Blog-RemitForex

5 Popular Golden Visas and Their Costs Explained

In 2025, global citizenship is more than a privilege—it’s a smart investment. Whether you’re a high-net-worth individual looking for international mobility or a professional planning for your family’s future, golden visas offer long-term residency or citizenship through investment, business ownership, or exceptional talent.

Several countries across the world offer these programs, with varying eligibility criteria, investment thresholds, and benefits. Here’s an updated guide to five popular countries offering golden visas in 2025, including new policy updates, costs, and routes.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): New Nomination Route in 2025

What’s New in 2025?

The UAE has introduced a nomination-based “lifetime” Golden Visa targeting high-potential professionals, with a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approx. ₹23 lakh). This route is not open to all applicants—it is invitation-based and offered to exceptional individuals in key sectors like:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Healthcare
  • Space Technology
  • Cultural Fields

Contrary to viral social media claims, you cannot simply “buy” this visa. It requires official nomination by a UAE-based authority or ministry, a clean background, and outstanding credentials.

Traditional Golden Visa Routes:

  • Property Investment: AED 2 million (approx. USD 545,000)
  • Entrepreneurs: Business valued over AED 500,000 or approval from a recognized incubator
  • Skilled Talent: Engineers, doctors, and PhDs in science/tech can apply without capital investment

Key Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa (2025)

  • Long-Term Residency: 5- or 10-year visa with automatic renewal.
  • No Local Sponsor Required: You don’t need a UAE national or employer to sponsor your stay.
  • Family Coverage: Includes spouse, children, parents, and even domestic staff.
  • Full Business Ownership: Foreigners can fully own companies within the UAE mainland.
  • Freedom of Movement: You can enter and exit the UAE without losing residency, even with extended stays abroad.
  • Education & Healthcare Access: Visa holders can enroll children in UAE schools and access premium healthcare.
  • Priority Government Services: Faster processing in immigration queues, visa renewals, and licensing.
  • Residency Stability: The visa is unaffected by employment status changes.

United States: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

The EB-5 visa remains the US’s primary golden visa route, granting permanent residency (Green Card) for investors and their families.

Investment Requirements:

  • USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
  • USD 1.05 million outside of TEA
  • Must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens or residents

Benefits:

  • Direct Green Card for investor, spouse, and children under 21
  • Access to U.S. healthcare, education, and business environment
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 5 years

New Zealand: Active Investor Plus Visa

New Zealand revamped its golden visa program to attract high-value investors committed to local business growth and innovation. Now, two tiers are available:

  • Growth Tier: At least NZD 5 million must be invested, and you must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over those 3 years
  • Balanced Tier: At least NZD 10 million over 5 years must be invested, and you must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over those 5 years

What Qualifies as Investment?

  • Direct investments in New Zealand businesses
  • Private equity and venture capital funds
  • Startups and government-endorsed innovation programs

Benefits:

  • Access to permanent residency
  • World-class healthcare and safety
  • No age or language restrictions

Canada – Start-Up Visa Program: Canada’s Answer to the Golden Visa

While Canada doesn’t offer a traditional “golden visa” like some countries, its Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program functions similarly — providing permanent residency to foreign entrepreneurs and investors aiming to launch or expand innovative businesses in Canada.

Who is it for?

The program is tailored for:

  • Entrepreneurs with innovative start-up ideas
  • Active investors in globally scalable companies
  • Business owners seeking to expand into North America

Benefits:

  • Permanent residency from the start — no probationary period
  • PR includes spouse and dependent children
  • Access to Canadian healthcare, education, and social benefits
  • Path to citizenship after 3 years of physical residency
  • No minimum investment required from the applicant if backed by an approved fund/incubator

Singapore – Global Investor Program (GIP): For Ultra High-Net-Worth Individuals

Singapore’s Global Investor Program (GIP) serves as a highly exclusive golden visa initiative for foreign entrepreneurs, C-level executives, and investors. It’s structured to attract those ready to make significant contributions to Singapore’s economy through capital investment or the establishment of a family office.

Who Qualifies?

  • Established business owners with a strong track record
  • Next-gen business successors
  • Founders of fast-growing start-ups
  • High-level executives or investors managing large-scale family offices

Investment Cost:

Minimum SGD 10 million (approx. USD 7.5 million) in:

  • A new or existing Singaporean business, or
  • A GIP-approved investment fund

SGD 50 million+ may be required for large family office structures, especially under the Asset Under Management (AUM) criteria.

Key Benefits:

  • Permanent Residency (PR) granted within 9 to 12 months
  • Spouse and children under 21 included
  • High social security, strong education infrastructure, and business-friendly tax regime
  • No language, age, or education barrier for applicants

How Unimoni Can Help

As a trusted financial services provider, Unimoni offers comprehensive assistance for individuals seeking residency or citizenship through investment. Here’s how:

  • Secure international transfers (Visa fees, buying property, travel-related expenses, employment, migration expenses, etc.)
  • Best exchange rates for forex transactions (USD, EUR, CAD, SGD, AED, etc.)
  • Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or global student, Unimoni’s forex travel cards ensure you move through borders without financial friction. You can select from corporate, multi-currency and students’ travel cards.
  • Travel insurance with medical coverage, with validity up to one month.
  • Flight ticket booking with special fares and baggage allowance.