Have you ever fancied waking up to the smell of fresh pho in Vietnam, or perhaps sipping kopi in a swanky Singapore café while checking your investments? As someone who’s spent the better part of a decade bouncing around East Asia, I’ve watched the region transform from a traveller’s playground to a legitimate option for those seeking a second home. And the latest trend making this possible? The golden visa.
After spending three months exploring various visa options across the region (and drowning in paperwork along the way), I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the increasingly competitive market of residency-by-investment schemes in East Asia.
What Exactly Is a “Golden Visa”?
Simply put, a golden visa is your fast-track ticket to long-term residency in another country. The premise is straightforward: invest a specific amount of money, and the country rewards you with the right to live there.
The competition between countries is positively heating up. While Vietnam dangles a five-year “talent visa” with a simplified renewal process, Malaysia is going all-in with a whopping 20-year offer for qualified applicants. It’s like watching a high-stakes poker game, but instead of chips, countries are betting with residency rights.
Let’s dive into the options, shall we?
Hong Kong: Banking on the High Rollers
Victoria Harbour skyline in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has always been particular about whom it lets in for the long haul, and their reintroduced Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is no exception.
When I visited Hong Kong last autumn, I chatted with a wealth manager over dim sum in Central who told me, quite bluntly, “Hong Kong isn’t looking for bargain hunters.” And the numbers confirm it:
- Minimum investment: A cool HK$30 million (about US$3.86 million) in permissible assets
- Eligibility: You must be at least 18, have a clean immigration record, and actually own the assets you’re investing (no fronting for someone else, thank you very much)
- Residency path: Get temporary residency first, with the possibility of permanent status after seven years
Hong Kong’s approach reflects its position as a financial powerhouse that’s selective about whom it welcomes for the long term. After speaking with several expats who’ve gone this route, the consensus seems to be that it’s worth the investment if you’re planning to build serious business connections in Asia.
Malaysia: Options for Various Budgets
Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur – the iconic towers that symbolise Malaysia’s modern development
Malaysia holds a special place in my heart. I spent six months there in 2023, and the blend of cultures, exceptional food, and genuinely warm people made it hard to leave. Their visa options reflect this welcoming spirit, with choices catering to different financial capabilities:
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
- Financial requirements: Deposit MYR 300,000 (about $68,000) if you’re under 50, or MYR 150,000 (roughly $34,000) if you’re over 50
- Age restriction: You must be at least 35
- Residency: 10-year multiple-entry visa that requires you to spend at least 90 days per year in Malaysia
Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
- Investment: Minimum of RM 1 million ($240,000)
- Age: No restrictions (finally, something for the younger investors!)
- Residency: A generous 20-year multiple-entry visa issued in five-year tranches, with no minimum stay requirement
I met a retired British couple in Penang who had opted for the MM2H programme. “Best decision we ever made,” the husband told me over laksa at a night market. “The cost of living is reasonable, healthcare is excellent, and the community is incredibly welcoming.”
Singapore: The Premium Option
Marina Bay Sands and Singapore skyline
Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) is like the first-class cabin of golden visas—expensive but with perks that justify the price tag.
Having spent numerous extended stays in Singapore over the years, I can attest to its efficiency, cleanliness, and exceptional quality of life. But these benefits come at a premium:
- Investment Options:
- Option A: S$10 million (about $7.78 million) in a new or existing Singapore business
- Option B: S$25 million in a Singapore Economic Development Board-approved fund
- Eligibility: You need a substantial business track record and entrepreneurial success
- Residency path: Permanent residency upon approval, with eligibility for citizenship after two years
It’s worth noting that Singapore doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so if you’re considering going all the way to citizenship, you’ll need to surrender your existing passport—a dealbreaker for many investors.
I bumped into an American tech entrepreneur at Lau Pa Sat food centre last year who had taken the plunge with the GIP. “The investment was steep,” he admitted between bites of chicken rice, “but the business environment, education system for my kids, and regional connectivity make it worthwhile.”
