Top Countries Offering Residency by Investment Programs

Residency by investment programs offer a pathway for individuals and families to secure legal residency in a foreign country through qualifying financial investments. These programs provide a range of benefits, including access to a higher quality of life, improved healthcare, educational opportunities, and expanded business prospects.

In this guide, we explore the top countries offering residency by investment programs. We cover each program’s key details, eligibility requirements, investment options, and benefits. VIAVIFA provides dedicated support to streamline your application process, offering guidance on every step to help you achieve successful residency.

Why Consider Residency by Investment?

Residency by investment programs are popular for those who seek a faster and more flexible immigration option. Key benefits include:

Access to high-quality education and healthcare.
Potential for eventual citizenship.
Visa-free travel opportunities.
Diverse business, real estate, and economic investment options.

Portugal Golden Visa Program

Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular residency-by-investment options in Europe, offering an affordable pathway to residency with potential for citizenship after five years. It provides various investment options and tax advantages, making it attractive for those seeking residency in Europe.

Investment Options

Real Estate:
- Standard: Property purchase valued at €500,000.
- Reduced: €350,000 if the property is over 30 years old or in a regeneration area.
- Low-Density Regions: Investment starts at €280,000.
Capital Transfer: Minimum investment of €1 million to €1.5 million in Portuguese banks or approved funds.
Job Creation: Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
Research and Development: Invest €350,000 in scientific or technological research.
Arts and Culture: Invest €250,000 in cultural or heritage preservation.

Eligibility Requirements

Age: Must be 18 years or older.
Clean Criminal Record: No criminal history in Portugal or previous residences.
Health Insurance: Valid health coverage for international residency.
Proof of Funds: Financial self-sufficiency to support the investment.
Investment Retention: Minimum investment holding period of five years.
Language: Basic understanding of Portuguese required for citizenship.

Benefits of the Program

Schengen Area Access: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Residency Rights: Right to live and work in Portugal.
Path to Citizenship: Eligible for citizenship after five years.
Healthcare and Education: Access to high-quality public services.
Tax Incentives: Favorable tax structures for investors.

Application Process

Select Investment Option: Choose from real estate, capital transfer, job creation, R&D, or arts investment.
Open Portuguese Bank Account: Transfer the required funds.
Gather Documentation: Include proof of investment, criminal record check, health insurance, and passport.
Submit Application to SEF: Portugal’s immigration service.
Attend Biometrics Appointment: Required after SEF approval.
Receive Residency Card: Initial residency valid for one year, with 2-year renewals.

Spain (Spanish) Golden Visa Program

Spain’s Golden Visa program offers investors a route to residency through investments in real estate or other financial avenues. It grants access to Spain’s vibrant culture, high-quality healthcare, and excellent educational system, along with a high standard of living.

Investment Options

Real Estate: Purchase property valued at a minimum of €500,000.
Business or Shares: Invest €1 million in Spanish businesses or company shares.
Public Debt: Invest €2 million in Spanish government bonds.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Investment Period: Hold the investment for at least five years.
Age: Must be 18 years or older.
Clean Criminal Record: No criminal history in the past five years.
Health Insurance: Valid policy within Spain.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate financial stability to support residency.
No Minimum Stay Requirement: Flexible for non-residents; no need to reside in Spain for renewals.

Benefits of the Program

Fast Processing: Typically approved within 20 days.
Schengen Zone Access: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Healthcare and Education: Access to Spain’s high-quality public services.
Residency Pathways: Eligible for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years.
Flexibility: No minimum stay required, allowing freedom to reside elsewhere if desired.

Application Process

Choose and Complete Investment: Select from real estate, business, or bonds.
Apply for NIE: Obtain a Spanish identification number for foreigners.
Submit Visa Application: Processed through the Spanish consulate in your home country.
Attend Biometrics Appointment: Complete in Spain.
Receive Residency Card: Valid for one year initially, then renewable every two years.

Greece Golden Visa Program

Greece’s Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most affordable residency-by-investment options, ideal for investors seeking EU access at a lower initial cost. With straightforward requirements and fast processing, it provides residency with flexibility and access to the Schengen Zone.

Investment Options

Real Estate: Minimum investment of €250,000 in residential or commercial property.
Lease Agreement: 10-year lease for hotels or tourism-related properties.
Capital Transfer: €400,000 in Greek bank deposits or stocks.
Business Investment: Invest in Greek businesses to support job creation and innovation.

Eligibility Requirements

Investment Retention: Maintain the investment for at least five years.
Clean Criminal Record: Required for application.
Health Insurance: Valid policy within Greece.
Proof of Funds: Financial stability to support investment and living expenses.

