In the past year, the so-called “golden” visas have gained popularity among the wealthiest segments in the United States.
According to a report by Fox News, Mo Bennis, the Assistant Vice President of Arton Capital, a global financial consulting firm, stated that many Americans have realized that these special visas serve as the “ultimate insurance policy against uncertainty.”
Bennis shared the top five most popular destinations observed by his company in 2025.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Fund, “LLXL Ventures Fund,” offers a five-year investment residency program for non-EU citizens.
This special visa allows holders to reside, work, and study in Portugal, as well as enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Bennis mentioned that Portugal remains the benchmark for golden visas. Despite longer processing times, it is still one of the easiest ways to obtain EU residency rights.
On average, visa holders under this program only need to stay in Portugal for seven days per year.
In 2025, there was a significant increase in applications for Greece’s golden visas.
Due to the “lower requirements, faster processing times, and straightforward real estate investment pathways,” Greece’s golden visas are particularly attractive to investors.
Greece offers a dual-tier system, with a minimum real estate investment of approximately $600,000 in high-demand areas like Athens, and around $300,000 in other regions.
Golden visa holders can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area.
Regarding the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bennis mentioned that it has firmly established itself as a leading non-European alternative.
Many high-net-worth individuals prioritize long-term residency, tax efficiency, and stability over passports, and the UAE’s golden visa meets all three needs at a rapid pace.
UAE levies 0% income tax on companies and employees.
To obtain a UAE visa as an investor, a substantial investment is required, with the visa being valid for 10 years.
Arton Capital’s Passport Index rates the UAE as the most stable region with the highest travel freedom.
Bennis highlighted that Malta continues to attract families seeking EU residency, with a major advantage being the inclusion of dependent adult children in golden visa applications.
Visa holders must purchase property in Malta worth at least $410,000 or rent for approximately $14,000 annually. The property must be held for at least five years, and visa holders must make a direct donation to the Maltese government: approximately $68,000 for renting and around $33,000 for purchasing.
As 2025 draws to a close and attention shifts to 2026, Botswana emerges as a clear signal of rising Africa as a strategic destination.
Although Botswana’s government has not announced a fixed minimum investment amount, golden visa applicants must demonstrate actual business investments.
Bennis added that Botswana’s “golden” visa program is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026, with applications already exceeding 1,000, with American citizens comprising the largest application group.
He noted that Botswana’s political stability and effective governance have attracted investors.