10 Premium Investment Immigration Programs for UHNWIs

As an ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNWI), you should have the keys to unlock the world – not just with a passport but with keys to opportunity, freedom and luxury. Investment immigration is the best way to do this. 

This isn’t just about relocation: it’s a strategy to enhance global mobility, diversify wealth and secure a future in the world’s most desirable locations. 

From golden visas to citizenship by investment, these premium programs offer more than a second home. They grant access to unparalleled lifestyle perks and financial advantages. 

Whether you’re seeking tax efficiency, global travel benefits, elite opportunities for your family or a prestigious second passport, the best investment immigration programs redefine what it means to live globally.

In the guide below, we’ll discuss the ten premium (most expensive) investment immigration programs for high-net-worth individuals to consider.

Understanding Investment Immigration

Before we explore the best programs for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, let’s first cover what exactly we mean by investment immigration.

There are many different countries out there that will offer you a straightforward immigration path in return for an investment. This can take one of two forms: 

• Citizenship by investment
• Residence by investment.

While the names of these programs are pretty self-explanatory, the main difference between them is that citizenship by investment offers you a second passport, while residence by investment programs gives you a second place to live for a time. 

Residence by investment can eventually lead to citizenship through naturalisation if you’re committed to spending a few years in the country. 

Both are good options, depending on your situation, current passport portfolio and offshore goals.

Immigration by Investment: Citizenship Programs

Citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs grant investors full citizenship and a second passport in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the host country. 

These contributions often fund national development projects, such as infrastructure or cultural initiatives. Although, most programs also offer real estate investment opportunities.

The main benefits include expedited access to citizenship without long residency requirements. 

You can strategically pick a passport that offers visa-free travel to countries you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. A second passport is also the ultimate protection against political instability in your home country. 

If you’re renouncing your US citizenship, then CBI is an excellent option to quickly gain a second passport, which you’ll need if you renounce.

CBI programs are ideal for those seeking to diversify their personal and financial security while gaining global mobility and enhanced lifestyle options.

Residency by Investment

Residency-by-investment programs allow you to obtain residency status in a host country by making qualified investments, typically in real estate or business, or through investments or donations to funds within the host country. 

While these programs do not immediately result in citizenship, they provide a path to permanent residence or naturalisation over time. 

Core benefits of these programs include access to a second home, improved quality of life and the ability to travel freely within certain regions like the Schengen Area. 

These programs are especially attractive for those prioritising relocation flexibility and the potential for eventual citizenship with less upfront commitment.

Why Choose Investment Immigration?

Whichever route you choose, both CBI and RBI programs offer clear benefits.

One of the main benefits of such investment immigration programs is that it allows you to get your citizenship faster than traditional immigration processes. 

They can also give you access to high-yield international investments such as real estate, bonds and other assets, in addition to the immigration benefits that will give you the opportunity to travel visa-free to many countries. Of course, this depends on the specifics of each program. 

Moreover, by relocating, you can benefit from better tax management options and gain access to qualified and less expensive employees. 

Plus, you’ll have access to high-quality public and private services, like top-notch schooling for your kids. 

Fortunately, most of these investment immigration programs also allow you to bring your family members so they can also benefit.

However, not all programs are created equal. Not only should you consider the amount of investment required but also whether or not that investment will get you immediate citizenship versus a path to citizenship (or no path at all), access to certain countries, a place to call home and much, much more. 

It’s not just about having an immigration option – it’s about having the right immigration option that makes sense for your bigger picture.

That’s what we do at Nomad Capitalist, which puts us in a unique position to help those who want to go where they’re treated best. We assess your situation holistically and curate an Action Plan tailored to your offshore needs. 

From billionaires and celebrities to everyday entrepreneurs, we’ve helped over 2,000 successful clients create their plans, grow their wealth and increase their peace of mind. We would love to do the same for you, too. Set up a call with us today to go where you’re treated best.

10 Premium Investment Immigration Programs

If you’re an ultra-high-net-worth individual, then your immigration considerations will be different from someone simply trying to get their hands on any second passport they can qualify for. 

You can pick and choose from investment immigration programs strategically, making sure you get the right program to match your individual goals. 

While these premium investment immigration programs are more expensive, they also come with many unique benefits. 

10. North Macedonia – Citizenship by Investment

It’s the most affordable of its kind in Europe, and it’s supposedly one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment programs on the market. 

However, we say ‘supposedly’ here because the program has yet to see a single approval, and the government has not provided an explanation why.

For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend North Macedonia citizenship by investment to our clients. But, if the program does work for you, then it could offer many benefits. 

Holding citizenship in North Macedonia gives you the travel benefits of an EU country without all the complexities that come along with being a part of the EU. 

To obtain citizenship in North Macedonia, you must invest €400,000 as a direct investment in new facilities (except for those in the hospitality sector) and employ ten workers for at least one year.  

This may seem like a lot, but North Macedonia is among the most business-friendly countries in Eastern Europe, with a flat tax of 10% for companies and individuals. The country also offers many great incentives for factories.

There is another option as well: A foreigner can obtain Macedonian citizenship by investment if they invest at least €200,000 of capital per person in a private investment fund for at least two years. 