Benefits of the Program

Schengen Area Access: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone.
Flexible Residency: No minimum stay requirement.
Permanent Residency: Renewable every five years.
Path to Citizenship: Eligible for citizenship after seven years.
Affordable Cost of Living: Greece offers a warm climate and economical living conditions.

Application Process

Select Investment Type: Choose between real estate, lease, or capital investment.
Open Greek Bank Account: Deposit funds for the investment.
Complete Investment: Purchase property or complete a selected financial investment.
Submit Application: At the Greek Ministry of Migration.
Biometrics Appointment: Complete upon document verification.
Receive Residency Permit: Valid for five years, renewable without mandatory residence.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa Program

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency options for investors, providing a flexible, tax-free business environment and a high-quality lifestyle. With a dynamic economy and strategic location, the UAE Golden Visa appeals to investors seeking residence in the Middle East.

Investment Options

Real Estate: Minimum investment of AED 2 million in property, primarily in cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Business Investment: Establish or hold ownership in a UAE-based business, contributing to job creation and innovation.
Public Investments: Substantial deposits in UAE government-approved funds.

Eligibility Requirements

Active Investment: Maintain the investment for at least two years.
Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support the investment and living expenses.
Clean Criminal Record: No criminal history.
Medical Exam: Pass UAE health screening.

Benefits of the Program

Long-Term Residency: 5 or 10-year residency options based on the level of investment, with renewals.
Tax-Free Income: No income tax for residents, providing an attractive financial environment.
Family Sponsorship: Visas can extend to family members.
World-Class Infrastructure: Access to modern infrastructure, strong business networks, and quality healthcare.
Visa-Free Travel: Within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for UAE residents.

Application Process

Select Investment Path: Choose from real estate, business setup, or public investments.
Submit Application: Provide documents such as proof of investment, health screening, and criminal record clearance.
Biometrics Appointment: Complete necessary biometric screenings.
Approval and Residency Issuance: Receive a 05 or 10-year renewable residency visa.

Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)

Malta’s residency by investment program offers an affordable path to EU residency, granting investors Schengen access, a favorable tax environment, and potential for citizenship. Known for its straightforward eligibility criteria, this program is popular among international investors.

Why Choose Malta?

EU Accessibility: Residency in Malta provides access to the EU, making it ideal for business and travel.
Attractive Tax Environment: Malta offers low tax rates and a pro-business atmosphere.
English as an Official Language: Easier Integration for English-speaking Residents.

Investment Options

Contribution to the National Development Fund: Non-refundable €100,000 contribution.
Donation: €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO.
Real Estate:

Purchase: Minimum €350,000 in most areas (€300,000 in the South or Gozo).

Rental: Minimum annual rental of €12,000.

Eligibility Requirements

Financial Stability: Proof of significant annual income or net worth.
Property Ownership or Lease: Hold property for at least five years.
Health Insurance: Coverage within Malta.
Clean Criminal Record: Verification of background.

Benefits of the Program

Schengen Access: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Permanent Residency: Renewable indefinitely.
Family Inclusion: Family members can be included in the application.
Path to Citizenship: Eligibility after five years of continuous residence.

Application Process

Select Investment Option: Choose from property purchase, rental, or government contribution.
Submit Application: Complete with criminal record, medical, and financial documentation.
Financial Contribution: Fulfill payment after preliminary approval.
Receive Residency Card: Permanent residency card issued with compliance checks.

Why Choose Residency by Investment?

Residency by investment is a strategic pathway to international opportunities, whether for business expansion, family relocation, or enhancing your lifestyle. The diversity of programs allows individuals to select a destination that best aligns with their vision and goals. However, choosing the best option can be complex. VIAVIFA Global Immigration Services simplifies this journey with step-by-step assistance, ensuring that your investment leads to a smooth transition and rewarding experience.

Securing residency by investment provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing individuals and families to establish new lives in locations aligned with their personal and professional aspirations. With each country offering distinct programs, navigating these pathways requires both expertise and strategic insight. VIAVIFA Global Immigration Services is committed to making this process smooth, personalized, and efficient, guiding you every step of the way.

How VIAVIFA Supports Your Residency by Investment Journey

Comprehensive Consulting
Application Management
Post-Arrival Support
Compliance and Legal Assistance
Tailored Solutions for Families
Ongoing Support and Future Planning

Let VIAVIFA be your trusted partner in the residency-by-investment process. From helping you select the ideal destination to managing all aspects of your application, we’re here to provide expert guidance and seamless support.