Unlocking Borders: South Africa’s Affluent Eye Golden Visas in Portugal, Greece, and Mauritius — What Sable International Advises

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South Africans have a range of options for international relocation with golden visa opportunities, including Portugal and Greece, which require a minimum investment of €500,000, and Mauritius, which requires $375,000 in approved property. Each country’s golden visa program presents its own set of criteria and consequences, and it’s important to consult with specialists such as Sable International to make well-informed decisions. Sable International provides essential considerations for selecting the right golden visa destination.

What are the attractive golden visa options for South Africans?

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South Africans have a variety of options for international relocation with golden visa opportunities. Portugal and Greece require a minimum investment of €500,000 (R10 million), while Mauritius requires $375,000 (R7.1 million) in approved property. Each country’s golden visa program presents its own set of criteria and consequences, and it’s important to consult with specialists such as Sable International to make well-informed decisions.

Attractive Golden Visa Options for South Africans

As Jacques Nienaber’s departure to Ireland after the 2023 Rugby World Cup stirs curiosity among South Africans about golden visa opportunities, there are several attractive destinations to consider. Despite economic challenges, affluent South Africans have a variety of options for international relocation. Immigration specialists at Sable International have provided essential considerations for selecting the right golden visa destination, including a list of favorable countries.

Portugal’s Appeal: Minimum Investment of €500,000 (R10 million)

Contrary to popular assumptions, the Portuguese golden visa program is still a viable choice even after the termination of its real-estate investment route for residency. Portuguese residency has been popular among South Africans due to its visa-free travel benefits within the Schengen area. The most enticing feature is the 100% personal investment towards the golden visa, without any government donation. The only stipulation is a minimum stay of 35 days spread over five years.

Greece: A Golden Gateway – Minimum Investment of €500,000 (R10 million) in Real Estate

Following a remarkable economic recovery since the 2009 financial crisis, Greece now grants golden visa applicants long-term residence permits, provided they maintain a qualifying property. These permits offer a pathway towards naturalization and EU citizenship after residing in Greece for at least seven years. Additionally, Greece does not impose relocation or annual minimum stay requirements, while still allowing visa-free travel across Schengen countries.

Mauritius: Close and Thriving – Minimum Investment of $375,000 (R7.1 million) in Approved Property

Sable International highlights that many South Africans select a Mauritian golden visa due to its geographical closeness and convenient travel options. Mauritian residency permits can be obtained within just three months, and like Greece, remain valid as long as the property is owned. The lack of minimum stay requirements adds further allure to this island nation.

Mauritius offers top-notch healthcare, education, and infrastructure, augmented by a favorable tax and business environment. As the highest-ranking African country in the World Happiness Report 2023, its reputation for satisfaction and well-being is another tempting factor.

Expert Guidance on Golden Visa Selection

Each country’s golden visa program presents its own set of criteria and consequences. To ensure the best advice, those interested in obtaining a golden visa should consult comprehensive specialists, such as Sable International. You can reach out to them at im@sableinternational.com for more information.

As golden visa choices gain popularity among South Africans, it’s vital to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each destination. By examining aspects like travel, investment requirements, and quality of life, individuals can make well-informed decisions that best match their needs and preferences.

Share your thoughts on the idea of a golden visa by investment in the comments section below, and follow @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for all the latest updates.

What is a golden visa?

A golden visa is a residency permit program that allows individuals to obtain residency in a country by investing in the country’s economy or real estate market.

What are the minimum investment requirements for Portugal’s golden visa program?

The minimum investment requirement for Portugal’s golden visa program is €500,000 (R10 million).

What are the benefits of Portugal’s golden visa program?

The most enticing feature of Portugal’s golden visa program is the 100% personal investment towards the golden visa, without any government donation. Additionally, Portuguese residency offers visa-free travel benefits within the Schengen area.

What are the minimum investment requirements for Greece’s golden visa program?

The minimum investment requirement for Greece’s golden visa program is €500,000 (R10 million) in real estate.

What are the benefits of Greece’s golden visa program?

Greece grants golden visa applicants long-term residence permits, which offer a pathway towards naturalization and EU citizenship after residing in Greece for at least seven years. Additionally, Greece does not impose relocation or annual minimum stay requirements, while still allowing visa-free travel across Schengen countries.

What are the minimum investment requirements for Mauritius’s golden visa program?

The minimum investment requirement for Mauritius’s golden visa program is $375,000 (R7.1 million) in approved property.

What are the benefits of Mauritius’s golden visa program?

Mauritius offers top-notch healthcare, education, and infrastructure, augmented by a favorable tax and business environment. Additionally, Mauritian residency permits can be obtained within just three months, and there are no minimum stay requirements.

Why should individuals consult with specialists like Sable International before deciding on a golden visa destination?

Each country’s golden visa program presents its own set of criteria and consequences. By consulting with immigration specialists like Sable International, individuals can make well-informed decisions that best match their needs and preferences.

Isabella Schmidt is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from Bo-Kaap spice merchants to Khayelitsha microbreweries. Raised hiking the trails that link Table Mountain to the Cape Flats, she brings the flavours and voices of her hometown to global readers with equal parts rigour and heart.

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