9. Portugal – Golden Visa Residence

Unlike North Macedonia, Portugal offers a Golden Visa Program, which is a residence-by-investment program that can also lead to eventual citizenship. 

Regardless of whether you’re seeking citizenship or not, even just establishing residency in this country can confer exceptional benefits.

Your golden visa residence permit will grant you visa-free travel and work privileges within the Schengen area and many other countries around the world. 

Portugal only asks that you stay in the country for seven days the first year and 14 days every two years after that.

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa program, one must either invest €500,000 in a Portuguese business or choose between a capital contribution or a donation. The capital contribution and donation options include:

• €500,000 – Venture capital or private equity fund
• €500,000 – Donation to scientific research activities 
• €200,000 – €250,000 – Donation to the arts (the donation amount depends on the area).

To learn more about this popular program, read our full guide on Portugal’s Golden Visa. 

8. Spain – Golden Visa Residence

Spain’s Golden Visa program presents a fantastic opportunity for HNWIs seeking residency in Europe. Like Portugal, this program can also lead to eventual citizenship and an EU passport.

Due to political pressure to end the program, the Spanish Golden Visa is on the cusp of being axed (effective April 2025).

So, there is a very small window of opportunity to invest €1,000,000 in Spanish company shares or bank deposits or €2,000,000 in government bonds, and you and your family will be granted temporary residency.

In terms of process, the initial residence card is granted for three, which can be renewed and extended for successive periods of five years. To renew, you will need to visit Spain at least once a year. 

The process of applying for and receiving residence is very straightforward and takes about two to three months to complete. The investor then gets the right to roam freely in the entire Schengen area.

After five years, it’s possible to obtain permanent residence if you’ve lived in the country for at least 183 days each year. After ten years, you become eligible for citizenship. 

Bear in mind that you’ll need to maintain your investment for the initial five years.

You can learn more about Spain’s Golden Visa here, including the pros and cons of this particular program.

This program will soon disappear, so if it sounds right for you, now is the time to apply. Get in touch before it’s too late.

7. Bulgaria – Residence by Investment

If you’re looking for a European residency program that’s a bit off the beaten path, then Bulgaria might be just the ticket. 

While it may not be the first place that springs to mind, it presents a compelling case for smart investors.

In fact, the Bulgarian Golden Visa has become one of the most desired of its kind in Europe. 

This is thanks to Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, which puts the program on par with Portuguese or Greek Golden Visas. However, unlike the other options, Bulgaria offers a much easier path to full EU citizenship.

For an investment of €512,000 in UCITS (mutual funds/ETFs) and/or AIFs, you can obtain standard citizenship in just five years. 

Now, we understand that Bulgaria might not have the same glitz and glamour as, say, Monaco or Portugal, but this country packs one hell of a punch. 

Its low cost of living, attractive corporate tax rates and visa-free travel privileges to most European countries are major benefits. Aside from that, you don’t need to go through difficult naturalisation processes like you would in Spain and Portugal.

6. Malta – Residence and Citizenship

Malta is another very popular option that seems to cater to all nationals with its trifecta of residency programs.

For non-EU citizens, there’s the Global Residence Program (GRP) and the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP). And for EU nationals, there’s the Residence Program (TRP). 

Of course, each program has its own set of requirements, including being able to demonstrate sufficient financial resources and making a qualifying investment.

All these routes can lead to citizenship after six years of living in the country. 

Furthermore, they unlock a flat tax regime of just 15% on foreign income remitted to the country, meaning if you plan things right, you can save a lot of money. 

However, if you’re after Maltese citizenship, then you can go for the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) program. This is a new short naturalisation option that replaced Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program.

Essentially, you can gain EU citizenship within three years for a minimum €600,000 investment. Increase this investment to €800,000, and you can get your Maltese passport in a year.

This is the only citizenship-by-investment option in the EU, which makes it prized by many nomad capitalists.

You can learn more about the details of these investment immigration programs in our complete guide to Malta residency. 

5. US – Residence by Investment

While obviously not our top choice for residence permits, the US does have the EB-5 Visa (Green Card) that grants permanent residence to foreigners, and for some HNWIs, residency here might align with their wants and needs.

The US offers a great quality of life, endless economic opportunities, and, once you have your residence permit, some of the best travel perks in the world.

This visa can be obtained by investing US$900,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and creating ten full-time jobs for US citizens within two years. 

These are usually rural areas or areas experiencing high unemployment. If you choose to invest in areas outside designated TEAs, you must invest at least US$1.8 million to qualify. 

Check out our ultimate guide for more specific information on the expensive and highly bureaucratic process to obtain the EB-5 Visa in the US.

4. Guernsey – Residence by Investment

Next door to Jersey, in the Channel Islands off the coast of Normandy, lies Guernsey. ‌

And why is Guernsey such a good option? Well, by getting residency in Guernsey, you can get most of the benefits of being a resident in the United Kingdom.

Guernsey offers two options for investment immigration. 

