Residency by investment
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Residency by Investment programs allow individuals, or families, to physically relocate with the right to live, work, study, and access healthcare in their new country of residence. Individuals and their families can obtain these rights and benefits in those countries by making significant financial contributions in the form of buying or renting property, starting a business, or investing in government projects. Countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, France and many more, offer such programs.
These programs allow individuals to have multiple residencies, global expansion of business, and may provide pathways to citizenship.
Residency by Investment Europe
Residency by investment programs, also known as “golden visas”, are offered by some European countries. These programs allow people to obtain a residency permit by making an investment for residency or purchasing property. The investment amounts and residency requirements vary by country. Notable programs are Portugal’s Golden Visa, the Hungary Golden Visa and Spain Golden Visa.
| Residency Program | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
 Cyprus Permanent Residence |
EUR 300,000 | 6-9 months | The Cyprus Permanent Residence Program offers eligible individuals and their families the opportunity to reside indefinitely in Cyprus. There is a pathway to apply for Cyprus (EU) citizenship after an aggregate total of 5 years of continuous residence in Cyprus within an 8-year period. |
 France Talent Passport - Investor |
EUR 300,000 | 4-6 Months | This program is designed for foreign investors with a viable business idea who wish to create a new company or acquire an existing entity in France. Successful applicants of this program and qualifying family members will have a renewable residence permit valid up to 4 years. There is a pathway to obtaining Permanent Resident or Citizenship after 5 years of residence in France. |
| France Talent Passport - Business Creation |
EUR 30,000 | 4-6 Months | This program is designed for qualified and experienced businesspeople with a viable business idea who wish to establish their business in France. Successful applicants of this program and qualifying family members will have a renewable residence permit valid up to 4 years. There is a pathway to obtaining Permanent Resident or Citizenship after 5 years of residence in France. |
 Greece Golden Visa |
EUR 250,000 | 6-9 Months | This program allows for visa-free access to the Schengen Area and the right to reside indefinitely in Greece. The GIRP is valid for 5 years and can be renewed. Applicants can also apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years subject to meeting actual residency and language requirements |
 Hungary Golden Visa |
EUR 250,000 | 6 Months | The Hungary Golden Visa grants a 10-year residency permit (renewable) to non-EU citizens, It offers EU residency, Schengen zone travel, and a potential path to citizenship without a mandatory stay in Hungary. |
Italy Golden Visa |
EUR 250,000 | 3 to 6 Months | The Italy Golden Visa (Investor Visa) grants non-EU investors residency for 2 years Investment options range from €250,000 in startups up to €2 million in governmentbonds. It includes access to the Schengen area, allows family members to join, requires no minimum stay in Italy, and offers a pathway to citizenship. |
|
Italy Retirement Visa |
EUR 0 | 2 to 4 Months | The Italy Retirement Visa is for individuals with passive income who wish to retire in Italy. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income to support themselves, usually from pensions or investments. It grants residency, allows access to the Schengen area, and family members can join. |
Malta Permanent Residence |
EUR 0 | 6 to 8 Months | The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers a unique opportunity for non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency in one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. |
 Portugal Golden Visa |
EUR 250,000 | To be Announced | The Portugal Golden Visa program offers non-EU investors the opportunity to reside, work, and study in Portugal by investing a minimum of EUR 250,000. Through this program, applicants can qualify for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years. |
 Monaco |
EUR 500,000 | Not Provided | Sucessul applicants will be granted a renewable residency permit and have the possibility to apply for permanent residency after 9 years. There is also visa-free access to the Schengen Area. |
 Swiss Residence Permit |
CHF 429,000 | 3-6 Months | The Swiss Residence Permit with Lump Sum Taxation allows wealthy non-Swiss individuals to live in Switzerland by paying taxes based on living expenses instead of global income. It offers Swiss residency, Schengen Area access, and potential long-term settlement, making it an appealing choice for those seeking tax efficiency and a better lifestyle. . |
