Residency by investment requirements
Residency by investment (RBI) can help you live a life with more global opportunities. Read our guide on how to apply for residency by investment to learn more.
Free ConsultationResidency by investment (RBI) can help you and your loved ones access new opportunities, take charge of your future, and explore the world.
Whether you are looking to move abroad, seeking greater global mobility, or planning a better future for your loved ones, RBI offers a flexible solution.
Read more to discover how to apply for residency by investment and what requirements you need to fulfil to start your exciting journey.
What is residency by investment?
Residency by investment, also known as a “golden visa,” is a programme offered by various countries that allows individuals to obtain a second residency by making a significant financial investment in a foreign country’s economy.
These schemes are mostly in European countries, though there are also some programmes in other parts of the world, such as the UAE Golden Visa, which allows you to live in popular locations like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and Canadian residency by investment.
Golden visas are designed to attract foreign capital and business people by providing a range of benefits, including the right of residence, visa-free travel, and, in some cases, a path to citizenship.
Residency by investment requirements
Unlike the citizenship by investment programmes, residency by investment programmes are generally more lenient with their requirements.
However, it is worth noting that each residency by investment programme has different eligibility criteria in terms of investment amount, type and other factors.
Age requirement
As a primary applicant, you need to be over the age of 18. Apart from that, there are no specific age requirements. The flexibility is designed to attract a diverse range of investors.
Many programmes allow you to include family members in your application, such as your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents or domestic helpers.
Clean police check
Obtaining a police clearance certificate from your home country is the main eligibility criterion for applying for residency in a foreign country.
A police clearance certificate is an official document issued by state police or relevant security authorities detailing any arrests or legal issues encountered by an individual in a specific area.
Medical check
Certain residency by investment programmes require you to have a medical examination.
For example, to apply for a US Green Card through an EB-3 Visa option, you need to be in good health to effectively perform your work duties.
The medical check must be conducted by authorised panel physicians in your country of residence, and Holborn can point you in the right direction.
Some programmes, like the Spain Golden Visa, also require you to have medical insurance.
Investment amount
To apply for residency by investment, you will need to be able to pay the minimum investment amount.
Extra charges like legal fees, document filing fees, and government fees need to be considered. If you wish to include family members in your application, the total cost of your application will also increase.
Different programmes have varying price tags, and these prices fluctuate, so it is always important to speak with an expert to discuss your options in more detail.
Stay requirements
Each country has different minimum stay requirements to maintain residency, for example, as a Portuguese Golden Visa holder, you must stay in Portugal for at least seven days in the first year and fourteen days in subsequent two-year periods.
Certain programmes, like the Greece Golden Visa and Malta residency by investment programme, do not have a minimum stay requirement.
Some residency by investment programmes can also lead to citizenship. For example, after holding the Portuguese Golden Visa for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Investment types
Various programmes have varying investment routes, with certain RBI schemes offering several paths to residency, including an option of a government contribution, capital transfer or donation to a charity.
Some of the most popular ways to obtain residency through investment include:
Company share capital investments
Certain RBI programmes, such as the Cyprus Golden Visa, offer an option of investing in the share capital of a company.
You can also obtain the Spain Golden Visa via this route if you have a minimum of 1 million euros to invest in a Spanish financial institution. There are various types of investments available.
Government bond
Investing in government bonds offers a pathway to securing permanent residency without the need for business involvement or risking your capital. These bonds are supported by the country’s guarantee. This means you will receive a full return of your investment without any interest payments.
There will be a minimum holding period for these bonds, which can differ from country to country.
You can obtain the Greece Golden Visa via a government bond.
Investment funds
You can obtain residency by investment in a foreign country. For example, investors can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa via an investment fund route.
There are two types of investment funds: closed-end funds, which have a set number of shares and are overseen by a fund manager, and venture capital funds, which deal with high-risk investments in start-ups and early-stage companies.
It is important to consult with a financial expert, conduct thorough research, and understand the risks and rewards before choosing the investment fund route.
Real estate
Some RBI programmes involve investing in government-approved real estate projects. There are different options available, like residential development projects and commercial properties such as hotel resorts. The requirements can vary from complete ownership to fractional ownership.
Fractional ownership in a large development allows you to invest without the obligation of project management. For example, if you wish to obtain a US Golden Visa via an EB-5 route, you can invest in the regional center.
In real estate, the initial investment needs to be held for a specific duration before selling it at the current market value.
The real estate route can be beneficial. You will get a return on your investment, but in some cases, you can also live in the property or stay in it when required. This advantage makes the real estate a popular choice for those who wish to relocate to another country.
Apply for residency by investment with Holborn
Residency by investment provides a wide range of benefits to both the investor and the host country. Foreign nationals can enjoy visa-free travel, tax incentives, and other advantages.
Different countries have different requirements, which is why it is important to speak with one of our experts to find out the best option for you and your family.
To learn more about the requirements of residency by investment, speak to one of our experts.
Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas and a part of the wider Holborn Assets Group. Our experienced team offers a bespoke, end-to-end service and tailored advice to support your needs.
We have helped hundreds of investors and their families secure golden visas and second residency. Book a consultation with one of our advisers to find out how we can help you secure yours.
Frequently asked questions
Residency by investment, or a “golden visa,” allows individuals to gain residency by making a significant financial investment in a country’s economy. It offers benefits such as residency rights and potential citizenship.
Typical requirements include:
- Being over 18 years old
- Providing a clean police check
- Undergoing a medical check (if required)
- Meeting the minimum investment amount in approved assets
Some of the common investment routes include:
- Real estate
- Company shares
- Government bonds
- Financial assets
- Investment funds
Stay requirements vary. For example, to retain the Portugal Golden Visa, you will have to stay in the country for seven days in the first year and fourteen days in subsequent years. Some programmes, like Greece and Malta, have no minimum stay requirements.
Yes, many programmes allow you to include your spouse, children and sometimes parents in your application, making it a viable option for relocating families.