The 32 Best Residency by Investment Programs in 2024

Residency by Investment (RBI) is a program that allows people to obtain legal residency in a country by making a significant financial investment. This investment can take various forms, such as purchasing real estate, investing in a business, or contributing to government bonds or funds.

This has become an increasingly popular strategy for investors seeking greater mobility, financial opportunities, and lifestyle improvements. Europe has some of the world’s most attractive residency programs, with countries like Portugal, Spain, Malta, Greece, Italy, and Cyprus leading.

However, the appeal of Golden Visas extends beyond Europe. Numerous countries across Asia, the Americas, and other regions offer similar pathways to residency in exchange for substantial financial investment.

This guide will explore the universe of investment immigration and provide a comprehensive list of the top 32 countries where investors can secure residency through their financial contributions. We will cover:

• European Residence by Investment Programs
• North American Residence by Investment Programs
• Caribbean Residence by Investment Programs
• South/Central American Residence by Investment Programs
• Asian Residence by Investment Programs
• Oceania/South Pacific Residency by Investment Programs
• African Residence by Investment Programs
• Temporary residence vs permanent residence Programs
• The Benefits of Residency by Investment
• Step-by-Step process for obtaining a residency 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 people who can meet the investment requirements. 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 Residency by Investment program, also known as the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), is the optimal choice for investors pursuing secure real estate investments and residency in one of the best European countries. 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 establish a business in the UK based on an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea. 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. 

Serbia

The Serbian Residency by Investment Program is for those interested in residency in Serbia through real estate purchases. It is designed to attract foreign nationals who wish to live and work in the country.

A foreign national must first purchase a property within the country to qualify for residency through real estate acquisition in Serbia. This can include various real estate types, such as apartments, houses, or commercial properties. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the price or location of the property.

Foreigners from countries that allow Serbian citizens to buy property can acquire real estate in Serbia. In cases with no reciprocity agreement, individuals may need to establish a legal entity to facilitate their purchase.  

Hungary

The Hungarian Golden Visa Program, officially known as the Guest Investor Program (GIP), was reintroduced on July 1, 2024. This program allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to obtain long-term residency in Hungary through investment.

It aims to attract foreign investment to stimulate the economy while providing investors and their families with access to the European Union and Schengen Area. Successful applicants receive a residence permit that is valid for ten years, with the possibility of indefinite renewal.

This long-term residency allows investors to establish a stable presence in Hungary and enjoy the associated lifestyle benefits. 

Latvia

The Latvia Golden Visa Program primarily targets non-EU citizens wishing to get residency in Europe. It is ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals who want residency and its advantages, such as access to the Schengen Zone for easy travel across multiple European countries.

The program officially opened for applications on July 1, 2024, with the option for a six-month guest investor visa as an initial step toward obtaining the 10-year residency permit.

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 or a real estate investment are among the most popular qualifying investments foreigners choose to obtain permanent residency in Mexico through its available 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 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 a foreign investor can obtain a residence permit. 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.

Temporary Residence vs Permanent Residence Programs

Temporary residence is time-limited, often tied to work or study, with restricted access to services and visa renewal requirements. On the other hand,  permanent residence provides long-term stability with more rights, including full access to benefits, unrestricted work, and travel freedom.

While there are similarities between the two legal statuses, there are a few distinctions, such as:

Validity: The duration of the visa is one of the key differences between a permanent and temporary residence permit.

For instance, 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. A permanent residence permit is indefinite, with no renewal requirements.

Path to citizenship: A residence permit and permanent residence are important steps toward gaining citizenship. Generally, you start by obtaining a residence permit, and after living in the country for a few years, you can upgrade to a permanent residency permit.

Having permanent residency simplifies the path to citizenship. For instance, countries like Malta and Cyprus offer a direct route to permanent residency through their residency-by-investment programs, allowing you to apply for citizenship after meeting the required residency duration and investment requirements.

Language requirements: Most residency by investment countries don’t require language proficiency to obtain initial residency, but in some cases, it is necessary for permanent residency and citizenship.

Some permanent residence programs, like those in Malta and Cyprus, do not require applicants to prove their language skills to qualify for a permanent residence permit.

The Benefits of Residency by Investment

The benefits of residency in another country are endless, and there are even more ways to maximize these advantages through the choice of residency you find suitable for you and your family. Global Citizen Solutions has an extensive list of Global Passport Indexes to help you decide on an eventual second passport and expand these benefits further.

