How do I get a golden visa? – without leaving South Africa

Golden visas let you secure European residency through investment while keeping your life in SA intact. For expats tired of passport frustrations, this could be your smartest move yet.

I’ve always wondered about these golden visas. Born with a British passport, I never had to battle visa applications just to travel abroad.

But now, as an expat, I keep hearing South Africans talk about them – and honestly, I was curious about what the reality actually is.

Turns out, for many expats (especially those without the passport privilege I was born with), golden visas might just be one of the smartest moves going.

What’s the Deal?

Simple: you invest in a country (property, bonds, business ventures, or funds), and they give you residency rights. Not instant citizenship, but a solid foot in the door.

Best part? You don’t have to uproot your life. Most programmes let you keep living in SA while having the option to relocate whenever you’re ready.

Why South Africans Are Onto This

Beyond the passport frustrations, the benefits are massive. Portugal ranks as the seventh safest country in the world, offering political stability that’s increasingly valuable.

You get access to world-class healthcare and education for the kids, favourable tax benefits, and suddenly 27 Schengen countries are a hop away without visa drama.

The real kicker? After five years (sometimes seven or ten), you can apply for full citizenship. And since SA allows dual citizenship, you keep both passports. Best of both worlds.

Your Top Options for 2025

Portugal remains a favourite despite real estate no longer qualifying as of October 2023. Having recently cycled the Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, I can personally vouch for why so many people fall in love with this part of the world.

Venture capital funds and other investments start at €250 000 (R5.07m), you only need seven days a year in-country, and citizenship comes after five years (though proposed changes might extend this to 10 years).

Greece offers permanent residency immediately with property investments from €800 000 (R16.2m) in hot spots (less elsewhere). They’ve issued nearly 50 000 residence permits since 2014, and you don’t even need to live there unless you want citizenship.

Caribbean options like Grenada offer actual citizenship from around $200 000 (R3.47m) – a faster route to a second passport if that’s your priority.

I haven’t been to the Caribbean myself, so I can’t personally comment on Grenada or how powerful their citizenship is when you do get it, but it’s worth researching if you’re after a quicker path to dual citizenship.

The Reality Check

These aren’t cheap. We’re talking €250 000+ (R5m+) minimum, plus fees and ongoing costs. Due diligence is thorough, and programmes can close – Spain just shut theirs in April 2025.

If you wait too long, opportunities disappear or get more expensive.

Worth It?

For business owners, families wanting better opportunities, or anyone who values having options? Absolutely.

You’re not just buying residency – you’re buying freedom, security, and a backup plan that can become your primary plan whenever you choose.

Don’t just think about it. Chat to a reputable migration consultancy and see which programme fits your situation. Life’s too short to be stuck with limited options.