9 Investor Visas Better than the US EB-5 Visa

Wealthy foreigners are on the lookout for new places to live and for the citizenship opportunities that come with a move.

In China, a large majority of millionaires want second residencies and second citizenship abroad as a place to live a stable life, educate their children and invest. 

However, as savvy as many of the emerging market’s wealthy may be, they’re missing a trick in their desire to live in countries like the United States. 

Over the years, many wealthy foreigners have applied to the US EB-5 visa program, which allows foreigners to obtain an investor visa by investing US$1.05 million in a new commercial enterprise or at least US$800,000 in such a company in high-unemployment or rural areas. These businesses must also create at least ten US jobs. 

The idea is for the investor to send their children to US schools so that they can enjoy a better life in the United States. 

The only problem is that the United States is a growing police state with schools that are the laughingstock of the developed (and even undeveloped) world. 

Instead of dealing with these troubles, it may be more worthwhile to consider emerging market second residency programs like those in Panama, Uruguay, Lithuania and elsewhere. As a wealthy foreign investor, you have many options available that could work for you.

It’s critical to investigate these options if you’re seeking a second residence or a second citizenship in a developed country. 

Top Investor Visas Better than the US EB-5 Visa

Rather than investing over US$1 million into a dying economy, here are nine countries that also offer investor visa programs similar to The Land of the Free’s EB-5 visa, but without the anti-foreigner, imperialist, money-printing madness.

9. Malaysia

Malaysia may not be as developed as the other countries on this list, but it’s rather developed for Asia. 

Kuala Lumpur made the list of the eight most liveable cities in Southeast Asia, and for good reason. Malaysia’s capital city, while not up to Singapore standards, is incredibly clean as far as Asian cities go. Plus, the food is great. 

It’s a melting pot of Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Malay cultures, which would allow most of the world’s EB-5 visa seekers to feel right at home. And if you don’t like the big city, areas like Melaka and Penang offer serene living. 

A little-known fact is that Malaysia is actually one of the world’s best places to do business. The country has done a lot of appealing things for investors. 

It’s one of the few Asian countries that imposes virtually no restrictions on foreigners buying property (other than a roughly US$300,000 minimum price point). 

The barrier to entry is relatively low: the Malaysia My Second Home Program requires a bank deposit and a real estate purchase. 

There are different categories to this investment visa, with each one offering a longer pass validity for a larger investment. The investment amounts start at US$150,000 for a renewable five-year visa and go up to US$1 million for a renewable 20-year visa.

Malaysia is an incredibly exciting country with endless potential. If you want to make it part of your offshore strategy, then this visa can be a valuable and straightforward option.

8. Singapore

For the wealthy investor seeking a sophisticated life in a developed country, Singapore should tick all the boxes. 

The place is Disneyland with a Parliament. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if you could eat off the streets – that’s how clean the country is. 

And for wealthy Chinese investors seeking refuge from loogie-hocking cabbies, Singapore is known as the ‘Fine City’ where you can’t even sip water on the metro system. 

Not that a multi-millionaire investor visa holder would be taking the subway. 

For investors willing to commit significant capital, Singapore offers a direct route to permanent residency through its Global Investor Program (GIP). 

With a minimum investment of S$10 million in a business, S$25 million in a government-approved fund or S$50 million in a single-family office managing at least S$200 million in assets, you can secure permanent residence status. 

Singapore is an amazing country, but we didn’t say moving here was cheap.

Singaporean authorities are highly selective, requiring investors to demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial track record, substantial business success or significant family wealth. 

Unlike some other investor visa programs that prioritise quantity, Singapore focuses on attracting top-tier investors who contribute meaningfully to its economy. 

Quite simply, they only want the best.

Singapore’s status as a cultural melting pot on the tip of Asia makes it attractive, especially for wealthy Chinese. English and Asian languages are widely spoken, and everyone is welcome in Singapore. 

On top of that, the country has one of the most stable banking systems on earth and is an excellent place to store gold – a bonus for Asian investors who love precious metals.

7. Andorra

Tucked between France and Spain in Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, Andorra is a hidden gem for those seeking a second residency in a developed country. 

Andorra is not only one of the world’s wealthiest countries, it’s also a beautiful place. 

Quaint towns are surrounded by towering peaks that draw tourists from all over Europe to ski. As a tax haven, Andorra has only recently added a tiny income tax on local source income. 

Beyond tourism, Andorra is well known for its banking industry. 

Banks in Andorra are highly liquid – one bank we spoke to there has a 30% liquidity ratio. Compare that to the 0.5-1% liquidity ratio many US banks have, and you’ll see just how stable Andorra is.

While Andorra doesn’t exactly offer the room to roam that the United States does, it does offer easy access to Europe, including the much-ballyhooed universities in France. Chinese and other restrictive passport holders will require a visa to access this.

