What is residency by investment?

Residency by investment (RBI) is a legal pathway that grants foreign nationals the right to live, and in some cases work and study, in a country in exchange for a qualifying financial investment. Common investment types include real estate, business creation, government bonds, or capital contributions. Unlike citizenship by investment, RBI programs grant residency status rather than a passport, though many lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship after a qualifying period.

What is the difference between residency by investment and citizenship by investment?

Residency by investment (RBI) grants you the legal right to live in a country — you receive a residence permit or visa. Citizenship by investment (CBI) goes a step further and grants you a passport and full nationality. Most RBI programs have a citizenship pathway after 5–10 years of legal residence, while CBI programs grant a passport directly, often within 3–18 months. RBI programs are generally more affordable, with minimum investments starting from USD 25,000, while CBI programs typically start from USD 100,000.

Which is the cheapest residency by investment program in 2026?

The most affordable residency by investment options in 2026 include: Thailand Elite Visa from THB 900,000 (approximately USD 25,000), Cambodia Business Visa from USD 50,000, Mauritius Occupation Permit from USD 50,000, and the France Talent Passport (Business Creation) from EUR 30,000. Income-based programs like the Panama Pensionado (from USD 1,000/month) and Italy Retirement Visa (EUR 31,000/year) can also be very cost-effective for retirees. Harvey Law Group can help you identify the right program for your budget and goals.

Which residency by investment program is processed the fastest?

The fastest residency by investment programs include: Panama Qualified Investor Program (approximately 1 month), Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (20 working days), Cambodia Business Visa (1–2 months), and Thailand Elite Visa (1–3 months). Processing times can vary depending on application completeness and government processing queues. Harvey Law Group can help you prepare a complete application to minimize delays.

Which European countries offer residency by investment in 2026?

Several European countries offer investor residency programs in 2026, including: Greece Golden Visa (EUR 250,000), Portugal Golden Visa (EUR 250,000), Italy Golden Visa (EUR 250,000), Hungary Golden Visa (EUR 250,000), Cyprus Permanent Residence (EUR 300,000), France Talent Passport (from EUR 30,000), Malta Permanent Residence, Monaco Residence Permit, Netherlands Startup Visa (EUR 50,000), Swiss Residence Permit (CHF 429,000), and UK Innovator Founder Visa (GBP 50,000). EU-based programs offer the added benefit of Schengen zone travel and a pathway to EU citizenship.

Can my family be included in a residency by investment application?

Yes, the majority of residency by investment programs allow family members to be included in the main applicant's application. Family inclusion typically covers a spouse or partner and dependent children. Some programs also cover dependent parents or adult children in full-time education. Programs with strong family inclusion policies include the Greece Golden Visa, Portugal Golden Visa, Italy Golden Visa, Cyprus Permanent Residence, France Talent Passport, Canada Start-up Visa, UAE Real Estate Investor Visa, and many others. Harvey Law Group can advise on the specific family inclusion rules for each program.

Do I need to live in the country to maintain my residency by investment status?

This depends on the specific program. Many residency by investment programs have no mandatory minimum stay requirement, making them popular with investors who want a residence permit without relocating full-time. Programs with no or minimal stay requirements include the Greece Golden Visa, Hungary Golden Visa, Italy Golden Visa, UAE Real Estate Investor Visa, Malaysia Premium Visa, and Cyprus Permanent Residence. However, programs that lead to citizenship typically require meeting a minimum physical presence threshold over the years preceding the citizenship application.

Can a residency by investment program lead to citizenship?

Yes, many residency by investment programs offer a clear pathway to citizenship after a qualifying period of legal residence. Common timelines include 5 years in Portugal, France, Cyprus, Italy, Panama, and Cambodia; 7 years in Greece. Some programs offer a more direct route: the Panama Qualified Investor Program offers citizenship after 5 years, while the United States EB-5 and EB-2 Green Card programs are pathways to US citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency. Harvey Law Group can advise on the best program based on your long-term citizenship goals.

What types of investment qualify for residency by investment programs?

Qualifying investment types vary by country but commonly include: real estate purchase (popular in Greece, UAE, Malaysia, Mauritius), business creation or acquisition (France, UK, Netherlands, Singapore, Vietnam), capital investment in funds or bonds (Portugal, Hungary, Cyprus), job creation (Canada, USA EB-5), and passive income or pension income for retirement-based programs (Italy, Panama). Harvey Law Group can help you match your preferred investment type to the right program.

Which residency by investment program is best for entrepreneurs and startup founders?

