Golden Visa programs are residency-by-investment schemes that allow foreigners to obtain permanent residency in a country through specific types of investments, such as property purchase or business creation that employs a minimum number of locals. These programs typically include the following eligibility requirements:
1. Personal Ownership of Investment Funds: You must personally own the funds you plan to invest. These funds should not be borrowed or sourced from another individual.
2. Minimum Investment Duration: You must maintain the investment for at least a specified minimum period, which varies by country.
3. Legal Acquisition of Funds: You must provide proof that the money used for the investment was acquired through legal means.
4. Clear Criminal Background: You must have a clean criminal record with no serious convictions.
5. Sufficient Financial Resources: You must have enough financial resources to support yourself and any family members who will join you, regardless of whether you plan to reside in the country full-time.
Additionally, each Golden Visa program may have specific requirements related to the type and amount of investment, such as minimum property values, business investment amounts, or job creation numbers.