Residency by Investment
Discover your options in residency programs with us.
Browse the below programs by country to find out more about investment requirements and the benefits of each of the residency by investment programs
Passport Programs
Explore various second residency programs with us. Below, you can browse programs by country to learn about investment requirements and the advantages offered by each residency by investment program.
How can a qualified agent assist you in obtaining citizenship or residency?
Engaging the services of a licensed agent or consulting firm is generally a prerequisite for individuals seeking migration through investment. This requirement is explicitly outlined in the statutes of most countries that offer citizenship by investment programs.
As an authorized representative of EU and Caribbean investment migration schemes, Immigrant Invest serves as a trusted partner for our clients. With government licenses, a 15-year track record in the industry, and a global presence spanning six offices, we possess the expertise and experience necessary to guide you through the application process and ensure a seamless journey towards obtaining a second passport.
Why do people spend money on permanent residency?
Investing in a permanent residence has many benefits, These benefits include:
- Security: Acquiring permanent residency in a safe and peaceful country can be a life-saving measure in the event of political disturbances in one’s home country. This invaluable insurance provides investors and their families with a sense of security that cannot be overstated.
- Business: Residence by investment programs offer participants newfound business opportunities by granting them greater freedom for international business ventures and travel. This expanded scope allows investors to explore and engage in a wider range of business prospects.
- Tax Planning: Permanent residency can be advantageous for tax planning purposes. Countries like Bulgaria, for example, offer one of the lowest income tax rates in Europe. This favorable tax environment enables investors to effectively manage their capital and enhance their financial success.
- Family: Most residence by investment programs extend eligibility to the family members of the primary applicant. This enables investors to secure a brighter future for their partners and children. Additionally, permanent residency provides access to high-quality healthcare, education, and an improved standard of living.
- Global Movement: Many passports impose limitations on travel, requiring holders to obtain visas for international trips. However, permanent residency can significantly enhance an individual’s global mobility. For instance, while Chinese passport holders have visa-free access to only 58 countries, Portugal’s permanent residents enjoy the freedom to travel throughout the 26 European countries comprising the Schengen region. This substantial difference in global mobility translates to significant time savings for businesspeople when it comes to visa applications.
Seeking guidance from immigration and naturalization consultants can facilitate a smoother process in obtaining the passport.
What distinguishes citizenship from residence?
According to the regulations of the host country, residency is a document that allows individuals to live there for a specified period, subject to renewal. With a valid residence permit, you can enter the country as you please, purchase property, obtain health insurance, and enroll your children in schools. Some residence permits also allow travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days. However, residents do not possess political rights, such as the right to vote.
There are two types of residency: temporary residency, which permits individuals to live in a country for a specified duration with the option of renewal, and permanent residency, which grants the right to stay for an extended period, often years. The length of residency varies among countries, and in some cases, it may even lead to citizenship, depending on the laws of the country.
Most of these programs, commonly known as “golden visas,” are located within the European Union and offer diverse investment opportunities. Residency by investment programs allow individuals to obtain legal permanent residence in another country in exchange for an investment. Citizenship, on the other hand, entails full membership and belonging to a state, granting citizens all the rights, privileges, and obligations defined by the country’s laws. These rights include the right to vote, participate in political life, access education and healthcare, and the ability to pass citizenship on to children.
While citizenship is typically acquired through birth, parentage, or marriage, citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs provide individuals with the opportunity to obtain a second passport by making an investment in the country. The Caribbean region, particularly Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda, is home to some of the most well-known citizenship programs.
At Immigrant Invest, we specialize in assisting individuals in navigating residency and citizenship-by-investment programs, providing comprehensive guidance and support throughout the process.
Once all the conditions are met, the host government is responsible for reviewing and accepting citizenship applications. For detailed information on the specific prerequisites of each program, you can refer to the respective program pages.
What do you need to get a permanent residency?
Each residence by investment program has its own specific criteria that applicants must meet. While requirements may vary between countries, there are some common conditions that typically apply to these programs. These include:
Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must have a spotless criminal history and be able to provide documentation or certificates attesting to their clean record.
Legitimate Source of Funds: Applicants are expected to demonstrate the legitimate source of their investment funds. This involves providing detailed documentation, such as bank statements, business records, or tax filings, to establish the lawful origin of the funds.
Approved Investment Options: Typically, applicants must invest in government-approved products or projects, such as a national economic fund, designated real estate properties, or government bonds. The specific investment options available may vary depending on the program and country.
How does the Residency by Investment application work?
Residence by investment programs are overseen by governmental and officially recognized entities, subjecting applications to stringent guidelines and thorough scrutiny. These programs have been established by governments to provide foreign individuals without prior ties to the country an opportunity to obtain citizenship through investment that adheres to the prescribed rules. The legal assurance and recognition of acquired residency grant individuals a lifelong right that can be passed down to future generations. It is important to note that applications for these programs can only be submitted through a Government Approved Agent, ensuring compliance with the designated process and requirements. As an authorized agent, we are equipped to guide you through the application process and ensure adherence to all necessary guidelines and regulations.
Which country gives residency by investment?
The demand for residency and citizenship programs that offer investment-based opportunities is increasing, with more individuals seeking the opportunity to live and work abroad. Many people value the prospects of providing their children with access to higher education and expanding their employment opportunities.
Individuals and families are investing significant sums of money into programs that offer these advantages, whether it be obtaining a passport or securing residency rights. While certain programs require applicants to physically reside in the country for a specified number of days each year, other countries have more flexible requirements. By meeting the specific criteria, you can qualify for residency in one of these countries.
- Portugal offers the opportunity to obtain residency through investment with its Portugal Residency by Investment scheme, also known as the “Vistos Gold” program. This program welcomes individuals from around the world who wish to settle in Portugal. The Golden Visa Program in Portugal enables people to live in the country through investment.
Unlike some other residency programs, proficiency in the Portuguese language is not a requirement for Portugal’s Golden Visa program. However, candidates must possess proficiency in English, both spoken and written. Additionally, individuals over the age of 16 have the option to apply for Portugal residency by making a financial commitment to attend a private university in Portugal.
- Portugal offers the opportunity to obtain residency through investment with its Portugal Residency by Investment scheme, also known as the “Vistos Gold” program. This program welcomes individuals from around the world who wish to settle in Portugal. The Golden Visa Program in Portugal enables people to live in the country through investment.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
What is residence by permit investment?
Permanent residency by investment allows foreign nationals to obtain legal authorization to temporarily reside in a country through a temporary residency permit or visa. This status grants individuals the right to live, work, study, or conduct business without becoming citizens. A residence by investment program provides an opportunity to gain temporary and potentially permanent residency by making an investment in the host country.
Which is the easiest country to get permanent residency in?
Portugal is considered one of the favorable destinations for relocation, particularly for those with sufficient financial resources. Through Portugal's Golden Visa program, individuals have the opportunity to obtain permanent residency after a period of five years. Once this timeframe is completed, applicants who have spent at least 35 days in Portugal are eligible to apply for citizenship.