Key Takeaways
• Portugal Golden Visa removes real estate option from July 2025, requiring €250,000 investments in business or culture.
• UAE Golden Visa rumors unconfirmed; traditional investment-based residency remains the only official route as of July 2025.
• Greece, Dominica, Malta, Spain, Ireland, and other countries maintain stable Golden Visa or citizenship programs for Indian citizens.
As of July 2025, Golden Visa programs remain a popular choice for Indian citizens looking for new opportunities abroad. These programs allow people to gain residency or even citizenship in another country by making a qualifying investment. Over the past year, several important changes have taken place in Golden Visa programs around the world, affecting who can apply, what investments are needed, and what benefits are available. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed now, and what these changes mean for Indian citizens considering a Golden Visa.
Summary of Key Changes in Golden Visa Programs
Golden Visa programs are offered by several countries, each with its own rules and benefits. The most important updates in 2025 include:
- Portugal Golden Visa: Major changes to investment options, especially the removal of real estate as a qualifying investment.
- UAE Golden Visa: Reports of a new nomination-based policy, but no official confirmation yet.
- Other Destinations: Some countries have adjusted investment amounts or clarified their requirements.
Let’s look at each destination in detail, focusing on what’s new, who is affected, and what steps Indian citizens should take if they are interested in applying.
Portugal Golden Visa: Major Updates and What They Mean
The Portugal Golden Visa, officially called the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), has been one of the most popular choices for Indian citizens since its launch in 2012. This program allows non-EU nationals, including Indians, to live, work, and study in Portugal 🇵🇹, with the possibility of applying for citizenship after five years.
What Has Changed?
- Real Estate Investment Removed: One of the biggest changes is that buying real estate no longer qualifies for the Portugal Golden Visa. This was a popular route for many Indian citizens.
- Current Investment Options: Now, the minimum investment is €250,000, but only for specific options like starting a company, creating jobs, or making donations to arts and culture.
- Application Process: Applicants must choose an eligible investment, get a Portuguese tax number, open a bank account in Portugal, and submit their application online.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens who planned to invest in real estate for the Portugal Golden Visa must now consider other options.
- Those with pending real estate-based applications should check their status with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) or their legal advisor.
Effective Dates
- The removal of real estate as an investment option applies to all new applications from July 2025 onwards. Applications submitted before this date under the old rules may still be processed, but applicants should confirm their status.
Required Actions
- New Applicants: Review the updated list of eligible investments on the SEF official website.
- Pending Applications: Contact SEF or your immigration consultant to confirm if your application will be processed under the old or new rules.
- Documentation: Prepare proof of investment, tax number, and bank account details for your application.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- The Portugal Golden Visa remains attractive, but Indian citizens must now look at business or cultural investments instead of real estate.
- The path to citizenship after five years is still available, and the program continues to offer visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
UAE Golden Visa: New Developments and Official Position
The UAE Golden Visa, introduced in 2019, offers long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. It has become a top choice for Indian citizens seeking to live and work in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.
What Has Changed?
- Nomination-Based Policy Reports: There have been reports that the UAE may allow people to get a Golden Visa without making an investment by paying AED 100,000. However, UAE officials have not confirmed this change.
- Traditional Requirements: The standard route still requires a significant investment in real estate or business.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens interested in the UAE Golden Visa should be cautious about unofficial offers. Only trust information from official UAE government sources.
Effective Dates
- No official changes have been announced as of July 2025. The traditional investment-based route remains in place.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Check the UAE government’s official immigration portal for the latest updates.
- Avoid Unofficial Offers: Do not pay any fees or submit applications through unverified channels.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- The UAE Golden Visa continues to offer long-term residency, but only through recognized investment routes.
- As reported by VisaVerge.com, Indian citizens should wait for official announcements before considering any new nomination-based options.
Greece Golden Visa: Affordable Entry, No Major Changes
Greece 🇬🇷 offers one of the most affordable Golden Visa programs, with residency available through real estate investments starting at €250,000.
What Has Changed?
- No major changes have been reported for 2025. The program remains open to Indian citizens.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens looking for a lower-cost option in Europe can still apply.
Effective Dates
- The current rules remain in effect as of July 2025.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Prepare to invest at least €250,000 in Greek real estate and gather required documents.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- The Greece Golden Visa offers access to the Schengen area and the possibility of citizenship after seven years of residency.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment: Stable and Accessible
Dominica 🇩🇲 continues to offer citizenship through a non-refundable contribution of $200,000 or a real estate investment.
What Has Changed?
- No significant updates for 2025.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens seeking a quick route to citizenship and visa-free travel to over 140 countries.
Effective Dates
- The program remains unchanged.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Choose between a donation or real estate investment and submit the required documents.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- Fast-track citizenship and travel benefits, but applicants should consider the non-refundable nature of the donation.
Malta Golden Visa: Permanent Residency with Investment
Malta 🇲🇹 offers permanent residency through a minimum investment of €182,000.
