Residency by Investment: Permanent and Temporary Programs

Investors can acquire residency by investment in European countries, including Portugal, Spain, Malta, Greece, Italy, and Cyprus. Several countries across continents worldwide also provide investor visas, known as Golden Visas, in exchange for significant investment. We’ll dissect investment immigration and list the countries available to secure residency through investment.

Temporary Residence vs Permanent Residence Programs

EU temporary and permanent residence permit holders enjoy nearly identical rights and opportunities. Nevertheless, there are a few distinctions between the statuses.

Validity: An investor visa granting a temporary residence permit is typically valid for one to five years. In certain countries, validity may be a decade or more. The UAE Golden Visa is valid for up to ten years, whereas foreigners can gain a 20-year residence permit under the Thailand Elite Visa program.

While validity can be long, you must renew the permit before it expires. On the other hand, a permanent residence permit is indefinite, with no renewal requirements.

Path to citizenship: A residence permit and permanent residence represent sequential milestones on the path to citizenship. In most countries, to begin the naturalization process, you first obtain a residence permit, and after a few years of residency, you can exchange a temporary permit for a permanent residency permit.

Permanent residence eliminates the first step to citizenship. Countries like Malta and Cyprus provide a direct route to permanent residency, with the option to apply for citizenship after completing the necessary residency period.

Language requirements: Investor residence programs typically don’t require tests for language proficiency. When applying for permanent residency, countries require applicants to pass specific criteria, often including proving the ability to speak one of the country’s official languages.

Specific permanent residence programs, including the Malta and Cyprus investment programs, waive the requirement for applicants to provide proof of language proficiency to be eligible for a permanent residence permit.

European Residence by Investment Programs

Austria

As an EU member state, Austria provides the chance to obtain an EU residency visa through its immigration scheme for financially independent people. This immigrant investor visa, available to German-speaking individuals, provides visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area. The immigration scheme is subject to strict eligibility requirements, and a limited number of residence permits are granted yearly.

Andorra

The microstate of Andorra provides its own EU residency by investment program with the option of investing in real estate next to a bank deposit. Andorran residency comes with the benefit of tax incentives.

Curaçao

Although located in the Caribbean, the Curaçao Investor Permit Program offers the benefit of island living and EU residency. The Dutch Caribbean island provides several investments in its residency by investment program, including purchasing real estate.

Cyprus

Officially referred to as the Cyprus Permanent Residence Program, the Cyprus immigration investment program is ideal for foreign investors and expats seeking secure residential or commercial property investments and European residency through an immigrant investor visa.

 

Greece

The Greece Golden Visa program allows foreigners to gain residency in one of the most desirable European Union countries. Real estate investment is the primary option to obtain Greece residence by investment.

Italy

Referred to as the Italy Golden Visa, the Italian Investor Visa (La Dolce Visa) provides four investment options for third-country nationals seeking an EU residence permit for themselves and their family members.

 

Malta

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) presents the optimal choice for investors pursuing secure real estate investments and residency in one of the best European countries to live in. Malta also offers a fast-track option for citizenship.

 

Portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa program is for those interested in investments such as starting a business or reconstructing national heritage. Successful applicants acquire a two-year residency visa, which can be extended to their family members, allowing them to live and work in Portugal and travel visa-free to other EU countries and throughout the Schengen Area.

Spain

The Spanish Golden Visa is a popular EU investor immigration program in the European Union. The immigration investment program allows foreigners to obtain a Golden Visa from one of four investment options, including real estate investment.

 

Switzerland

As one of the most stable and prosperous EU countries, Switzerland’s residence by investment program is designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking EU residence permits in a stable economy. The investor immigration scheme provides a one-year residence permit by paying an annual tax fee or an annual business investment.

United Kingdom

The UK Innovator Visa is available to foreign entrepreneurs who wish to create innovative businesses in the United Kingdom. The investor’s business plan must showcase the potential for growth, job creation for UK legal residents, and scalability to compete in national and global markets.

