Lebanon has announced plans to launch a "Golden Visa" programme, drawing immediate criticism that the proposal comes at "not the right timing, nor the right framework," as reported by IMI Daily.

The announcement signals that Beirut is exploring a citizenship- or residency-by-investment scheme, a route dozens of countries already use to attract foreign capital in exchange for long-term residence rights or passports. The plan's details — investment thresholds, eligibility conditions, quotas and launch dates — have not yet been published.

What is a Golden Visa?

Golden Visa programmes grant residence permits, and in some cases citizenship, to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment. Typical routes include:

• real estate purchases above a set minimum value;
• fixed deposits or government bonds;
• business investment or job creation;
• one-off government contributions or funds.

Applicants usually receive renewable residence status, family inclusion, and, in some schemes, a path to naturalisation.

Why is the timing questioned?

Critics cited in the IMI Daily report argue that Lebanon's current circumstances make this the wrong moment to introduce an investor-visa framework. Lebanon has been in a prolonged economic and financial crisis, and sceptics contend that a citizenship- or residency-by-investment scheme requires institutional capacity — robust vetting, due-diligence checks and transparent administration — that the country's current framework cannot yet guarantee.

The objection, as summarised in the report's headline, is twofold: "not the right timing, nor the right framework."

Who could be affected?

If Lebanon proceeds, the programme would target high-net-worth foreign investors seeking residence or citizenship in a country with Mediterranean access and diaspora ties. It would also affect Lebanese authorities, who would need to draft legislation, set investment thresholds and build screening procedures before any applications open.

At this stage, no eligibility criteria, minimum investment amounts, caps or application deadlines exist. Any firm figures will depend on draft legislation that has not been published.

What happens next?

Golden Visa announcements often precede a lengthy legislative and consultation process. Comparable programmes in other countries have taken months or years between first announcement and first issued visa, with thresholds revised repeatedly during drafting.

Prospective applicants should treat the current announcement as an intention, not an open programme. No one can apply yet, and no investment route has been formally established.

Monitor official Lebanese government channels for draft legislation, published thresholds and launch dates. This summary reflects the announcement as reported by IMI Daily and does not constitute legal or investment advice.