Understand processing times from 2 months to 12 months. Compare timelines by country, factors affecting speed, fast-track options, and month-by-month expectations.
Golden Visa processing times range from 2 months (UAE) to 12 months (Portugal) depending on the country and application complexity. The fastest programs are UAE (2-3 months), Malta (4-6 months), and Greece (4-8 months). Slower programs include Portugal (8-12 months) and Panama (6-12 months).
Key factors affecting speed: Document completeness (incomplete applications add 2-6 months), due diligence complexity (complex backgrounds add 1-3 months), investment type (real estate adds 1-2 months vs funds), family size (each member adds 2-4 weeks), government workload, and legal representation quality.
Timeline breakdown: Document preparation (1-3 months) → Investment execution (2-4 weeks) → Application submission (1-2 weeks) → Due diligence (2-4 months) → Government processing (1-6 months) → Approval & biometrics (2-4 weeks) → Card issuance (1-2 months). Total: 3-16 months depending on country.
Golden Visa programs grouped by average timeline
Months total time
Months total time
Months total time
Detailed processing times by country with key phases
| Country | Document Prep | Processing Time | Total Timeline | Speed Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🇦🇪 UAE
|
1-2 months | 2-3 months | 3-5 months | Fastest | View → |
|
🇱🇻 Latvia
|
1-2 months | 3-5 months | 4-7 months | Fast | View → |
|
🇮🇹 Italy
|
2-3 months | 3-6 months | 5-9 months | Fast | View → |
|
🇹🇷 Turkey
|
2-3 months | 3-6 months | 5-9 months | Fast | View → |
|
🇲🇹 Malta
|
2-3 months | 4-6 months | 6-9 months | Fast | View → |
|
🇬🇷 Greece
|
2-3 months | 4-8 months | 6-11 months | Moderate | View → |
|
🇭🇺 Hungary
|
2-3 months | 6-8 months | 8-11 months | Moderate | View → |
|
🇵🇹 Portugal
|
3-4 months | 8-12 months | 11-16 months | Slow | View → |
|
🇵🇦 Panama
|
2-3 months | 6-12 months | 8-15 months | Slow | View → |
|
🇲🇺 Mauritius
|
2-3 months | 4-6 months | 6-9 months | Fast | View → |
Processing times are estimates based on recent data. Individual timelines vary. Compare all Golden Visa programs.
What makes some applications faster than others
Incomplete applications get rejected or delayed. Missing apostilles, expired documents, or improper translations can add months. One perfect submission beats multiple rounds of corrections.
Complex financial backgrounds, multiple income sources, PEP status, or extensive international history face longer screening. Simple cases process 2x faster than complex ones.
Real estate requires property valuation, title verification, notary processes. Fund investments verify quickly. Business investments need most scrutiny (business plan review).
Each additional family member requires separate background checks, documents, and processing. Applications for families of 4+ take 20-30% longer than solo applications.
High application volumes or limited staff cause backlogs. Portugal and Greece face higher demand. Summer months (July-August) see slowdowns due to EU holidays.
Experienced immigration lawyers know exactly what authorities want, how to format documents, and can communicate directly with government offices to resolve issues quickly.
Certain countries face enhanced due diligence or sanctions screening. High-risk jurisdictions or politically unstable regions experience longer timelines. EU/US/Canadian citizens process fastest.
Complex wealth sources (cryptocurrency, multiple businesses, offshore investments) require extensive verification. Clear sources (employment, single business) process much faster.
What to expect during your Golden Visa journey
Gather all required documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances from all countries of residence (takes 4-8 weeks), bank statements, proof of income/wealth. Obtain apostilles or legalization in country of origin. Have all non-English documents professionally translated by certified translators. This phase is entirely in your control.
Complete your investment: sign property purchase agreement and transfer funds, subscribe to approved investment fund, or make business investment. Obtain proof of payment and investment confirmation documents. Open bank account in host country. Legal team prepares final application package with all supporting documents.
Comprehensive background screening begins. Immigration authorities verify identity, check criminal databases, sanctions lists (OFAC, UN, EU), and conduct source of wealth investigation. Third-party due diligence firms may be involved. Investment verification (property valuation, fund approval). This is typically the longest phase and mostly outside your control.
Immigration officials review due diligence findings. Final decision-making process. Possible requests for additional documentation (respond within 48 hours). Interview may be scheduled (rare but possible). Investment confirmation and compliance verification. Application moves to approval stage. Processing time varies significantly by country.
Receive approval notification. Schedule biometric appointment (fingerprints, photo). Travel to host country for biometrics if required (some countries allow biometrics at consulates). Submit passport for visa sticker if applicable. Pay residency card issuance fee.
Residency permit card produced and mailed or available for collection. Receive physical residency card. Obtain tax number and social security number (if applicable). Register address with local authorities. Officially become legal resident with all rights and benefits. Congratulations!
Fastest (UAE): Month 1: Docs → Month 2: Investment & submission → Month 3: Approval & biometrics → Total: 3 months
Average (Greece): Month 1-2: Docs → Month 3: Investment → Month 4: Submission → Month 5-7: Due diligence → Month 8-9: Processing → Month 10: Approval → Total: 6-10 months
Slowest (Portugal): Month 1-3: Docs → Month 4: Investment → Month 5: Submission → Month 6-9: Due diligence → Month 10-13: Processing → Month 14: Approval → Total: 11-14 months
Strategies to accelerate your Golden Visa timeline
Select programs with naturally quick processing: UAE (2-3 months), Malta (4-6 months), or Latvia (3-5 months) instead of Portugal (8-12 months) if speed is priority.
Invest extra time in preparation. Hire experienced advisors to review everything before submission. One perfect submission beats multiple rounds of corrections. Saves 2-4 months.
Don't wait for one step to finish before starting the next. Request police certificates immediately (take 4-8 weeks). Begin investment due diligence during document prep. Saves 1-2 months.
Investment funds process faster than real estate (no property inspection, valuation, notary delays). Funds verified in days vs weeks for property. Saves 1-2 months.
Use funds from employment income (easiest to verify). Show linear wealth accumulation. Avoid complex offshore structures. Provide comprehensive documentation upfront. Saves 1-3 months.
Work with immigration lawyers who have direct relationships with government offices. They know exactly what authorities want and how to avoid delays. Worth the €10K-€20K fee.
Submit October-April for faster EU processing. Avoid summer (June-August government holidays) and year-end (December-February peak volume). Saves 1-2 months.
Malta offers premium processing for higher fees. Turkey provides expedited citizenship track. Some countries allow concierge services through approved agents. Cost: €5K-€15K extra.
Learn more in our requirements guide or compare total costs.
Our advisors can help you select the fastest program for your timeline, prepare perfect documentation, and navigate the process efficiently to minimize delays.