More business opportunities: Gaining residency in another country can open you up to expanding and starting a business in another country. If you opt for residency in a country that has strong trade agreements, like the European Union (EU), then there’s even an opportunity to broaden your entrepreneurial endeavors to more nations.

Visa-free travel to other countries: In certain countries, residency by investment provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to multiple destinations. For example, 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 countries offering investor visa programs extend the invitation to the main applicant’s immediate family members. Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse and unmarried children. In some countries, dependent parents and grandparents are also included.

Tax optimization: Numerous RBI countries have favorable tax environments, and many offer tax incentives through concessions to foreign residents with investor visas. For instance, some countries like Monaco and St. Kitts and Nevis do not tax worldwide income for residents.

Access to quality services: Gaining residency in another country grants access to higher-quality healthcare and educational services. For instance, global studies show that obtaining residency status in specific EU countries can frequently improve the overall quality of life through access to world-class health care, education, and other essential services that the country excels in.

Eligibility for citizenship: Many residency by-investment programs offer a path to citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements. This provides an opportunity to acquire a second passport,

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Residency Permit

Here is a step-by-step process for obtaining a residency permit: 

1. Choose the right program

As seen by the extensive list of countries offering residency by investment, there are many countries to choose from, each presenting its advantages and requirement criteria.

2. Hire an immigration lawyer

Once the country and program have been chosen, it is important to choose a lawyer or an immigration expert in the country of interest. Here at Global Citizen Solutions, we have experienced immigration lawyers and experts to guide you through every step of the process.

3. Prepare documentation

Gather necessary documents, which generally include:

• Valid passport.
• Proof of investment funds
• Clean criminal record
• Health insurance
• Proof of residence

Some countries require that documents be officially translated and notarized.

4. Make the investment

Once your application is ready, you must invest in one of your program’s options.

5. Submit the residency application

Submit your completed application through a local immigration office or a consulate/embassy if applying from abroad, and pay the application fee if needed.

6. Attend a biometrics appointment

This is when you get your fingerprints and photos taken.

7. Wait for approval

Once your application is submitted, the processing time will vary depending on the country and program. While waiting, immigration authorities will verify your documents, perform background checks, and validate your investment.

8. Receive the residence permit

Upon approval, you will receive a temporary or permanent residence permit, usually valid for 1-5 years, depending on the country and the type of residency.

9. Meet residency obligations

Depending on the country, you may be required to:

• Maintain the investment for a set period (usually 3-5 years).
• Some countries require you to spend a minimum of days in the country yearly (e.g., seven days/year in Portugal and 183 days/year in Spain).
• You may need to meet tax obligations, especially if you live in the country for more than half the year.

10. Renew the residence permit

If your permit is temporary, you must renew it periodically (usually every 1-2 years). To renew, you must continue meeting all residency requirements, including investment and physical presence.

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?

To get residency by investment, choose a country offering a program and make a qualifying investment, such as purchasing real estate, starting a business, or investing in government bonds. Submit an application with necessary documents like proof of funds and a clean criminal record. Once approved, you’ll receive a residency permit, typically renewable over several years.

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?

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.

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 residency.

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

In most residency by investment programs, you must maintain your investment or property for a certain period, typically 3-5 years, to keep your residency status. After this period, you may be able to sell the investment without losing your residency, but specific rules vary by country.

What are the best countries for residency by investment?

These countries are among the best for residency by investment due to their favorable tax regimes, strong global mobility, and clear pathways to citizenship. They also offer access to high-quality healthcare, education, and secure living environments, making them attractive to investors and their families.

• Portugal 
• Greece 
• Spain 
• Malta 
• Canada 

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.

Can residency by investment lead to citizenship?

Yes, residency by investment can lead to citizenship in many countries. After obtaining residency through an investment, you must maintain your residency status for a certain period (usually 5-10 years), meet physical presence requirements, and demonstrate integration (language, culture). Once these conditions are fulfilled, you can apply for citizenship and, in some cases, acquire a second passport.

How much does residency by investment cost?

The cost of residency by investment varies by country, typically ranging from $250,000 to over $1 million, depending on the type of investment, such as real estate, business, or government bonds. Some countries also charge additional application and processing fees.

How does one prove the source of funds for residency by investment?

To prove the source of funds for residency by investment, you typically need to provide bank statements, tax returns, and financial records that show the funds are legally obtained. Documents like employment contracts, business income reports, or asset sales can also be required to verify the legitimacy and origin of the investment capital.