Residency by investment – Global country list

If you're considering moving or investing abroad, there’s no need to think small. In an age when the entire world is at your fingertips, you can easily select any country in the world to live or invest in. The good news is that not all countries have strict immigration policies, and many of them incentivize you to become a resident through special programs. 

Keep reading and discover some of the most popular countries and their residency by investment programs.

“Residency by investment” – what is it, how does it work?

Through investment in the local economy, most often in either business or property, or both, individuals can obtain a residence permit or even citizenship in many countries around the world. Countries offer “residency by investment” programs to encourage foreign investment and boost their economies. As far as benefits and requirements go, these programs vary greatly.

In order to qualify, you typically need to invest in businesses (existing or new), real estate, bonds, etc., and you must have a clean criminal record and sufficient financial resources (acquired legally). In some cases, you are required to keep the investment for a set period of time or meet the minimum stay requirements. 

Residency by investment benefits

By obtaining residency through a country's residency by investment program, you are entitled to many benefits and privileges, including:

• a temporary or permanent residency permit (renewable), for you and your family, usually leading to citizenship

• the possibility to explore new business opportunities, take advantage of favorable business conditions, tax-free policies, and benefits 

• the freedom to travel without visa restrictions, unrestricted access to a number of countries

• the option to work and live in a country with a stable economy, social environment, and politics (extremely important, especially in the midst of the current world turmoil)

• a higher standard of living and access to better or free education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc.

Requirements for obtaining a Residence Permit

For most "residency by investment" programs, you need the following documentation:

• application form

• photograph

• valid passport

• document accrediting legal entry and stay in the country

• documents accrediting the investment and financial means

• clean criminal record certificate

• health insurance 

• proof of payment of the visa fee

Residence by investment programs - Global country list

With so many countries to choose from, we prepared a table you can use to compare countries and their residency by investment programs. Here are the minimum investment amount, types of investments, and validity of visas in order to help you make an informed decision.

Disclaimer. The amounts above represent illustrative and approximate values based on the exchange rate at the time of writing (May 28, 2024).

This table outlines the minimum investment you need to make in order to qualify for a visa. There are additional options, requirements, rules, or restrictions for each country listed in the table, so please refer to the information below. Also, we recommend visiting government websites or contacting immigration/visa grant officials before applying or investing.

Comparing residency by investment programs across different countries

1. Australia Residence by investment

Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa program has several sub-categories based on the amount of investment: 

• Business Innovation Stream – $790,960 (AUD 1,250,000) net assets 

• Investor Stream – $1,581,925 (AUD 2,500,000) 

• Significant Investor stream – at least $3,163,850 (AUD 5,000,000)

• Premium Investor stream – $9,491,550 (AUD 15,000,000) in Australian investments and/or philanthropic contributions 

• Entrepreneur stream – no minimum amount with a third-party funding agreement and nominated by a State or Territory government agency

2. Austria Residence by investment

To obtain a visa through investment in Austria,  you need to:

• invest in your own business or a majority-owned business in Austria that either: 

  • involves a sustained transfer of investment capital of $104,995 (€100,000+)

  • creates new jobs or secures existing jobs 

  • involves the introduction of new technologies 

  • is business of considerable significance throughout the region

• establish a start-up to launch innovative products or services (with proof that capital amounts to $31,500 (€30,000) minimum and an equity share is at least 50%)

3. Bahamas Residence by investment

If you invest in real estate or business in the Bahamas, you can obtain a permanent residence permit that is valid for life. The minimum investment amount is typically $500,000, however, buying a property for at least $750,000 or owning a property valued at $1,500,000 or more means you will be considered more quickly. 

4. Brazil Residence by investment

Investing $29,025 (BRL 150,000) in an innovative Brazilian business to boost the local economy or create the equivalent of 10 or more local jobs. Alternatively, a direct investment of at least $96,750 (BRL 500,000) in a new or existing business. 

Buying $135,450 (BRL 700,000) worth of real estate in the north and northeastern regions of Brazil (or $193,450/BRL 1,000,000 in other regions) will get you a permanent visa in Brazil as long as the investment is maintained. 

5. Bulgaria Residence by investment

Amendments voted on in 2022 included the cancellation of several residencies by investment acts in Bulgaria, including the bond investment route and fast-track option. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are the current viable options for obtaining residency. Those who make investments in AIFs or ETFs of amounts of $538,190 (€512,000) or greater can obtain permanent residency in Bulgaria. 

