World’s Most Expensive Golden Visas Revealed
The world’s priciest golden visas reveal a market where wealth buys mobility — and in some cases, citizenship outright. A new ranking sheds light on the highest-cost investment-based residency and citizenship schemes, showing how countries from Asia to the Caribbean are competing for the world’s wealthy.
Singapore claims the crown for the most expensive investment-based citizenship, with its Global Investment Program requiring a staggering $7.8 million.
Since its launch in 2004, around 2,100 applicants have secured Singaporean permanent residence (PR) through the scheme, averaging about 100 approvals per year. The program’s prestige keeps demand steady, with more than 2,200 online searches annually.
US Moves Into Second with Trump’s $5 Million Proposal
A new $5 million program proposed in the US jumps straight into second place.
While not yet officially launched, the plan has already ignited immense interest, recording 75,900 searches – over three times Singapore’s figure.
Hong Kong Holds Third at $3.8 Million
Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, introduced in 2003, demands $3.8 million from applicants.
Approval numbers dwarf Singapore’s, with an average of 372 successful applications per year. The city’s financial hub status keeps it firmly in the global top three.
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New Zealand Stands Out Among Newcomers
Fourth place goes to New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa, launched in 2022 with a $2.85 million requirement.
The program has approved 115 applicants to date, drawing 4,400 online searches — more than triple Hong Kong’s.
Bermuda Rounds Out the Top Five
Bermuda’s Economic Investment Certificate Program takes fifth with a $2.5 million price tag.
Since its 2021 debut, it has granted residency to 89 applicants and continues to attract high-net-worth investors seeking Caribbean access.
Samoa Offers Direct Citizenship at $1.4 Million
Sixth-placed Samoa is notable for granting full citizenship rather than residency.
Despite no recorded approvals since its 2017 launch, the program garners growing curiosity with 3,100 searches annually.
Saudi Arabia Draws Global Attention
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Investor Visa, priced at $1.1 million, ranks seventh.
While approval data is scarce, its popularity is clear — 4 million searches place it among the most sought-after programs worldwide.
Seychelles and El Salvador Tie for Eighth
The Seychelles program, costing $1 million, has been running since 2010 and attracted 40,400 searches.
Sharing the same price point, El Salvador’s Freedom Passport Program – launched in 2023 – has already approved up to 3,000 applicants, offering one of the few direct citizenship options on the list.
Canada Closes the Top Ten
Canada’s Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, active since 2006, costs $871,000 and has approved over 40,000 applicants.
With 1.5 million searches, it remains a magnet for investors seeking North American residency.
More Than Just a Price Tag
A spokesperson of Casino of the Kings behind the analysis, noted that golden visa programs «are about more than just the investment; they open doors to new opportunities and a fresh start in a different part of the world,» offering security, global mobility, and better prospects for families.
