Ethiopia has launched the world's most expensive investment migration programme, requiring a minimum of $10 million for a 10-year residence permit that took effect on July 8, 2026. The initiative positions Ethiopia above all other nations offering golden visa schemes, according to an analysis of Henley & Partners data by BusinessDay published on Wednesday, July 29.
Four African Nations Among Top 10
Four African countries feature in the top 10 most costly investment residency programmes: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Rwanda. Singapore ranks second worldwide with a minimum of SGD 10 million—about $7.8 million—offering permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship after two years. Mozambique follows in third place at $5 million for a ten-year investor residency permit.
Hong Kong requires HK$30 million ($3.9 million) under its Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which began in September 2003 and leads to permanent residency after seven years. New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa demands at least NZ$5 million ($3 million), announced in September 2022.
European and Caribbean Programmes
Jersey, a British Crown Dependency, requires at least £1.75 million in real estate plus £250,000 in annual taxes (roughly $2.33 million in total). The Cayman Islands and Bahamas both set a $1 million minimum, primarily in real estate or qualifying assets. Seychelles and Rwanda also require $1 million each, with Rwanda targeting manufacturing, tourism, technology, and financial services.
Bulgaria rounds out the top ten at approximately $582,000 (€512,000). The programme grants permanent residency with a five-year pathway to full Bulgarian citizenship, and by extension European Union citizenship. Bulgaria abolished fast-track citizenship-by-investment and now operates a strictly residency-based model. Eligible investments include licensed Bulgarian alternative investment funds, venture capital, private equity, or collective investment schemes.
United States Enters Rankings
The United States EB-5 programme requires $800,000 but does not offer direct citizenship. Investors can pursue permanent residency and eventual naturalisation after meeting three conditions: a qualifying investment, creation of at least ten full-time jobs, and completion of the standard naturalisation timeline—roughly seven years from legal residency.
Ethiopia's programme targets sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial development. Applicants paying $10 million get a card-based residence permit with a processing fee of $10,000, rising to $12,500 for express handling, with premium home delivery available. For projects generating significant local employment, the minimum drops to $5 million. Ethiopia's passport ranks between 91st and 93rd on the Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to roughly 43 to 47 destinations.
Singapore holds the top spot on the Henley Passport Index with visa-free access to 192 destinations. The full list of the ten most expensive golden visa programmes is: Ethiopia, Singapore, Mozambique, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Seychelles, Rwanda, United States, Mauritius, and Bulgaria.