Thailand: The Lifestyle Choice
Thailand’s Elite Visa programme is perhaps the most straightforward of the bunch, focusing less on investment and more on membership fees:
- Membership fee: Starting from THB 650,000 ($19,300) for a 5-year visa
- Eligibility: Foreign passport holder with no criminal record
- Benefits: VIP airport services, government concierge services, and access to exclusive events
Thailand has long been a favourite for digital nomads and retirees alike. I’ve met countless expats in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and various islands who initially came for a short stay and ended up making Thailand their permanent base.
“It’s the little things,” a Thai Elite member told me over sunset drinks in Koh Samui. “No queues at immigration, someone to help you navigate government services, and the freedom to come and go as you please without visa runs.”
Vietnam: The Rising Star
Vietnam is the newcomer to the golden visa scene, but it’s making an impressive entrance:
- Investor visa: Valid for 10 years, offering a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
- Talent visa: Aimed at highly-skilled professionals in growth sectors, valid for 5 years with a simplified renewal process
- Application process: Expected to be entirely online, with no requirement for embassy appointments
Having witnessed Vietnam’s remarkable growth over the past decade, I’m not surprised they’re now in the golden visa game. The country is transforming at breakneck speed, and these new visa schemes reflect its ambition to attract both capital and expertise.
The streets of Ho Chi Minh City buzz with entrepreneurial energy, and during my visit earlier this year, I spoke with several tech startup founders who were eyeing the talent visa as a way to establish longer-term operations.
Philippines: Island Paradise with Options
The Philippines offers several pathways to long-term residency, catering to different types of investors:
Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)
- Investment: At least $75,000 in Philippine corporations
- Requirements: Age 21+, healthy, and crime-free
- Benefits: Tax on Philippine income only, duty-free import of goods, and hassle-free travel
FAB Investor Visa (FIV)
- Investment: $75,000 in Freeport Area of Bataan projects
- Benefits: Permanent residency with the freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in the country
Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
- Investment: Starting at just $10,000 with pension (for those aged 50+)
- Benefits: Lifetime stay, work/study rights, and health insurance access
During my month-long stay in Manila and Palawan last year, I connected with several American retirees who had taken advantage of the SRRV programme. “The bang for your buck is incredible,” one retiree explained as we watched the sunset from a beachfront property that would cost millions back in California. “And the Filipino people make you feel at home from day one.”
Choosing Your Golden Ticket: Practical Considerations
After exploring each of these options personally and speaking with dozens of expats who have taken the plunge, here are some practical considerations to keep in mind:
- Investment vs Return: Singapore offers the most stable economic environment but at the highest price point. Thailand provides excellent lifestyle benefits for a more accessible fee.
- Minimum Stay Requirements: Malaysia’s MM2H requires 90 days per year in-country, while Thailand and Singapore’s programmes have no such requirement.
- Tax Implications: Each country has different tax treatments for residents. Singapore has attractive tax rates but expects physical presence to maintain status.
- Path to Citizenship: Only Singapore offers a clear path to citizenship, but it requires renouncing your original nationality.
- Cultural Adaptation: Consider how easily you might adapt to the local culture. Vietnam and the Philippines can present more significant cultural adjustments for Western expats than Singapore or Malaysia.
The Bottom Line
Golden visas in East Asia offer fascinating possibilities for those looking to diversify their global footprint. Whether you’re seeking a backup plan, retirement paradise, or new business horizons, there’s likely an option that fits your needs and budget.
The key is doing your homework (beyond just reading articles like this one) and ideally spending significant time in your country of choice before making the investment. After all, a golden visa isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s potentially a life-changing decision.
Have you considered applying for a golden visa in Asia? Or perhaps you already have one? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
For personalised advice, always consult with immigration attorneys specialising in your target country.
