Leading Residence by Investment Programs

Residence by investment (RBI) is a legal immigration pathway that allows foreign nationals to obtain a residence permit by making a qualifying investment, such as purchasing real estate, investing in funds, creating a business, or donating to approved projects. Residence by investment programs grant the right to live, work, study, and access healthcare, and many also offer a path to permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship.

Residence by investment grants a residence permit — the legal right to live in a country — which is typically temporary and renewable. Citizenship by investment (CBI) grants full citizenship and a passport directly, usually within months. Residence by investment generally involves lower investment thresholds but requires the investor to follow a longer pathway to citizenship through naturalization, meeting residence, language, and integration requirements over several years.

Many residence by investment countries offer programs in 2026, including Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, the UAE, and the USA, along with several Caribbean and Asian jurisdictions.

Investment thresholds vary widely. Latvia starts from EUR 50,000, Greece from EUR 250,000, Portugal from EUR 200,000 or EUR 500,000, Italy from EUR 250,000, and Malta from EUR 150,000 plus property. The UAE starts from about USD 204,000, while the US EB-5 requires USD 800,000 to USD 1,050,000. Government fees, legal costs, and due diligence charges are additional. Please contact us to find out more.

Yes, a residence by investment pathway to citizenship is available in many countries after meeting residence and legal requirements. For example, Portugal offers citizenship eligibility after five years, Greece after seven years, Italy after ten years, and the USA after five years of permanent residence. Requirements can include meeting physical presence rules, demonstrating language proficiency, and maintaining the qualifying investment throughout the required period.

The residence by investment no minimum stay requirement depends on the country. Portugal requires an average stay of just seven days per year. Greece, Hungary, and Bulgaria have no minimum physical presence requirement. Italy requires a short annual visit, while Cyprus requires one visit every two years. In contrast, the US EB-5 program requires continuous physical residence to maintain status and qualify for citizenship. It is important to check the specific requirements of each program.

Common residence by investment types include real estate purchases, investment fund subscriptions, government bonds, business creation or capital transfers, job creation, and donations to cultural, scientific, or heritage projects. Available residence by investment options vary by country, with some focusing mainly on real estate while others prioritize fund-based or donation routes.

Yes, residence by investment family inclusion usually allows spouses, dependent children, and often parents to be included, depending on the program requirements.

A residence by investment Schengen benefit allows visa-free travel across Europe’s Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180 day period, provided the residence permit is issued by a Schengen member state.

The cheapest residence by investment Europe option is Latvia starting at EUR 50,000. Greece starts from EUR 250,000 and Portugal from EUR 200,000 depending on the investment route. These entry-level figures do not include government fees, legal costs, and other ancillary charges.

The residence by investment processing time varies. Some countries process applications in around 3–4 months, while others may take 12–18 months due to backlogs. Timelines also depend on how complete the applicant’s documentation is. Please contact us to find out more about a specific program.

Residence by investment tax implications depend on physical presence. Holding residence by investment does not automatically make you a tax resident, which is usually based on spending about 183 days per year in the country. Some countries offer special tax regimes for new residents, which can provide favorable tax treatment. Obtaining professional tax advice is essential.

Residence by investment due diligence includes identity verification, criminal record screening, source of funds checks, and anti-money laundering procedures. Documents are typically translated and notarized. In some cases, applicants are required to work with accredited agents or licensed immigration advisors.

Most residence by investment work rights allow you to live and work in the host country. European Union residence permits usually allow the holder to work without needing a separate work permit. The US EB-5 Green Card also provides full and unrestricted employment rights. However, some programs may include specific conditions, so it is important to check the work rights for each program.

The EB-5 investor visa is the US version of a golden visa. It grants permanent residence, also known as a Green Card, to foreign nationals who invest at least USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area or USD 1,050,000 in other locations, in a commercial enterprise that creates or preserves a minimum of 10 full-time US jobs. After five years of permanent residence, investors may become eligible to apply for US citizenship.

In most programs, the qualifying investment must be maintained for the full duration of the residence permit or for a minimum holding period, typically five years. When it comes to residence by investment, selling property before this period may lead to loss of residence status. After obtaining permanent residence or citizenship, some programs no longer require the investment to be maintained. 

The Canada Start-Up Visa program was paused for new applicants as of January 2026, with a replacement program expected. Existing applications continue to be processed. The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program remains an alternative option for investors seeking Canadian residence, although it operates under different criteria and is subject to intake limits.

Residence by investment documents required include a valid passport, proof of funds, criminal record clearance, health insurance, investment proof, and completed application forms. Documents must usually be translated and notarized.

The best residence by investment program depends on your goals, whether that is access to the EU or Europe’s Schengen Area, a pathway to citizenship, tax planning, business expansion, quality of life, education for children, minimal physical presence, or cost. Key factors to consider include investment thresholds, residence requirements, processing times, family inclusion policies, and the political and economic stability of the host country. As the global leader in residence and citizenship planning, Henley & Partners can provide personalized guidance so you choose the program best suited to your needs.