An authorized endorsing body must also endorse the business. This investment immigration scheme provides a residence permit that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years. 

North American Residence by Investment Programs

United States

The US remains open to granting residence permits to qualifying foreign entrepreneurs with one of the most in-demand investment programs. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a US investment program providing a temporary residence permit in the US with the possibility to obtain a permanent residence card (Green Card) and citizenship. The investor immigration program revolves around establishing a business.

 

Canada

Canada’s residency by investment program provides international investors with enhanced investment prospects and an excellent quality of life. The Canada Startup Visa lays a path to permanent residency status in Canada for successful entrepreneurs.

 

Mexico

Mexico is a popular alternative investment program, particularly for American citizens. The country provides several temporary and permanent residence by investment programs. An investment in a Mexican company is one of the most popular qualifying investments foreigners choose to obtain permanent residency in Mexico through its available investment programs.

Caribbean Residence by Investment Programs

Anguilla

Anguilla is among the prime countries to consider relocating to minimize your personal income tax burden and enjoy an excellent quality of life. Obtaining permanent residency is a streamlined process through a significant financial contribution to the National Development Fund or a real estate purchase.

A separate Anguilla High-Value Residents program (HVR) allows high-net-worth individuals to gain residency by paying a lump-sum annual tax.

 

Cayman Islands

Another British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands, stands as one of the most reputable destinations for mitigating one’s tax burden.

Several financial incentives exist to establish residence in the Cayman Islands, including no capital gains, inheritance, personal income, or wealth tax. The country has maintained its tax-free status through residence by investment.

South/Central American Residence by Investment Programs

Brazil

The Brazil Investor Visa allows foreigners and their family members to obtain a permanent residence permit by investing in real estate or establishing businesses that provide employment.

Panama

Located in Central America, Panama is a crucial link between North and South America, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Bordered by Costa Rica and Nicaragua, the country upholds its importance with two residence by investment programs:

Qualified Investor Permanent Residency: Offers a permanent residence permit in exchange for investments, including real estate purchases.

Reforestation Investor Visa: Offers a temporary residence permit for investing in government-approved reforestation projects.

 

Paraguay

Paraguay is a landlocked South American country brimming with untapped potential. One of the main benefits of Paraguay residence by investment is that it provides one of the cheapest residency by investment programs offering permanent residence, among other benefits, including a low cost of living.

Asian Residence by Investment Programs

Cambodia

The Cambodian government introduced a residency and citizenship by investment program called the Cambodia My 2nd Home (CM2H) investment program. The citizenship by investment program is also available by investing in government-approved property for those seeking a second passport.

 

Jordan

Jordan has gradually opened its doors to foreigners and their investments. Like Cambodia, the country provides both the option of long-term residence and citizenship by investment in 2023.

Singapore

The Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP) has provided many wealthy individuals with the economic means to establish permanent residency by investment in one of the world’s most stable economies. This Singapore residence by investment program offers a safe haven to investors; however, the eligibility criteria are significantly more demanding than other investment programs on the list.

Thailand

The Thai Elite Residence program offers several advantages to Thai Elite Visa holders not typically found in other residency by investment programs. Some benefits of its investment program include expedited immigration processing from Thai immigration upon arrival, a free annual healthcare check-up, and special discounts and bookings provided by Thai Elite Residence program partners.

 

United Arab Emirates

Golden Visa programs have become increasingly popular among foreign nationals, and the UAE Golden Visa now offers one of the most sought-after due to its high quality of life and no personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or gift tax.

Residence by investment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi grants long-term residency in one of the Middle East’s most developed and tolerant countries. Investors also gain access to a cornerstone Asian market.

Oceania/South Pacific Residency by Investment Programs

Australia

Australia has long been a desirable destination for investors and retirees alike. While there is an option to obtain permanent residency through investment, the visa isn’t available to non-residents. You must already be an Australian resident with an investor visa gained by establishing a designated investment.