 United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa |
GBP 50,000 | Not Provided | The United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa is designed for experienced businesspeople with a viable innovative business idea who wish to establish their business in the UK. Applicants may apply for permanent residency after 3 years and may apply for citizenship after 5 years. |
| United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa |
N/A | Not Provided | The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows foreigners to migrate to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary of their overseas business. Successful applicants can later switch to another visa and apply for UK permanent residency after living in the UK for 5 years. |
Residency by Investment Americas
| Residency Program | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
 Canada Start-up Visa |
CAD 75,000 | 40 Months for PR | The Canadian Start-up Visa Program is for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who will spur economic growth. This program grants permanent residency in Canada and Canadian citizenship after 3 years. |
 Costa Rica Residency Permit |
USD 150,000 | 3-9 Months | The Costa Rica Resident Permit offers three pathways: Rentier (stable passive income), Pensioner (retiree pension), and Investor (business or real estate investment). Each grants a two-year temporary residence, paving the way to permanent residency and citizenship. |
 Panama Qualified Investor Immigration Program |
USD 300,000 | 1 Month | Permanent residence is granted to successful applicants, which grants the ability to live, work and study in Panama and gain access to health and welfare systems provided by the Panamanian government. There is an opportunity to apply for citizenship after 5 years. |
| Panama Pensionado Program |
USD 1,000 Monhtly Income | 3-10 Months | The Panama Pensionado program offers an affordable path to permanent residency for retirees with a stable pension. It provides special benefits, and after 5 years, residents can apply for citizenship. |
 United States E-2 Visa |
USD 250,000 | 3 Months | The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa is available for only certain nationals and grant rights to live, work and study in the USA. The E-2 typically requires an investment of around USD 250,000 and is renewable indefinitely as long as the applicant maintains the business activities. |
| United States EB-1 Visa |
NA | 8 Months | The EB-1A program offers a fast-track Green Card for individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. It grants permanent residency, work, and study rights, including benefits for dependents, with a streamlined process for highly accomplished professionals. . |
| United States EB-2 Visa |
USD 250,000 | 12-16 Months | The EB-2 Visa program grants an unconditional Green Card (permanent residency status) for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who will spur economic growth. There is a pathway to U.S. citizenship after 5 years of residency in the USA. |
| United States EB-2-NIW (Pilots) Visa |
N/A | 9-12 Months | The EB-2 NIW Visa Pilot is a program for experienced foreign airline pilots and their qualifying family members to obtain a green card in the USA. |
| United States EB-2-NIW AME Visa |
N/A | 9-12 Months | The EB-2 NIW AME National Interest Waiver is a program that allows workers within the aircraft maintenance field with exceptional ability to obtain a green card without the need for a job offer or sponsorship. |
| United States EB-2-NIW STEM Visa |
N/A | 9-12 Months | The EB-2 NIW STEM National Interest Waiver is a program that allows workers within the STEM field with exceptional ability to obtain a green card without the need for a job offer or sponsorship. |
| United States EB-5 Visa |
USD 800,000 | Not Provided | This program grants a conditional Green Card for 2 years, after which a petition must file to remove those conditions. |
Residency by Investment Asia Pacific
| Residency Program | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
 Cambodia Business Visa |
USD 50,000 | 1-2 Months | The Cambodia EB Visa is a 1-year renewable visa for foreign investors with at least USD 50,000. It allows living and doing business in Cambodia. No interview, language test, or source of funds required. A work permit is needed. Family can apply. |
Cambodia CM2H |
USD 50,000 | 4-6 Months | The Cambodia My Second Home (CM2H) Program is an investment-based initiative that enables eligible individuals to secure long-term residency and pursue a path to citizenship in Cambodia through approved real estate investments. |
