If successfully implemented, the Gold Card would rank as the second most expensive investment migration program globally. However, its introduction would mark a delayed entry into an already competitive market, long dominated by smaller, more agile nations that have established themselves as leaders in the industry.

Despite its hefty price tag, investment migration programs continue to attract high-net-worth individuals seeking greater global mobility, financial security, and tax advantages. In addition to these benefits, obtaining citizenship through such programs typically comes with visa-free travel privileges, as detailed in the Henley & Partners Passport Index.

Below are the ten most expensive investment migration programs worldwide:

1. Singapore Global Investor Programme – $7.78 Million

Singapore holds the top spot with its Global Investor Programme (GIP), requiring a minimum investment of $7.78 million into a new or existing business. Alternatively, investors can opt for:

• A $19.4 million investment in a GIP-approved fund.
• The establishment of a Single-Family Office managing at least $155.6 million in assets, with $38.9 million deployed in government-approved sectors.

Successful applicants receive permanent residency within six months and are only required to spend one day per year in the country. After two years, they may apply for citizenship.

Singapore does not allow dual nationality, meaning applicants must renounce their previous citizenship upon naturalization.

2. US Gold Card (Proposed) – $5 Million

The Trump administration’s proposed Gold Card program offers a Green Card in exchange for a $5 million payment to the US government. Unlike the existing EB-5 visa, it does not require applicants to create jobs or invest in a business.

However, the program faces legal and political hurdles. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has criticized the EB-5 visa, describing it as “full of nonsense, make-believe, and fraud,” positioning the Gold Card as a simpler, wealth-based alternative.

3. Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme – $3.84 Million

Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) requires a HKD 30 million ($3.84 million) investment, structured as follows:

• HKD 3 million in a government-managed portfolio.
• HKD 27 million in approved assets, including equities, bonds, real estate, and deposits.

Applicants must hold investments for at least six months and convert any cryptocurrency holdings into qualifying investments within that period. Permanent residency is available after seven years.

Since its March 2024 relaunch, the scheme has received 670 applications, attracting HKD 20 billion ($2.55 billion) in investments.

4. New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa – $2.85 Million

New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa requires a minimum investment of $2.85 million in direct business ventures or managed funds.

Key benefits include:

• A requirement of only 21 days of annual residence to maintain residency.
• The removal of English language requirements to attract a wider range of international investors.

5. Bermuda Economic Investment Certificate – $2.5 Million

Bermuda offers a five-year residency pathway for those investing $2.5 million in one or more of the following sectors:

• Real estate
• Government bonds
• The Bermuda Sinking Fund
• Local charities
• Bermuda-based businesses

Applicants must:

• Spend at least 90 days per year in Bermuda.
• Pay a $2,625 application fee.
• Remain in Bermuda for five years to qualify for British Overseas Territories citizenship.

Applications are processed within 1–2 months.

6. Samoa Citizenship by Investment Programme – $1.42 Million

Samoa offers citizenship after three years to investors committing SAT$4 million ($1.42 million) in industries such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, IT, renewable energy, or government development funds.

Applicants must:

• Have a minimum net worth of SAT$2.5 million ($907,000).
• Spend at least 15 days per year in Samoa.

Processing takes 2–3 months, and permanent residency is granted immediately.

7. Saudi Arabia Premium Residency – $1.1 Million

Saudi Arabia grants immediate permanent residency through its Premium Residency Investor Visa. Investors qualify by:

• Purchasing residential property worth SAR 4 million ($1.1 million) (without a mortgage).
• Investing SAR 7 million ($1.9 million) in Saudi business activities.

The scheme has no residency requirement, and applications are processed within one month.

8. El Salvador Freedom Passport Programme – $1 Million

El Salvador offers citizenship in exchange for a $1 million investment, payable in USD or Bitcoin.

The program is limited to 1,000 applicants per year, with a 4–6 week processing period.

Applicants must:

• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $999.
• Pay $999 per additional family member.
• Pass a background check.

There are no residency requirements.

9. Seychelles Investor Permanent Residence Programme – $1 Million

Seychelles grants permanent residency to investors committing at least $1 million to a new or existing local business. Applicants must:

• Prove at least five years of business involvement in Seychelles.
• Have lived in the country on a valid permit for at least five years.
• Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least one year post-approval.

Citizenship is possible after 11 years of continuous residence.

10. Quebec Immigrant Investor Programme – $871,000

Canada’s Quebec Immigrant Investor Programme reopened in January 2024 after a five-year suspension. It requires:

• A $725,000 investment with Investissement Québec for five years (interest-free).
• A $146,000 fee paid through a financial intermediary.

The program now imposes stricter conditions, including:

• French language proficiency (level 7).
• A secondary school diploma.
• At least 12 months of residence within two years of obtaining a work permit.

A Competitive Global Market

With investment migration now a multi-billion-dollar industry, nations continue to compete for high-net-worth individuals by offering citizenship and residency options that provide financial security, tax benefits, and global mobility.

If the Gold Card is implemented, the United States will join the ranks of countries offering high-value investment residency, further shaping the landscape of global migration programs.