New Zealand

Like Australia, New Zealand is another desirable destination for residency for a range of individuals. Although relatively isolated, the nation offers a peaceful environment, well-developed infrastructure, and good healthcare. The country is open to granting a residence permit to investors through its Active Investor Plus Visa program; however, it requires a substantial investment for eligibility.

Fiji

Fiji is a picturesque island paradise for many, and obtaining a residence permit is possible as a foreign investor. The country provides a low-cost immigrant investor program, allowing foreigners to gain long-term residence for as little as $50,000.

African Residence by Investment Programs

Egypt 

Egypt is making significant strides in the world of residency and citizenship through a series of innovative immigration programs introduced to encourage foreign investment. For individuals seeking an affordable residence permit, Egypt’s cheapest option starts from a $50,000 direct investment.

Namibia

Namibia is one of the few African countries offering residency to foreigners and their dependent family members through residential property investment. The Namibia immigrant investor program linked to the Presidents Links Estate project is quickly gaining ground as the ideal investment option to secure residency in the rapidly developing African nation.

The Benefits of Residency by Investment

More business opportunities: The EU’s large market opens up new avenues for business prospects, enabling investors to broaden their entrepreneurial endeavors while obtaining residency.

Visa-free travel to other EU countries: EU residence permit holders can travel to other EU countries visa-free. Residency in the EU’s Schengen Area provides borderless travel to other Schengen countries.

Eligibility for family members: Most EU countries offering investor visa programs extend the invitation to immediate family members of the main applicant, providing a secure and stable environment for investors relocating with their families. Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse and unmarried children. In some countries, it also includes dependent parents and grandparents.

Tax optimization: Numerous European RBI countries have favorable tax environments, and many offer tax incentives through concessions to foreign residents with investor visas. The Greece Non-Dom Tax regime allows Golden Visa holders to pay an annual tax fee on foreign income instead of income taxes.

Access to quality services: Obtaining residency status in specific EU countries can frequently lead to an improved overall quality of life through access to world-class health care, education, and other essential services that the country excels in, according to global studies.

Eligibility for European citizenship: While some EU investor visa holders are content with temporary residency, a significant number have the ultimate objective of becoming naturalized and acquiring second citizenship in an EU country. Residency by investment often acts as a means to obtain citizenship, offering long-term security, a stable future, and the ability to fully integrate into the country’s social and cultural fabric.

In a nutshell, obtaining residency and citizenship by investment in the EU offers multiple benefits, such as global mobility in the Schengen Area, improved quality of life, business opportunities, financial protection, political and social stability, tax benefits, and a solution for family planning. If you are considering EU residency by investment, we recommend thoroughly researching the programs available and analyzing which best suits your needs and preferences.

Choosing a Residence by Investment Program

Choosing a residence by investment scheme is a significant decision that requires careful consideration with several factors coming into play. Firstly, assessing the investments available and their suitability to your financial capabilities and priorities is crucial. Property investment through the Greece or Spanish Golden Visa scheme may be the best option if you’re moving abroad to start a new life. In contrast, a significant financial contribution to an economic diversification fund or government bonds could suit those seeking to optimize their taxes.

Consider investment criteria, the potential returns, and the stability of the investment market. Analyze the Global Passport Index to determine the benefits and privileges of the investment program, such as access to quality healthcare and education, business opportunities, and travel privileges.

Tax benefits are a significant consideration. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and St Kitts and Nevis offering temporary residency or citizenship by investment have no personal income or capital gains tax. Tax benefits also extend to no wealth, inheritance, or gift tax.

Additionally, the reputation and political stability of the country offering residency or citizenship by investment, as well as its legal framework and tax system, should not be overlooked. By carefully examining all aspects, including personal visits, one can make a well-informed choice when selecting a residence by investment program that aligns with one’s goals, lifestyle, and future aspirations.

Can residency by investment eventually lead to citizenship?

Residency by investment is a step to citizenship in most cases except for a few exceptions. While initially granting temporary or permanent residence, it may include provisions allowing individuals to become eligible for dual citizenship over time. The pathway to citizenship typically involves fulfilling specific requirements. These include maintaining the initial investment for a certain period, demonstrating continuous residence in the country, integrating into society, and complying with legal and tax obligations.

