In an increasingly interconnected world, entrepreneurs are seeking opportunities that go beyond borders. Residency by Investment (RBI) programs, commonly called “Golden Visas,” have emerged as a strategic solution for business owners and investors looking to expand their horizons. These programs allow individuals to obtain residency in a foreign country by making a significant financial contribution, such as investing in real estate, government bonds, eligible funds, businesses, or creating jobs.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose Residency By Investment Programs
For entrepreneurs, the appeal of RBI programs extends far beyond a change of scenery. These programs offer a range of advantages that align with both personal and professional aspirations. Holding multiple residencies can be a game-changer for global businesspersons. It not only enhances personal freedom but also provides tangible benefits:
- Global Mobility and Business Expansion
RBI programs offer the right to reside in a host country to investors and their families and attain a residence permit there. These permits often provide visa-free or simplified travel access to multiple countries, e. g. obtaining a residence permit in one of the Schengen Zone countries, allows visa-free travel across 29 European countries members of the Schengen Agreement. This facilitates international business operations, partnerships, and market expansion without the hassle of frequent visa applications.
- Access to Stable Economies
Businessmen gain the opportunity to operate in or benefit from stable economic and political environments. These programs often target countries with robust legal systems, low corruption levels, and business-friendly regulations, providing a secure investment foundation. Residency in a key economic hub can facilitate international expansion and open doors to new opportunities. For entrepreneurs from regions facing economic uncertainty or political unrest, RBI programs offer a safety net. Having a second residency provides a secure base to relocate if needed, ensuring peace of mind for families and businesses alike.
- Tax Optimization
Certain RBI programs are associated with favorable tax regimes, offering entrepreneurs opportunities to optimize their tax liabilities and reduce the overall tax burden. This includes reduced corporate tax rates, no capital gains taxes, or exemptions on foreign-sourced income.
- Quality of Life
Entrepreneurs and their families can enjoy improved quality of life, including access to robust healthcare, world-class education, and a safer living environment, with access to advanced infrastructure ensuring a higher standard of living.
- Assets Diversification and Protection – ‘Plan B’
Residency by investment is an effective strategy for protecting and diversifying assets geographically. It often comes with the ability to invest in local real estate, businesses, or financial markets. This diversification can act as a hedge against economic or political instability in one’s home country and serves as a ‘Plan B,’ providing a secure fallback option during turmoil.
- Access to New Markets
Residency in a new country often grants entrepreneurs the ability to tap into new consumer bases and investment opportunities within the host country and its blocs. This can be particularly a perk for scaling businesses that are searching for lucrative markets and trade networks.
- Path to Citizenship
Some investment-based residency programs offer pathways to citizenship and often the waiting period for it is much less than the ordinary naturalization process. A new nationality brings additional perks like a second passport and full citizenship rights, which further enhance global mobility and access to new opportunities.
A Simplified Overview of the Application Process
While the specifics vary by country, most applicants for residency by investment programs follow a common application process:
- Choosing the Right Program
Entrepreneurs must identify a program that aligns with their goals, whether it’s market access, tax benefits, or quality of life. Factors like investment thresholds, processing times, and residency requirements play a crucial role.
- Making the Investment
Applicants typically choose from a range of investment options, such as purchasing real estate, starting a business, or contributing to a government fund. The investment must meet the minimum financial threshold set by the program.
- Submitting the Application
The application process involves submitting personal and financial documentation, including proof of investment, background checks (Due Diligence), and medical reports. Professional assistance can streamline this step.
- Approval and Residency Issuance
Upon approval, applicants receive their residency permit, granting them the right to live, work, and study in the host country. In some cases, this can also lead to eventual citizenship.
- Maintaining Residency
Most programs require applicants to maintain their investment for a specified period and comply with minimal residency requirements, such as spending a certain number of days in the host country annually.
For entrepreneurs, RBI programs are more than just a pathway to a new home—they are strategic tools for achieving global ambitions. Whether it’s setting up a new branch, accessing international talent pools, or diversifying operations, these programs empower entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Bellow, there are brief reviews of some of the most -sought-after RBI programs in the world.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE RBI program, also known as the Golden Visa, allows foreign nationals to obtain residency by purchasing real estate in the UAE.
The minimum investment starts at AED 750,000 (approximately $204,000). Investors can choose between residential or commercial properties, and the visa is typically valid for 2 years. For the 10-year residency, the minimum investment must be AED 2 million (approx. $544,000). The program includes the investor’s spouse and dependent children, and visa holders can enjoy benefits such as opening bank accounts, working, and studying in the UAE, and many other perks.
