Investor Visas Compared Internationally
Compare Dubai Golden Visa, Singapore GIP, Hong Kong CIES, USA EB-5, UK Innovator Founder, Thailand LTR, Malaysia MM2H and Philippines SIRV by investment amount, duration, family inclusion and path to permanent residence.
Last updated: 04/2026
Lowest investment
UK Innovator Founder from GBP 50k and PH SIRV from USD 75k.
Fastest processing
Dubai Golden Visa in 2–4 weeks, PH SIRV in 1–2 months.
Best for families
All programs include family — Dubai and SG with the best conditions.
Path to citizenship
USA EB-5 and UK Innovator Founder offer a clear path to citizenship.
Best for tax optimization
Dubai Golden Visa: 0% income tax, 0% capital gains tax.
Work permit included
Dubai, SG, USA, UK and Thailand LTR allow work.
Longest validity
Dubai Golden Visa 10 years, Thailand LTR 10 years, PH SIRV indefinite.
| Criterion | Dubai Golden Visa | Singapore GIP | Hong Kong CIES | USA EB-5 | UK Innovator | Thailand LTR | Malaysia MM2H | Philippines SIRV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | AED 2M (~€500k) | SGD 10M (~€6.8M) | HKD 30M (~€3.5M) | USD 800k (~€740k) | GBP 50k (~€58k) | USD 500k (~€460k) | RM 1M FD (~€200k) | USD 75k (~€69k) |
| Validity | 10 years | 5 years | 2 years | Permanent | 3 years | 10 years | 5 years | Indefinite |
| Processing time | 2–4 weeks | 6–9 months | 6–12 months | 12–24 months | 3–6 months | 1–3 months | 3–6 months | 1–2 months |
| Family included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Work allowed | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Path to PR / citizenship | Yes (PR possible) | Yes (PR) | Yes (PR after 7 yrs) | Yes (Citizenship) | Yes (ILR after 3 yrs) | No | No | Yes (PR) |
| Income tax | 0% | 0–22% | 2–17% | 10–37% | 20–45% | 0–35% / 17% flat | 0–30% | 0–35% |
| Capital gains tax | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0–20% | 10–20% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Investment type | Property / Business | Fund / Business | Fund / Bonds | Business / TEA | Business | Bonds / Property | Fixed deposit | Stocks / Bonds |
| Minimum stay | No minimum | Yes (Substance) | No minimum | Yes (Residence) | Yes (183 days) | No minimum | 90 days/year | No minimum |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Permanent | Yes | Yes | Yes | Indefinite |
| Complexity | Low | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Best for | Tax optimization, relocation | UHNW, Asia HQ | HNW, Asia access | Path to US citizenship | Entrepreneurs, UK access | Digital nomads, retirees | Long-term stay, family | Budget investors |
Data as of 04/2026. All information subject to change.
Which investor visa fits you?
Use the Strasia Pathfinder to get a guided first direction based on your goals, country preferences and business or residence plans.
Pathfinder StartWhich investor visa should you choose?
The best route depends on your budget, residence goals, tax position and family plans.
Choose Dubai Golden Visa if…
…you want 0% income tax, fast processing and no minimum stay requirement.
Choose Singapore GIP if…
…you are UHNW and want to build an Asia HQ with first-class banking and PR access.
Choose Hong Kong CIES if…
…you are HNW and seek access to the Chinese market with 0% capital gains tax.
Choose USA EB-5 if…
…you are looking for a clear path to US citizenship for yourself and your family.
Choose UK Innovator Founder if…
…you want to start an innovative business in the UK and obtain ILR after 3 years.
Choose Thailand LTR if…
…you want to live and work in Thailand for 10 years as a digital nomad or retiree.
Choose Malaysia MM2H if…
…you are looking for long-term stay in Malaysia with moderate costs and family inclusion.
Choose Philippines SIRV if…
…you want indefinite stay in the Philippines with a low budget.
Common mistakes when choosing an investor visa
Comparing only minimum investment
Lower investment does not automatically mean better value. Tax benefits, work permit and PR path are equally important.
Ignoring tax implications
An investor visa can change your worldwide tax obligation. Dubai has 0% income tax, UK up to 45%.
Not checking minimum stay
Some programs require physical presence — Malaysia 90 days/year, UK 183 days. Dubai and PH have no minimum.
Not checking family inclusion
All programs include family, but conditions vary. Check spouse, children and parents separately.
Ignoring renewal conditions
Some programs require proof at renewal that the investment still exists or substance requirements are met.
Not planning exit strategy
Check if and when you can recover your investment and what consequences an early exit has.
The Key Options
Dubai Golden Visa
10-year visa with 0% income tax, fast processing and no minimum stay requirement.
Singapore GIP
Global Investor Programme for UHNW with PR access and first-class banking.
Hong Kong CIES
Capital Investment Entrant Scheme for HNW with 0% capital gains tax and access to the Chinese market.
USA EB-5
Investor visa with a clear path to US citizenship for the whole family.
Thailand LTR Visa
10-year visa for digital nomads and retirees with work permit and 17% flat tax.
Philippines SIRV
Indefinite stay from USD 75k investment in Philippine securities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which investor visa has the lowest minimum investment?
Which investor visa offers 0% income tax?
Which investor visa offers the fastest path to citizenship?
Which investor visa has no minimum stay requirement?
Can I work with an investor visa?
Is my family included?
Which investor visa is best for digital nomads?
Can I recover my investment?
What is the difference between Golden Visa and investor visa?
Can Strasia help with the application?
Should I use Pathfinder before choosing?
Which investor visa fits?
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