Top residency by investment programs for entrepreneurs and startup founders include: Singapore Start-up Visa (USD 230,000, PR after 2 years), Netherlands Startup Visa (EUR 50,000), UK Innovator Founder Visa (GBP 50,000), France Talent Passport Business Creation (EUR 30,000), Canada Start-up Visa (CAD 75,000), USA E-2 Visa (USD 250,000), and the USA EB-2 NIW for high-potential innovators. Each requires a viable business plan and, in some cases, endorsement from a recognized organization. Harvey Law Group specializes in guiding entrepreneurs through these applications.

How long does a residency by investment application take?

Processing times vary significantly by program and country. The fastest programs process applications within 1–2 months (Panama Qualified Investor, Thailand LTR, Cambodia Business Visa). Medium timelines of 3–6 months apply to programs in Italy, France, Switzerland, USA E-2, Indonesia, and Mauritius. Longer timelines of 6–18 months apply to programs in Portugal (12–18 months) and Canada (~40 months). A complete, well-prepared application handled by experienced immigration lawyers significantly reduces the risk of delays.

Is residency by investment legal and legitimate?

Yes, residency by investment programs are government-sanctioned legal pathways established by the laws of each respective country. They are designed to attract foreign capital, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. All programs listed by Harvey Law Group are official government programs. Harvey Law Group is an international immigration law firm established in 1992, with extensive experience in investor visa applications across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, ensuring full legal compliance throughout the application process.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a residency by investment program?

While it is technically possible to apply independently for some programs, working with a specialist immigration lawyer significantly increases the likelihood of approval, reduces processing time, and ensures the investment structure is correctly configured. Given the financial amounts involved and the legal complexity of immigration procedures, professional legal guidance is strongly recommended. Harvey Law Group has been advising investors on residency and citizenship programs since 1992, offering end-to-end support across more than 40 programs in 26 countries worldwide.

