128,000 HNWIs Relocate in 2024: Here Are the Top 5 Golden Visa Programs

In 2024, a groundbreaking 128,000 high-net-worth individuals are expected to relocate globally, seeking new opportunities and lifestyles in different countries, according to Henley & Partners. The increasing number of wealthy people moving to other countries highlights the growing trend of Golden Visa programs that offer residency in exchange for investment.

Top 5 Investment Residency Programs

Henley & Partners' index evaluates programs based on factors such as national reputation, quality of life, taxation, visa-free travel, application processing time, due diligence, investment requirements, total cost, duration to citizenship, and citizenship requirements.

1st: Portugal (score 75) — Portugal's Golden Residence Permit Program is the top choice for migrating investors. Since October 2023, the focus has shifted from real estate to investments in local businesses and projects. Investors can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after six.

2nd: Austria and Greece (both score 73) — Austria's Residence Program targets HNWIs with strict yet rewarding criteria, requiring minimum liquid funds of EUR 40,000, German language proficiency, and private healthcare insurance. Greece's Golden Visa provides a cost-effective investment threshold with a minimum real estate investment of EUR 250,000 and access to the Schengen Zone.

3rd: Switzerland (score 72) — Tailored for affluent individuals who can benefit from Switzerland's fiscal advantages, the program's stability, security, and prestige continue to make it a top draw.

4th: Italy and UK (both score 71) — Italy's Residence by Investment Program offers an attractive lifestyle, with options including a minimum EUR 250,000 investment in a startup or a EUR 1,000,000+ philanthropic contribution. The UK's Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs with a viable business idea, with no minimum investment requirement since 2023.

5th: Canada and Spain (both score 69) — Canada's Start-Up Visa Program uniquely connects immigrants with Canadian investors, while Spain's Residence by Investment offers flexibility in investment options and EU travel access, though the golden visa scheme faces potential discontinuation.

Conclusion

As the demand for Golden Visas continues to rise, countries are tailoring their programs to meet the sophisticated needs of HNWIs, offering them a gateway to new economic opportunities and a stable future. This movement is reshaping individual lives and transforming host nations' economic and cultural fabric.