Against the backdrop of growing global demand for asset allocation and residency planning, investment immigration has become an important pathway for many families to achieve multiple goals, including education, healthcare, and freedom of movement. However, immigration policies vary significantly across countries, with thresholds ranging from tens of thousands to millions of US dollars. Choosing the most cost-effective and manageable project is crucial. Considering the policies, costs, and application requirements of major global immigration countries, the following countries have become popular choices in the current investment immigration market due to their low thresholds, high flexibility, and clear legal support.
Portugal is considered the “king of cost-effectiveness” for European immigration. Its investment immigration program, with a minimum investment of €500,000, is a preferred option for middle-class families seeking EU residency. Applicants need to invest in a government-approved fund, and the principal can be redeemed after 5 years. No long-term residency is required; only a 7-day stay per year is needed to meet the citizenship requirements. Even more attractive is the high value of the Portuguese passport, granting visa-free access to 187 countries, including major countries like the US and UK, and children can enjoy high-quality EU education resources. For families seeking “immigration without relocation,” Portugal’s relaxed policies and high degree of freedom are a perfect match.
With budgets further reduced, the Greek real estate investment immigration program, which initially attracted many investors with its low threshold of €250,000, has seen prices rise to €500,000 in some areas, while others have maintained their original price. After purchasing property, the entire family can obtain a five-year residency permit, and the property can be rented out for stable income, with rental returns of approximately 4%-6%. Greek citizenship requirements are relatively lenient; applicants only need to hold property for seven years and pass a language test, making it suitable for families seeking European residency at a low cost. However, it’s important to be aware of the volatility in the Greek real estate market, and it’s advisable to choose properties in prime locations or popular tourist areas to ensure appreciation potential.
For investors seeking a faster passport, Caribbean countries like St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica offer a “donation-based citizenship” program with lower thresholds and a more efficient process. For example, St. Kitts requires a donation of US$250,000 to a sustainable development fund, while Dominica requires a minimum of US$200,000. Applicants do not need to reside in Greece or take a language test, and can obtain a passport within 3-6 months, granting visa-free access to over 140 countries. These programs are suitable for high-net-worth individuals as a “stepping stone” for global asset allocation or for planning international education pathways for their children.
Turning our attention to Asia, Malaysia’s “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) program is known for its low deposit requirements and lack of language restrictions. Applicants only need to deposit RMB 750,000 in a Malaysian bank (which can be withdrawn upon maturity) to obtain 10-year residency and enjoy local healthcare, education, and other benefits. Malaysia has a large Chinese community, and the cost of living is only half that of first-tier cities in China. International school tuition is also more affordable, making it suitable for families planning for retirement or children’s education.
In the Americas, the US EB-5 investment immigration program lowers the threshold to $800,000 through the “Rural Projects” and is currently in a no-wait-line status, allowing the whole family to obtain green cards simultaneously. Although it requires creating 10 jobs, choosing a pre-approved government project significantly reduces risk. For families looking to expand their careers in the US or pave the way for their children’s education, EB-5 remains a highly cost-effective option.
The global investment immigration market is showing a trend of “low thresholds and high value coexisting,” but the risk of policy tightening cannot be ignored. For example, Portugal’s Golden Visa has closed the property purchase route, and Greece’s property purchase immigration program is also facing upward pressure on prices. Therefore, when choosing an immigration program, priority should be given to countries with clear laws and a long history of immigration, avoiding being misled by advertisements promising “guaranteed success” or “low prices.” It is also recommended to match the program to your family’s needs: if pursuing EU citizenship, Portugal and Greece are preferred; if a fast passport is required, Caribbean countries are more efficient; if education planning is emphasized, Malaysia or the US EB-5 program offers advantages. With scientific planning and assistance from professional agencies, investment immigration can achieve both a boost in residency status and assets at a relatively low cost.