Portugal
The Portugal RBI or ‘Golden Visa’ Program, allows foreigners to obtain Portuguese residency through investment. In September 2023, the Portuguese Parliament revised the program, removing the Real Estate and Capital Transfer options. The remaining investment options include:
- Investment in a company creating at least 10 jobs
- Investment in research and development
- Investment in artistic production or cultural heritage
- Investment in qualifying funds
- Investment in a commercial venture creating at least 5 permanent jobs
These options require investments between €250,000 and €500,000. A 20% discount applies to the first three options if made in low-density areas (regions with less than 100 people per sq. km. or GDP per capita below 75% of the national average). Investors must keep their investment for at least five years to qualify for permanent residency. However, to apply for Portuguese citizenship, which can be done after five years of residency, they generally need to maintain their investment for seven years.
Greece
The Greek RBI (‘Golden Visa’) Program offers cost-effective EU residency to foreign investors and their families with investments starting at €250,000. Investment options include real estate, capital transfer, government bonds, bank deposits, and shares. However, the minimum investment requirement for most options starts at €400,000, while the threshold for a real estate investment in Greece’s touristic area might reach €800,000.
The initial residence permit is valid for five years, renewable every five years as long as the investment is maintained. The program includes investors’ spouses/partners, children under 21, and parents of the main applicant and spouse.
After seven years of residency, investors can apply for permanent residency and citizenship (requires knowledge of Greek)
Spain
The Spain RBI or ‘Golden Visa’ Program offers a direct route to residency and potential citizenship for non-EU nationals through significant investment. The primary method involves investing a minimum of €500,000 in real estate. Additional options include buying government bonds, funding a financial institution, or acquiring shares in Spanish companies with investment thresholds starting at €1 or €2 million. Investment must be maintained for at least five years.
Spouses/partners, children, and parents of the Golden Visa investors can be also eligible for Spanish residency.
Applicants must be non-EU nationals and with no prior Schengen visa denials. They must also have sufficient funds for residency.
The residence card is valid for 2 years and renewable every 5 years. Permanent Residency can be obtained after holding the Golden Visa for 5 years. Citizenship is possible after 10 years of residency, with additional requirements like language proficiency.
However, the Spanish government has decided to cancel the Golden Visa Program. The program will officially end on April 3, 2025. Applications submitted before this date will still be processed, and existing visa holders can renew their visas under the same conditions.
Malta
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) has undergone significant changes effective January 1, 2025. Applicants must now show assets worth at least €650,000, including €75,000 in financial assets. The real estate investment requirements are standardized and set at a minimum of €375,000 for property purchase or €14,000 annual rent. A non-refundable contribution of €30,000 for property purchases or €60,000 for rentals is required. Additionally, there is a €50,000 administration fee (€15,000 due at application, €35,000 after approval) and a €2,000 donation to an NGO. Other costs include medical insurance, translations, and legal fees. Investments must be kept for at least five years.
Dependents, including spouses, children, parents, and grandparents, each require a total payment of €10,000, consisting of a €5,000 non-refundable administration fee and a €5,000 contribution.
Permanent residency is attainable after five years; citizenship can be applied for after seven years of residency and meeting additional requirements.
Hungary
Hungary’s Guest Investor Program, launched in late 2023 and fully operational in 2024, offers non-EU nationals two residency options: investing €250,000 in Hungarian Property Funds, which must be held for five years, or making a €1 million charitable donation to Hungarian Public Trusts.
Initially, investors receive a two-year visa for multiple entries and 90-day stays within 180 days. They must complete their investment within three months. Upon investment completion, the visa converts to a 10-year residence permit, extendable for another 10 years. Residency doesn’t require physical presence, but the investment and registered address must be maintained.
Investors’ family members, including spouses, children, parents, siblings, and direct-line relatives can also obtain Hungarian receive permits, though, valid for up to 3 years.
Investors are required to have good health, with no Schengen Information System alerts, must not no threats to public order, and evidence of funds.
The application processing state fee is €30,000. Additionally, due diligence and professional services fees amount to €30,000 per family, which includes two adults and all minor children, with an extra €10,000 for each additional adult dependent.
Panama
Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa, launched in October 2020, offers permanent residency through three investment options: real estate ($300,000), forest investment ($100,000), company investments ($160,000), or fixed deposits ($300,000). It’s also possible to combine fixed deposits and a real estate investment with a threshold of $300,000. Investments must be held for at least five years.
Family members, including spouses, children, and parents, can be included. Visa holders must visit Panama once every two years to maintain residency.
The initial residence permit is valid for two years, resulting to a permanent resident status. Permanent residency is renewable for five years, with a path to citizenship after five years of continuous residing in the country.
