Which countries offer residency by investment?
Residency by investment countries are those that allow foreign nationals to become lawful residents by making an investment. Read our guide on which countries offer residency schemes to learn more.
Free ConsultationAs people look to broaden their horizons and explore fresh opportunities, it has given rise to countries worldwide that now offer residency by investment (RBI) schemes.
Often aimed at high-net-worth individuals, these programmes grant residency status in exchange for foreign investment in the country’s economy.
This guide explores the countries that offer residency by investment programmes and provides an overview of each country’s requirements.
What is residency by investment?
Residency by investment (RBI) is a process that allows foreign nationals to get residency in a country by making a financial investment.
Investments are usually in real estate or government bonds, but different programmes offer different routes to securing residency. Some allow you to make a donation to a government-approved project or fund.
Each country has its own requirements and application process. Costs also vary from scheme to scheme.
RBI should not be confused with citizenship by investment (CBI). For starters, CBI offers citizenship, while RBI provides a residency permit. This can either be temporary or permanent residency.
Read our guide on the difference between residency and citizenship to learn more.
The benefits of RBI
Residency by investment offers several benefits. Some of these include:
- Visa-free travel
- Access to high-quality education and healthcare
- The ability to live and work in another country
Some countries also offer benefits unique to that programme. For example, the Portugal Golden Visa has a non-habitual resident (NHR) regime. This tax incentive can lead to substantial savings.
For a more in-depth look at the advantages, read our guide on the benefits of residency by investment programmes.
Which countries offer residency by investment?
There is a growing number of residency by investment countries worldwide as the popularity of such schemes continues to grow.
Below are some of the most prevalent countries offering RBI and an overview of their programme.
Portugal
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment scheme aimed at non-EU/EEA citizens seeking permanent residency.
Portugal’s golden visa scheme was launched in 2012 and is one of the most popular RBI programmes in the world.
Investments start at €500,000, with an average processing time of three to eight months.
Greece
Launched in 2013, the Greek Golden Visa has become a highly sought-after investor visa due to its cost and speedy processing times.
Most areas in Greece require a minimum real estate investment of €250,000. This price will rise to €400,000 on August 31st, 2024.
The Greek Golden Visa offers a temporary residency permit that lasts for five years. The processing time is, on average, two months.
Cyprus
The Cypriot Golden Visa scheme offers permanent residency in the country.
Applicants benefit from increased freedom of movement within the Schengen Zone and the ability to apply for Cypriot citizenship after five years.
The programme offers a wide range of investment options, including real estate developments in either commercial or residential property.
The minimum investment amount is €300,000, and the average processing time is between two and four months.
Malta
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) was launched in 2021.
The programme provides permanent residency in Malta with an average processing time of four to six months.
The programme offers two main options: renting or purchasing a property. Both options also require the investor to make a government contribution.
Malta also offers a separate CBI programme. This allows investors to secure European citizenship for €888,000.
Spain
Since its introduction in 2013, the Spain Golden Visa has established itself as one of Europe’s most prized RBI schemes.
The Spain Golden Visa offers one of the fastest processing times, taking between 20 and 60 days on average.
The minimum investment amount is €500,000 in a Spanish residential or commercial property, which can be one or several properties.
UAE
The UAE Golden Visa was initially launched in 2019 but underwent some changes in 2022.
The changes opened the programme to a broader scope of investors, allowing them to secure a residency permit in the country.
The UAE Golden Visa has several categories. However, the most popular and straightforward is the Real Estate Investor option. The minimum investment amount for a 10-year visa is AED 2,000,000 ($545,000).
USA
The U.S. equivalent of a golden visa is the EB-3 and EB-5 Visa, both of which lead to a U.S. Green Card.
While both can lead to residency in the U.S., the EB-3 and EB-5 Visas have different focuses.
The EB-3 Visa starts at $45,000 and is an employment-based visa. The average processing time for the EB-3 is around 24 months. Meanwhile, the EB-5 Visa is focused on creating jobs.
The EB-5 Visa starts at $1,050,000 or $800,000 if the investment is in a targeted employment area (TEA). The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
While the EB-5 is more expensive, it does not rely on a job offer. Instead, applicants can self-sponsor, which speeds up the process.
Why do countries offer residency by investment?
Like CBI programmes, countries offer residency by investment to attract foreign capital. This capital provides economic benefits for the country and drives funds into areas most in need.
Additionally, it can bring in skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who contribute to innovation and further economic growth within the country.
There are a large number of countries around the world offering residency by investment, many of which are found in Europe.
But with so many options, knowing which is right for you can be a challenge. Use our comparison tool to compare programmes. Alternatively, speak to one of our specialists.
Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas and a part of the wider Holborn Assets Group. Our experienced team provides a bespoke, end-to-end service and tailored advice to support your needs.
We have successfully helped hundreds of people and their families secure golden visas. Find out how we can help you secure yours.
Book a consultation with one of our experts to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Residency by investment allows foreign investors to obtain a residency permit in a new country by making a large capital investment or financial contribution.
Some RBI schemes offer a temporary residence permit, while others grant permanent residency.
Countries across Europe offer RBI. Residency by investment countries in Europe include Portugal, Spain, Greece and Malta. These programmes generally require investments in real estate, business ventures or government bonds.
Visa our RBI page to view more programmes, download factsheets, or book a free consultation.
The United States offers the EB-3 and EB-5 Visa, both of which lead to a residency permit (Green Card). The EB-5 Visa Program provides the most efficient path to residency in the USA.
The minimum investment amount is $1 million or $800,000 if the investment is in a targeted employment area (TEA). This investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Investment options vary from scheme to scheme. Some common options usually include real estate, government bonds, and non-refundable donations to a National Development Fund (NDF).
Residency requirements and the rules around physical presence vary by programme.
Some countries do not require investors to reside in the country for a specific period. However, others may have minimum stay requirements to maintain residency status or qualify for permanent residency or citizenship.
To learn more about a particular programme, speak to one of our team.