A scheme known as “residence permits by investment” enables foreign persons to legally dwell in another country by making a certain investment. Real estate, corporations, or government bonds are just a few of the many investment options. Rich people who want to live or become residents of another nation for personal or professional reasons are a common target audience for these schemes.
Investments in real estate are frequently used to secure a residence permit. Each nation has a different residency permit investment minimum and validity duration. Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, and Turkey are the top 5 nations that grant residency permits in exchange for financial investments made through real estate investment. These programs are well-liked since they provide visa-free travel inside the Schengen Area in addition to other advantages including access to the nation’s healthcare, educational institutions, and career prospects. Investors may also profit from some of these programs since they may offer a road to citizenship or permanent residency.
Top 5 countries that provide residence permits by investment in real estate
- Portugal:
The Golden Visa scheme in Portugal, which offers residency in exchange for investment, enables foreigners to buy a residence visa. The prerequisites, advantages, and disadvantages of this software are as follows:
Real estate investment requirements:
- Invest in a home worth at least €500,000 OR
- If the property is older than 30 years or situated in an area undergoing urban renewal, you must purchase it for a minimum of €350.000 OR
- Spend at least €500,000 on a home in a neighborhood with a low population density.
- Maintain the money in the account for at least five years.
- Spend no less than 7 days a year there.
Benefits of Obtaining a Residence Permit:
- Travel inside the Schengen Area without a visa
- Portugal offers the chance to live, work, and study there.
- Portugal’s healthcare and educational systems are available to you.
- After five years, there may be a chance to gain citizenship or permanent residency.
- Tax advantages for non-residents
Drawbacks or Challenges:
- Compared to other residence by investment systems, the initial investment is quite hefty.
- For the residence permit to be valid, the investor must stay in Portugal for a minimum of 7 days each year.
- The lengthy and bureaucratic application procedure may take up to six months or longer.
- The Portuguese government reserves the right to modify or discontinue the program at any moment.
- Spain
Via its Golden Visa program, Spain furthermore provides a residence-by-investment option. The program’s prerequisites, advantages, and disadvantages are listed below:
Real estate investment requirements:
- Buy a property worth at least €500,000 OR Put at least €500,000 into a portfolio of properties
- Maintain the money in the account for at least five years.
Benefits of Obtaining a Residence Permit:
- Possibility of living, working, and studying in Spain
- Travel inside the Schengen Area without a visa
- Access to the healthcare and educational systems in Spain
- Possibility of getting citizenship or permanent residency after ten years
- family members may be listed on the application.
Challenges or Drawbacks:
- Compared to other residence by investment systems, the initial investment is quite hefty.
- To keep their residence visa valid, the investor must stay in Spain for at least 183 days yearly.
- The lengthy and bureaucratic application procedure may take up to six months or longer.
- The Spanish government reserves the right to modify or discontinue the program at any moment.
- The Spanish real estate market may experience changes and uncertainty.
- Greece
Via its Golden Visa program, Greece also provides a residence-by-investment option. The program’s prerequisites, advantages, and disadvantages are listed below:
Real estate investment requirements:
- Invest in a home worth at least €250,000 OR
- Invest a minimum of €400,000 in Greek government bonds OR Invest a minimum of €400,000 in a company established in Greece OR Sign a leasing agreement for a furnished vacation home or hotel room with a minimum term of 10 years in integrated tourist destinations.
Benefits of Obtaining a Residence Permit:
- Chance to live, work, and study in Greece
- Travel inside the Schengen Area without a visa
- Access to the healthcare and educational systems in Greece
- Possibility of getting citizenship or permanent residency after 7 years
- Possibility to include family members in the application
Challenges or Drawbacks:
- Although the program’s investment requirement is lower than that of other residence-by-investment schemes, a substantial sum of money is still needed.
- To keep their residence visa, the investor must stay in Greece for at least 90 days per year.
- The application procedure can be drawn out and bureaucratic, taking up to three months or longer.
- The Greek government reserves the right to modify or end the program at any moment.
- Greece’s real estate market might see changes and uncertainty.
- Malta
With its Malta Residency and Visa Program, Malta also provides a residence-by-investment option (MRVP). The program’s prerequisites, advantages, and disadvantages are listed below:
Real estate investment requirements:
- Buy a home with a minimum value of €300,000 OR
- Rent a home for a minimum of €10,000 per year.
- Sustain the investment for at least five years.
Advantages of Getting a Residence Permit:
- Possibility of living, working, and studying in Malta
- Travel inside the Schengen Area without a visa
- Access to Malta’s educational and healthcare systems
- After five years, there may be a chance to gain citizenship or permanent residency.
- Possibility to include family members in the application
Challenges or Drawbacks:
- Although the program’s investment requirement is lower than that of other residence by investment schemes, a substantial sum of money is still needed.
- To keep their residence visa valid, the investor must stay in Malta for at least 183 days per year.
- The lengthy and bureaucratic application procedure may take up to six months or longer.
- The Maltese government reserves the right to modify or discontinue the program at any moment.
- Cyprus
Via its Cyprus Investment Programme, Cyprus also provides a residence by investment scheme (CIP). The program’s prerequisites, advantages, and disadvantages are listed below:
Real estate investment requirements:
- Invest in a home worth at least €300,000 (excluding VAT)
- Sustain the investment for at least five years.
- The home must be brand-new and purchased from a developer.
Benefits of Obtaining a Residence Permit:
- Chance to live, work, and study in Cyprus
- Travel inside the European Union without a visa
- Access to Cyprus’ educational and healthcare systems
- After five years, there may be a chance to gain citizenship or permanent residency.
- Possibility to include family members in the application
- Cyprus has no wealth tax, immovable property tax, or inheritance tax.
Challenges or Drawbacks:
- Compared to several other residences by investment programs, the program has a greater investment requirement.
- To keep their residence permit, the investor must visit Cyprus for at least two weeks each year.
- The lengthy and bureaucratic application procedure may take up to six months or longer.
- The Cyprus government reserves the right to modify or discontinue the program at any moment.
Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus are the top 5 nations that grant resident permits in exchange for real estate investments. A basic comparison might assist potential investors in making an educated choice, even though each nation has its own particular requirements, advantages, and difficulties.
Portugal boasts a relatively minimal investment need, a quick and simple process, and access to a top-notch healthcare system. Spain has a wide range of investment opportunities, including the chance to invest in commercial real estate, as well as a quick and simple application procedure. Greece gives access to the European Union and the Schengen region and has a low investment criterion. Malta has a high investment threshold yet provides access to a first-rate healthcare system and a stable political environment. Cyprus provides a rather quick procedure.
When selecting a nation, potential investors should carefully assess their goals and financial status. Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus can be suitable choices for individuals seeking a lower investment requirement and a quicker procedure. Greece or Cyprus may be preferred by those seeking entry into the European Union and the Schengen Zone. Portugal or Malta may be preferred by those looking for top-notch medical care. In the end, each nation has particular benefits and drawbacks, so prospective investors should carefully consider their options and consult with experts before choosing.
Conclusion
Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus are among the top 5 nations that grant resident permits in exchange for real estate investments. Potential investors should carefully assess their goals and financial circumstances before picking a nation because each has its own needs, advantages, and challenges. Yet, gaining a resident visa through real estate investment can have many advantages, such as access to top-notch healthcare, a stable political environment, and freedom to travel inside the European Union and the Schengen region.
