Best Residency by Investment Programs in 2026

Investor-residency rules have been moving fast. In the last year, New Zealand loosened its Active Investor Plus settings (June 2025) and then went further in September, allowing qualifying investor-residents to purchase a single high-value home (≥ NZ$5 million). The goal: attract capital while ring-fencing mainstream housing. It is anticipated that New Zealand will once again feature more prominently on the shortlists of high-net-worth individuals.

Within the European Union, programs continue to pivot away from property. Portugal’s Golden Visa is alive, but since Law 56/2023 it no longer accepts real-estate routes, steering applicants toward alternatives like approved funds, R&D/cultural patronage, and job creation. (Legacy holders can still renew under transitional rules.)

Portugal remains popular thanks to light physical-presence expectations and an established pathway to long-term residence and, eventually, citizenship.

Italy, meanwhile, stays steady with four clear Investor Visa options: €2 m in government bonds, €500k in an Italian company, €250k in an innovative startup, or €1 m as a philanthropic donation, making it a flagship EU route for investors who want lifestyle plus brand-economy exposure rather than passive property plays.

What counts as Residency by Investment (RBI)?

Residency by Investment is a legal residence permit granted primarily because you invest qualifying capital in a country (not because you take a job, enrol in school, or marry).

You receive a residence card/permit; in many programs, maintaining the investment lets you renew and sometimes count time toward PR/citizenship.

RBI vs CBI vs regular residence (don’t mix them)

• RBI (Residency by Investment)
  You invest → you get a residence permit (temporary or permanent).
  Rights vary by country (work rights, family inclusion, travel within Schengen, etc.).
  Citizenship is not automatic; it may require years of lawful residence, language/integration tests, and minimum physical presence.
• CBI (Citizenship by Investment)
  You invest → you may obtain citizenship (a passport) directly, typically without a multi-year residence track.
  We will not include CBI programs inside RBI comparison tables to keep intent and compliance clean.
• Regular residence (non-investment)
  Residence routes not driven by capital: work permits, intra-company transfers, family reunification, study, retirement/passive income (e.g., D7-type), digital nomad visas, and entrepreneur/startup visas (where the key is activity, not passive capital).

Typical RBI routes today (and what’s changing)

• Fund / security investments (common in the EU after real estate restrictions):
  • Regulated venture/private equity funds, government or corporate bonds, listed shares under set thresholds, or bank deposits.
  • This is often the primary route in markets that have phased out direct property purchases.
• Business/innovation investment
  • Capital injection into a new or existing company, job-creation targets, or innovative startup funding.
  • This investment may require active management or monitoring.
• Real estate (where still allowed, often restricted)
  • In some jurisdictions, direct real estate is limited or banned; where permitted, expect tiered minimums by region, single-property rules, minimum size/price, and use restrictions (e.g., no short-term rentals).
  • Always verify the current law before assuming property qualifies.
• Donations / endowments (selected markets)
  • Non-refundable contributions to cultural, research, or social funds are recognised by the state.

Program knobs that matter: minimum investment, holding period, physical-presence requirement (some are 0–7 days/year; others require residence), work rights, and whether time counts toward PR/citizenship.

Benefits of Residency by Investment

Residency by Investment isn’t just a visa alternative; it’s a structured, compliance-led way to secure lawful residence, protect mobility, include family members, and create long-term options for settlement, business, and life planning.

Benefits differ by jurisdiction and route; always check the specific program’s rules (investment, stay requirements, work rights, and tax treatment) and get advice before committing funds or time.

Top Residency by Investment Programs at a Glance

Choosing the right Residency by Investment (RBI) program is about balancing cost, timelines, family needs, and long-term goals like citizenship or tax planning. To make comparison easier, we’ve built a structured table that lines up the most popular and reliable programs worldwide side by side.

In the table below, we’ll compare the leading options side by side so you can see how they stack up at a glance.

