Residency
What’s Residency?
Residency isn’t the same thing as citizenship – but it can be an important 1st step to citizenship.
To retain your residency permit, most countries stipulate conditions that must be followed.
As a resident of a country, you’ll have the legal right to reside there for a certain period, but you’re unlikely to have the same rights and privileges as a citizen of that country.
Permanent Residency vs. Temporary Residency
Depending on the country where you’re applying for residency, you’ll usually be required to apply for an entry visa first.
Below are the usual features of temporary residency versus permanent residency:
Permanent Residency
- There's no time limit on your stay in the country.
- Never expires.
- Requires proof of a stable living arrangement.
- Requries proof that you can support yourself and any dependents.
- Requires proof of your physical heath (and, potentially, proof of health insurance).
- Requires a clean criminal record.
- Requires proof that you know the country's language.
- Requires that you pass an integration into society test.
Temporary Residency
- Only valid for a stipulated period of time (for example, 2 years).
- Must be renewed before it expires.
- Requires proof of a stable living arrangement.
- Requires proof that you can support yourself and any dependents.
- Requires proof of your physcial health (and, potentially, proof of health insurance).
- Requires proof of a clean criminal record.
How Do I Get Residency in Another Country?
The pathway to getting residency in another country will vary, depending on the country and its regulations.
You usually have to meet certain requirements to get residency in another country.
Who Qualifies for Residency?
You qualify for residency if you meet the requirements for residency in that country.
Generally, if you don’t have a criminal record and can prove you have good reason and the means to live in that country, you’re likely to meet the minimum criteria.
What Are the Different Ways to Gain Residency?
What’s Residency by Investment?
Residency by investment is a way of obtaining residency by investing capital into that country.
You can invest in a country by purchasing property in that country or by contributing funds to a government-approved business or public entity.
Residency by Investment vs. Citizenship by Investment
Austria
As one of Europe's wealthiest and most picturesque countries, Austrian citizenship offers excellent quality of life and visa-free travel through Europe, the US and Switzerland.
Under certain circumstances, it allows secondary citizenship.
Malta
As an ideally situated member of the EU, Malta offers a sought-after pathway to visa-free travel throughout the European Union.
The Malta citizenship by investment program does, however, require that you complete a period of residency (or naturalization) in conjunction with the minimum required investment.
North Macedonia
With a rapidly booming economy and ideal location in South-Eastern Europe, North Macedonia grants immediate citizenship upon investment.
Türkiye
As the only country in the world to straddle two continents, Turkey offers its citizens access to both Europe and Asia.
It's also one of the easer citizenship by investment programs to qualify for.
Antigua & Barbuda
Its white beaches and unique ecosystem make Antigua & Barbuda a dream destination.
Investors can look forward to favourable tax practices and visa-free travel to multiple countries.
Dominica
Like many other Caribbean countries, Dominican citizenship enables visa-free travel to 144 countries and has one of the most favourable tax systems in the world.
Grenada
Situated just outside the Caribbean's so-called hurricane belt, Grenada's 50 beaches and incredible scenery attract visitors and investors globally.
A Grenadian passport grants its holder access to China, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and the Schengen Area in Europe.
St. Kitts & Nevis
Known for its mountains and rain forest, St.
Kitt's and Nevis is known for its friendly locals.
Benefits of St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship include a favourable taxation system and a passport that grants its holder entry to a broad selection of countries.
St. Lucia
Situated in the eastern part of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is a stunningly beautiful island nation.
It offers one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programs, and its passport enables free passage to a broad range fo countries.
Jordan
The Kingdom of Jordan is known as an economic nexus in its region, and is one of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East, with a rich and fascinating history.
A Jordanian passport gives its holder access to more than 50 countries.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a beautiful archipelago in the South Pacific. It offers a business environment and tax regime that are highly favorable to investors.
Austria
Residency in Austria allows visa-free travel to all countries in Europe's Schengen Area. 10 Years of Austrian residency make you eligible to apply for citizenship.
Cyprus
With a reasonably low cost of living and a comparatively high approval rate, the Cyprus residency by investment program is one of the most attractive in Europe.
