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.
| Country | 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. |
 Portugal Golden Visa |
EUR 250,000 | 12-24 Months | 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. |
 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. |
 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. |
 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). |
 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 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.
| Country | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
 Canada Start-up Visa |
CAD 75,000 | 39 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. |
 Panama |
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. |
 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-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
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).
| Country | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
 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. |
 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.
| Country | 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 |
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 |
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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 residency programs through investment?
The following countries offer residency by investment programs :
Cyprus Permanent Residence
France Talent Passport – Investor
France Talent Passport – Business Creation
Greece Golden Visa
Hungary Golden Visa
Portugal Golden Visa
Malta Permanent Residency
Monaco Residency Permit
Spain Golden Visa
United Kingdom: Innovator Founder Visa
United Kingdom: Expansion Worker Visa
Canada Start-up Visa
Panama Qualified Investment Visa
United States: E-2 Visa
United States: EB-2 Visa
United States: EB-2-NIW (Pilots) Visa
United States: EB-2-NIW AME Visa
United States: EB-2-NIW STEM Visa
United States: EB-5 Visa
Hong Kong: Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)
New Zealand: Active Investor Plus Visa
Singapore: Global Investor Program (Permanent Residency)
Singapore: Start-up Visa
Thailand: Elite Visa
Thailand: Long-term Resident Visa
Vietnam: DT3 Visa – Investor
Vietnam: DT4 Visa – Business Creation
Mauritius: Occupation Permit
Mauritius: Residence Permit
South Africa: Permanent Residence Status