This snapshot is designed to help you spot the significant differences at a glance. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can dive into each program’s details, investment routes, renewal rules, and tax impacts, to determine which residency fits your lifestyle, mobility, and long-term settlement goals.

Other Active Residency by Investment Programs

If you're exploring broader options, here’s a quick scan of other notable active programs, from Southeast Asia to South America, Eastern Europe, and beyond.

This list broadens the view beyond the headline programs. While some require substantial capital (Austria, Singapore, Hong Kong), others offer lower entry points (Latvia, Uruguay, Panama).

Each comes with its own blend of residency rights, renewal rules, and long-term settlement prospects, making it worth considering alongside the top-tier EU and global programs.

Best European Residency by Investment Programs

Portugal

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the EU’s flagship residency pathways, even after the 2023 reforms removed most real estate routes. Today, investors can qualify through regulated funds, research & development, or cultural patronage projects.

The program’s strongest draws are its light presence rule (about seven days per year averaged) and its clear five-year citizenship track with language and integration requirements. It’s also family-friendly, making it a long-standing favourite for those seeking a flexible EU foothold.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: funds, R&D, cultural or artistic support (no real estate)
• Processing Time: usually 6–12+ months, office-dependent
• Physical Presence: minimal (around 7 days/year)
• Family: spouse/partner, dependent children, parents
• PR/Citizenship: eligible after 5 years of residence + A2 Portuguese exam
• Notable Benefit: EU/Schengen mobility with very limited stay requirements
• Legislative Risk: medium—major reform in 2023, stable since

Italy

Italy’s Investor Visa program offers one of the EU’s broadest investment menus, catering to entrepreneurs, high-net-worth families, and philanthropists alike.

Applicants can choose between contributing to an innovative startup, investing in Italian company shares, purchasing government bonds, or making a philanthropic donation.

The visa starts as a two-year permit, renewable in three-year cycles as long as the investment is maintained. Italy also extends residency to close family, making it a balanced option for lifestyle-driven investors who want access to Europe’s cultural and economic powerhouse.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: €250k innovative startup; €500k Italian company shares; €2m government bonds; €1m philanthropic donation
• Processing Time: ~3–6 months for Nulla Osta + visa issuance
• Physical Presence: flexible, but genuine residence strengthens PR/citizenship eligibility
• Family: spouses, children, dependent parents
• PR/Citizenship: standard 10 years of residence for naturalisation (no fast track)
• Notable Benefit: flexible investment menu and access to Italy’s lifestyle/brand economy
• Legislative Risk: low—program stable since its launch in 2017.

Greece

Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of the most accessible EU residency options, particularly for investors who prefer flexibility. The 2024 reform (Law 5100/2024) introduced tiered property thresholds: €800k in prime zones like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini; €400k in other areas; and €250k for special cases such as heritage restorations or conversions.

The headline appeal is the zero minimum-stay requirement to maintain residency, making it ideal for global citizens who want an EU foothold without relocation pressure. Family inclusion is generous, and while the path to citizenship exists, it requires significant physical presence.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: €800k in prime areas; €400k in other areas; €250k for special restorations/conversions
• Processing Time: ~6–12 months, depending on regional office
• Physical Presence: none required for renewals
• Family: spouse/partner, children under 21 (to 24 if dependent), parents of both spouses
• PR/Citizenship: renewable 5-year permits; naturalisation requires ~7 years’ residence + integration test
• Notable Benefit: EU residency with zero stay obligation
• Legislative Risk: medium-high—major reforms enacted in 2024

Malta

Malta’s MPRP is one of the few permanent residence-by-investment routes in the EU. Instead of requiring naturalisation-style timelines, successful applicants receive a permanent residence certificate from the start, renewable through ongoing compliance.

The program combines a contribution to the government, either renting or buying property, and a donation to a Maltese NGO.

With its English-speaking environment, EU location, and long-standing stability, Malta attracts families who want certainty from day one.