The first is an investor visa, which allows you to deposit GB£1,000,000 into a Guernsey bank account and invest in the country. Your ‘for the benefit of the Bailiwick of Guernsey’ investment has to include either:

• GB£750,000 placed on deposit in a GFSC-regulated Guernsey bank
• GB£750,000 invested in an open market (think more expensive) property
• Investment of GB£750,000 into another Guernsey opportunity of the applicant’s choosing that is considered satisfactory by the States of Guernsey.

The second option is an entrepreneur visa. This will take a smaller investment upfront – GB£200,000 – but will require more effort and involvement on your part. 

In order to qualify for the second investment, you must start a company that will create jobs and benefit the local economy. 

Alternatively, you can invest in an existing company, but you’ll need to have a full-time and active role in managing it yourself.

For both options, you can bring your spouse and children under 18. 

However, it’s important to note that with these options, Guernsey is quite selective in who they let in due to their population management efforts. You must also plan to settle in Guernsey for at least 10 months of the year.

After five years, you can apply for permanent residency and, after another year, citizenship. 

Due to their strong connection to the UK, this can be a great passport to have. In most cases, it’s accepted as the same thing.

For more details on this investment immigration program, check out our Guernsey permanent residence by investment guide. 

3. The Cayman Islands – Residence by Investment

Beyond the beautiful scenery, tax-friendly policies and excellent quality of life, the Cayman Islands offers several premium options for investment immigration. 

The first is as a person with independent means. This residency permit is valid for 25 years and allows you to bring your family. However, there are some significant financial requirements associated with it. 

You must invest US$1.2 million in the country, maintain a bank account balance of US$500,000 and have an independent annual passive income of approximately US$150,000 from sources outside the islands. Additionally, there are various fees that must be paid annually to renew the permit. 

The second option is through a certificate of direct investment. With this option, you will also receive a 25-year residency permit that will allow you to bring your family. 

However, you will be required to invest US$1.2 million in a business that creates jobs and hires at least 30% local workers. 

A third option is to have a substantial business presence in the country. To qualify, you must prove you are in a senior management position or own at least 10% of the shares in a business in an approved industry – mainly financial and legal services. 

On top of that, you must intend to live on the island for at least 90 days a year and will be required to pay several fees each year, but it also comes with a 25-year residency permit and the ability to work from the islands.

If you want permanent residence in the country, you’ll need to invest at least US$2.4 million in developed real estate. 

For more details on each of these options and opportunities for citizenship, look at our in-depth guide to Cayman Islands residency.

2. Singapore – Residence by Investment

As more Singapore natives call for changes to the country’s immigration laws, obtaining residence by investment has become increasingly difficult and expensive. 

Still, Singapore’s Global Investor Program offers three main options for investment: 

• Invest at least SGD10 million into a new or existing business in Singapore and hire at least 30 employees, of which at least half have to be citizens of Singapore, and at least 10 need to be ‘new employees’
• Invest SGD25 million into a government-approved fund that invests in Singapore-based companies 
• Establish a Singapore-based single-family office with assets under management of at least SGD200 million. 

The program grants permanent residence to investors. However, it’s important to note that business costs, corporate taxes and Singapore’s overall cost of living are relatively high.

And Singapore does not offer dual citizenship, which is certainly a factor any Nomad Capitalist should seriously consider.

Read our full guide on how to get Singapore permanent residence or citizenship for more details.

1. Jersey – Residence by Investment

A small island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy, Jersey, offers a unique and premium program for investment immigration. 

It’s an independent country with its own constitution but maintains strong British connections. 

Jersey offers an extremely high standard of living, global connections, a solid economy, no or low taxes along with easy access to the UK and Ireland.

The island is both a quiet and beautiful tourist destination and a leading offshore financial centre, making it an ideal place to mix business and pleasure.

By investing at least £1.75 million in Jersey real estate (specific residential apartment properties) and having an annual income of no less than £1.25 million (just over US$1.6 million), you can become a resident of Jersey. 

In addition to the financial requirements, in Jersey, each application is at the discretion of government officials. 

A lot of their decisions are based on subjective criteria such as voluntary work, media coverage of your business or social life, your awards and achievements, cultural interests or skills and a clean criminal record.

That said, it’s one of the fastest countries to process your application, and your family can come along under the same investment sum.

Another benefit is that you can obtain a Jersey passport after six years of residence on the island. 

Given Jersey’s unique relationship with the UK, this passport grants you the same privileges as a British passport, such as access to over 170 countries visa-free.

For all the details on how to make the investment, check out our ultimate guide to Jersey residency by investment. 

Premium Investment Immigration Programs: FAQs

Finding the Best Immigration-by-Investment Program

Investment immigration programs, be it citizenship-by-investment programs or Golden Visas, are closing off at record speed. 

Each year, our lists of the best citizenship and residency programs are narrowed down. Who knows how many programs will remain by next year? 

The best course of action is to act now and set up a call with us today to discover which program works best for you, your personal life, taxes and corporate portfolio.

Your best life is waiting for you.

We help seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors create a bespoke nomad strategy using our unique, tried-and-tested methods. 

You’ll keep more of your own money, create wealth faster and be protected from whatever happens in just three steps. Discover how to achieve this here.