Investing €600,000 in Andorran assets – such as real estate, government bonds or company shares – can grant you passive residency in Andorra. This allows you to live in the country for at least 90 days per year. 

However, obtaining Andorran citizenship requires a much longer commitment, as applicants must reside in the country for 20 years before being eligible to apply.

For those looking to establish a business in Andorra, active residency is an option. 

While there is no minimum investment required to start a company, foreign business owners must hold at least 34% of the company’s shares and invest a refundable €50,000 deposit with the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA). 

Active residents must also spend at least 183 days per year in Andorra and pay corporate taxes at a flat 10% rate.

It’s important to note that Andorra has strict education regulations – homeschooling and private tutoring are not allowed. If you have children over six years old, they must be enrolled in a local school to maintain your residency.

6. Switzerland

For the uber-wealthy, Switzerland is hard to beat. 

Gorgeous mountains, charming cities, luxury shopping and a culture that shuns ostentatiousness in favour of hard work and economic productivity. 

Punctual executives will find that even the trains run on a tight schedule in Switzerland. 

Cities like Zurich and Geneva offer some of the nicest and most expensive living in the world. 

Switzerland is also a nice second residency option for wealthy investor visa seekers because it’s part of Europe’s border-free Schengen area but not part of the European Union. 

That offers immigrants all the benefits of free travel throughout Europe without living in a country that has to kowtow to Brussels. 

For ultra-wealthy individuals seeking Swiss residency, there are two primary pathways: the Lump-Sum Taxation Program and the Swiss Business Investor Program. 

The Lump-Sum Taxation option, available in select cantons, allows affluent foreigners to obtain a residence permit by agreeing to pay a predetermined annual tax. This typically ranges from CHF 250,000 to over CHF 1 million, based on lifestyle expenses and location. 

This option is ideal for individuals with significant passive income, as they cannot be gainfully employed in Switzerland.

Alternatively, non-EU/EEA nationals can secure residency by establishing a Swiss business that contributes to the local economy. This typically requires a substantial investment – around CHF 1 million – and a key managerial role in the company.

The one downside to Switzerland – besides the high cost of living – is that, like Andorra, citizenship takes a long time to confer: twelve years in this case. Just ask Tina Turner.

5. Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers one of the world’s most flexible investor visa programs for second residency – if you can afford it. 

In 2024, Hong Kong revamped its investor visa program, officially known as the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), significantly increasing the financial requirements. 

Now, to qualify, applicants must demonstrate a net asset value of at least HK$30 million (approximately US$3.84 million) and invest the same amount in approved assets.

Despite Hong Kong’s soaring real estate prices, the ultra-wealthy continue to see it as a prime destination due to its economic opportunities as a Chinese Special Administrative Region. 

However, under the new CIES rules, only HK$10 million of the HK$30 million investment can be allocated to non-residential real estate, which limits property-based investment options.

The good news? Investors have flexibility in where to park their money. 

Approved assets include stocks, debt securities, real estate investment trusts (REITs), investment funds, and even an official CIES Investment Portfolio managed by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited. 

Of the HK$30 million required investment, HK$3 million must be allocated to this portfolio, supporting innovation and strategic industries in Hong Kong.

Applicants don’t need to establish or run a business. Plus, they can manage their investments themselves or through licensed financial professionals. 

Residency is initially granted for two years and is renewable for three-year increments thereafter. After seven years, investors and their dependents can apply for permanent residence, at which point they’re free to liquidate their investments.

Besides the high price tag, the one caveat to Hong Kong’s visa program involves passports. 

Since Hong Kong citizens are technically Chinese, you can’t get a Hong Kong ‘passport’ unless you have no other options, rendering it useless as a place for future second citizenship. 

And if you’re Mainland Chinese, you can’t obtain an investor visa – unless you have a second passport. 

That’s why so many investor visas to Hong Kong are issued to Ghana citizens; wealthy Chinese get grey market passports from African countries on the cheap so they can live in Hong Kong. 

That said, Hong Kong is one of the best places to live if you can afford it and a great investor visa alternative to the EB-5 program. 

Seeing that Hong Kong has the world’s freest economy, you won’t miss living in the United States. 

4. Greece

If you’re dreaming of island life, ancient history and a golden Mediterranean sunset, Greece might be the perfect escape. 

The country offers an investor visa program that provides a direct route to permanent residency – with no minimum stay requirements.

Greece’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular in Europe, offering a renewable five-year residence permit in exchange for real estate investment. 

New regulations require a single investment of at least €400,000 in smaller towns or €800,000 investment in hot spots like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini. 

Not into real estate? Greece has other options. 

A €500,000 investment in a Greek company, REIT or government bonds can secure residency. Investing at least €800,000 in shares or corporate bonds will also do the trick. 

