Some countries make it easy.
Getting residency abroad doesn’t have to mean piles of paperwork, years of waiting, or spending millions. Some countries offer a golden visa — also called residence by investment — that is surprisingly easy to apply for. These programmes are growing in popularity, especially among Americans who want a second home, more travel options, or a plan B. This article explains which countries now have the easiest golden visa programmes, how much they cost, and how they work.

What a golden visa means in 2025

Golden visa basics.
A golden visa gives you the legal right to live in another country. You get it by investing — not through family or work. The visa may allow you to live there permanently, travel freely, pay lower taxes, and apply for citizenship later. In 2025, most programmes are still open to foreigners and becoming faster and easier to process.

Not just for the super-rich.
While some golden visa programmes cost millions, others start under $100,000. You don’t always have to buy real estate. Some countries accept bank deposits, donations, or business investments. You also don’t always have to live there full-time.

Why Americans are interested.
Many Americans now want backup options. It’s about lifestyle, safety, taxes, or future planning. A golden visa gives them flexibility. They can live abroad, retire early, or get healthcare somewhere else.

The easiest golden visa programmes in 2025

These countries made the process simple.
Not all golden visa programmes are hard. Below are countries where applying is straightforward, with low paperwork and fast processing times. Full list and details: easiest golden visa programmes

1. Portugal (new rules)
   
   
   • Investment from €250,000
     
     
   • Cultural and research funding accepted
     
     
   • No need to live there full-time
     
     
   • Citizenship possible after 5 years
     
     
   • Friendly tax regime for expats
     
     
2. Greece
   
   
   • Real estate from €250,000
     
     
   • Application takes around 2 months
     
     
   • You can rent out the property
     
     
   • No physical stay requirement
     
     
3. Spain
   
   
   • Property from €500,000
     
     
   • Family included in the same application
     
     
   • Residency renewable every 2 years
     
     
   • Fast access to permanent residency
     
     
4. Latvia
   
   
   • Investment from €60,000
     
     
   • Banking investment allowed
     
     
   • Processing time is 30–60 days
     
     
   • Ideal for budget-conscious investors
     
     
5. Thailand
   
   
   • Elite Visa from $16,000
     
     
   • Multiple packages from 5 to 20 years
     
     
   • Great for retirees or digital nomads
     
     
   • No strict income or investment rules
     
     
6. Panama
   
   
   • Friendly Nations Visa
     
     
   • No minimum investment for some professions
     
     
   • Easy for Americans to qualify
     
     
   • Permanent residence possible after 2 years
     
     
7. Dominica
   
   
   • Investment from $100,000
     
     
   • Actually a citizenship programme, but easy
     
     
   • No need to live there
     
     
   • One of the cheapest options
     
     

How to apply without stress

Prepare in advance.
Even the easiest golden visa still requires preparation. You’ll need to show where your money comes from, prove a clean criminal record, and provide legal documents. Hiring a local legal adviser or licensed agent makes the process easier.

Choose based on your goals.
Not all programmes suit everyone. Think about what matters most:

• Do you want EU travel rights? Choose Portugal, Spain, or Greece.
  
  
• Do you want low costs? Latvia or Dominica might be best.
  
  
• Are you planning to move? Panama or Thailand could be easier.
  
  

Avoid common mistakes.
Some applicants forget to check if their investment qualifies. Others apply without the correct paperwork. Use official government websites or licensed partners to avoid scams.

What changed this year

Updated rules in 2025.
Several golden visa programmes tightened rules in past years. But now, some have simplified the process again to attract more investors. For example:

• Portugal removed the real estate option, but made donation paths faster.
  
  
• Greece introduced digital tools for remote applications.
  
  
• Latvia reduced processing time.
  
  
• Spain added tax benefits for investors with families.
  
  

Fewer physical stay rules.
In many countries, you don’t have to live there full-time. Some allow you to visit once a year or even every few years. This is ideal if you want the residency card but prefer to stay in the US.

Conclusion

Golden visas are easier than ever.
If you want an overseas residency option without stress, these golden visa programmes are worth looking into. Countries like Portugal, Greece, Latvia, and Panama offer simple, fast paths to legal residency — and even citizenship. Some start from just $60,000 and take less than 90 days to process.

Want to learn more or apply?
Explore the easiest golden visa programmes here. For personal advice on which programme fits you best, contact Immigrant Invest.