In today’s globalised world, residency is no longer limited to your birth country. For Indians dreaming of international mobility, better quality of life, or future relocation, the concept of Golden Visas offers a powerful and accessible opportunity. And the surprising part There are Golden Visas under ₹1 crore even cheaper than a 2BHK flat in Mumbai.
With Mumbai real estate prices soaring past ₹1.2 crore even in mid tier areas, many Indians are exploring second residency options that cost less, offer global benefits, and open doors to visa free travel, international education, and business expansion.
Below, we explore 9 countries where you can get Golden Visas under ₹1 crore. Each offers different investment pathways such as real estate, business, or national development funds. These countries have become magnets for those looking to globalize their life without breaking the bank.
What is a Golden Visa
A Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that allows foreign nationals to obtain residency (and sometimes citizenship) in exchange for a qualifying investment. These investments typically go into real estate, government bonds, startups, or national development funds.
While some countries like the US and UK offer residency at a high investment threshold, others provide cost effective entry points especially attractive for Indian investors who want global access without spending crores.
Dominica – Investment starts at ₹80 lakh
The Caribbean island of Dominica offers one of the most affordable Golden Visa programs globally. You can gain permanent residency (and eventual citizenship) through a contribution of $100,000 (approx ₹80 lakh) to the Economic Diversification Fund.
Benefits:
- No physical residency required
- Visa free travel to 140 plus countries
- Path to citizenship in 3 to 6 months
Antigua and Barbuda – ₹90 lakh for family of four
Another Caribbean gem, Antigua and Barbuda allows a family of four to gain residency and citizenship for a donation of $100,000 (around ₹90 lakh) to the national development fund.
Benefits:
- Visa free access to 150 plus countries
- No wealth, inheritance or capital gains tax
- 5 day residency requirement over 5 years
Paraguay – Residency under ₹7 lakh
Paraguay in South America offers an incredibly low cost residency program requiring just a bank deposit of $5,000 (around ₹4.5 lakh) and additional admin costs.
Benefits:
- Permanent residency within months
- Low cost of living and taxes
- Option to apply for citizenship in 3 years
Panama – Friendly Nations Visa at ₹10 lakh
Panama’s Friendly Nations visa is designed for select nationalities, including Indians (via business incorporation or investment). With around ₹10 lakh, one can obtain permanent residency.
Benefits:
- Access to US dollar economy
- Strong banking infrastructure
- Pathway to citizenship in 5 years
Greece – Golden Visa for ₹85 lakh
Greece offers European Union residency with a real estate investment of €250,000 (around ₹85 lakh).
Benefits:
- Travel freely across the Schengen Zone
- No requirement to live in Greece
- High rental returns on property investment
Turkey – Citizenship by investment at ₹90 lakh
Turkey’s program allows property investments starting from $250,000 (around ₹90 lakh), offering both residency and citizenship.
Benefits:
- Fast processing within 3 to 4 months
- Access to Turkish healthcare and education
- Dual citizenship allowed
Montenegro – Residency at ₹90 lakh
While its citizenship program is paused, Montenegro still offers residency through investment. With €200,000 (around ₹90 lakh), you can obtain temporary residency leading to permanent status.
Benefits:
- European lifestyle
- Future EU member status potential
- Low taxes and cost of living
Thailand – Elite Visa from ₹60 lakh
Thailand offers the Elite Visa program where for approximately ₹60 lakh, you can gain a 10 year residency status.
Benefits:
- VIP airport services and healthcare access
- Flexible stay durations
- Low cost of luxury living
United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Residency from ₹90 lakh
The UAE’s revamped Golden Visa system allows long term residency to investors starting from AED 750,000 (around ₹90 lakh).
Benefits:
- Tax free income
- High standard of living
- Business and family residency in Dubai
Why Golden Visas under ₹1 crore Are a Smart Choice
For many Indians, the rising cost of living and real estate in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru is becoming a limiting factor. A decent 2BHK in Mumbai now averages over ₹1.2 crore. In contrast, Golden Visas under ₹1 crore give access to better global mobility, tax advantages, improved healthcare, and international lifestyle for less.
Moreover, these residency programs are increasingly becoming tools for future proofing families. Parents are using Golden Visas to secure international education access for their children, while entrepreneurs leverage them to open businesses in tax friendly zones.
Who Should Consider These Programs
- Frequent travelers who want visa free movement
- Remote workers looking for low cost foreign bases
- Entrepreneurs and startups expanding globally
- Families securing better lifestyle and education
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the idea of global citizenship is no longer a dream only for the ultra rich. With multiple Golden Visas under ₹1 crore, Indian families and professionals now have practical affordable choices to step into a global lifestyle.
The rise of digital work, international education, and borderless business makes these programs more relevant than ever. If you’ve ever considered second residency, now might be the best time to act before the costs rise or policies tighten.
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