Residence by Investment Programs

Residence by investment (RBI) is a legal immigration pathway that enables foreign nationals to obtain a residence permit by making a qualifying investment. This may include purchasing real estate, investing in approved funds, establishing a business, or contributing to authorized projects. Residence by investment programs typically grant the right to live, work, study, and access healthcare, and in many cases provide a pathway to permanent residence and eventually citizenship.

Residence by investment provides a residence permit, allowing individuals to legally live in a country on a temporary and renewable basis. In contrast, citizenship by investment (CBI) grants full citizenship and a passport directly, often within a shorter timeframe. Residence by investment generally requires lower investment amounts but involves a longer pathway to citizenship through naturalization, including meeting residence, language, and integration requirements over several years.

Residence by investment programs in 2026 are available across multiple regions, including countries such as Malaysia, Turkey, USA, Canada along with various European and Asian destinations.

Residence by investment costs vary significantly by country and program. Malaysia starts from $10,000, Turkey starts from $50,000 to $75,000, Latvia starts from EUR 50,000, Greece from EUR 250,000, Portugal from EUR 200,000 or EUR 500,000 depending on the route, Italy from EUR 250,000, and Malta from EUR 150,000 plus property requirements. The UAE typically starts from around USD 204,000, while the US EB-5 program requires USD 800,000 to USD 1,050,000. Additional costs include government fees, legal charges, and due diligence expenses.

Yes, residence by investment can lead to citizenship in many countries once legal and residence requirements are met. For example, Portugal allows eligibility after five years, Greece after seven years, Italy after ten years, and the USA after five years of permanent residence. These pathways usually require physical presence, language proficiency, and maintaining the qualifying investment during the required period.

Residence by investment physical presence requirements vary by country. Portugal requires an average stay of seven days per year. Greece, Hungary, and Bulgaria do not impose minimum stay requirements. Italy generally requires a short annual visit, while Cyprus requires at least one visit every two years. In contrast, the US EB-5 residence by investment program requires continuous physical residence to maintain status and qualify for citizenship.

Residence by investment options commonly include real estate purchases, fund investments, government bonds, business creation, capital transfers, job creation, and contributions to cultural or scientific initiatives. The available residence by investment routes depend on the specific country, with some focusing on property-based options and others on financial or business investments.

Yes, residence by investment programs generally allow family inclusion. This typically covers spouses, dependent children, and in many cases parents, depending on the program’s eligibility criteria.

Residence by investment in a Schengen member country allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided the residence permit is issued by a participating country.

The cheapest residence by investment option depends on the country and investment route. Lower-cost programs exist like Malaysia which starts from the capital investment of $10,000 in a compnay and Turkey by investing $50,000 to 75000 in real estate. These entry-level figures do not include government fees, legal costs, and other ancillary charges.

Residence by investment processing times vary by country and application complexity. Some programs are processed within 2 to 3months, while others may take 12–18 months due to backlogs. Timelines also depend on how quickly applicants provide complete documentation. Please contact us to find out more about a specific program.

Residence by investment does not automatically make an individual a tax resident. Tax residency is typically determined by physical presence, often around 183 days per year. Some countries offer favorable tax regimes for new residents under residence by investment programs, but professional tax advice is recommended.

Residence by investment due diligence includes identity verification, criminal background checks, source of funds validation, and anti-money laundering procedures. Documentation is usually required to be translated, notarized, and submitted through authorized channels, with some programs requiring licensed or accredited agents.

Most residence by investment programs grant the right to live and work in the host country. European residence permits typically allow employment without a separate work permit, while the US EB-5 residence by investment program provides full and unrestricted work rights. However, specific conditions may vary depending on the program.

The US EB-5 residence by investment program grants permanent residence (Green Card) to foreign nationals who invest a minimum of USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area or USD 1,050,000 elsewhere in a qualifying commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs. After five years, applicants may become eligible to apply for US citizenship.

In most residence by investment programs, the investment must be maintained for the required holding period, typically around five years. Selling the investment earlier may result in the loss of residence status. After obtaining permanent residence or citizenship, some programs may no longer require the investment to be retained.

The Canada Start-Up Visa program was paused for new applications as of January 2026, with a replacement program expected. Existing applications continue to be processed. The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program remains an alternative route for residence by investment in Canada, subject to specific criteria and intake limits.

Residence by investment applications typically require a valid passport, proof of funds, police clearance certificates, health insurance, proof of investment, and completed application forms. Documents generally need to be translated and notarized.

The best residence by investment program depends on your objectives, including access to Europe or the Schengen Area, a pathway to citizenship, tax planning, business expansion, quality of life, education opportunities, physical presence requirements, and overall cost. Key factors include investment levels, processing times, family inclusion, and the stability of the country. A structured advisory approach helps identify the most suitable option.