Did you know that in 2021 alone, approximately 281 million individuals crossed international borders?¹

One of the most seamless routes to obtaining residency status in a foreign country is by qualifying for a residency by investment program. 

But how might you go about finding out if you qualify?

Look no further. 

As experts in the field, the WorldPassports team has compiled an in-depth guide to eligibility requirements for these programs.

So, let us introduce you to the exciting world of qualifying for residency by investment.

*Disclaimer: All amounts mentioned in this article were correct at the time of publication and might have shifted since.

What Are the Basic Qualification Requirements for Residency by Investment?

When considering residency by investment, you might be wondering about the general eligibility criteria that you need to meet to qualify for such programs. 

These criteria are designed to ensure that potential residents are suitable and can contribute positively to the host country. 

Below, our team of experts will walk you through a few major eligibility requirements in more detail.

Age

The first and most common requirement for residency by investment is a minimum age requirement. 

Typically, applicants are required to be 18 years of age or older. 

This requirement ensures that applicants are legally considered adults and can take responsibility for their actions and decisions. 

Additionally

Age requirements help maintain the integrity of the program and ensure that only mature individuals with the ability to make informed choices participate.

Clear Legal Background

A clean criminal record is crucial for applicants seeking residency by investment.

Countries want to protect their citizens and maintain safety within their borders, so they require applicants to have no prior criminal convictions. 

A clear legal background demonstrates that an individual has a history of abiding by the law and is likely to continue doing so in their new country of residence.

Financial Competence

Residency by investment programs are designed for individuals and families with significant financial abilities to invest in a chosen country.  

As such, applicants must demonstrate their financial capacity, either through direct investment, the purchase of real estate, or other qualifying investment routes.  

This requirement ensures that the applicant can contribute to the country's economy and support themselves financially while residing there.

Background Checks & Due Diligence Screening

To maintain the credibility and security of residency by investment programs, thorough background checks and due diligence screenings are usually conducted on all applicants and family dependents. 

These checks help to verify the applicant's identity, assess any potential risks associated with granting them residency, and ensure that the source of their funds is legitimate. 

By conducting these checks, countries can safeguard their programs' reputations and protect the interests of their current residents.

Do I Have to Be Employed in Order to Apply for a Residency by Investment Program?

Residency by investment programs don’t commonly require applicants to be employed in order to apply. 

These programs are primarily designed for high-net-worth individuals (HNWI)² or entrepreneurs who can make substantial investments in the host country's economy, such as purchasing real estate, investing in government bonds, or establishing a business. 

Employment status isn’t generally a requirement for these programs, as the main focus is on the applicant's ability to make a sizable investment and contribute to the country's economic growth. 

However

Each program has its own specific requirements, so it's essential to research the residency by investment program of your choice thoroughly and consult with professionals or government authorities for accurate information.

Can My Family Members Be Included Under the Residency by Investment Program?

As a prospective investor in residency programs, it's likely that you’ll be eager to find out whether your family qualifies. 

In the majority of residency by investment programs, your family members can be included in your application. 

Such programs often allow for the inclusion of immediate family members, such as spouses and dependent children, ensuring that families can stay together while relocating to a new country. 

It’s important to note, however, that the specific eligibility criteria for including family members vary depending on the country and the particular program you’ve chosen. 

Some general family eligibility requirements may include:

• Proof of relationship to the applicant
• Age
• Proof of financial support
• Application fees

As such, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the requirements and consult with professionals or government authorities to ensure that your family members can be successfully included in your application for residency by investment.

Which Family Dependents Are Eligible to Be Included Under Each Residency by Investment Program?

As you explore the various residency by investment programs, it's essential to understand the eligibility requirements and criteria for family dependents in each specific program. 

In this section, our expert team will walk you through 10 popular residency by investment programs, providing you with key information on whether they accept family dependents and the eligibility conditions for each.

Let’s take a closer look.

Austria

Austria's residency by investment program accepts family dependents, including spouses and children. 

Applicants must provide supporting documents proving family ties and evidence of their ability to financially support family members during their stay in the country. 

The program offers a range of investment options, such as real estate and government bonds, allowing applicants to choose the best option for their situation.

Cyprus 

Cyprus permits family dependents to be included in residency applications.

The specific family dependents include spouses, minor children, adult children, parents, and the spouse's parents. 

Family applications cost approximately US$5,600 per dependent spouse or child and US$8,960 for each dependent adult.

In addition 

It should be noted, however, that family dependents aren’t allowed to gain local employment in Cyprus upon acceptance. 

The main applicant must invest in real estate or other approved assets to qualify for the program.

Learn More: Residency by Investment in Cyprus

Latvia 

Latvia includes family dependents in residency by investment applications, requiring proof of the main applicant's ability to financially support them. 