Investors must also cover applicable fees for application processing and legal services, as well as make contributions to the National Migration Service and the National Treasury.
Cyprus
Cyprus RBI, or ‘Golden Visa’ program offers non-EU nationals three investment options to obtain residency: buying immovable property, investing in a Cypriot company, or placing money in funds, with a minimum investment of €300,000 (plus VAT).
Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €50,000 (with additional income required for dependents), have a clean criminal record, and be in good health. They must not seek employment in Cyprus, except in key positions within their invested company.
Investors can include spouses and children to receive the Cypriot residency. They receive a one-year residence permit, need to travel to Cyprus to provide biometrics and obtain a five-year permanent residence ID card. They must maintain the investment and visit Cyprus once every two years. Citizenship is possible after five years of legal residence.
Ireland
Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Program (IIP), or Irish ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, allowed foreign investors to obtain residency since 2012. Although the program was canceled in February 2023, pending projects remain unaffected. Investors can still obtain a permanent residence permit with a minimum investment of €1 million in an Approved Investment Fund (AIF).
To be eligible, applicants must have a net worth of at least EUR 2 million. Investments must be legal and not borrowed, with no requirements for education, language skills, or managerial experience.
Investors’ family members are also eligible to apply for Irish residency. Successful applicants receive a two-year residence permit, extendable for three more years. There is no minimum physical presence requirement to maintain residency. Citizenship is possible after five years of residency, with at least one year of continuous residence before applying.
Benefits include visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone, high living standards, access to premium healthcare and education, a strategic location for business, and business opportunities due to Ireland’s favorable tax policies and skilled workforce. The investment must be maintained for at least three years.
Qatar
Qatar RBI or ‘Golden Via’ program was announced in 2020 and it offers residence permits to foreigners who invest in real estate. There are two options: Invest at least $200,000 (QAR 728,000) for a Temporary Residence Permit or invest at least $1 million (QAR 3,650,000) for a Permanent Residence Permit.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid passport, be in good health, have a clean criminal record, and make the required investment. Long-term residents must obtain a Qatari ID, pay a state fee of USD 824, and be fluent in Arabic. If the annual quota is met, applicants must wait a year.
Residence permit holders can reside and work in Qatar without the need for a sponsor. They can cross the Qatari border multiple times during the visa validity. Holders have the right to own residential, commercial, and industrial real estate in defined areas of Qatar. They can establish businesses without a local partner and buy shares in existing companies. They can also sponsor immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents, to reside in Qatar. Residence permit holders have access to quality healthcare services and education institutions, ensuring a high standard of living in the country. Qatari ID allows visa-free travel to member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program, also known as the Saudi Arabia ‘Golden Visa’ program, allows high-net-worth individuals, talented people, and entrepreneurs to live, work, and invest in the Kingdom without a sponsor. Residency options include:
- Investors – direct permanent residency with an investment of at least SAR7 million (±USD 1.87 million) and the creation of at least 10 jobs).
- Entrepreneurs – 1st Category: 5-year renewable with a minimum investment of SAR 400,000 (±USD 106,700) and at least a 20% share in the company. 2nd Category: Permanent residency with a minimum investment of SAR15 million (±USD 4 million), plus creation of 20 jobs.
- Real Estate Owners: Residency tied to real estate ownership worth at least SAR 4 million (±USD 1.07 million), free from mortgages.
There are also available Limited Duration Premium Residency: 1-year renewable for SR 100,000 (±USD 26,700) per year, and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: Permanent residency for a one-time fee of SR 800,000 (±USD 213,400).
Eligibility requirements include being at least 21 years old, holding a valid passport, being in good health, having a clean criminal record, providing proof of financial solvency, and passing due diligence. Applicants must submit supporting documents and, for entrepreneurs, a business plan.
Family inclusion allows spouses, children under 25, and parents to reside in Saudi Arabia.
Holders of the 5-year residence permits can apply for permanent residency after meeting the eligibility criteria and residing in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months within 5 years.
Oman
Oman’s Investor Residency Program (IRP), launched in September 2021, offers global investors a chance to live and work in the Sultanate. This Golden Visa-type scheme has two categories:
- 10-year residency for a minimum investment of $1.3 million
- 5-year residency for a minimum investment of $650,000
Investment options include real estate, establishing or buying shares in a company, purchasing government bonds, or creating at least 50 jobs.
Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 21 years old, have a valid passport, be in good health, have a clean criminal record, and provide proof of financial solvency. Some cases may need an investment evaluation by the Investment Services Center.
Investor Residency Cards (IRCs) for 10-year residencies need renewal every 3 years, while 5-year residencies need renewal every 2 years, provided the investment is maintained.