Residency
How much does the UAE Golden Visa cost?
Government fees are a small part of the total next to the qualifying investment. Here they are by route, for a family and at renewal, with what no official source prices.
Your world. On your terms.
Your freedom
should not depend
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Citizenship, residency and relocation strategies for entrepreneurs, investors and international families.
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MATCH MY OPTIONS
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PREFERRED REGIONS, IF ANY
Not a recommendation or eligibility assessment. Program figures are indicative and pending verification; approval always rests with the relevant authorities.
Citizenship & residency
Featured programs
Explore active pathways to a second citizenship or an international base. Each program details its qualifying routes, practical commitments and source information.
ArgentinaNewArgentina CitizenshipCitizenshipApplications expected in Q4 2026MinimumFrom $350,000TimelineVariableOutcomeDirect citizenshipFamilySpouse, minor children, adult dependent childrenReview My Eligibility 
St Kitts & NevisSt Kitts & Nevis CitizenshipCitizenshipMinimum$250,000Timeline4 months or moreOutcomeDirect citizenshipFamilySpouse, minor children, adult dependent children, parentsReview My Eligibility 
SerbiaSerbia Citizenship by ExceptionMerit and ContributionMinimumCase by caseTimelineVariableOutcomeDirect citizenshipFamilySpouse, minor childrenReview My Eligibility 
Antigua & BarbudaAntigua & Barbuda CitizenshipCitizenshipMinimumFrom $230,000TimelineVariableOutcomeDirect citizenshipFamilySpouse, minor children, adult dependent children, parents, grandparents, other dependentsReview My Eligibility
Route & timing notes
Argentina Citizenship
Treasury contribution · $350,000 USD
A non-refundable contribution to the National Treasury. A spouse, children under 18 and unmarried children aged 18 to 25 join for further Treasury contributions.
No total processing time has been published. Under Decreto 524/2025 the National Directorate of Migration decides within 30 business days of receiving the Agency's report.
St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship
Paid after approval in principle; covers a family of up to four, including the government's post-approval application fee. Due diligence, processing and biometric enrolment fees are additional; see Costs.
The Citizenship Unit states that approval in principle now takes 120 to 180 days (1 October 2026). The contribution and any remaining fees are then due within 90 days; biometric enrolment can be booked from approval in principle, and the certificate of registration follows payment. The 4 to 9 months used to compare programs is derived from these two figures (120 to 180 days, plus up to 90 days); it does not include biometric enrolment or the certificate, and it is not a published total.
Serbia Citizenship by Exception
No fixed investment threshold or guaranteed approval. Government discretion applies to every application.
Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship
National Development Fund contribution · $230,000 USD
One-time, non-refundable contribution per application. Spouse, dependent children and dependent parents over 55 are included with no additional contribution; processing, due diligence and passport fees are additional.
The CIU's brochure gives an average initial response time of 90 days, and the Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2013 require the CIU to tell the agent within three months of submission whether an application is approved, denied or delayed for cause. Neither is a total processing time; the real estate route can take longer depending on the property.
Minimums describe qualifying routes, not total costs. Timelines are estimates, not guaranteed decision dates; confirm the route, fees and family requirements for your case.
Start with your goal
What matters to you?
Start with the life you want to build. Find the pathway that fits your priorities.
Second Citizenship
A second nationality for your plans.
Turkey · St Kitts & Nevis · Antigua & Barbuda · Vanuatu · El Salvador · São Tomé & Príncipe · Serbia
Residency
The right to live in another country.
United Arab Emirates · Hungary · Latvia · Paraguay
Relocation
Plan a move for your household.
United Arab Emirates · Paraguay · Hungary
Plan B
Prepare another option in advance.
St Kitts & Nevis · Vanuatu · Hungary · Paraguay · São Tomé & Príncipe
Family Mobility
Check eligibility for your family.
Turkey · St Kitts & Nevis · Vanuatu · Hungary · United Arab Emirates
UAE
Plan your UAE residence and business.
United Arab Emirates
A wider perspective
The world is open to possibility.
Explore citizenship and residency pathways by destination, investment and the life you want to build.
- Active programs
- 13
- Jurisdictions
- 14
- Regions
- 6
The Global Freedom MapProgram destinations and jurisdictions under review
- Antigua & Barbuda $230k
- Argentina $350kNew
- Botswana Watchlist
- Costa RicaNew
- El Salvador $1M
- Hungary €250k
- Latvia €50k
- Paraguay $70k
- São Tomé & Príncipe $90k
- Serbia Case by case
- St Kitts & Nevis $250k
- Turkey $400k
- UAE AED 2M
- Vanuatu $130k
Open the interactive map Filter by program type, region, budget and timeline.
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Founder of Wealthy Expat, leading the company's public education and private advisory.
How your plan takes shape.
How We WorkUnderstand your priorities
Goals, family, constraints and timeline before any country talk.
Compare suitable options
Shortlisted jurisdictions with the trade-offs stated, side by side.
Coordinate execution
Authorized agents, licensed counsel and government process tracking.
Private Advisory
For a life that spans jurisdictions.
For clients whose position no longer fits one country: a Plan A, B and C designed together, sequenced deliberately, and reviewed as circumstances change.
This fits when
- A complex international situation spans more than one jurisdiction.
- A Plan A, B and C needs to be considered together.
- Sequencing, risk monitoring, or professional coordination shape the decision.
Insights
The journal
Analysis of citizenship and residence programs, decision guides for families and investors, and the latest videos from the Wealthy Expat channel.
Global Mobility
Should Your UAE Business Elect Small Business Relief?
A profitable small company may benefit from electing, but a loss-making one should first weigh what its losses could be worth later.
Citizenship
Vanuatu Passport in 2026: UK and Schengen Travel Rules
A second nationality and convenient access to your most important destinations are separate questions, and your travel plan needs to answer both.
Residency
Panama Qualified Investor Visa in 2026: $300,000 or $500,000?
The property’s history can change the capital you need. Here’s what to check before committing to a purchase.
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A clearer starting point
Before you begin.
The essentials to understand before choosing a route.
Wealthy Expat is not a law firm, tax advisory firm or financial institution. Where legal, tax or banking expertise is required, we coordinate or introduce appropriately licensed independent professionals.
How We WorkWhat is the difference between citizenship and residence?
Citizenship is nationality. Residence gives you permission to live in a country under specific conditions. A residence permit does not itself grant citizenship; any later naturalization has separate requirements. Read about residence rights and obligations.
Which route fits my goals and budget?
Start with your goals, nationality, family and ability to meet residence requirements. A published minimum is not a complete quotation: government, due diligence, professional and family costs may be additional. Compare the route and confirm the full scope before committing. Explore Programs.
Can my family apply with me?
Family eligibility depends on the route. Spouses, children and other dependants may have different age, dependency and documentation requirements, with additional fees. Review the program's family rules and discuss your household before choosing. Start with family mobility.
Who reviews eligibility and makes the decision?
Wealthy Expat coordinates the initial review, preparation and application process with the professionals handling your case. The relevant government assesses eligibility and makes the final decision; approval is never guaranteed. Licensed professionals remain responsible for their legal and tax advice. Read How We Work.
The next chapter starts with a plan