Thailand's Proposed Golden Visa: A Vision, Not Reality
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra suggested a new golden visa scheme aimed at wealthy foreigners willing to deposit $1 million each. This proposal intends to boost Thailand's economy by granting long-term residency and property purchasing rights. However, as of July 2025, this remains a proposal with no official implementation. The idea aligns with global golden visa models but is yet to be realized in Thailand.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment: Status Quo Maintained
Caribbean nations, known for their swift Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, have been rumored to undergo transformative changes, including mandatory residency. However, these claims are not yet substantiated by official changes. The CBI programs continue to offer citizenship primarily based on investment without residency requirements, maintaining their appeal for fast processing and simplicity.
Cyprus: No Golden Visa, Only Residency
Despite suggestions that Cyprus offers a golden visa alternative, its Citizenship by Investment program was terminated in 2020. Currently, Cyprus offers permanent residency through real estate investment of at least €300,000, but this does not lead to citizenship. This program provides EU residency benefits, albeit without a passport.
Gulf Golden Visa Programs: Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia
- **Bahrain:** The Golden Residency program, launched in 2022, offers a 10-year renewable visa for professionals and investors with a real estate investment of BHD 200,000 (approx. USD 530,000) or a monthly income of BHD 2,000.
- **UAE:** Launched in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa provides 5- or 10-year residencies for a minimum AED 2 million (USD 545,000) investment, offering wide-ranging benefits without a local sponsor.
- **Saudi Arabia:** The Premium Residency program allows permanent residency with a one-time payment of SAR 800,000 (USD 213,000), offering significant freedoms and no personal income tax, albeit with a 15% VAT.
These Gulf programs remain attractive due to their flexibility and economic incentives, despite varying costs of living.
Conclusion
The landscape of golden visa programs continues to evolve, with varying degrees of accessibility and benefits. While Thailand's ambitious proposal remains unrealized, the Caribbean and Gulf regions maintain their established paths, offering diverse opportunities for global investors. Cyprus, while no longer offering citizenship by investment, provides a stable EU residency option.
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