6. Canada Residence by investment

A minimum investment of $54,700 (CAD 75,000) is required if the investment is from a designated Canadian angel investor group. If that’s not the case and it comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, then you need at least $145,869 (CAD 200,000). There is no minimum investment requirement as long as the applicant’s business ideas are endorsed by a Canadian business incubator 

7. Cayman Islands Residence by investment

There are four routes to become a resident of the Cayman Islands: Certificate of Direct Investment, Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence), Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means, and Residence as a Person of Independent Means. 

To get a Certificate of Direct Investment you must make a direct investment of $1,201,800 million (KYD 1 million) in an employment-generating business on the Cayman Islands. 

To get a Residency Certificate via Substantial Business Presence, you must either own a 10%+ share in an approved business or work within senior management in an approved business.

To get a Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means you must invest $2,403,595 (KYD 2 million) in developed real estate and have sufficient financial resources to maintain yourself.

To get Residence as a Person of Independent Means you need the following, based on location. 

The Grand Cayman: 

• Annual income $144,215 (KYD 120,000),

• Account maintained with at least $480,720 (KYD 400,000) in assets

• Investment of $1,201,800 (KYD 1,000,000), of which at least $600,900 (KYD 500,000) must be in developed real estate in Grand Cayman. 

Cayman Brac or Little Cayman:

• Annual income $90,135 (KYD 75,000)

• Account at least $480,720 (KYD 400,000)

• Investment of $600,900 (KYD 500,000) of which at least $300,450 (KYD 250,000) must be in developed residential real estate in Cayman Brac or Little Cayman.

8. Colombia Residence by investment

The Resident Investor’s Visa will be yours if you make a direct foreign investment in the form of a property purchase or acquisition of stocks in a corporation of the value of 650 minimum Colombian Salaries with foreign money converted to pesos in your name. 

9. Costa Rica Residence by investment

Costa Rica offers an Investor Visa (Inversionista) to all individuals who invest at least $150,000 (or potentially $200,000+) in active business, real estate, stocks or securities or $100,000 in forest plantations.  

10. Cyprus Residence by investment

The amount of at least $315,425 (€300,000) will be more than enough for you to obtain the Cyprus Golden Visa if you use it to: 

• buy a brand-new residential or commercial property

• invest in a Cyprus-based company’s share capital 

• invest in units of the Cyprus Investment Organization of Collective Investments. 

You must also have an annual income from abroad of $52,570 (€50,000), with higher income restrictions if you are sponsoring a spouse and/or dependents. 

11. France Residence by investment

You can’t obtain a residence permit by investing in securities, bonds or real estate but you can invest in a business and take advantage of the Talent Passport Scheme. This scheme requires you to invest: 

• at least $315,425 (€300,000) in a new or operating company

• at least $31,540 (€30,000) for starting a new business, or 

• at least $21,030 (€20,000) for establishing an innovative start-up. 

12. Germany Residence by investment

Germany’s investor visa scheme is meant for foreign entrepreneurs or self-employed business people who invest at least $378,510 (€360,000) in opening a business or a company in Germany. 

13. Greece Residence by investment

The Golden Visa Program in Greece offers quite a few options if you’re interested in living or investing in the country. When it comes to real estate, you can:

• invest at least $262,855 (€250,000) or $525,710 (€500,000) in real estate property, depending on the location 

• conclude an agreement for at least a 10-year lease of hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences in tourist accommodation complexes (same minimum real estate values as above) 

On the business investment side, you can obtain a golden visa if you:

• make a capital contribution of at least $420,570 (€400,000) in securities or a bank deposit in Greece

• make a capital contribution of at least $420,570 (€400,000) in bonds or shares of a venture capital fund, private equity fund, or a mutual fund based in Greece, or

• invest $841,130 (€800,000) in shares, corporate bonds, or Greek Treasury bonds listed in trading facilities operating in Greece. 

14. Italy Residence by investment

Under the Investor Visa Program in Italy, you can secure residency if you:

• invest at least $2,102,830 (€2,000,000) in Italian government bonds 

• invest at least $525,710 (€500,000) in Italian shares

• invest at least $262,855 (€250,000) if investing in innovative startups or

• donate at least $1,051,415 (€1,000,000) to projects of public interest in Italy, such as culture, education, ecology, immigration management, research and development, arts, and heritage.

15. Japan Residence by investment

The Japanese Investor/Business Manager Visa is for individuals who wish to invest in (at least $33,570/JPY 5,000,000) or manage a business in the country/occupy a senior management role in Japan (reduced $16,790/JPY 2,500,000). You must also employ 2 full-time Japanese residents, have a co-founder/director that is a Japanese resident, and have a physical office space in Japan.