The requirements are approximately US$17,300 per year for a single main applicant, US$23,100 per year for a main applicant and spouse, and US$24,800 per year for a married couple with 1 child. 

Marriage certificates and proof of relationship are also required, and family members over 6 years old must submit biometric data. 

Investment options include real estate, business investments, or government bonds.

Malaysia 

Malaysia accepts family dependents in its residency by investment program.

Eligible family members include a spouse, parents, parents-in-law, and unmarried children under 21. 

It costs US$12,000 per dependent spouse or child to be included. 

Additionally

The main applicant must prove their ability to financially support family dependents during their stay in Malaysia. 

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program requires applicants to deposit a fixed amount in a Malaysian bank account and maintain a minimum balance throughout their stay.

Malta

Malta's residency by investment program includes family dependents, such as spouses and children under 18. 

Other eligible dependents include those between 18 and 29 who’re financially dependent on the main applicant or spouse, children with disabilities, and parents over 55 who rely on the main applicant or spouse. 

The main applicant must prove their ability to financially support family members, and all applicants' biometric data must be collected in Malta. 

To qualify, applicants must make a non-refundable contribution to the Maltese government, invest in government bonds, and rent or purchase property.

Monaco

Monaco accepts family dependents for residency by investment applications but only provides residency cards for spouses/partners and children above the age of 18. 

Children under the age of 18 will receive a travel document for minors. 

The main applicant must also prove sufficient funds to support their family dependents and that sufficient accommodation will be provided. 

Take note

Parents may also be included in the application, with proof of relationship required. 

Monaco's program requires applicants to open a bank account, deposit a minimum amount, and rent or purchase property.

Portugal

Portugal's residency by investment program allows family dependents to be included by the main applicant.

In particular, spouses and partners, adult children, and parents/in-laws can be included under certain conditions.

The program charges approximately US$600 per family dependent included in the application.

Additionally 

It’ll cost each dependent approximately US$6,000 to obtain a Portuguese residence permit card. 

All applicants must fulfill the minimum stay requirements and be present in Portugal to submit and renew biometric data. 

The main applicant must also prove the ability to financially support all applicants except their spouse. 

This program requires applicants to invest in real estate, create jobs, or make a capital transfer to Portugal.

Singapore

Singapore accepts family dependents as part of its residency by investment program. 

In particular, a main applicant can include their spouse(s), children, and dependent parents.  

Notarized proof of relationship and background checks for all family dependents are required. 

It should be noted that children under the age of 21 will be liable for Singapore national service duty if included. 

Singapore's Global Investor Program (GIP) requires applicants to invest in a new business entity, expand an existing business, or invest in a GIP-approved fund.

Thailand 

Thailand offers an array of residency by investment programs, catering to a wide variety of applicants. 

For applicants who want to apply with family dependents, Thailand offers an Elite Family Excursion program that grants a 5-year residence visa for each member.

The program is designed to cater for a minimum of 2 applicants as well as qualifying family dependents, which may include parents, step-parents, spouses, children, and step-children. 

Take note

A once-off fee will cover 2 applicants, and additional dependents will be required to pay an extra charge. 

There’s no age restriction, but marriage certificates and proof of relationships will need to be submitted.

United Kingdom 

The United Kingdom's residency by investment program, also known as the Tier 1 Investor Visa, is the final program our team of experts will cover.

This program accepts family dependents, specifically a spouse or partner and children under 18 years old.³

The main applicant must also demonstrate their ability to financially support family members during their stay in the UK, and each family member must pay a health surcharge. 

Each family dependent included in the application will be required to pay approximately US$2,000. 

Which RBI Program Is Most Favorable?

It’s not possible to determine the most favorable RBI program in terms of eligibility requirements, as it depends on your unique, individual circumstances.

However, here are a few observations our team would like to share with you:

• Cyprus and Portugal include a wide range of family members in their programs, which might be favorable for larger families.
• Monaco and the UK have less stringent rules for family dependents, which might be more suitable for those with adult children.
• The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, which requires a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank account, is more straightforward for those who prefer not to deal with property investment or business setup.
• Portugal and the UK might be of interest to those who wish to live and work in Europe due to their geographical location and the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area.
• The Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP) may be attractive for business owners or entrepreneurs, as it requires investment in a new business entity, expansion of an existing business, or investment in a GIP-approved fund.
• Thailand's Elite Family Excursion program caters to a wide variety of applicants and doesn't have age restrictions, which might be appealing to certain investors.

Remember

Consulting with a professional in the field is highly recommended when considering these programs.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Residency by investment offers an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a new country to call home. 

Understanding the specific eligibility requirements for applicants and family dependents is crucial for a successful RBI application.

We trust that our comprehensive article has prepared you effectively to meet the eligibility requirements and criteria of your chosen program with confidence.