Residency by Investment Programs

26 Countries Offering Residency by Investment Programs

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Program	Region	Min. Investment	Key Benefits	Processing
Cyprus Permanent Residence Cyprus	Europe	EUR 300,000	Indefinite residence · EU citizenship pathway after 5 years · Family inclusion · No residency requirements	6–9 months
France Talent Passport – Investor France	Europe	EUR 300,000	4-year renewable permit · Create/acquire French business · Family inclusion · Citizenship after 5 years	4–6 months
France Talent Passport Business Creation France	Europe	EUR 30,000	4-year renewable permit · Establish business in France · Family inclusion · Citizenship after 5 years	4–6 months
Greece Golden Visa Greece	Europe	EUR 250,000	Visa-free Schengen access · Indefinite residence · 5-year renewable visa · Citizenship after 7 years	6–9 months
Hungary Golden Visa Hungary	Europe	EUR 250,000	10-year renewable residency · EU residency & Schengen travel · No mandatory stay · Citizenship pathway	6 months
Italy Golden Visa Italy	Europe	EUR 250,000	2-year residency permit · Schengen area access · Family inclusion · No minimum stay required	3–6 months
Italy Retirement Visa Italy	Europe	EUR 31,000/year income	Residency for retirees · Schengen area access · Family inclusion · Passive income requirement	2–4 months
Malta Permanent Residence Malta	Europe	Varies by option	Permanent residency in EU · Mediterranean lifestyle · English-speaking country · Full EU benefits	6–8 months
Portugal Golden Visa Portugal	Europe	EUR 250,000	Reside, work & study in Portugal · EU access · Citizenship after 5 years · Family inclusion	12–18 months
Monaco Residence Permit Monaco	Europe	EUR 500,000	Renewable residency permit · Permanent residency after 9 years · Schengen access · Tax advantages	On request
Netherlands Startup Visa Netherlands	Europe	EUR 50,000	1-year renewable permit · Innovative business requirement · Family inclusion & spouse work rights · PR after 5 years	3–8 months
Swiss Residence Permit Switzerland	Europe	CHF 429,000	Lump sum taxation · Swiss residency · Schengen area access · Tax efficiency benefits	3–6 months
UK Innovator Founder Visa United Kingdom	Europe	GBP 50,000	Innovative business visa · PR after 3 years · Citizenship after 5 years · Family inclusion	On request
UK Expansion Worker Visa United Kingdom	Europe	N/A	Set up UK branch/subsidiary · Switch to other visa types · PR after 5 years · Business expansion	On request
Canada Start-up Visa Canada	North America	CAD 75,000	Permanent residency in Canada · For innovative entrepreneurs · Citizenship after 3 years · Family inclusion	~40 months
United States E-2 Visa United States	North America	USD 250,000	Live, work & study in USA · Renewable indefinitely · Certain nationals only · Business investment required	3 months
United States EB-1 Visa United States	North America	N/A	Fast-track Green Card · Extraordinary abilities pathway · Permanent residency · Family benefits	8 months
United States EB-2 Visa United States	North America	USD 250,000	Unconditional Green Card · For innovative entrepreneurs · Citizenship after 5 years · Permanent residency	12–16 months
United States EB-2-NIW (Pilots) United States	North America	N/A	For airline pilots · Green Card pathway · Family inclusion · No job offer required	9–12 months
United States EB-2-NIW AME United States	North America	N/A	Aircraft maintenance workers · Exceptional ability pathway · No sponsorship needed · Green Card eligibility	9–12 months
United States EB-2-NIW STEM United States	North America	N/A	STEM field workers · Exceptional ability pathway · No sponsorship needed · National interest waiver	9–12 months
United States EB-5 Visa United States	North America	USD 800,000	Conditional Green Card · 2-year initial period · Conditions removal process · Investment-based pathway	On request
United States Trump Gold & Platinum Card United States	North America	USD 1,000,000	Green Card for the whole family · Fast-track processing · No language requirements · Pathway to citizenship	~12 months
Costa Rica Residency Permit Costa Rica	Central America	USD 150,000	Three pathway options · 2-year temporary residence · Permanent residency pathway · Citizenship eligibility	3–9 months
Panama Qualified Investor Program Panama	Central America	USD 300,000	Permanent residence · Live, work & study rights · Health system access · Citizenship after 5 years	1 month
Panama Pensionado Program Panama	Central America	USD 1,000/month income	Permanent residency for retirees · Special pensioner benefits · Citizenship after 5 years · Affordable pathway	3–10 months
Cambodia Business Visa Cambodia	Asia	USD 50,000	1-year renewable visa · Live & do business · No interview or language test · Family inclusion	1–2 months
Cambodia CM2H Cambodia	Asia	USD 50,000	Long-term residency · Real estate investment · Citizenship pathway · Second home program	4–6 months
Hong Kong CIES Hong Kong	Asia	HKD 30 Million	Capital Investment scheme · Approved assets investment · Hong Kong residency · High investment threshold	On request
Indonesia Golden Visa Indonesia	Asia	USD 350,000+	5 or 10-year residency · Online application · Family included · Business & property rights	2–3 months
Malaysia MM2H Malaysia	Asia	USD 150,000 + Property	My Second Home program · Family inclusion · Education benefits · Tax exemptions	2–3 months
Malaysia Premium Visa Program Malaysia	Asia	RM 480,000/year	20-year renewable residency · No minimum stay required · High-net-worth individuals · Offshore income requirement	3–4 months
Singapore Permanent Residency Singapore	Asia	SGD 10 Million	Global Investor Programme · Permanent residency · High investment threshold · Singapore benefits	6–9 months
Singapore Start-up Visa Singapore	Asia	USD 230,000	For innovative entrepreneurs · Renewable visa · PR after 2 years · Designated organization support	8 weeks–6 months
Thailand Elite Visa Thailand	Asia	THB 900,000	5–20 year stay · Elite membership benefits · Tourism-focused program · 5-year renewable entry	1–3 months
Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa Thailand	Asia	USD 250,000	10-year visa · Two 5-year terms · Extendable stays · Long-term residence	20 working days
Vietnam DT3 Visa – Investor Vietnam	Asia	USD 150,000	Investment visa · Business operations · Company setup or acquisition · Entrepreneur-focused	5 months
Vietnam DT4 Visa Business Creation Vietnam	Asia	USD 70,000	Business creation visa · Entrepreneur pathway · Business activities · Lower investment threshold	5 months
New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa New Zealand	Oceania	NZD 15 Million	Indefinite residence · PR after 4 years · Citizenship after 5 years · High investment requirement	On request
Mauritius Occupation Permit Mauritius	Africa	USD 50,000	Live & work permit · Employment, business or investment · 10-year validity · Renewable under conditions	2–6 months
Mauritius Residence Permit Mauritius	Africa	USD 375,000	Live, work & retire · Property ownership required · Permanent residency pathway · Citizenship eligibility	2–6 months
South Africa Permanent Residency South Africa	Africa	ZAR 120,000	Permanent residence status · Citizen rights except voting · Citizenship after 10 years · Earlier with motivation	On request
UAE Real Estate Investor Visa UAE	Middle East	USD 550,000	10-year renewable permit · Live, work & study · Family sponsorship · No physical residency requirement	4–6 months

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