16. Luxembourg Residence by investment

Under its Investor Program, Luxembourg grants you a residence permit as long as you: 

• invest at least $524,840 (€500,000) in an existing business

• invest at least $524,840 (€500,000) in a new business 

• invest at least $3,149,025 (€3,000,000) in a management and investment structure (new or existing), or 

• deposit at least $20,993,500 (€20,000,000) in a financial institution. 

17. Malta Residence by investment

The Permanent Residence Programme in Malta is characterized by several steps. To qualify, you must have assets of $524,840 (€500,000) or more, of which at least $157,450 (€150,000) is financial assets. In terms of real estate, you must:

• buy a property worth at least $314,900 (€300,000) in the South of Malta/Gozo ($367,385/€350,000 in the rest of Malta), or 

• rent a property with the minimum amount of rent of $10,495 (€10,000) in the South of Malta/Gozo ($12,595/€12,000 in the rest of Malta) annually.

Additional non-real estate-related fees for this program include: 

• an administrative fee of $41,990 (€40,000)

• a government contribution of $29,390/€28,000 (if buying a property) or $60,880/€58,000 (if renting a property)

• a $2,100 (€2,000) donation to a local NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations

18. Mexico Residence by investment

For those interested in investing and living in Mexico, the Golden Visa Investor Program specifies eligibility criteria as an investment of at least $188,674 in real estate or capital investment in a Mexican company of at least $100,000. 

19. Monaco Residence by investment

The Investor Residency Program/Golden Investor Visa in Monaco enables you to either rent or buy real estate or invest in the business to obtain residency. Specifically, the investment should be at least $1,049,675, (€1,000,000), $524,840 (€500,000) of which is reserved for a bank deposit and the other $524,840 (€500,000) to purchase a property. When it comes to business, you can establish a new company and create at least 10 jobs. 

20. Netherlands Residence by investment

If you invest at least $1,312,095 (€1,250,000) in an innovative Dutch company (start-up, venture capital, etc.) and create at least 10 jobs within 5 years, then you’re eligible to become a resident in the Netherlands in accordance with the Foreign Investor Scheme. 

21. Portugal Residence by investment

The Residence Permit for Investment (ARI/Golden Visa) for non-Portuguese, non-EU, and non-EEA nationals (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), gives the right to live, work, and study in Portugal if you: 

• transfer capital at least $1,574,510 (€1,500,000)

• create at least 10 job positions

• buy real estate property worth at least $524,840 (€500,000)

• buy 30-year-old real estate property or older, located in urban regeneration areas, that needs refurbishing, for a total value of at least $367,385 (€350,000)

• transfer capital with a value of at least:  

  • $524,840 (€500,000) for investing in research activities

  • $262,855 (€250,000) for supporting the arts

  • $524,840 (€500,000), or higher, for acquiring units of investment funds or venture capital funds of funds dedicated to the capitalization of companies

  • $524,840 (€500,000), or higher, for constituting a commercial society with a head office in Portugal 

22. Serbia Residence by investment

With no minimum investment requirement, Serbia grants temporary and permanent residency to investors. Either as a natural or legal person, by purchasing real estate, investing, or establishing a company in Serbia you not only acquire residence (a higher level of investment can even lead to citizenship) but also enjoy a wide range of tax (and other) benefits. 

23. Spain Residence by investment

Investor Visa in Spain is given to foreigners who:

• purchase unmortgaged real estate for a minimum of $524,840 (€500,000)

• invest at least €2,099,350 (€2,000,000) in Spanish public debt securities

• invest $1,049,675 (€1,000,000) in stocks or shares in Spanish companies, investment or venture capital funds incorporated in Spain, or 

• begin and manage a business project in Spain that creates jobs and has a significant socio-economic impact or innovative contribution 

24. Sweden Residence by investment

Sweden doesn’t have a specific program through which it attracts foreign investment or gives temporary/permanent visas. However, there’s an investor visa for non-EU nationals who are self-employed and wish to open a business. You must be a 50% owner of the business in Sweden and provide proof of at least $18,000 (SEK 200,000) to support yourself, plus more to sponsor a spouse and/or dependents. The business must be beneficial to the economy.  

25. Switzerland Residence by investment

The quickest method to acquire a Swiss residence permit is to pay $217,510 (CHF 200,000) as a lump sum tax to the Swiss canton where you live (the amount could be as high as $652,520/CHF 600,000 depending on the canton). The Swiss Residence Program also has an option for company formation where you invest at least $1,087,540 (CHF 1 million) annually in a pre-approved business or establish a new Swiss company. 