As investors establish roots and contribute economically to the host nation, they become eligible for dual citizenship after completing the minimum residency period set out in the country’s immigration laws. Once the necessary conditions are met, individuals can apply for citizenship.

How Global Citizen Solutions Can Help

Pursuing residency or citizenship by investment is becoming increasingly popular in today’s globalized world. Many countries now provide such programs, where you can obtain long-term or permanent residency by investing in a country’s economy. A qualifying investment not only contributes to the nation’s economic growth but also provides increased financial and personal rights for yourself and your family.

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique global citizenship and residence advisory firm providing citizenship and residency solutions to international clients. Get a free consultation today to begin your journey to residence by investment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Residency by Investment

How to get residency by investment?

Obtaining residency by investment has specific requirements and processes that vary depending on the country’s immigration policies and investment programs. Some residency by investment programs, like the Greece residence by investment program, allow you to invest in real estate to obtain a permanent residency permit. Other investment immigration programs, such as the Singapore Global Investor Program, require applicants to invest in new or existing businesses, as well as prove a successful business track record before they’re granted a permanent residency permit.

How much do I need to invest to get US residency?

The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires applicants to invest at least $1.05 million in a new commercial enterprise. The required investment for this business investment program can be reduced to $800,000 if invested in an area of high unemployment, known as a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).

How much do you need to invest in the US to get a Green Card?

How much do you need to invest in the US to get a Green Card? The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires you to invest the minimum amount of $1.05 million in a new enterprise (or $800,000 if investing in a Targeted Area of Employment (TEA). After completing the investment, applicants are granted a Conditional Permanent Residence Card valid for two years, with the conditional status withdrawn after two years, on the condition that they continue to fulfill the program’s requirements.

Can you get US residence by investment?

It is possible to obtain residence by investment in the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which provides a route to lawful permanent residency for foreign entrepreneurs who meet the program’s criteria.

Under the EB-5 investment program, individuals must invest in a new commercial enterprise in the US and provide employment opportunities for legal residents. The investment must fulfill the minimum amount – currently set at at least USD 1.05 million in a new enterprise ($800,000 if invested in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) – and the enterprise must create at least ten full-time jobs.

Can you get a Green Card by buying property?

Purchasing property alone does not grant eligibility for a Green Card in the United States. Buying property as part of the required investment, in addition to creating jobs when establishing a new enterprise under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, may contribute to fulfilling the program’s requirement and obtaining a Green Card.

Can I sell my investment or property after obtaining residency through a residency by investment program?

The nature of residency by investment programs is that the significant financial contribution or investment must be held long enough for the country to realize economic benefits. This can be for a certain period and sometimes indefinitely. In most cases, real estate property can be sold after five years, although some Golden Visa countries like the UAE and Spain require investments to be held indefinitely to maintain a valid Golden Visa.

What are the best countries for residency by investment?

The best countries for investment residency differ according to individual preferences, objectives, and the unique offerings of each immigration scheme. Portugal continuously holds a popular program due to its high quality of life and low cost of living. The Quebec Investment Immigration Program can be appealing to those seeking lucrative investment opportunities and a safe environment for persons of the LGBT community.

Those seeking the cheapest residency by investment programs may be drawn to the Greece Golden Visa, which starts at €250,000 for real estate investment, or the Malta Permanent Residence Program, which allows a total investment of €120,000 to qualify.

Are there any tax implications associated with residency by investment?

The tax implications of residence by investment or a self-employment visa vary depending on the country’s tax laws. Key things to consider are the existence of a double tax treaty with your new country of residence and worldwide income tax. Some investor visa countries granting a permanent or temporary residence by investment, like the Cayman Islands and the United Arab Emirates, charge no capital gains or income tax. Many countries that offer residency and CBI programs provide unique tax regimes to reduce or exempt taxes.

More about Residency and Citizenship by Investment Programs

The following articles might also be of interest to you.