MANILA, Philippines — The Golden Visa, once seen mainly as a way to get residency or citizenship in another country, is now also being used by people to grow their wealth and create better futures for their families.
At a recent interview, Vicky Luis, the founder of a company called Golden Visa Centrale, explained that more and more Filipinos are looking at new ways to invest their money. Instead of just buying real estate, they are now interested in things like private equity funds (where you invest in businesses) and other innovative ways to grow their money.
Why Is This Happening?
The interest in Golden Visas is growing, especially among young professionals. They see these visas as a way to travel the world, make smart investments, and even earn money without working too hard.
According to Vicky Luis, countries like Portugal and Greece offer Golden Visas that not only give access to travel but also help people grow their wealth.
How Do Golden Visas Work?
A Golden Visa lets you live in a country by making an investment, like buying property or investing in a business. Once you invest, you get a residency card (kind of like a “green card”), and after a while, you can even apply for a passport from that country.
Portugal, for example, offers a Golden Visa that can be passed down to your children and even grandchildren. This means your family can live and work in Portugal for generations! And guess what? You don’t need to move there full-time. In fact, you only have to stay for seven days a year! You don’t even get taxed on your worldwide income—only what you make in Portugal.
Greece’s Golden Visa
Greece recently made its Golden Visa program more expensive. Instead of €250,000 (about P15 million), you now need €400,000 (about P24 million) to qualify. But this is still an opportunity for those looking to live and invest in Greece.
Why Choose Portugal’s Golden Visa?
Portugal’s Golden Visa has become more attractive as the country has shifted from real estate investments to private equity funds. These funds invest in growing businesses, like those in technology and infrastructure, which are expected to bring in a lot of money.
By investing in these funds, you not only get residency but also get a chance to be part of high-growth industries, making your money work for you.
A Warning to Act Quickly
But time is running out. Vicky Luis urges people to act fast before the laws change, or before countries like Spain completely get rid of their Golden Visa programs. If you’re thinking about applying for one, it’s better to do it now while the rules are still favorable.
Why Filipinos are Looking Abroad
More Filipinos are realizing that they don’t want to keep all their investments in the Philippines. They want to diversify, meaning they want to spread their money across different countries and investments to secure their future. Places like Dubai are popular for this, as people want to make sure they are safe no matter what happens in the future.
The Bottom Line
Golden Visas are no longer just about living in another country—they are now a tool for financial growth. Whether you’re interested in a Golden Visa from Portugal, Greece, or other countries, this is an exciting option for Filipinos looking to grow their wealth while gaining more freedom to travel the world and secure a better future for their families.