What Has Changed?
- No major changes for 2025.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens interested in living in Malta or accessing the Schengen area.
Effective Dates
- The program continues under current rules.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Prepare the required investment and documentation.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- Permanent residency and a possible path to citizenship after one year.
Thailand Elite Long-Term Residency Visa: Lifestyle, Not Citizenship
Thailand 🇹🇭 offers a long-term residency visa starting at THB 600,000 (about ₹15 lakh) for a five-year stay.
What Has Changed?
- No major updates for 2025.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens seeking a long-term stay in Thailand for lifestyle reasons.
Effective Dates
- The program remains unchanged.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Pay the required fee and submit the application.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- No path to permanent residency or citizenship, but offers lifestyle benefits like airport services.
New Zealand: Investment Residency, Not a Traditional Golden Visa
New Zealand 🇳🇿 offers residency through investment, though it is not called a Golden Visa.
What Has Changed?
- No major updates for 2025.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens seeking a high-quality lifestyle and eventual citizenship.
Effective Dates
- The program continues as before.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Review the investment requirements and prepare the necessary funds.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- Access to New Zealand’s lifestyle and education system, with a path to citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Spain Golden Visa: Real Estate Still an Option
Spain 🇪🇸 continues to offer a Golden Visa for those investing at least €500,000 in real estate or other eligible assets.
What Has Changed?
- No major changes for 2025.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens interested in living in Spain or traveling in Europe.
Effective Dates
- The program remains open.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Prepare to invest in real estate or other approved assets.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- Residency with no minimum stay requirement and a path to citizenship after ten years.
Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: High Investment, Stable Rules
Ireland 🇮🇪 offers residency through an investment of at least €1 million in approved projects.
What Has Changed?
- No major updates for 2025.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens with higher investment capacity.
Effective Dates
- The program continues under current rules.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Prepare the required investment and documentation.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- Residency and a path to citizenship after five years.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: Fast and Simple
Vanuatu 🇻🇺 offers citizenship through a non-refundable contribution of $130,000.
What Has Changed?
- No major changes for 2025.
Who Is Affected?
- Indian citizens seeking quick citizenship and visa-free travel to over 130 countries.
Effective Dates
- The program remains unchanged.
Required Actions
- Applicants: Make the required contribution and submit the application.
Implications for Indian Citizens
- Fast citizenship, but applicants should consider the long-term value and stability.
Practical Implications for Indian Citizens
Golden Visa programs offer many benefits, but they also come with important requirements and risks. Here’s what Indian citizens should keep in mind:
- Investment Requirements: Most programs require a large investment, either as a donation or in real estate, business, or government projects.
- Residency and Citizenship: Some programs lead to permanent residency and, after a few years, citizenship. Others, like Thailand’s, do not.
- Tax Implications: Some countries, like Portugal, do not tax global income unless you live there for more than 183 days in a year.
- Changing Rules: Countries can change their Golden Visa rules at any time. It’s important to check official government sources before making any investment.
Next Steps for Interested Indian Citizens
- Research Official Sources: Always use official government websites for the latest information. For example, details about the Portugal Golden Visa can be found on the SEF official website.
- Consult Professionals: Consider working with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer who specializes in Golden Visa programs.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including proof of investment, identification, and any other paperwork needed for your chosen country.
- Monitor Policy Changes: Stay updated on any changes to Golden Visa programs, especially if you have a pending application.
- Beware of Scams: Only trust information from official sources or well-known consultants. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
Conclusion and Outlook
Golden Visa programs remain a strong option for Indian citizens who want more freedom to travel, access better education and healthcare, or plan for a future outside India. The Portugal Golden Visa, in particular, has seen important changes, with real estate no longer an option for new applicants. Other countries continue to offer stable programs, but all applicants should stay alert for policy updates.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that as global economic conditions change, countries may adjust their Golden Visa programs to attract more investors or respond to new challenges. Indian citizens should act carefully, use official resources, and seek professional advice to make the best decision for their families and futures.
Learn Today
Golden Visa → A residency or citizenship program granted through qualifying investment in a host country.
Residency Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) → Portugal’s official program allowing residency via specific investments, excluding real estate from July 2025.
Nomination-Based Policy → A potential UAE Golden Visa option reported to allow visa allocation without direct investment.
Schengen Area → An area of 26 European countries allowing free travel without border controls for residents and visitors.
Non-Refundable Contribution → A one-time payment investment option with no refund, used in citizenship programs like Dominica and Vanuatu.
This Article in a Nutshell
Golden Visa programs continue attracting Indian citizens in 2025, with crucial changes like Portugal dropping real estate investments. UAE rumors remain unconfirmed. Stable options still exist in Greece, Malta, and Dominica, offering residency or citizenship through varied investment paths, emphasizing official sources and professional advice to navigate updates safely.
— By VisaVerge.com