While citizenship is technically possible after long-term residence, the MPRP is designed first and foremost as a residency product.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: Property (€375k purchase or €14k/year lease) + €37k government contribution + €2k NGO donation
• Processing Time: ~4–8 months
• Physical Presence: none required for renewals
• Family: spouse/partner, children, parents, and even grandparents
• PR/Citizenship: direct permanent residence; citizenship possible under long-term residence rules (not automatic)
• Notable Benefit: English-speaking jurisdiction with a permanent EU base
• Legislative Risk: low—framework consistently updated but stable

Cyprus

Cyprus offers a straightforward and fast-track permanent residence permit for investors purchasing new residential property. The process is well-defined, family-friendly, and typically completed in just a few months.

The key requirement is the purchase of new real estate worth at least €300,000 (plus VAT) along with proof of a secure income from abroad. Once granted, the permit covers the main applicant and dependents, making it especially popular among families who want EU access without a lengthy stay commitment.

While Cyprus has tightened citizenship rules, the permanent residence route remains one of the quickest in Europe.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: €300k+ new residential property purchase, plus proof of steady foreign income
• Processing Time: ~2–6 months
• Physical Presence: There is no annual stay requirement to keep PR valid.
• Family: spouse, minor children, dependent adult children, and parents (on a case-by-case basis)
• PR/Citizenship: direct PR; citizenship is possible only via standard long-term residence/naturalization.
• Notable Benefit: one of the fastest EU PR approvals for families
• Legislative risk: low-medium—program stable, though citizenship rules tightened post-2020

Hungary

Hungary relaunched its residency-by-investment option in 2024 with the Guest Investor Permit (GIP). Unlike traditional golden visas, the GIP provides a 10-year renewable residence permit tied to qualifying investments.

The most popular route is a €250k purchase of a share in a real estate investment fund, although additional options include direct property and strategic projects.

The program is positioned as an accessible, relatively low-cost entry into EU residency, with a light physical presence requirement (primarily tied to maintaining the investment rather than continuous residence). Citizenship, however, remains dependent on long-term actual residence.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: €250k real estate fund shares (other options pending rollout)
• Processing Time: ~2–6 months
• Physical Presence: minimal—mainly maintaining the investment
• Family: spouse and dependent children included
• PR/Citizenship: 10-year permit renewable; naturalisation requires genuine residence over several years
• Notable Benefit: long validity + low presence requirement makes it a flexible EU foothold
• Legislative Risk: medium—the scheme is new and evolving

Serbia

Serbia offers an accessible business-based residency route rather than a formal “golden visa”. By registering a local company and maintaining modest economic activity, foreign nationals can obtain a temporary residence permit, usually issued for one year at a time and renewable.

Over time, this can lead to permanent residence (after 5 years) and eventually citizenship (after 8 years), provided continuous residence conditions are met.

Investment thresholds are far lower than in EU golden visa markets, making Serbia attractive to entrepreneurs and small investors seeking a base in the Balkans with easy travel links into both Europe and Asia.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: local company incorporation + modest business activity (no set minimum capital)
• Processing Time: ~1–3 months for initial permit
• Physical Presence: genuine residence required (90+ days in 6 months typical)
• Family: spouse and dependent children can be included
• PR/Citizenship: PR is possible after 5 years; citizenship comes after 8 years of continuous residence.
• Notable Benefit: very low cost of entry compared to EU RBI programmes
• Legislative Risk: low-medium—framework stable, but subject to administrative changes

Latvia

Latvia has offered a residency-by-investment program since 2010, making it one of the longest-running in Europe. The scheme is more modest than Western European golden visas, but it remains a viable route for investors who want an EU residence card with Schengen mobility.

