Investor Visa Programs 2026: Where to Invest

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?" For a closer look at the passive end of the spectrum, see our guide to golden visa programs.

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.

If your goal is a second passport rather than just residency, our guide to citizenship by investment covers programs that lead directly to a new nationality.

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.

Passpoort matches your profile against 1,300+ visa categories across 100+ countries. See which countries you qualify for.