26. UK Residence by investment

The UK’s Innovator Founder Visa requires that you set up and start an innovative business that offers something different than anything in the market and is endorsed by an approved body. You need to prove you have at least $1,540 (£1,270) to support yourself as well as pay an application fee. 

27. United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai) Residence by investment

The UAE Golden Visa has many sub-classes that provide a path to residency for real estate investors, investors in public investments, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, doctors and scientists, inventors, creative people in the fields of culture/art, executive directors, athletes, specialists in engineering and science, outstanding students, pioneers of humanitarian work, and frontline heroes. 

You can obtain a Golden Visa in the UAE as a real estate investor if you: 

• buy a property worth at least $544,515 (AED 2,000,000) in any of the freehold zones

• buy a property with a loan (from specific local banks only)

• buy one or more off-plan properties worth at least $544,515 (AED 2,000,000) (from approved local real estate companies only)

On the other hand, if you’re investing in business, you’ll meet the eligibility criteria if you:

• deposit at least $544,515 (AED 2,000,000) to a UAE-accredited investment fund, prove that your capital is not less than $544,515 (AED 2,000,000), and prove that you pay the government no less than $68,065 (AED 250,000) annually 

• own an economic project of a technical or future nature that has a value of more than $136,130 (AED 500,000)

• establish a company with a capital of more than $544,515 (AED 2,000,000) 

• partner with an existing or new company with a share value of more than $544,515 (AED 2,000,000) 

• become the owner or the partner in a start-up company, registered in the UAE as an SME (small and medium enterprise), that generates at least $272,260 (AED 1,000,000) revenue annually

• obtain approval for a start-up idea from an official business incubator, the Ministry of Economy or other competent local authorities

• have sold your own entrepreneurial project for the total amount of at least $1,905,800 (AED 7,000,000)

See what else Dubai offers and learn how you can get a Dubai visa.

28. USA Residence by investment

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is aimed at reducing high unemployment rates which is why you’d only need to invest $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise and create 10 full-time jobs (either directly or indirectly depending on the location). If the investment is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), that is a rural area or one with high unemployment, then the investment must be at least $800,000 (including infrastructure projects).

Disclaimer. The amounts above represent illustrative and approximate values based on the exchange rate at the time of writing (May 28, 2024).

Distinctions Between Residence Permits and Permanent Residences

The distinction between residence permits and permanent residences lies primarily in the terms, conditions, and benefits associated with each status. Here is a detailed breakdown of these differences:

1. Validity Period Varies

A residence permit usually remains valid for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years, and in certain locations like the UAE, it can extend up to 10 years, requiring periodic renewals to retain its status. Conversely, permanent residence status has no fixed expiration, eliminating the need for renewal and allowing for an indefinite stay in the country.

2. Gaining citizenship entails a series of status advancements

The process begins with applying for residency. Following several years of continuous, legal residence in the country, individuals can advance to permanent resident status. Eventually, after a few more years, they become eligible to apply for citizenship.

3. Language proficiency standards differ

For residence permits acquired through investment, a language test is typically not necessary. However, other categories of residence permits, it varies according to the regulations of each country. Transitioning from temporary to permanent residency often entails demonstrating proficiency in the country's language.

4. Revocation and Cancellation:

Residence Permit: Can be revoked or canceled if conditions are no longer met or due to legal violations. Permanent Residence: Generally more secure and can only be revoked under exceptional circumstances, such as serious criminal offenses or national security threats.

Next steps

Having learned more about the residency by investment programs in these 28 countries, you probably feel more prepared and confident about investing. If one of the countries that sparked your interest is Serbia, the USA or the UAE, we can help you.

We specialize in real estate and mortgages in the UAE, so take a look at our services, check out our growing portfolio of Dubai properties, or get help from one of our experts here. 

In the US, we provide mortgage services to residents and foreign nationals alike whether they are buying a home or investing. Check out our US-based services here or get in touch with our US experts.

We also offer real estate and mortgage services in Serbia. If you want to invest in luxury property, check out our property page, find the perfect financing option through our mortgage portal, or contact one of our experts. 

As we have contacts all around the world, we can connect you with our international mortgage experts, wherever you are interested in investing. 

Photo credits:

1. Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich | Pexels 

2. Photo by Azzedine Rouichi | Unsplash 

3. Photo by stevanaksentijevic | Pixabay 

4. Photo by Nextvoyage | Pexels 

5. Photo by Chris Karidis | Unsplash 

6. Photo by David Edelstein | Unsplash