
Alexander Spatari//Getty Images
2
Turkey
The process of gaining citizenship via real estate investments in Turkey is much more straight forward than in Dubai, and there are plenty of advantages to doing so. You must purchase property and agree that you won’t sell the home for three years, according to the Republic of Turkey’s Investment Office, and then you can apply for citizenship.
Turkey is home to some beautiful historic cities and stunning natural landscapes. The country has a universal healthcare system—and a big medical tourism industry—though you may want to check on other social and political issues before calling your accountant.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $400,000
NANCY PAUWELS//Getty Images
3
Dominica
Dual citizenship can be had in this Caribbean island by purchasing a government approved project. you can find this list of projects the Commonwealth of Dominica site. After your purchase has gone through, you then have to pay an additional fee to the government which starts at a cool $75,000 (more if you’re bringing any dependents along with you). You also must not sell your investment for three years after citizenship is granted. Even with the extra government fees, this is still one of the smaller investments on the list.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $200,000
BriBar//Getty Images
4
St. Kitts and Nevis
In October of 2024, the minimum real estate investment requirement for citizens ship in St. Kitts and Nevis was reduced from $400,000 to $325,000, which makes this second passport option an even more appealing pick. St. Kitts and Nevis citizens hold one of the strongest passports in the Caribbean, and you don’t have to pay income, investment, or wealth taxes in the country. There’s also no stay requirement.
However, the minimum investment requirement of $325k is only for approved condos and resort hotel shares. For a single-family home or other private dwelling, the minimum requirement is $600k, and neither real estate option can be sold for seven years, according to St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment site. Upon citizenship approval, expect to pay a government fee of at least $25,000.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $325,000
Westend61//Getty Images
5
Antigua and Barbuda
This safe and welcoming country is a popular one among those who seek a second citizenship in and around the Caribbean. However, you don’t have free rein of all the real estate listings—you must purchase an approved project for this investment if you want that passport.
After you purchase one of these projects, you can then submit the sale agreement, along with the other required paperwork, to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), according to Henley & Partners, and pay a fee of at least $10,000. Choosing Antigua and Barbuda as your second citizenship option will require you to spend at least five days in the country within the first five years of obtaining citizenship, and you won’t be able to sell the property for at least five years, either.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $300,000
Westend61//Getty Images
6
Grenada
When seeking citizenship through Grenada’s investment program, the process is a bit convoluted than in some of the other countries’ on this list. It’s a lengthy, stringent process, according to Henley & Partners, and will require a background check. However, you’ll get a healthcare system that is rated as the best in the Caribbean and will get to live (with no minimum staying requirements) in a truly beautiful place.
The home you purchase to start this process must be from a list of government-approved projects. After you pay the minimum investment, you’ll still be expected to pay an additional, non-refundable contribution of at least $50,000. The property must be held for at least five years.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $270,000
Richard I’Anson//Getty Images
7
Vanuatu
The country of Vanuatu first started their citizenship by investment program in 2021, and have since revoked citizenship from almost 30 people due to illegal and unreasonable behavior, according to their Citizenship’s Office and Commission website. While this might initially be off-putting, think about it this way: As long as you’re not being rowdy, you’ll get to live in a safe place.
In order to obtain citizenship through a real estate investment, you must purchase property from a rather short list of approved properties and attend an in-person interview, but after that, there’s no minimum stay requirement, according to Global Citizen Solutions.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $200,000
Paul Baggaley//Getty Images
8
St. Lucia
This is one to keep an eye on. While St. Lucia does allow citizenship through a real estate purchase with a minimum requirement plus a $50,000 administrative fee, according to Henley & Partners, you must select a property from an approved list of projects. And right now, there are no projects available.
Their website does say this list will be updated at some point, but there’s no obvious timeline currently.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $300,000
© Allard Schager//Getty Images
9
Greece
Live out your Mamma Mia fantasies by moving to Greece. Greece is a hot vacation destination, but there are many reasons to want to live there full-time, including amazing food, an affordable cost of living, a good public healthcare system, and, of course, proximity to other European countries. By purchasing real estate, you’re given a residence permit of five years that you can renew an unlimited number of times, and you’re allowed to apply for citizenship after seven years of residence.
