In recent years, the golden visa for Indians has become one of the most sought-after pathways for wealthy families looking to secure global mobility, hedge risks, and plan their estates efficiently. As India produces more millionaires than ever before, many high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) are realizing that their wealth is not just about business expansion but also about ensuring safety, better education, healthcare, and tax efficiency for the next generation.
At the same time, however, the world is tightening its doors. Once-popular visa programs in Europe and North America are becoming harder to access due to political shifts, nationalistic policies, and public pressure around housing and inequality. Yet, for Indian families with global ambitions, the golden visa for Indians continues to be a valuable hedge—if approached smartly.
What is a Golden Visa?
A golden visa, or residence-by-investment program, is essentially a residency permit offered to foreigners in exchange for a qualifying investment. This investment could take different forms—real estate purchases, capital infusion into government-approved funds, business setup, or government bonds.
For wealthy Indian families, the golden visa is less about immediate migration and more about optionality. It provides the freedom to relocate quickly in times of political or economic shocks, while also acting as an insurance policy against sudden tax reforms, mobility restrictions, or social instability.
The golden visa for Indians has become particularly appealing after the Covid-19 pandemic, when global mobility shifted from being a luxury to a necessity. For many families, having a second residency was no longer just a status symbol—it became the key to uninterrupted travel, access to healthcare, and continuity in education.
Why the Golden Visa for Indians is in Demand
The golden visa for Indians is becoming more and more popular. More than 2.16 lakh Indians renounced their citizenship in 2023 in order to relocate overseas, a significant rise from 2020.
Even in 2024, the number remained above 2 lakh, showing a sustained trend.
Key reasons include:
- Mobility & Safety – Families want visa-free travel across Europe, North America, or Asia.
- Tax Efficiency – Jurisdictions like Dubai or Switzerland offer tax neutrality compared to the US or EU.
- Estate Planning – Second residency helps streamline inheritance and wealth transfer strategies.
- Education & Healthcare – Access to world-class universities and medical infrastructure.
- Diversification of Wealth – Creating global footprints for businesses and investments.
Simply put, the golden visa for Indians is no longer about relocation alone—it is about risk management and long-term family planning.
Popular Destinations for the Golden Visa for Indians
While some countries are shutting down or tightening their programs, others continue to attract Indian HNIs.
UAE – The Convenient Middle Ground
Dubai’s 10-year golden visa program has become a top choice. With a minimum property or fund investment of AED 2 million, families can secure long-term residency without giving up their Indian passport. The UAE also has no personal income tax or inheritance tax, making it a natural hub for those who prioritize financial efficiency.
United States – The American Dream via EB-5
For those seeking citizenship, the US EB-5 investor visa remains the most credible option. By investing $800,000 in targeted projects, Indian families can secure green cards and eventually passports. However, applicants must prepare for stringent tax laws since the US taxes global income. Still, the opportunities in career, business, and education make it worthwhile for many.
Portugal & Spain – Once Popular, Now Restricting
Both countries recently scrapped real estate-linked golden visas due to housing pressures. Portugal now only allows investments in funds (minimum €500,000), while Spain ended its program in 2025. These shifts highlight the importance of adaptability when choosing a golden visa for Indians.
Singapore & Switzerland – The Stability Premium
For ultra-wealthy families, Singapore’s Global Investor Program demands investments between S$10–25 million but offers unmatched stability and world-class education. Switzerland, meanwhile, allows residency through lump-sum taxation agreements, appealing to those seeking European access without heavy estate duties.
The Tax Trap in Golden Visa Planning
One of the biggest mistakes families make when pursuing a golden visa for Indians is underestimating taxation. Residency often triggers new tax obligations—even without citizenship.
- United States: Taxes worldwide income and imposes estate duty. A misstep can expose global assets to millions in estate tax liabilities.
- Europe: Many EU countries have high inheritance and wealth taxes, which can catch families unprepared.
- UAE, Singapore, Switzerland: Offer tax neutrality and simpler estate frameworks, making them preferred for those seeking efficiency.
For Indian HNIs, this means golden visas should never be pursued in isolation—they must be integrated with tax planning and estate strategies.
Risks and Common Mistakes
The allure of a golden visa often blinds families to pitfalls. Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Believing India allows dual citizenship (it does not).
- Assuming residency equals tax benefits.
- Over-focusing on real estate investments that become illiquid.
- Misusing the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) without compliance.
- Ignoring succession planning and estate duties in different jurisdictions.
The golden visa for Indians can be powerful, but without proper due diligence, it can turn into a costly burden.
Should Families Diversify Across Multiple Visas?
Experts remain divided. Some argue that families should hold multiple residencies—for instance, using Dubai as a short-term mobility hedge while waiting for US or EU programs. Others warn that this strategy adds needless complexity and expense.
The rule of thumb is to align residency strategy with family goals. If the aim is full citizenship and passports, US or EU options make sense despite taxes. If the aim is only a fallback plan, Dubai or Switzerland offer cleaner solutions.
Future of the Golden Visa for Indians
Despite global tightening, the golden visa is here to stay. Countries may shut down real estate routes, but they will reinvent programs around investments that align with their economic priorities—venture capital, innovation funds, or strategic industries.
For Indian families, clarity of intent is crucial. Is the goal mobility, education access, a second home, or full citizenship? Without alignment, families risk wasting millions on mismatched programs.
As one expert noted, “Closures will happen, but demand is only rising. Expect stricter due diligence and higher thresholds, but also more sustainable, credible models.”
Conclusion
The golden visa for Indians is no longer just about buying property abroad—it has evolved into a tool for wealth diversification, estate planning, and tax strategy. In an era of rising geopolitical uncertainty, it acts as both an insurance policy and a long-term family wealth management plan.
But the real cost is not just the investment—it is the ability to navigate taxation, succession, and political shifts. Families who plan wisely, align goals, and stress-test different scenarios will find golden visas to be one of the most effective tools in securing global futures for the next generation.
Need more information on visas, immigration, and tourism ? Click here.