Real estate purchases, company capital contributions, or government bond deposits can gain entry. Costs are relatively low compared to southern Europe, though the program requires careful compliance with tax and residence rules. Citizenship, as in most EU countries, requires long-term continuous residence.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: €250k+ real estate; €50k–€100k company capital; €250k government bonds (with contribution)
• Processing Time: ~2–3 months
• Physical Presence: residence expected (not a “zero stay” model)
• Family: spouse and dependent children included
• PR/Citizenship: long-term residence after 5 years; citizenship after 10 years of residence
• Notable Benefit: one of the EU’s lowest-cost golden visa routes
• Legislative Risk: medium—program has been adjusted several times in the past decade

Austria

Austria does not offer a classic “golden visa” but instead a highly selective residence-by-exception program. Known as the “Private Residence Permit”, it is aimed at ultra-high-net-worth individuals who can make a substantial economic contribution to the country, often starting with €2 million or more.

Applications are capped annually and assessed individually, making this one of the most exclusive routes in Europe. Those approved gain access to Austria’s high quality of life, EU residence, and Schengen mobility. Citizenship is possible in the long run, but only after years of continuous residence and integration.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: substantial economic contribution (~€2m+), case-by-case
• Processing Time: ~24–36 months, highly scrutinised
• Physical Presence: genuine residence in Austria expected
• Family: spouse and dependent children
• PR/Citizenship: permanent residence possible; citizenship after 10 years of continuous residence (or 6 in special integration cases)
• Notable Benefit: prestige and exclusivity within the EU
• Legislative Risk: low—stable but extremely selective

Turkey

Turkey offers a flexible residence permit route through property purchase, alongside its well-known citizenship-by-investment option.

Foreigners can qualify for residency by buying real estate worth at least $200k, which grants them the right to live in Turkey and renew their permits as long as the property is held.

For those investing at least $400k, citizenship may be possible under the separate CBI track. The residency pathway itself is attractive for individuals seeking a Eurasian base with access to a large domestic market, cultural diversity, and visa-free travel to many regional countries (though not Schengen).

Key Features

• Investment Routes: property purchase from $200k (residency) or $400k (citizenship track)
• Processing Time: ~2–6 months
• Physical Presence: minimal; renewal linked to property retention
• Family: spouse and dependent children included
• PR/Citizenship: renewable residence; fast-track citizenship at $400k+ (separate program)
• Notable Benefit: large property market with relatively low entry thresholds compared to EU
• Legislative Risk: medium—thresholds adjusted several times in the last decade

Best Middle East Residency by Investment Programs

United Arab Emirates

The UAE’s Golden Visa has become one of the world’s most popular long-term residency programs, particularly for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-skilled professionals.

It offers a renewable 10-year residence permit without requiring a local sponsor, giving investors freedom to live, work, and study in the Emirates.

Multiple categories exist, including real estate investment, business ownership, and capital deposits. The UAE’s 0% income tax environment and world-class infrastructure make it highly attractive, though costs of living and operating can be high.

The program is also family-inclusive, covering spouses, children, and even domestic staff.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: real estate purchase (from ~AED 2m / ~€500k), capital deposits, business ownership, or special talents/professions
• Processing Time: ~1–3 months
• Physical Presence: flexible, no annual stay minimum (residents are expected to keep their Emirates ID active)
• Family: spouse, children, and in some categories parents and domestic workers
• PR/Citizenship: renewable 10-year residence; no automatic citizenship route
• Notable Benefit: 0% income tax and strong business rights
• Legislative Risk: low—the programme expanded in 2022 and has been stable since

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Investor Residency Permit is part of the kingdom’s broader strategy to attract entrepreneurs and foreign investment into its financial and business hub. Investors can obtain a renewable 10-year residence permit by establishing or investing in a local business or by purchasing qualifying property.

The program is straightforward compared to other Gulf states, with lower costs of living and a strong focus on making Bahrain an international base for professionals and families. While it does not lead to citizenship, it offers long-term residency, tax advantages, and family inclusion.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: business establishment, company shares, or property purchase (~BHD 100k/~€240k+)
• Processing Time: ~2–4 months
• Physical Presence: flexible, with renewal tied to maintaining the investment
• Family: spouse, children, and parents included
• PR/Citizenship: renewable 10-year residence; no automatic citizenship path
• Notable Benefit: stable Gulf base with relatively lower costs than the UAE or Qatar
• Legislative Risk: low—the programme expanded under Bahrain’s 2021 economic reforms

Best Asia-Pacific Residency by Investment Programs

Singapore

Singapore does not run a “golden visa” but instead a Global Investor Programme (GIP) that can grant Permanent Residency (PR) to high-net-worth investors who establish or significantly invest in Singapore-based businesses or approved funds. Applicants must demonstrate not just capital but also a credible track record and business plan.

