Residency by investment

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 By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

Malta

EUR 150,000 6-8 Months This program allows access to Schengen Area right to reside indefinitely in Malta. Thre is also a potential path to citizenship under Maltese Citizenship Act Chapter 188 subject to conditions.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

Spain Golden Visa

EUR 500,000 1-3 Months The Spain Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment scheme that grants non-EU investors the ability to live, work, and study in Spain. Successful applicants can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years (or 2 years for former colonies).
Residency By Investment

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. .
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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 through investment are made available in the Americas by investment programs and skilled professional programs. Investment options exist in countries like the US (EB-5) and Canada (Startup Visa). Skilled workers (engineers, scientists, airline pilots) may also find residency opportunities through programs like the US EB-2 NIW for exceptional ability. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver streamlines processes by waiving the job offer requirement for foreign nationals whose work is deemed beneficial to the US.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

Panama Pensionado Program

EUR 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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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

The Asia Pacific region offers a variety of residency programs for both investors and skilled professionals. Countries like New Zealand (Active Investor Plus Visa) and Singapore provide residency opportunities through investment. Skilled professionals looking to relocate to the Asia-Pacific might also find pathways through programs like Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES).
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

Malaysia MM2H

HKD 30 Million 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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment
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.
Residency By Investment
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 By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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.
Residency By Investment

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

The UAE Golden Visa Program represents an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking long-term residency in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. By offering stability, independence from local sponsorship requirements, and numerous benefits tailored specifically for Web3 entrepreneurs, it solidifies the UAE’s position as a premier destination for innovation and growth.
Residency By Investment

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

Can I get citizenship and a passport through residency by investment?

Residency by investment is not the same as citizenship by investment. Some programs may offer a pathway to citizenship after residing in the country for a certain number of years, but this is not guaranteed.

Can my family members also get residency if I invest?

Yes, in most programs, spouse and dependent children can be included in the application and obtain residency alongside the main investor.

Can I keep my current citizenship if I obtain residency by investment in another country?

This depends on the laws of your home country and the country offering residency. Some countries allow dual citizenship, while others may require you to renounce your existing citizenship.

Can I change my name as part of the residency application process? Can I change my family's names too?

Name changes are generally not included in residency by investment programs. You would likely need to go through a separate legal process for a name change.

Will I be required to attend an interview as part of the residency by investment application process?

Interview requirements vary by program. Some countries may require an interview, while others may not.

Do I need to pay a deposit upfront to start the application? What about the remaining balance and any fees?

There may be a deposit required to initiate the application process. The remaining investment amount and any administrative fees are typically due upon approval of residency.

Do I have to hold onto the investment for a certain period?

Yes, most programs require the investment to be maintained for a set timeframe, which can range from a few years to several years.

Which countries offer investment for residency programs?

Countries like Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, or Cyprus are well-known for their Golden Visa programs. Each country has its own specific requirements and benefits.