There are a few options to choose from when deciding your Greek real estate venture, according to Henley & Partners: You can spend the minimum requirement “towards the conversion of commercial properties into residential use or the restoration of listed buildings,” or you can up your investment to at least €400,000 to purchase a single property. However, if you hope to live in Athens, Thessaloniki, or any of the islands with a population of more than 3,100 inhabitants, expect to pay €800,000.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €250,000
Eloi_Omella//Getty Images
10
Spain
Spain is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations thanks to its rich culture and history, an excellent quality of life, and a highly developed economy. Through their Golden Visa program, a real estate investment will help you gain a residence permit with an initial duration of three years. However, as long as you maintain your real estate investment, you can renew this permit every five years after that, according to Henley & Partners. Once you’ve resided in the country for 10 years, then you can apply for citizenship.
There’s no minimum stay requirement in Spain, but you do have to visit the country before obtaining the first residence permit.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €500,000
Sylvain Sonnet//Getty Images
11
Malta
This small European island is known for its mesmerizing beaches, quaint villages, and seemingly endless sunshine, and at first glance, it might seem like one of the more affordable real estate investment options on this list. However, with all the fees and a mandatory donation, the cost adds up.
There are a few investment options to gain indefinite permanent residency in Malta. According to Henley & Partners, you can either make a property purchase of €300,000 in South Malta or Gozo or spend €350,000 anywhere else. There’s also an opportunity to lease a residence for at least five years for €10,000 per year in South Malta or Gozo, or €12,000 per year anywhere else in the country. However, this is where the extra costs come in. There’s a minimum investment requirement of at least €28,000, a donation to a non-governmental organization of €2,000, and a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €300,000
Tanatat pongphibool ,thailand//Getty Images
12
Hungary
Starting January 1, 2025, Hungary is opening up its golden visa program to include real estate purchases that meet a minimum spend requirement, according to Immigrant Invest. There are plenty of reasons to want to live in Hungary, besides the proximity to other beautiful countries: universal healthcare, lower cost of living, great food scene, and low tax rates.
In order to purchase property, you must get permission from the Land Registry as well as hire a lawyer to accompany the deal. There are a few extra fees, but they’re low compared to other options on this list. A residence permit is granted for ten years and may be extended once for another ten years. However, as long as you meet certain requirements listed on Get Golden Visa, you can apply for citizenship after eight years of residence.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €500,000
Sebastian Saldarriaga Torres//Getty Images
13
Colombia
This beautiful South American country doesn’t have a minimum investment amount; the amount is set as multiples of the country’s national minimum monthly salary, according to Global Citizen Solutions. The eligibility requirement states that a real estate purchase from a foreign investor must be worth 350 times the national minimum wage, which is about $335 currently. This will qualify you to obtain a temporary residency visa for one to three years. However, you can continuously renew this visa for the duration of your investment, and once you hit the five year mark, you can apply for permanent residency.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $117,000
Danny Lehman//Getty Images
14
Brazil
A comparatively easy option for obtaining permanent residency somewhere outside the U.S. is Brazil. There are a few investment opportunities, but if you’re doing so through a real estate purchase, the minimum cost requirement varies by region: Buying a property in the north or northeast of the country will cost at least BRL 700,000 ($140,000), and buying a property anywhere else will cost at least BRL 1,000,000 (about $200,000), according to Global Citizen Solutions.
Once you’ve made your purchase, you’re eligible for a permanent residency. To maintain status, you must keep the property for at least for years and visit the country once every two years. After you’ve lived there for four years, you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $140,000
Photo by Supoj Buranaprapapong//Getty Images
15
Cambodia
If you’re looking to live in Southeast Asia, then Cambodia is the only realistic option for gaining permanent residency through a real estate investment. A big perk is the relatively low minimum cost requirement, though the ten-year renewable visa is another benefit.