The program is highly selective and positioned more as an economic development tool than a mass-market residency-by-investment scheme. For those approved, the reward is PR in one of Asia’s most stable financial hubs, with strong mobility, education, and healthcare systems.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: invest SGD 2.5m+ (~€1.7m) in a new business, expansion of an existing one, or an approved fund
• Processing Time: ~6–12 months
• Physical Presence: genuine residence expected; PR can lapse if long periods are spent abroad
• Family: spouse and unmarried children under 21 included
• PR/Citizenship: direct PR; citizenship possible after 2–6 years of residence, highly discretionary
• Notable Benefit: prestigious PR in a global financial hub
• Legislative Risk: low—program long-standing, though criteria are periodically tightened

Hong Kong

Hong Kong relaunched its Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) in 2023, restoring an investor-based path to residency after it was suspended in 2015. The new version requires a significant capital investment into permitted asset classes such as equities, bonds, or funds.

Unlike Portugal or Greece, CIES does not rely on property purchases but rather on financial assets that support Hong Kong’s capital markets. Successful applicants can secure renewable residence and include family members. While citizenship is not on offer, the program provides stability, mobility, and a strategic base in Asia’s top financial hub.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: HKD 30m+ (~€3.5m) into approved equities, bonds, funds, or innovative projects
• Processing Time: ~6–12 months
• Physical Presence: flexible; residence expected but no strict minimum days
• Family: spouse and dependent children included
• PR/Citizenship: residency renewable; permanent residency after 7 years’ continuous stay (no direct citizenship track)
• Notable Benefit: world-class financial hub with strong investor protections
• Legislative Risk: medium—recently relaunched, subject to future fine-tuning

Thailand

Thailand offers two distinct investment-linked residency pathways: the Elite Visa and the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa. The Elite Visa is more of a membership program, providing renewable 5–20 year residence rights in exchange for fees starting from THB 600k (€15k). It doesn’t require active investment, which makes it popular among retirees and frequent travellers.

The newer LTR Visa, launched in 2022, targets investors, remote workers, and professionals with clear financial thresholds (e.g., investments, income levels, or high skills). Both options provide flexibility but differ in permanence:Elite is essentially a long-stay visa, while LTR is a genuine residence class with work authorisation.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: Elite Visa (membership fee from THB 600k); LTR Visa (income/investment thresholds, e.g., $1m assets or $40k+ annual income)
• Processing Time: ~1–4 months depending on visa type
• Physical Presence: flexible; no strict annual minimum
• Family: spouse and dependent children included under both visas
• PR/Citizenship: no direct path via Elite; LTR can lead to PR but not citizenship automatically
• Notable Benefit: relatively low-cost long-stay option in Asia with strong expat infrastructure
• Legislative Risk: medium—LTR is new and may evolve; Elite fees are adjusted periodically

Malaysia

Malaysia offers two long-stay options attractive to investors and globally mobile professionals: the long-standing Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program and the newer DE Rantau Nomad Pass.

MM2H is structured for foreign investors and retirees, requiring proof of offshore income, fixed deposits, and in some cases property rentals or purchases. It grants long-term residency (renewable in 5- or 10-year blocks).

