From Thailand and Mauritius to Greece, the UAE and US, investment-led programmes offer Indians options for long-term overseas residency
A growing number of countries are offering Indian nationals investment-linked residency programmes, giving wealthy investors and their families opportunities to live, work or study abroad. The options range from relatively affordable schemes in Thailand and Mauritius to high-value programmes in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Thailand is among the more accessible destinations. Its Thailand Privilege Residence Programme offers memberships lasting between five and 20 years. The entry-level five-year option currently costs THB 650,000, or about Rs 18.91 lakh, although the Bronze tier is scheduled to end on September 30, 2026. The Gold tier, priced at THB 900,000, will then become the cheapest option.
Mauritius provides several residency routes, including investment of at least USD 50,000 in a local company or the purchase of an approved residential property worth at least USD 375,000. Retirement and employment-based options are also available.
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Golden visas generally provide residency rather than automatic citizenship
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Eligibility, taxation, minimum-stay requirements and routes to permanent residence vary considerably, making professional immigration and tax advice important before committing funds
In Europe, Greece offers residency through qualifying investments, with thresholds starting at EUR 250,000 for certain property conversion and restoration projects. Italy’s investor visa requires investments ranging from EUR 250,000 in an innovative start-up to EUR 2 million in government bonds. Portugal has moved away from property-based investment, instead allowing qualifying investments in funds, research, cultural projects and businesses.
The UAE offers five- and 10-year Golden Visas to eligible investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, students and other categories. Real estate investors generally need property worth at least AED 2 million.
Further options include the US EB-5 programme, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus scheme, Hong Kong’s New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme and Singapore’s Global Investor Programme. Canada also has investor-related routes, although its Start-up Visa programme is currently paused.