Greece
Greece's golden visa program is widely thought of as one of the most affordable in Europe and gives its visa holders unfettered access to Europe's entire Schengen Area.
Italy
Italy's an incredible country with a competitive economy. Italian residency facilitates visa-free travel to the entire Schengen Area.
Jersey
Ideally located between France and Britain, Jersey is a beautiful place to settle and offers its residents a highly attractive tax regime.
Latvia
As a Schengen state, Latvia affords its residents visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area.
Luxembourg
As one of the wealthiest states in the world, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is an incredible place to settle and promises visa-free travel within the EU and Schengen Area.
Malta
Malta offers one of the most popular residence by investment programs in the EU.
The Maltese due diligence process for its residency applicants is one of the most rigorous globally, as it facilitates freedom of movement throughout the EU.
Monaco
Situated idyllically on the Mediterranean Sea, the tiny country of Monaco offers an exceptional living standard and attractive tax structures.
Portugal
Portugal enjoys a wonderful reputation for its standard of living and natural beauty. As a member of the EU, its residents enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
Spain
A member of the EU, Spain is one of the most culturally rich countries in Europe. Its golden visa allows unfettered travel throughout the EU's Schengen Area.
Switzerland
Known as one of the most stable and pleasant countries to live in, Switzerland offers its residents an exceptional quality of life and an attractive avenue to a wide array of business opportunities.
United Kingdom
Geopolitically, the UK is one of the most effective countries to settle and do business in, offering its residents access to exceptional education and business opportunities.
Canada
High living standards, a low crime rate and an excellent business environment - Canada is one of the most popular countries to live in gobally.
Panama
Situated between Central and South America, Panama is clean, beautiful, and a global nexus point for banking, and trade.
United States
The USA draws a great many investors annually.
With a business market offering tremendous opportunity, and some world-class educational institutions, the USA symbolizes tremendous potential to successful residents.
Australia
Australia is a modern country with an exceptional reputation. An amazing quality of life is just one of the reasons Australia attracts so many investors annually.
Hong Kong
A business capital with incredible infrastructure, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an attractive destination for investors seeking a rich trade and finance environment.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a Commonwealth country and a member of the UN, APEC and ASEAN. Known for its incredible landscapes and scenery, it also boasts a fast-growing economy.
New Zealand
Year after year, New Zealand is rated amongst the top 10 countries for protecting its investors and ease of doing business. It's also beautiful and extremely stable.
Singapore
With world-class infrastructure, Singapore is extremely well-governed and boasts an exceedingly low crime rate. It's also one o the wealthiest countries in the world.
Thailand
As a highly affordable destination noted for its beautiful scenery and ruins, Thailand attracts many investors annually with a highly favorable tax regime.
Jordan
Jordan is a politically stable and business-friendly country in the Middle East. The Kingdom of Jordan's strategic location provides favorable access to regional markets and an excellent environment for family life.
Mauritius
Mauritius attracts significant foreign investment every year. With a consistently growing economy, it's a business-friendly country offering a high standard of living to its residents.
Namibia
Namibia is located in the south-west of Africa, with its closest neighbours including South Africa and Botswana.
With dramatic and unique natural landscapes and wildlife,
Namibia offers a fantastic quality of life.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a modern and exceedingly business-friendly state, with Dubai being one of the safest places to live.
Common Questions About Residency
Here’s a list of popularly asked questions about residency:
One of the easiest ways to get residency quickly is by investment.
The best companies to use when applying for residency are companies with a proven reputation.
The length of time to become a resident of a country varies, depending on the country and on the type of residence you’re applying for.
Yes, you can have residency in as many countries as you wish.
The safest country to apply for residence is widely considered to be the USA, with Canada, Malta and Portugal also ranking highly.
Residency gives you the legal right to reside and work in a country.
It doesn’t give you the same rights as citizenship, but it can be a good start on the pathway to citizenship.
Each country has its own criteria for getting and keeping residency in that country.
One way to get residency in some countries is through investment.
For more information, chat with one of our expert professionals.
How Does WorldPassports Ensure Expert-Verified Content?