Benefits of Residency by Investment
Residency by Investment (RBI) offers a unique pathway to becoming a resident and accessing all of the benefits that come with it. Read our guide to learn more about the benefits of RBI. Meta description:
Free ConsultationThere are many options for residency or citizenship by investment around the world.
Each one has different pros and cons, and the programme you choose will depend on your goals and preferences.
Below, we explain the benefits of obtaining second residency in a foreign country for you and your family.
What is residency by investment?
Residency by investment (RBI) programmes, often referred to as investor visas or golden visas, are available globally. They allow individuals to gain residency rights by making a substantial investment in a country’s economy. These programmes often provide applicants and their families with the ability to live, work, and study in a foreign country.
Many RBI programmes are offered by European countries; however, there are some exceptions, such as the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, which grants a Green Card to successful applicants.
Another example is a UAE residency by investment programme, otherwise known as Dubai Golden Visa, allowing applicants to live, work and study in the UAE.
Benefits of residency by investment
There is a clear distinction between citizenship and residency.
RBI schemes offer a unique way for foreign nationals to become residents in another country. Below are some of the key benefits of residency by investment.
Mobility and global access
One of the greatest benefits of becoming a European resident is visa-free entry to other countries in the Schengen Zone. As an EU permit holder, you will be able to stay in a country for 90 days in a 180-day period.
Business opportunities
Securing residency and citizenship in a different country provides the opportunity to access new markets and expand your business internationally. You can also benefit from government incentives and programmes aimed at promoting business growth in your new country of residence.
Canada came 6th, Portugal 14th, UAE 17th and Spain 18th. All the countries above provide residency by investment programmes.
Financial protection
One of the main benefits of getting residency by investment is excellent financial protection.
Diversification of your assets in different countries can help you protect your wealth from any potential economic and financial crises in your home country.
Political and social stability
US News published a ranking of the most politically stable countries, determined by factors such as individual freedom, environmental quality, job security and quality of life.
Improved quality of life
Living in another country can provide you with a better quality of life than your home country when it comes to education, safety and medical care.
For example, if you obtain a Portugal Golden Visa, you will be in one of the safest countries in the world. Portugal is 7th in the 2024 Global Peace Index.
Canada and Hungary are other countries that score high in this index – they placed 11th and 14th, respectively.
The US and Canada offer some of the best educational systems in the world, which is important when planning your children’s future.
Route to citizenship
Certain golden visa holders are eligible for citizenship, providing they fulfil the requirements set by the country.
For example, to retain a Portugal Golden Visa, you must stay in Portugal for seven days per year, and after approximately five years, you can apply for citizenship.
Similarly, one of the Spanish Golden Visa benefits is the fact that applicants from certain countries, including former Spanish colonies, only need to spend two years in this country before applying for Spanish citizenship.
Tax benefits
Certain countries offer tax benefits for foreign investors, such as tax exemption on income generated abroad or the possibility of paying reduced taxes. These tax benefits can result in significant savings and improve your financial returns. For example, the Dubai Golden Visa and Cyprus residency by investment both offer great tax benefits, making them attractive options for those looking for tax optimisation.
Portugal also offers a favourable tax system, along with tax breaks and exemptions through the non-habitual resident (NHR) regime. Read our guide to tax in Portugal to find out more about how to save on worldwide income for up to ten years.
It is important to note that dual citizens may face double taxation, being taxed twice on the same income unless there is a double tax treaty in place between the countries.
Explore the benefits of residency by investment with Holborn
Residency by investment benefits both the investor and the host country.
Foreign nationals can enjoy enhanced international travel, tax incentives, and other advantages. Meanwhile, the country offering the RBI scheme benefits from an influx of capital, which can spur economic growth and development.
To learn more about the benefits 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
Investment-based residency programmes let you become a permanent resident by investing in the country’s economy. These programmes give you the right to live, work and study there. You can invest in real estate, businesses, or government bonds to help the economy and get perks for you and your family.
The primary advantages are visa-free access to other countries, business expansion opportunities, improved quality of life, financial protection and access to politically and socially stable environments. Additionally, certain countries provide tax benefits and potential pathways to citizenship.
The Spain Golden Visa provides investors and their families with permanent residency in Spain, allowing them to live, work and study in the country. As a Spanish resident, you also benefit from a visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, access to quality education and healthcare, and potential eligibility to apply for a Spanish passport.
Many residency by investment programmes offer significant tax benefits, such as tax exemptions on foreign income or reduced tax rates that can lead to substantial financial savings.
Yes, many residency by investment programmes offer a pathway to citizenship. For instance, the Portugal Golden Visa requires only seven days of residency per year, and after approximately five years, holders can decide to submit a citizenship application, making it an attractive option.
Similarly, the Spanish Golden Visa offers a route to citizenship. To apply, you will need to fulfil a language requirement, along with a continuous physical presence in the country. You will also need to pass a Spanish history test.
It is important to speak with an expert to find out whether your home country allows dual citizenship.