 Hong Kong CIES |
HKD 30 Million | Not Provided | Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) in Hong Kong, granting residency through a minimum HKD 30 million investment in approved assets. |
 Malaysia MM2H |
USD 150,000 & Property | 2-3 Months | The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program allows foreigners to live in Malaysia with benefits like family inclusion, education, and tax exemptions, requiring a fixed deposit of USD 150,000 for those aged 50 and above. |
Malaysia Premium Visa Program |
RM 480,000 (annually) | 3-4 Months | The Malaysia Premium Visa Program (PVIP) offers high-net-worth individuals a 20-year renewable residency with no minimum stay requirements. Requiring monthly offshore income of RM40,000, applicants pay a RM200,000 fee plus RM1,000,000 fixed deposit. |
 New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa |
NZ 15 Million | Not Provided | Successful applicants will be granted indefinite residence and there is a possibility to apply for permanent residency after 4 years and citizenship after 5 years. |
 Singapore Permanent Residency |
SGD 10 Million | 6-9 Months | The Singaporean Global Investor Programme is a scheme that enables prosperous investors to procure permanent residency in Singapore. |
| Singapore Start-up Visa |
USD 230,000 | 8 Weeks to 6 Months | The Singapore Start-up Visa Program is designed for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who will spur economic growth and entails consequent commitment from a designated organization. Successful applicants are granted a renewable visa that may lead to permanent residency after 2 years. |
 Thailand Elite Visa |
THB 900,000 | 1-3 months | Thailand Elite Visa is a program that grants you to stay in Thailand for 5-20 years. This visa grants a 5-year renewable multiple entry with an extendable one-year length of stay. |
| Thailand Long-term Resident Visa |
USD 250,000 | 20 Working Days | Thailand LTR Visa is a program that grants you to stay in Thailand for 10 years. The 10-years visa is divided into two 5-years terms. Applicants will be granted the initial permission to stay in the country for 5 years which can be extended for 5 more years. |
 Vietnam DT3 Visa - Investor |
USD 150,000 | 5 months | The Vietnam DT3 Visa is an Investment Visa, this option is designed for foreign investors and entrepreneurs who wish to settle down and conduct business in Vietnam, by investing at least USD 150,000 in setting up a new company or acquiring an existing entity. |
| Vietnam DT4 Visa - Business Creation |
USD 70,000 | 5 months | The Vietnam Investment Visa, also known as a DT4 visa, is a visa option designed for foreign investors and entrepreneurs seeking to engage in business activities in Vietnam. |
Residency by Investment Africa
The African region offers residency programs for both investors and skilled professionals looking to expand their business and relocate to Africa. Mauritius offers Occupation Permits (work & residency) and Residence Permits (ideal for retirement). Across Africa, permanent residency programs exist for those seeking a long-term commitment to the continent.
| Residency Program | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
 Mauritius Occupation Permit |
USD 50,000 | 2-6 Months | The Mauritius Occupation Permit (OP) is issued to non-citizens who wish to live and work in Mauritius. The OP allows individuals to engage in gainful employment, establish businesses, or invest in the country. It is granted for 10 years and can be renewed under certain conditions. |
| Mauritius Residence Permit |
USD 375,000 | 2-6 Months | Successful applicants will be granted a residency permit that grants the holder to live, work and retire in Mauritius and have the right to stay as long as they remain the owever of the invested property. There is a pathway to permanent residency and eventually, citizenship. |
 South Africa PR |
N/A | Not Provided | Grants permanent residence status in South Africa, thereby having all the rights and duties of a South Africa citizen (except the right to vote). There is a pathway to South African citizenship after 10 years, or sooner with sufficient motivation |
Residency by Investment in the Middle-East
| Residency Program | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
 UAE Golden Visa |
USD 50,000 | 1 Month | The UAE’s Golden Visa for Web3 entrepreneurs provides a 10-year residency, visa-free travel, and dependent sponsorship, attracting global talent and positioning the UAE as a Web3 innovation hub. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Residency by Investment?
Residency by Investment—often called a Golden Visa—is a way for you and your family to obtain legal 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.