Question 1

What is a Golden Visa program?

Accepted Answer

A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows individuals and their families to obtain legal residency in a country by making a qualifying investment. These programs typically offer a...

Question 2

How much does it cost to retire abroad?

Accepted Answer

The cost of retiring abroad varies significantly depending on the country and lifestyle you choose. Many popular retirement destinations in Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Argentina offer a high quality ...

Question 3

What are the healthcare options for retirees abroad?

Accepted Answer

Many countries popular with American retirees offer excellent healthcare systems at a fraction of US costs. European countries like Portugal, Greece, and Italy have universal healthcare systems that r...

Question 4

How long does it take to get citizenship through a Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies by country. Portugal typically requires 5 years of legal residency before you can apply for citizenship. Greece requires 7 years, while Italy can be 10 years for non-EU citizens. M...

Question 5

Can I keep my US citizenship if I get citizenship in another country?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the United States allows dual citizenship. You can obtain citizenship in another country while maintaining your US citizenship. However, you will still be subject to US tax obligations regardless...

Question 6

What are the tax implications of retiring abroad?

Accepted Answer

Moving your tax residency to another country is one of the most consequential financial decisions in a retirement plan. The income that was taxed under one system—and protected by a network of deducti...

Question 7

Do I need to speak the local language to retire abroad?

Accepted Answer

While not always required for residency, learning the local language greatly enhances your experience and integration. Many popular retirement destinations have large expat communities where English i...

Question 8

What is the minimum investment for a Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Golden Visa investment requirements vary by country. Portugal requires a minimum of €500,000 in investment funds, Greece requires €250,000 in real estate (increasing to €500,000 in popular areas), Ita...

Question 9

What advice would you give new investors starting research?

Accepted Answer

Investment migration due diligence starts with government sources, then independent legal analysis, before any six or seven figure commitment. Much of what appears in search results about retirement c...

Question 10

How hard was it to open a bank account and can you use any bank?

Accepted Answer

You cannot use any bank for this purpose. You must use what's called a custodial bank, and your lawyer will act on your behalf to open the account. First, you'll need to obtain your NIF number, which ...

Golden Visa FAQs for Americans and Canadians

What is a Golden Visa program?

How much does it cost to retire abroad?

What are the healthcare options for retirees abroad?

How long does it take to get citizenship through a Golden Visa?

Can I keep my US citizenship if I get citizenship in another country?

What are the tax implications of retiring abroad?

Do I need to speak the local language to retire abroad?

What is the minimum investment for a Golden Visa?

What advice would you give new investors starting research?

How hard was it to open a bank account and can you use any bank?

What are the opportunities to sit on boards or advisory boards for startups?

Are you concerned about potential changes in immigration law?

What was the most surprising thing you learned from fund interviews?

Is the Golden Visa applicable just for investors or for family too? Should kids studying in the US be included?

What is your expected annual return for five years?

When startups go the IPO route, what stock exchanges are used?

How do I get started with the retirement citizenship process?

What are the important documents and processes to be aware of?

What framework should be used for fund selection?

What due diligence criteria should be applied when evaluating funds?

What are the fund requirements and what investment focus is most beneficial?

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Explore More Resources

What is a Golden Visa program?

How much does it cost to retire abroad?

What are the healthcare options for retirees abroad?

How long does it take to get citizenship through a Golden Visa?

Can I keep my US citizenship if I get citizenship in another country?

What are the tax implications of retiring abroad?