The DE Rantau program, launched in 2022, specifically targets digital nomads, offering 1–2 year passes for remote workers and families. Both are flexible and relatively low-cost compared to Western programs, and appeal to those wanting an affordable, English-friendly base in Southeast Asia.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: MM2H: offshore income + fixed deposits + property rental/purchase; DE Rantau: income proof (USD 24k/year+)
• Processing Time: ~3–6 months for MM2H; ~1–2 months for DE Rantau
• Physical Presence: flexible, no strict annual minimum
• Family: spouse and dependent children covered; MM2H may extend to parents
• PR/Citizenship: long-term residence renewable; no direct citizenship track
• Notable Benefit: affordable, English-speaking hub with regional connectivity
• Legislative Risk: medium—MM2H conditions tightened in 2021, adjusted again in 2022

New Zealand

New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa, relaunched in April 2025, offers a structured residency path based on high-value investments.

With this program, investors contribute either NZD 5 million (Growth category) over 3 years or NZD 10 million (Balanced category) over 5 years.

The funds must be invested into approved vehicles such as managed funds, businesses, bonds, or property.

Residency is granted rapidly, and family members, including children up to 24, join in the same application. This gives investors access to New Zealand's stable courts, clean governance, and exceptional quality of life.

While citizenship is possible, it follows standard naturalisation routes and requires genuine residence.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: Growth category NZD 5 m (3 years); Balanced category NZD 10 m (5 years) into diversified New Zealand assets
• Processing Time: Approval-in-principle in ~23 working days; full visa timeline varies
• Physical Presence: minimal—21 days over 3 years (Growth) or 105 days over 5 years (Balanced)
• Family: spouses and dependent children under 24 are included.
• PR/Citizenship: PR via AIP; citizenship possible after 5+ years of residence
• Notable Benefit: access to top-tier lifestyle, governance, and mobility, with very light stay requirements
• Legislative Risk: medium—substantial reforms enacted in 2025

Best Residency by Investment Programs in Americas

United States

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the U.S.’s flagship residency-by-investment route, offering investors and their families a direct path to a Green Card. To qualify, applicants must invest either $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project or $1.05 million in standard projects, creating or preserving at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Applications can be made directly or via Regional Centers that manage pooled investments. Once approved, investors receive conditional permanent residency for 2 years, later converted to a full Green Card. After five years of permanent residency, citizenship may be possible through naturalisation.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: $800k TEA project; $1.05m standard project; job creation required (10+ full-time positions)
• Processing Time: ~12–24+ months depending on USCIS backlog and project type
• Physical Presence: must reside in the U.S. to maintain Green Card status
• Family: spouse and unmarried children under 21 included
• PR/Citizenship: Green Card → eligible for U.S. citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident
• Notable Benefit: direct permanent residency, no interim visa needed
• Legislative Risk: medium—the programme was reformed in 2022 and has been stable since but is subject to USCIS delays

Panama

Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa is one of Latin America’s most flexible residency-by-investment options. Applicants can qualify by purchasing property, making a fixed-term bank deposit, or investing in the Panamanian securities market.

The program’s standout feature is its speed, residency can often be granted in as little as 30 days, making it one of the fastest investor residency approvals worldwide. Panama is especially attractive for retirees and globally mobile families thanks to its U.S.-dollarised economy, territorial tax system, and central location as a business hub in the Americas.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: property purchase from $300k; $500k stock exchange investment; $750k fixed-term bank deposit
• Processing Time: ~30–90 days (fast-track compared to most RBI programs)
• Physical Presence: minimal; residency can be maintained with periodic entry
• Family: spouse, children, and dependent parents included
• PR/Citizenship: PR renewable; citizenship possible after 5 years of residence (3 years if married to a Panamanian)
• Notable Benefit: among the world’s fastest approvals with low-cost entry
• Legislative Risk: low—program stable, though minimum thresholds were raised in 2022.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Investor Residency program is one of Central America’s most straightforward pathways. Applicants qualify by investing at least $200,000 in real estate, a business, or certain government-approved projects. The permit is initially issued for 2 years, renewable as long as the investment is maintained.

After 3 years of legal residence, investors may apply for permanent residency, and citizenship is possible after 7 years of continuous residence. Costa Rica is especially appealing for its political stability, eco-friendly lifestyle, and affordable healthcare and education systems.

