The concept of diversification of investments is not only linked to the value of money and obtaining an economic return on it but can also generate and bring other benefits to the investor.
Diversifying investments can bring intangible benefits such as obtaining a second passport or obtaining a residence permit in another country, which allows the subject to move freely around the world. In this way, the recurrent investor or one-time investor can evaluate multiple new investment possibilities that offer the possibility to move around more than 150 countries without the need to apply for a visa, reside and/or work in Europe, study in the best universities and have a plan B in case it is necessary.
Diversifying investments through a citizenship or residency program
In addition, they are not only targeted to those individuals called investors who recurrently invest and diversify their capital to obtain higher economic returns but are also aimed at those individuals, and their families, for whom the benefits that these programs offer are sufficiently attractive to them to invest in one of the available programs. 
Broadly speaking, the programs can be divided into Residency by Investment (RBI) or Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. As their names indicate, the former offers a residency in exchange for a monetary investment, and the latter offers a citizenship, or in other words, a second passport, in exchange for a minimum amount.
However, we cannot ignore the existence of mixed programs, i.e., those that offer residency by investment with the possibility of applying for citizenship (RCBI).
Why are the RBI and CBI programs a solution to the possibility of traveling without the need to apply for a visa?
Both the RBI and CBI programs offer a host of intangible benefits to applicants and their families, in addition to diversification of investments.
Residency by Investment Programs
Residency by investment programs offer, in exchange for a monetary investment in Real Estate, mainly a residency in the target country. The main RBI programs are located in Europe, the best-known being Spain, Greece and Malta.
The direct benefits of applying for a European residence, in general terms, are to be able, and not to be obliged, to reside in a European country where security and political stability prevail over any other benefit; to be able to access the best European universities, the possibility to work or establish commercial relations in Europe, to be able to travel without the need to apply for a visa throughout the Schengen area and to apply with the closest family members (it is necessary to look closely at each of the programs to know how the main applicant and family members can benefit from the program).
These programs, in most cases, offer the option of applying for permanent residence and/or subsequent citizenshipwhen the established requirements are met.
Citizenship by Investment Programs
These programs offer direct intangible benefits to their applicants since, in a short period of time and in exchange for a not excessive amount of money, they obtain a second passport that turns them into citizens of that country.
At first sight, it does not seem attractive, but these countries offer, among other benefits, the possibility to travel without requesting a visa to more than 150 countries, in general, including the Schengen area, UK and even HK and Singapore.
In addition, they offer favorable tax regimes to their citizens, and the possibility of the investor and his family members to apply jointly.
Citizenship by Investment Programs Europe
Golden Visa Spain
The residency-by-investment program of Spain requires an investment of at least €500,000 in real estate property or a bank deposit in a Spanish bank at least €1,000,000 that the investor must hold for a minimum of five years while applying for permanent residency.
After five years of actual residence in Spain holders can obtain their permanent residency. After ten years residency in Spain, they can apply for Spanish citizenship. The holders from former Spanish colonies like the Philippines, most of South American countries and Equatorial Guinea can apply for citizenship only after two years.
Moreover, second passport holders can avail of the excellent healthcare and education system of Spain.
The Golden Visa Spain and the diversification of investments are your solution to the need for travel visas
Golden Visa Portugal
The residency-by-investment program of Portugal has two investment opportunities:
- An investment of at least €280,000 in real estate property for the right to live, work and study in Portugal. Applicants can qualify for a permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
Investor can purchase a property with a minimum value of €350,000 or €280,000. The property must be at least 30 years old or located in urban regeneration areas which the investor must promise to refurbish or renovate.
- Investor can invest €500,000 in a Portuguese Investment Fund or Venture Capital Fund for at least five years wherein at least 60% of the investments are in Portuguese companies
However, Portugal is currently not issuing visas.
Golden Visa Greece
Other diversification of investments option is the Golden Visa Greece.
The residency-by-investment program of Greece requires an investment of at least €250,000 in real estate property for the right to live and study in Greece. Residence permit holders can qualify for Greek citizenship after seven years. 
Within six months, applicants have a second passport that will grant the holder visa-free access to the Schengen area, avail of the different tax incentives that the Greece Residence Permit gives.
Golden Visa Malta
Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast and is known for its long history and its historical sites. Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and of the Schengen Area since 2007.
The Golden Visa Malta requires a minimum contribution of €600,000 to the National Development Fund and 36 months of residency. For fast-track applications, a minimum contribution of €750,000 and 12 months residency is required.
In addition, €50,000 is required for every dependent included in their application.
In addition to the contribution to the National Development Fund, a €700,000 investment in real estate or a rental agreement of at least a €16,000 per year that must be maintained for five years plus a €10,000 donation to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental approved organization or society.
The benefits include visa-free travel to 198 countries including EU and Schengen area, the right to live and work in Malta, all family members are included (spouse, children, parents and grandparents who are economically dependent on the applicant), five years permanent residence, renewable indefinitely and the option to apply for Maltese citizenship and passport.
Citizenship by Investment Caribbean
Some Caribbean countries are also a good diversification of investments option.
Golden Visa St. Kitts and Nevis
It has the oldest and best-managed citizenship by investment program in the world.
A minimum investment of USD 150,000 into a sustainable growth fund for an individual or family of up to four persons or USD 200,000 investment in property for 7 years or USD 400,000 for 5 years.
A St. Kitts and Nevis passport allows the holder visa-free access to 156 countries around the world and only has a processing period of 60 days upon submission of application.
Golden Visa Dominica
Dominica has the oldest and cheapest citizenship by investment program in the world. . Golden Visa Dominica only takes 90 days to be approved and allows the holder visa-free travel to 140 countriesincluding the UK, Singapore and Schengen area. 
The holder must make a minimum investment of USD 200,000 in real estate and make a required donation of USD 100,000.
It has many benefits:
- Investors acquire citizenship for life that includes an unlimited number of eligible dependents that can be passed down to generations
- Does not require residence or visits to the island.
- Dual citizenship is allowed
- A Dominican passport may be used for up to three months in a six month period and The United Kingdom allows free entry with stays up to 180 consecutive days.
- Citizens of Dominica have visa-free entry to the Asian economic centers of Singapore and Hongkong and can stay in Singapore for up to 30 days without a visa, and in Hongkong for up to 90 days in a half year.
- Investors may avail of tax benefits and are assured a return on their investment.
Golden Visa Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda has several tax benefits like no taxes on global income, on wealth and inheritance, and capital gains. A minimum investment of USD 200,000 in real estate and a minimum donation of USD 100,000 allows the holder visa-free travel to 151 countries.
Allows double citizenship and approved in 90 days and requires only five days residency over five years and is available for spouse and dependents.
Golden Visa Grenada
Grenada is a hilly island country in the Caribbean that has as its main produce nutmeg.
A minimum investment of USD 220,00,00 and a minimum donation of USD 150,000 that allows the holder visa-free travel to 143 countries including China, UK and Singapore.
An added benefit is that the holder can avail of the E2 Investor Visa to the USA.
There are no taxes on personal income or inheritance tax and does not require physical residency.
Golden Visa St. Lucia
The last diversification of investments option is St. Lucia.
A minimum investment of USD 300,00,00 and a minimum donation of USD100,000 is required. Allows the holder visa-free travel to 146 countries including Hong Kong. 
The applicant can apply for spouse, children, parents and grandparents above 65 years old.
Benefits include no taxes on worldwide income nor does it require physical residency. It takes 3 to 4 months to process.