Visas, Residency, & Citizenship

3 Countries With Investor Visas Under $100,000

May 12, 2026

The long-held assumption that investment-based residency requires a half-million-dollar commitment has officially expired. In 2026, several nations have leaned into “entry-level” investor programs, recognizing that attracting digital professionals and small-scale entrepreneurs is just as valuable as courting the ultra-wealthy.

If you have $50,000 to $100,000 in liquid capital, you are no longer limited to “nomad” status. You can buy into long-term residency rights, often with a clear path to a second passport. These thresholds are now lower than a typical down payment on a house in most U.S. cities, making them a practical backup plan or a primary relocation strategy.

Here are three countries with real, accessible investor visa options under $100,000.

1. Paraguay: The Most Affordable Entry Point

Paraguay consistently sits at the bottom of the cost scale, making it a favorite for those who prioritize simplicity and tax efficiency. It is perhaps the most straightforward way to gain a legal foothold in South America.

The Threshold: Don’t be confused by multiple recent updates to Paraguay’s residency-by-investment pathways: The “productive investment” SUACE route was joined by, not replaced by, three other routes. You can qualify for direct permanent residency by committing to a business investment of $70,000.
The Tax Play: Paraguay uses a territorial tax system. This means your foreign-sourced income – like U.S. dividends or remote salary – is generally not taxed locally.
The Reality: The process is remarkably fast, often completed in 90 days. It’s the ultimate low-friction move for those who want a permanent base without a six-figure price tag.

2. Latvia: The European Gateway

Latvia offers one of the last remaining “budget” doors into the European Union. While many neighboring countries have pushed their Golden Visa prices above €250,000, Latvia maintains a pathway through business investment that remains accessible.

The Threshold: You can obtain a residence permit by investing €50,000 (roughly $54,000) into the equity capital of a Latvian company.
The Benefits: This grants you residency and, crucially, visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
The Catch: There is an additional one-time government fee of €10,000, but even with fees, the total stays comfortably under the $100,000 mark. It’s a great choice for someone who wants to base their business operations in Europe.

3. São Tomé and Príncipe: The Direct Citizenship Route

If you aren’t just looking for residency but want a second passport for under six figures, this island nation off the coast of Africa is a unique outlier in 2026.

The Threshold: Their national transformation fund offers a citizenship-by-investment path starting at $90,000.
The Speed: Unlike residency programs that require years of living in the country to qualify for a passport, this is a direct contribution model. It is often processed in as little as 2–3 months.
The Lifestyle: It’s not for everyone – it’s a remote, tropical archipelago – but for a “Plan B” passport that doesn’t require a $200,000 Caribbean donation, it is one of the most cost-effective countries with investor citizenship options left.

Before You Invest

Before committing your capital, you need to verify:

Physical Presence: Does the visa require you to actually live there 183 days a year, or is it a “paper residency” that stays active with one visit every year or two?
Path to Citizenship: Does this visa actually lead to a passport after 5 or 10 years, or is it just a perpetual permit?
Exit Strategy: If you buy real estate or business shares, how easy is it to sell them later without losing your status?

If you see a future abroad that starts with a foreign investment, Expatsi has experts who can help you pick the country and visa pathway to get you there.

You CAN Move Abroad. We’ll Show You How.
Join our free webinar, every Sunday at 2pm Eastern, 11am Pacific to learn our straightforward, 6-step process.

Brett Andrews

Brett Andrews is an expat influencer and co-founder of Expatsi, a company that has helped thousands of expats on their journey of moving abroad. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves exploring new countries, reading unusual books, and pondering the wisdom of The Big Lebowski.

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