Key Features

• Investment Routes: $200k+ real estate, business, or approved projects
• Processing Time: ~3–6 months
• Physical Presence: Genuine residence is expected; you must spend time in-country to qualify for PR/citizenship.
• Family: spouse and dependent children included
• PR/Citizenship: PR after 3 years; citizenship after 7 years of residence.
• Notable Benefit: low investment threshold with a path to citizenship
• Legislative Risk: low—program has been stable for decades

Our Criteria for Choosing the Best RBI Programs

Not all residency programs are created equal, and a simple price tag doesn’t tell the whole story.

To compare them fairly, we look at a set of consistent criteria that highlight both strengths and trade-offs.

• Cost: How much capital is needed and what hidden fees add up along the way.
• Speed: The average time it takes to move from application to holding a residence card.
• Work and settlement rights: Whether you can simply reside, take up employment, or run a business locally.
• Path to permanent residency or citizenship: How clear and realistic are the long-term options for people who want to stay for good?
• Physical presence: The extent to which you actually need to live in the country each year to keep your permit valid.
• Family inclusion: Who can come with you: spouse, children, and sometimes parents or even grandparents.
• Mobility: The level of travel freedom the permit unlocks, such as Schengen access in Europe.
• Stability: How secure the program has been in recent years, and whether sudden changes have disrupted applicants.
• Tax friendliness: Whether the permit brings attractive tax options or risks making you liable for worldwide taxation right away.

Each program in the following section is weighed against these benchmarks.

How to Choose the Right RBI Program

Choosing an RBI program is about matching your personal and financial priorities with the realities of each scheme. Use these six steps as a checklist before you decide:

Step-by-Step: Obtaining a Residency Permit

1. Strategy & Pre-qualification

Define your goals and shortlist programs with a licensed lawyer. Decide whether you’re aiming for mobility, settlement, or both, and confirm you meet the basic eligibility (e.g., no serious criminal record, sufficient funds).

2. KYC/AML & Banking Setup

Most programs begin with a compliance check. You’ll need to prove the lawful source of your funds and, in many cases, set up a local bank account or escrow structure to hold the investment.

3. Collecting Documents

Prepare civil records (birth, marriage, police certificates), apostilles, and sworn translations. Programs also typically require proof of address, medical insurance, and background checks from all countries of residence since age 14.

4. Execute the Investment

Transfer funds into the qualifying route—whether that’s subscribing to an investment fund, buying property, or placing a bank deposit. Obtain contracts, deeds, or receipts as evidence.

5. File the Application

Submit the full dossier to the competent authority, either directly or through your legal representative. Pay the state fees, and book biometrics if required.

6. Biometrics & Clarifications

Attend an in-person appointment for fingerprinting and ID verification. Authorities may request additional clarifications on your documentation or source of funds.

7. Decision & Permit Issuance

Once approved, you’ll receive either a residence visa (if applying abroad) or the residence permit card (if in-country). This may take a few months depending on the office.

8. Aftercare & Renewals

Keep the investment active, track renewal windows, and comply with any presence requirements. If your goal is permanent residency or citizenship, make sure you log the necessary years of residence and language/integration steps.

Documents and Due Diligence

Even though requirements vary by country, these documents form the backbone of every residency-by-investment application.

Having them prepared, apostilled, and translated in advance helps avoid delays during background checks and biometric appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Residency by Investment offers flexibility for investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking global mobility, security, or a future citizenship path. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and long-term plans, whether you are considering Portugal’s fund-based options, Greece’s property tiers, or lifestyle residencies in Asia and the Americas.

At Movingto, we simplify the process. Our legal and relocation experts help you compare programs, prepare documents, make compliant investments, and manage renewals—so you can secure residency with confidence and peace of mind.

Ready to Secure Your Residency by Investment?

At Movingto, we compare all major global programs, provide independent legal guidance, and help you choose the right path—whether your goal is EU mobility, a second residency, or a clear track to citizenship.

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