And for those who prefer a ‘set it and forget it’ approach, a fixed-term deposit of €500,000 in a Greek bank gets you the same golden ticket.

While Greece is an undeniably stunning place to live (or at least vacation in), its investor visa is not necessarily the cheapest or most flexible. 

But if the idea of sipping ouzo on your own private slice of the Aegean sounds appealing, Greece might just be worth the admission price.

3. The United Arab Emirates

If you’re looking for a tax-friendly, high-status residence with zero income tax and a skyline that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie, the UAE should be at the top of your list. 

With its Golden Visa program, the Emirates rolls out the red carpet for investors, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals looking to secure long-term residency in one of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs.

Once you have your residency visa, there’s no need to worry about how many days you spend in the country. 

For serious investors, the most direct route is through capital investment. Deposit at least AED 2 million (around US$545,000) in a local bank or invest the same amount in an Emirati business or fund, and you’ll be granted a 10-year renewable residence visa.

Real estate is also an option. Purchasing property worth AED 2 million qualifies you for the same golden ticket. And if you want it done fast, expedited services can process your application in as little as two days.

Entrepreneurs with innovative projects can secure a five-year visa with a lower capital requirement, while exceptional talents, top-tier executives and even superyacht owners have their own dedicated visa pathways.

With its zero-tax regime, world-class infrastructure and strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa, the UAE remains one of the best destinations for investors who want luxury, opportunity and a government that knows how to cater to the ultra-wealthy. 

If you’ve got the capital, the Emirates has a spot for you.

2. Portugal

With its relaxed pace of life, stunning coastline and world-class wine, Portugal has long been a favourite for those looking to plant roots in the EU without spending most of their time there.

Unlike many other investor visa programs, Portugal’s Golden Visa doesn’t require full-time residency. In fact, you only need to spend seven days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in every subsequent two-year period to maintain your status. 

And after just five years, you can apply for citizenship.

So what’s the catch? Well, as of 2023, Portugal scrapped real estate investment as a qualifying route, meaning you can no longer buy a charming seaside villa to secure residency. 

Instead, the focus has shifted to investment in innovation, business and culture.

The most popular investment route is through venture capital funds – requiring a minimum of €500,000 in a qualified investment fund. 

These funds focus on everything from tech startups to energy projects, making it a viable option for those looking to park their money in a growing European economy. 

If you’d rather give back, a €250,000 donation to cultural heritage projects can also secure your residency. Other routes include investing in scientific research or creating jobs by establishing or expanding a business in Portugal.

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the best in the world for investors looking to gain EU access with minimal residency requirements. 

Add in the low cost of living, high quality of life and tax advantages, and it’s no wonder Portugal continues to be a top destination for global investors.

1. Malta

For the high-net-worth individual seeking a foothold in Europe, Malta offers one of the fastest and most direct paths to citizenship.

This tiny Mediterranean island is known for its stunning coastline, rich history and status as an English-speaking EU member state. Think of it as a sunny, more affordable alternative to Monaco – with better beaches.

The country recently replaced its popular citizenship-by-investment program, turning it into a naturalisation-by-exception visa that offers a fast-track route to EU citizenship. It’s a completely unique program, as it allows investors to secure a European passport in as little as 14 to 16 months. 

But here’s the catch – it’s not cheap.

To qualify for Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services (MEIN) program, you’ll need to make a non-refundable donation of at least €600,000 (or €750,000 for a faster 12-month route) to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund. 

Applicants must also either buy real estate worth at least €700,000 and hold it for five years or rent a property for at least €16,000 per year for the same period. Plus, a €10,000 donation to a Maltese charity is mandatory.

If you have the capital, the rewards are well worth it. 

A Maltese passport grants visa-free travel to 183 countries, including the US, UK and Canada. And as a citizen of an EU country, you’ll have the right to live, work and study anywhere in the European Union.

Best Investor Visas: FAQs

Find the Best Investor Visa for You

Ultimately, there is no ‘best’ investor visa, as the best option for you depends on your goals and global strategy. 

However, there are two crucial factors to consider when looking for an investor visa: the investment and the residence you get.

Ideally, you want the investment to work for you, where it actually pays itself off in the long run. If you’re wise about how you approach your investor visa, you could walk away with a profit and a new residence permit.

The other consideration is all about ‘going where you’re treated best’, and that comes down to factors like the passport you hold and what areas of the world you want to access – whether that’s to live in, travel in or do business. 

Either way, working with the right team will help you weigh up these decisions and make the smartest investment based on your goals. 

At Nomad Capitalist, we’ve helped over 2,000 clients gain second passports and global residencies, invest offshore, access global banking and navigate the nomad capitalist lifestyle. Get in touch with our team, and we will help you find the best investor visa.