Potential New Golden Visa Programs to Launch in 2025
As demand for second residency and citizenship continues to rise, 2025 could be a pivotal year for the expansion of Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. Several countries are actively exploring or implementing new investor visa frameworks – signalling fresh opportunities for globally minded individuals and families.
Whether driven by tourism recovery, economic diversification, or increased regional competition, here are some of the key players to watch this year:
Vietnam: Exploring a 10-Year Golden Visa
Vietnam’s Tourism Advisory Board recently submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister urging the introduction of long-term Vietnam Golden Visa option to keep pace with regional neighbours such as Thailand and Malaysia.
The proposed program includes a ten-year investor visa with a pathway to permanent residency after five years, provided investment thresholds are maintained. A second option — a five-year “talent visa” – is also under consideration, designed to attract high-skilled individuals with a simplified renewal process.
With Vietnam’s tourism sector now nearly recovered post-COVID, the move signals a strategic effort to attract foreign investment and deepen long-term engagement with international visitors and professionals.
Solomon Islands: Citizenship by Investment on the Horizon
The Solomon Islands is making quiet but meaningful progress toward launching its own Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, with 2025 looking like a realistic rollout year.
In September 2024, the government completed its first draft of the program and included the initiative in its 100-day plan – a clear sign of momentum. Cabinet review is expected soon.
If launched, the Solomon Islands would join Vanuatu – an established player in the CBI space – and Nauru, which introduced its program at the end of 2024. That would bring the total to three South Pacific nations offering CBI programs. Could this region be positioning itself as the new Caribbean of citizenship by investment?
United States: Trump’s “Gold Card” Proposal
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump announced plans for a “Trump Gold Card” – a proposed investor visa offering permanent residency to foreign nationals who invest in the US economy. Just last week, he made further remarks suggesting the program could launch in the coming weeks.
While not yet official policy, the Gold Card is expected to eventually replace the existing EB-5 program. With a proposed minimum investment of $5 million, it targets a niche group of ultra-high-net-worth investors.
If implemented, it would mark a significant shift in the US’s traditionally limited stance on investor migration – reflecting the global trend of using investment-based visas to drive economic growth.
Nigeria: Citizenship by Investment in the Pipeline
Nigeria is progressing toward introducing its own Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, with a new bill passing its second reading in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, the proposed legislation would grant Nigerian citizenship to foreign nationals who meet set financial thresholds or invest in strategic sectors vital to national development.
The bill still has several parliamentary stages to clear, but a launch later this year is possible. Interestingly, this development comes at a time when many Nigerian citizens are actively seeking second citizenship and residency abroad due to the limitations of the Nigerian passport.
If approved, the program is unlikely to attract those focused on global mobility. However, it may appeal to investors looking to deepen their presence in one of Africa’s most dynamic and fast-growing economies – particularly for regional business access rather than travel privileges.
New Zealand: Active Investor Plus Visa Gets a Makeover
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa has had a makeover, streamlining the two investment categories into a clearer, more accessible format designed to attract serious global capital. However, with a minimum threshold of NZ$5 million (around USD 2.9 million), it remains firmly in the ultra-high-net-worth space.
The two new investment pathways are:
NZ$5 million invested over three years, requiring 21 days of presence in-country
NZ$10 million invested over five years, with a minimum stay of 105 days
This is not a mass-market visa – it’s a premium offering for those seeking long-term access to one of the world’s most stable, liveable destinations.
Malaysia: New Investor Pass Now Live
Malaysia has officially launched its new Investor Pass, aimed at business travellers looking for longer-term stays. The pass allows foreign investors to remain in the country for up to six months, with the option to extend for another six months.
While not as robust as long-term residency or citizenship by investment programs, the Malaysia Investor Pass offers a flexible, low-commitment entry point – similar in concept to a digital nomad visa. It’s intended for those in the early stages of exploring business opportunities in Malaysia and may appeal to investors seeking a base in Southeast Asia without the obligations of permanent relocation. For those looking for longer-stay options in Malaysia, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program remains an extremely popular and well-established long-term residency route.
The Bigger Picture: More Countries, More Options
As more governments rethink how they attract foreign capital, Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment programs are becoming more dynamic. From Vietnam’s proposed long-term investor visa to the Solomon Islands’ first steps toward CBI, and New Zealand’s refined offering – it’s clear that investment migration is shifting.
For investors, this highlights a key trend: the menu of options is expanding, but so are the complexities and competitive pressures.
At La Vida, we closely monitor these developments to help our clients stay ahead of the curve – making informed decisions before windows of opportunity begin to close.
Looking to Explore Second Residency or Citizenship in 2025?
While the emerging programs above are exciting developments, it’s just as important to consider the strength of long-established options that continue to deliver exceptional value and strategic benefits.
Europe’s Golden Visa offerings – including Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Latvia – remain highly sought-after, blending lifestyle, security, and long-term EU access. Meanwhile, Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs, especially Grenada and Antigua, continue to shine for their speed, affordability, and the security of holding a second passport – a true ‘Plan B’ in an unpredictable world.
Whether you’re planning a move, enhancing your global mobility, or preparing for the unexpected, 2025 presents more opportunity than ever.
Speak with La Vida’s experts to find the best strategic fit for your goals.