After living in Cambodia for five years, you can apply for a Cambodian passport, according to La Vida Golden Visas. Plus, there’s no minimum stay requirement to keep your permanent residency status.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $100,000
cdwheatley//Getty Images
16
Anguilla
This British territory in the Caribbean offers permanent residency through real estate investmen. Anguilla is popular for a few reasons, including its low taxes, idyllic scenery, no minimum stay requirement, and the fact that it serves as an easier pathway to British citizenship.
According to Select Anguilla, there are a few fees you must take into account when purchasing real estate on top of the minimum investment requirement. You also must hold the purchase for at least five years in order to maintain residency status, but after that, you’re able to apply to become a British Overseas Territories Citizen, according to La Vida Golden Visas.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $750,000
JodiJacobson//Getty Images
17
Cayman Islands
The scenic Cayman Islands are mainly known for the absence of corporate, capital gains, inheritance, personal income, and recurring property taxes, but there are plenty of other reasons to seek residency there. According to Sotheby’s Realty, permanent residency here opens the door to possible eventual British Citizenship, just like in Anguilla.
However, the minimum investment requirement is the highest on this list, which could understandably turn away a lot of people. If this is something doable for you and your family though, then you’re set to have permanent residency for life, as long as you visit at least one day per year.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $2.4 million
Westend61//Getty Images
18
Curaçao
Curaçao, located in the Caribbean, is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is beloved for its beautiful scenery, political stability, and thriving economy. And because it’s under Dutch rule, investors can apply for Dutch citizenship after five years of permanent residency, according to La Vida Golden Visas.
To obtain permanent residency, there are a few investment options, a real estate purchase being one of them. However, how much you spend determines how long your residence permit lasts. If you spend $280,000, your renewable permit is valid for three years; spend $425,000, your renewable permit is valid for five years; spend $850,000, you obtain an indefinite residence permit.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $280,000
Stefan Cristian Cioata//Getty Images
19
Cyprus
Cyprus is a small Mediterranean island east of Greece with low cost of living, no inheritance tax, high-quality healthcare, and an extremely low crime rate. Not to mention, its landscape is stunning.
To obtain permanent residency via real estate, you must purchase a property that hits the minimum investment requirement plus value added tax (VAT), according to Henley & Partners. You also must make a secured annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad to qualify for residence. The minimum stay requirement is small, requiring you to visit the country once every two years. After you’ve resided in Cyprus for seven years, you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €300,000
© Marco Bottigelli//Getty Images
20
Namibia
Considered one of the safest nations in Africa, Namibia is also known for its high quality of life, economic opportunities, and spectacular natural beauty. While the government is looking for more foreign investors, residency through real estate investments can only be achieved by buying in one approved location, according to Henley & Partners, and that’s at the President’s Links Estate.
You obviously don’t have many options when it comes to real estate investments, but if you do buy there, you’ll get you a five-year, renewable work permit. After seven years of retaining the investment, you can apply for permanent residency.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $365,000
minimum//Getty Images
21
Turks and Caicos
Another British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos is a stunning island with major tax benefits, compelling investment opportunities, and a serene landscape. Many high net-worth individuals own property here.
When investing via a real estate purchase, it’ll cost a minimum of $1,000,000 to buy property in Providenciales and obtain your permanent residency certificate (PRC), according to Griffiths and Partners. However, if you want to purchase a home on another island, your minimum investment requirement shoots down to $300,000. It costs $25,000 to apply for a PRC on top of your investment, but after residing in the country for five years, there’s an option to apply for British Overseas Territory Citizenship.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $300,000
Manfred Gottschalk//Getty Images
22
Andorra
Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe, though it is not part of the European Union. There are many benefits to living in Andorra, some of which include low tax rates, visa-free entry to Spain and France, exceptional healthcare, and a great education system, according to Immigrant Invest.
If you choose to obtain permanent residency through investing in real estate, you must reside in the country for 90 days per year, and the residence permit must be renewed after one year. Plus, you will have to pay a deposit of €50,000 into the Andorran National Institute of Finances. You can renew your permit an indefinite amount of times as long as you still own the property, and after ten years, you can apply for citizenship, according to La Vida Golden Visas.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €350,000
