Investor Visa Programs: Where to Invest for Residency in 2026

If you have money to invest, many countries will offer you a path to live there. Investor visa programs let you gain residency, and sometimes citizenship, by putting capital into a country's economy. But the details matter a lot. Some programs require $100,000. Others require over $1 million. Some lead to permanent residency. Others are dead ends.

Here is what you need to know about the major investor visa programs available in 2026.

Investor visas vs. golden visas: what is the difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction:

• Investor visas typically require you to start or invest in a real business that creates jobs, generates revenue, or contributes to the economy in a measurable way. The government wants to see active economic participation.
• Golden visas are more passive. You buy real estate, deposit money in a bank, or purchase government bonds. You do not need to run a business or create jobs.

Some programs fall in the middle. The key question to ask is: "Do I need to actively manage my investment, or can I simply park the money and wait?"

United States: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 is one of the most well-known investor visa programs in the world. It grants a green card (permanent residency) to investors and their immediate family.

• Investment minimum: $1,050,000 for standard investments, or $800,000 if you invest in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which includes rural areas and zones with high unemployment
• What counts as investment: You must invest in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Many investors use Regional Centers, which are government-approved entities that pool investments into larger projects.
• Timeline: Processing takes 18 to 36 months. You receive conditional permanent residency for 2 years, then apply to remove conditions.
• Path to citizenship: After holding your green card for 5 years (including the conditional period), you can apply for US citizenship.
• Key consideration: The EB-5 requires proof that your investment funds come from a lawful source. This "source of funds" documentation is the most scrutinized part of the application.

United Kingdom: Innovator Founder Visa

The UK closed its Tier 1 Investor visa in 2022 and replaced it with the Innovator Founder visa. This is not a passive investment program. You need a genuine business idea.

• Investment minimum: No fixed minimum, but you need enough capital to make your business viable. Most successful applicants invest at least 50,000 to 100,000 pounds.
• What counts as investment: You must start an original business in the UK that is innovative, viable, and scalable. Your business plan must be endorsed by an approved body (such as a university or business accelerator).
• Timeline: Visa processing takes 3 to 8 weeks. The visa is valid for 3 years and can be extended.
• Path to citizenship: You can apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after 3 years if your business has achieved significant milestones. Citizenship is available 1 year after settlement.
• Key consideration: The endorsement requirement means you cannot simply invest money and wait. You need to build and run a real business.

Australia: Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

Australia offers several streams under its Subclass 188 visa for business owners and investors. The most relevant streams are:

Business Innovation stream (188A):

• Investment minimum: No fixed minimum, but you need a net business and personal assets of at least AUD 1,250,000
• What counts: You must own and manage a business in Australia
• Timeline: Visa is valid for 5 years. After meeting business requirements, you can apply for the permanent 888 visa.

Investor stream (188B):

• Investment minimum: AUD 2,500,000 in complying investments (government bonds, managed funds, direct investments in Australian companies)
• Timeline: Visa is valid for 5 years. You must maintain the investment for 4 years before applying for permanent residency.

Significant Investor stream (188C):

• Investment minimum: AUD 5,000,000 in complying significant investments
• Timeline: Visa is valid for 5 years. You must maintain the investment for 4 years. Minimal residency requirements (40 days per year).
• Path to citizenship: After obtaining permanent residency through the 888 visa, you can apply for citizenship after 4 years of residence.

New Zealand: Investor Visas

New Zealand offers two investor categories with different thresholds:

Investor 1 (Active Investor Plus, high value):

• Investment minimum: NZD 15,000,000 in approved investments
• What counts: Direct investments into New Zealand businesses, growth funds, or a mix of both
• Timeline: 3-year visa. Minimal time in New Zealand required (44 days per year).
• Path to citizenship: Permanent residency after the 3-year visa. Citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency.

Investor 2 (Active Investor Plus, standard):

• Investment minimum: NZD 5,000,000 in approved investments
• What counts: Same as Investor 1, but with more flexibility in investment types
• Timeline: 4-year visa. Must spend at least 117 days per year in New Zealand.
• Path to citizenship: Same as Investor 1 after meeting residency requirements.
• Key consideration: New Zealand recently reformed its investor visa program. The new Active Investor Plus visa focuses more on direct investment into the economy rather than passive bonds.

Singapore: Global Investor Programme (GIP)

Singapore is one of the most desirable destinations for wealthy investors, offering a direct path to permanent residency.

• Investment minimum: SGD 10,000,000 in a new business entity or expansion of an existing business, or SGD 25,000,000 in a GIP-approved fund, or SGD 50,000,000 in a Singapore-based single family office
• What counts as investment: The investment must be in approved sectors including aerospace, technology, healthcare, or financial services. Real estate does not qualify.
• Timeline: Permanent residency is granted upon approval and investment. Processing takes 6 to 12 months.
• Path to citizenship: You can apply for Singapore citizenship after 2 years of permanent residency. In practice, most applicants wait longer and demonstrate strong ties to Singapore.
• Key consideration: Singapore has one of the highest thresholds in the world, but it also offers one of the most valuable permanent residencies: low taxes, strong rule of law, and access to Asian markets.

What to consider before investing for residency

Before choosing an investor visa program, think about these factors:

• Passive vs. active: Can you park money and forget about it, or do you need to run a business? Your answer narrows the field quickly.
• Residency requirements: Some programs require you to live in the country for a minimum number of days per year. Others are flexible. If you want to invest but not relocate full time, look for programs with low physical presence requirements.
• Tax implications: Moving your tax residency to a new country has consequences. Some countries tax worldwide income. Others only tax local income. Get tax advice before committing.
• Exit strategy: What happens to your investment if you decide to leave? Can you sell the property? Withdraw the funds? Some investments are locked in for years.

Find the right program for your profile

Investor visa programs are not one-size-fits-all. The right one depends on how much you can invest, where you want to live, and what your long-term goals are.

If you want to see which investor visa programs you qualify for based on your specific financial profile and goals, create a free Passpoort account and compare your options side by side.