World’s Most Expensive Golden Visa Costs $6.2 Million: How the Global Rankings Compare

In a world where citizenship and mobility can now be bought with a cheque, the concept of the Golden Visa has quietly reshaped global immigration. No, it’s not the UK or the US that tops the list for the most expensive Golden Visa. It’s a small Mediterranean country you might not expect: Malta, with a mind-bending price tag of $6.2 million.

But what exactly is a Golden Visa? Why are the world’s wealthiest lining up for them? And which countries offer the most, and least, accessible options? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa refers to a residency or citizenship by investment program offered by various countries. It allows high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to legally reside, and sometimes even gain full citizenship, in exchange for a significant investment, typically in real estate, business, or government bonds.

The appeal? Visa-free travel, tax benefits, global mobility, and often a strategic Plan B in times of geopolitical uncertainty. For countries, it’s a source of foreign capital for development and infrastructure.

You don’t have to live in the country full-time. You don’t even need to speak the language. All you need is the money, and the right investment.

Malta: The Most Expensive Golden Visa in the World

Malta tops the list with a Golden Visa that costs up to $6.2 million (₹54 crore). The staggering price buys you:

• Full citizenship of an EU nation

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 190 countries

• Access to Europe’s top healthcare and education systems

• The right to live and work anywhere in the EU

What makes Malta stand out is not just the cost, but also the benefits. It's one of the few programs offering full citizenship, not just residency.

United States: The “Gold Card” Proposal

In the U.S., a new proposal under President Trump suggests a $5 million investment could grant wealthy foreigners a so-called “Gold Card”, a premium version of the existing Green Card. While the plan hasn’t been implemented yet, it would place the U.S. among the top three most expensive Golden Visa destinations, competing with Malta and the UAE.

Unlike Malta’s direct citizenship route, the U.S. program focuses on residency with pathways to permanent citizenship, aiming to attract “brilliant, hardworking, job-creating people” who can contribute economically.

The 12 Top Golden Visa Programs: Global Overview

Let’s look at the countries offering the most prominent Golden Visa programs, arranged by cost and popularity:

1. Malta

Minimum Investment: $6.2 million

Malta offers citizenship, not just residency, along with Schengen access, world-class education, and a strategic EU location. Visa holders don’t have to live in the country full-time, though some physical presence is required during application processing.

2. United States (Proposed Gold Card)

Proposed Investment: $5 million

The new U.S. “Gold Card” aims to surpass the traditional EB-5 visa. It promises high-tier residency privileges and possibly a faster route to citizenship, if approved by Congress.

3. United Arab Emirates

Minimum Investment: AED 2 million (~₹4.75 crore)

UAE offers a 10-year Golden Visa for investors. Visa holders can live in any of the seven Emirates, add dependents without extra cost, and benefit from low taxes and a thriving business ecosystem.

4. Italy

Minimum Investment: €250,000 to €2 million

Italy’s Investor Visa offers flexibility with investment routes, startups, government bonds, or strategic projects. It allows full access to the Schengen area, and the potential for full citizenship after ten years.

5. Spain

Minimum Investment: €500,000 in real estate

Spain's Golden Visa is popular for its family inclusivity and visa-free travel across the EU. No minimum stay is required, and investors can obtain full residency rights within weeks.

6. Portugal

Minimum Investment: €271,000

Portugal’s Golden Visa is ideal for low-density zones. Though real estate-based investment was recently discontinued, it remains one of the fastest routes to citizenshipjust five years with minimal stay requirements.

7. Greece

Minimum Investment: €250,000

One of the most affordable entry points into the EU, Greece offers visa-free Schengen access. Investors can apply for citizenship after seven years, with no mandatory stay requirement.

8. Cyprus

Minimum Investment: €300,000

Cyprus provides permanent residency via real estate investment. Full citizenship is possible over time, with relatively relaxed stay conditions (one visit every two years is enough).

9. Latvia

Minimum Investment: $54,000

Latvia’s program is one of Europe’s cheapest. Investors get a 5-year residency permit and access to the Schengen Area. No minimum stay is required for renewal.

10. Dominica

Minimum Investment: $200,000

Dominica offers full citizenship by donation, with access to over 140 countries. It’s one of the easiest and fastest routes to a second passport, without the need to reside in the country.

11. Grenada

Minimum Investment: $235,000

Grenada’s citizenship-by-investment program gives visa-free access to China, the UK, Russia, and the entire Schengen zone. It’s also one of the few that allows E-2 visa application for the U.S.

12. Thailand

Minimum Investment: $20,000 (Tiered membership)

Thailand’s Elite Visa is more of a long-term residency program than a path to citizenship. It’s attractive for its low cost, no minimum stay, and access to healthcare, education, and lifestyle perks.

Bonus: Switzerland

Investment Requirement: $300,000–$1.2 million annually in taxes

Switzerland doesn’t offer direct investment visas but allows residency through tax agreements. Visa holders enjoy unmatched infrastructure, privacy, and access to Schengen travel.

Why Golden Visas Appeal to India’s Ultra-Rich

In India, where the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) is rising rapidly, Golden Visas are increasingly seen as a ticket to:

• Better education and healthcare abroad

• Global mobility and business access

• Lifestyle security in uncertain political or economic environments

• Estate and tax planning benefits

Professionals in real estate and investment banking report a 30% jump in inquiries from Indian clients in the past 2 years alone.

The Other Side: What Critics Say

While Golden Visas seem glamorous, there are concerns:

Legal Loopholes: Citizenship-for-sale can enable money laundering and tax evasion.

Economic Inequality: These programs often benefit the rich while offering little value to locals.

National Security Risks: Due to less stringent background checks in some programs.

Governments have begun tightening rules. The EU Commission has even recommended phasing out such programs. But as long as wealth buys access, Golden Visas are likely to stay.

Final Thoughts

Golden Visas reflect how citizenship and borders are evolving in the 21st century. With money as a passport, a new global elite is emerging—able to live, work, and travel wherever they please.

For countries like Malta, the UAE, or even the U.S., these programs are as much about economic growth as they are about attracting global talent. For investors, they’re a way to secure freedom, safety, and opportunity in an uncertain world.

If you’re looking to be a global citizen, your journey might just begin with a signature, and a sizeable investment.