Determining the best residency by investment program is subjective and depends on individual preferences and goals.

Countries like Portugal, Malta, and Canada are often considered among the top choices due to their attractive investment options, quality of life, and visa-free travel benefits.

Residency by investment programs originated in the 1980s when small Caribbean nations, such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, introduced residency programs in exchange for foreign investments.¹

These countries faced economic challenges and saw an opportunity to attract capital from wealthy individuals seeking alternative residency options.

By offering residency status to investors, they aimed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and develop infrastructure.

The success of these initial programs led to the emergence of similar initiatives in other countries worldwide.

Yes, you can only apply for a residency by investment program with your inheritance in some countries.

That’s because the eligibility criteria for residency by investment programs vary among countries.

Countries that do accept inheritance as a means to apply for residency include Greece, Malta, Portugal, and Spain.

Whether residency by investment is worth it depends on an individual’s unique circumstances and goals.

RBI offers advantages such as access to new markets, educational opportunities, and potential tax benefits, but it’s important to consider factors like investment cost and long-term plans.

We urge you to consult with professionals before making any decisions.

New residency by investment programs are periodically introduced by different countries to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.

For example, Greece launched a new residency by investment program called the “Greece Golden Visa” in 2021, offering a fast-track pathway to residency for non-EU citizens who invest in real estate in Greece.²

Other countries with fairly new programs include Montenegro with its “Economic Citizenship Program” that originated in 2019, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that launched a “Golden Visa” program in 2019.

Staying updated with the latest programs can provide additional options and opportunities.

A potential downside to residency by investment can include high investment costs, additional fees, and ongoing maintenance requirements.

It’s important to thoroughly research and understand the specific program’s terms and conditions before making a decision.

Yes, you can apply for a residency by investment program in certain countries if you’re a student.

An example is Canada with its program called the “Student Direct Stream” (SDS) that expedites the study permit process for students from certain countries, including China, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam.³

On the other hand, Australia offers the “Temporary Graduate Visa” (Subclass 485) for international students who have completed their studies in Australia. This visa allows graduates to stay and work in Australia temporarily, with potential pathways to permanent residency.

Other countries that allow students to apply are New Zealand and Ireland.

It’s important to note that these programs are tailored to students and their educational journey, rather than traditional residency by investment programs.

Depending on the country and program, an investor permit or visa may be required to make an investment and apply for residency.

The United States offers the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires investors to obtain an EB-5 visa to make a qualifying investment and pursue permanent residency.

The United Kingdom has the Tier 1 Investor Visa program, which requires investors to apply for an investor visa before making a qualifying investment in the country.⁴

Other countries that require an investment permit are Australia, Singapore, Malta, and
Portugal.

It’s essential to understand the specific requirements of the chosen program and comply with the necessary permits.