Residency by investment

What is Residency by Investment?

A Residency by Investment program, often called a Golden Visa, allows you and your family to obtain legal residency in a country by making a qualifying investment, such as purchasing real estate, investing in government bonds, or starting a business. In many cases, it can also lead to permanent residency or citizenship over time.

What benefits do Residency by Investment programs provide?

These programs offer a wide range of benefits, including the ability to live, work, or study in the country, access healthcare and education systems, improved global mobility, family inclusion, and long-term security through permanent residency or citizenship options.

Is Residency by Investment a good idea?

For many individuals and families, it can be a very smart long-term decision. Residency by Investment is often chosen by those seeking greater freedom of movement, access to stable legal systems, and better healthcare and education options for their family.

Harvey Law Group highlights that the real value is not just the residence permit itself, but the strategic flexibility it provides—helping clients diversify their personal, family, and financial options. Whether it is the right choice depends on your goals, tax situation, lifestyle plans, and investment horizon, which is why professional legal advice is essential.

Which countries offer Residency by Investment?

Residency by Investment programs are available worldwide. Popular destinations include Portugal, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Canada, the United States (EB-5), Panama, Costa Rica, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mauritius, and the United Arab Emirates.

What are typical investment thresholds and timelines?

Investment requirements vary by country, starting from around USD 150,000 in some jurisdictions and reaching USD 800,000 or more for programs like the US EB-5. Processing times range from as little as one month in countries such as Panama or the UAE to up to ten months or longer in places like Portugal or Canada.

Can my family obtain residency through my investment?

Yes. Most programs allow you to include your spouse and dependent children, and some also permit the inclusion of dependent parents, enabling families to apply together.

Am I required to relocate to the country?

Not necessarily. Many Residency by Investment programs require only minimal physical presence, sometimes just a few days per year. Full relocation is usually optional unless citizenship is your main objective.

Is Residency by Investment the same as Citizenship?

No. Residency grants the right to live legally in a country, while citizenship provides additional rights such as a passport and voting privileges. Many residency programs can eventually lead to citizenship if legal requirements are met.

How long until I can apply for citizenship?

This depends on the country. For example, Portugal typically allows citizenship after five years, Greece after around seven years, Canada after approximately three years of residency, and the US EB-5 program leads to permanent residency before citizenship eligibility.

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

Yes. Most countries require investors to maintain their investment for a fixed period, usually between three and five years. Selling or withdrawing too early may result in loss of residency status.

Why work with an immigration lawyer like Harvey Law Group?

Immigration and investment laws can be complex. Harvey Law Group, founded in 1992, operates in over 20 countries and provides expert legal guidance to ensure compliance, protect investments, and support families throughout the process.

What differentiates Harvey Law Group from other service providers?

Harvey Law Group is a licensed international law firm, not a marketing agency. All cases are handled by experienced lawyers, and the firm has earned international recognition for its expertise and professionalism.

How does Harvey Law Group support complex investments?

The firm provides legal support covering foreign exchange regulations, international tax and estate planning, investment due diligence, and direct communication with government authorities, all tailored to each client’s objectives.

How can I get started with Harvey Law Group?

You can contact any Harvey Law Group office worldwide for an initial consultation. Their legal team will assess your profile and design a personalized Residency by Investment strategy aligned with your goals.