10 of the many Golden Visa destinations for Indians across the world

Indians seeking permanent residency or second citizenship now have access to several countries offering budget-friendly golden visa programs. These schemes grant long-term stay, and in some cases, a direct path to citizenship through modest investments or government fees. While traditional programs demand high capital, destinations like the New Zealand, Portugal, Greece, and island nations like Dominica offer more accessible, low-barrier alternatives.

Cost: Starts at THB 600,000 (~₹15 lakh) for 5 yearsType: Long-stay visa (not PR or citizenship)
Eligibility: Open to individuals with sufficient funds who seek long-term residence
Benefits: Includes airport services, government concierge, and access to local privileges
Limitations: No right to work; visa is renewable but does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship

Cost: Proof of minimum income €10,440 annually (~₹9 lakh), no mandatory investmentType: Residency permit leading to PR and citizenship
Eligibility: Retirees, freelancers, remote workers, or anyone with stable passive income
Benefits: Access to Schengen Area, PR after 5 years, and eligibility for citizenship in 5–6 years
Conditions: Must reside in Portugal for at least 183 days/year

Cost: Minimum real estate investment of €250,000 (~₹2.25 crore)Type: Residency permit, renewable every 5 years
Eligibility: Investors purchasing eligible properties in Greece
Benefits: Schengen access, no minimum stay required, path to PR and citizenship after 7 years
Note: Cannot rent out property on a short-term basis under new rules in certain areas

​Cost: Approx. €100,000–€150,000 (~₹90 lakh–₹1.35 crore) including donation, administrative fees, and property lease/purchase
​Type: Permanent residency (not citizenship)
​Eligibility: Open to third-country nationals including Indians
​Benefits: Lifetime PR with no renewal requirements, access to Schengen zone
​Conditions: No physical stay required, but ongoing financial maintenance proof needed​

​Type: Residency permit (renewable)
​Cost: Minimum €60,000 (~₹54 lakh) investment in business + government fees
​Eligibility: Investors or entrepreneurs
​Benefits: Access to Schengen zone, low cost compared to Western Europe
​Conditions: Maintain investment and minimal stay of 183 days/year for citizenship after 10 years​

​Type: Direct citizenship
​Cost: €200,000 (~₹1.8 crore) in government-approved fund
​Eligibility: High-net-worth individuals
​Benefits: Fast-track passport in under 6 months; visa-free travel to 120+ countries
​EU Outlook: Country is an EU candidate—future benefits possible​

​Minimum Cost: USD 130,000 (~₹1.1 crore)
​Type: Direct citizenship via donation
​Processing Time: 1 to 2 months (among the fastest in the world)
​Eligibility: Available to investors, professionals, and families with clean background checks and sufficient financial means
​Residency Requirement: None
​Family Inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, and parents can be included in one application​

​Minimum Cost: USD 100,000 (~₹83 lakh) to the Economic Diversification Fund
​Type: Citizenship by investment (donation or real estate option)
​Processing Time: 3 to 6 months
​Eligibility: Open to Indian nationals with no criminal record and valid source of funds
​Residency Requirement: None
​Family Inclusion: Spouse, children under 30, dependent parents/grandparents​

​Minimum Cost: USD 100,000 (~₹83 lakh) to the National Economic Fund
​Type: Citizenship by investment (donation, real estate, government bonds)
​Processing Time: 3 to 4 months
​Eligibility: Open to financially sound applicants with clean background checks
​Residency Requirement: None
​Family Inclusion: Spouse, dependent children up to 30, and parents above 55​

Cost: Minimum NZ$5 million (~₹26 crore) in approved investmentsType: Long-term residency (with a path to permanent residency)Eligibility: Open to global investors with proof of legal funds and good characterBenefits: Includes partner and dependent children; live, work, and study in New ZealandStay Requirement: Minimum 21 days over 3 years (for NZ$15 million investors) or 117 days over 4 years (for NZ$5 million)Note: No English language test; investment must be made in New Zealand-based funds or businesses