Residency by investment

What is Residency by Investment?

A Residency by Investment program sometimes called Golden Visa, is a way for you and your family to obtain residency in a country by making a qualifying investment, such as buying real estate, investing in government bonds, or starting a business. In many cases, it can even lead to citizenship over time.

What benefits do Residency by Investment programs provide?

These programs open the door to a range of benefits: you can live, work, or study in the country, access public services like healthcare and education, travel visa-free to certain regions (like the Schengen Area), include your family, and expand your business footprint globally. Plus, in many cases, there's a clear path to permanent residency or citizenship.

Which countries offer Residency by Investment?

There’s a wide selection. In Europe, countries like Portugal, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy have popular programs. In the Americas, think of Canada, the US (EB-5), Panama, and Costa Rica. Asia-Pacific offers options like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. You’ll also find programs in Mauritius and the UAE.

What are typical investment thresholds and timelines?

It really depends on the country. Some programs start around USD 150,000 (like Costa Rica or Thailand), while others go up to USD 800,000 or more (like the US EB-5). As for processing time, it can be as fast as one month in places like Panama or the UAE, or closer to 10 months in places like Portugal or Canada.

Can my family obtain residency through my investment?

Absolutely. Most programs allow you to include your spouse and children. Some countries even let you include dependent parents, so your entire close family can benefit from the residency status.

Am I required to relocate to the country?

Not always. Many programs, especially in Europe, only require you to spend a few days per year in the country—sometimes as little as 7 to 14 days. Full relocation is usually not mandatory unless you're seeking citizenship faster.

Is Residency by Investment the same as Citizenship?

Not quite. Residency lets you live legally in a country, but you’re not a citizen—you don’t get a passport or voting rights. However, many Residency by Investment programs are designed to lead to citizenship after a few years if you meet the requirements.

How long until I can apply for citizenship?

It varies by country. Portugal typically allows you to apply after 5 years of residency, Greece after about 7 years, the US EB-5 route may lead to a green card in 2 years, and Canada could allow citizenship after 3 years of residency. It all depends on the country’s laws and your level of commitment.

Do I need to maintain my investment for a set period?

Yes. Most countries require you to keep your investment for a fixed number of years—usually between 3 and 5. If you withdraw or sell too early, you might lose your residency status.

Why work with an immigration lawyer like Harvey Law Group?

Because navigating international immigration laws and financial regulations can get complicated. Harvey Law Group has been around since 1992 and operates in more than 20 countries. Their legal team knows how to structure your investment, keep everything compliant, and help you secure your residency smoothly.

What differentiates Harvey Law Group from other service providers?

Unlike marketing firms or agents, Harvey Law Group is a fully licensed international law firm. Their work is handled by qualified lawyers, not intermediaries. They’ve won awards like Immigration Law Firm of the Year and have a long-standing global reputation for reliability and professionalism.

How does Harvey Law Group support complex investments?

They go far beyond paperwork. Their services include legal analysis of foreign exchange laws, international tax planning, estate protection, investment due diligence, and even direct communication with government agencies. Everything is tailored to your situation and goals.

How can I get started with Harvey Law Group?

It’s easy. Just reach out to any of their global offices for a free initial consultation. They’ll evaluate your profile, compare all relevant Residency by Investment programs, and put together a personalized legal plan to help you move forward with confidence.