Residency by Investment Programs: Complete Global Directory
24 Golden Visa & RBI Programs Across Europe, Americas & Middle East
Explore our comprehensive directory of residency by investment programs with expert advisory services since 1994. Compare Golden Visa options, investment requirements, and citizenship pathways across multiple jurisdictions. Government-authorized guidance for permanent residence and global mobility solutions.
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Browse our complete portfolio of residency by investment programs. Each jurisdiction offers unique advantages including EU access, tax benefits, global mobility, and pathways to citizenship.
Portugal Golden Visa
Investment funds or cultural heritage donation leading to citizenship.
- Citizenship after 5 years
- No physical residence required
- EU Schengen travel
Germany Business
Residency for entrepreneurs establishing a company in Germany.
- Access largest EU economy
- Family reunification
- Path to PR in 3 years
Greece Golden Visa
Affordable EU residency via real estate investment.
- Investment from €250,000
- No residence requirement
- Direct Schengen access
Hungary Golden Visa
Strategic residency in Central Europe via real estate or funds.
- 10-year residency
- Real estate funds or purchase
- Strategic EU location
Malta MPRP
Permanent residency in an English-speaking EU member state.
- Property + Government contribution
- Residency for life
- 4 generations included
Germany Nurses & Medical
German residency for nurses and medical professionals.
- For medical professionals
- Stable employment
- EU access
Germany Blue Card
For highly qualified professionals with a German employment contract.
- Fast-track permanent residence
- Immediate family inclusion
- EU mobility
Italy Investor Visa
Strategic investment in Italian government bonds or companies.
- €250k - €2M investment
- Fast processing (3 months)
- Tax incentives available
Spain Golden Visa
This program is no longer accepting new applications for real estate investment.
- €500,000 Real Estate
- Immediate family included
- Work rights in Spain
Cyprus Residency
Fast-track permanent residency through real estate purchase.
- €300,000 Real Estate
- Approval in 2 months
- Lifetime validity
Albania Residency
Cost-effective residency in an EU-candidate country.
- Low cost of living
- Easy business setup
- Stunning coastline
Serbia Residency
Flexible residency options via company formation or property.
- No minimum stay
- Path to citizenship
- Low tax rates
Portugal D2 Visa
For entrepreneurs launching or buying a business in Portugal.
- Low capital requirement
- Citizenship path (5 years)
- EU market access
Portugal D7 Visa
For retirees or remote workers with stable passive income.
- No investment required
- Requires passive income
- Citizenship path (5 years)
UK Self-Sponsorship
Establish a UK branch and sponsor your own work visa.
- Work for your own company
- Settlement (ILR) in 5 years
- Family included
UK Innovator Visa
For experienced entrepreneurs with a scalable business idea.
- Endorsement required
- Settlement (ILR) in 3 years
- No minimum funds
USA EB-5 Visa
Direct path to U.S. Green Card via qualifying investment.
- $800,000 investment
- Permanent Residency
- Path to US Citizenship
USA E-2 Visa
Start a business in the USA (for Treaty Nation citizens).
- Lower investment threshold
- Faster processing
- Renewable indefinitely
Argentina Residency
South American hub with one of the fastest citizenship paths.
- Citizenship possible in 2 years
- Low passive income reqs
- High quality of life
Paraguay Residency
Territorial tax system and low cost of residency.
- Tax-friendly jurisdiction
- Low physical presence
- Mercosur access
Uruguay Residency
The "Switzerland of South America" with strong banking and stability.
- Tax holidays available
- High safety & stability
- Real estate investment option
UAE Golden Visa
Long-term residency for investors and specialized talents.
- 10-Year renewable visa
- 100% business ownership
- Zero personal income tax
UAE Company Setup
Obtain residency by establishing a Free Zone or Mainland company.
- Visa valid 2-3 years
- Corporate bank account
- Family sponsorship
Why Choose Residency by Investment?
Residency by Investment programs offer strategic advantages for high-net-worth individuals and families seeking global mobility, business opportunities, and enhanced quality of life. These programs provide legal pathways to establish permanent residence with minimal disruption to your current lifestyle.
Global Mobility
Access visa-free travel to numerous countries, with many programs offering Schengen Area access spanning 27 European nations. Expand your freedom of movement for business and leisure.
Business Expansion
Establish business operations, access new markets, and benefit from favorable tax structures in strategic jurisdictions. Residency opens doors to international business opportunities.
Education & Healthcare
Secure access to world-class education systems and healthcare services for your family. Many programs offer local tuition rates and comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Citizenship Pathway
Many residency programs provide a clear route to full citizenship after maintaining legal residency for a specified period, offering long-term security and additional passport options.
Family Inclusion
Most programs extend residency rights to spouses, children, and in some cases parents or other dependents, ensuring your entire family benefits from the program.
Flexible Requirements
Golden Visa programs typically have minimal physical presence requirements, allowing you to maintain your current residence while securing long-term residency rights elsewhere.
Investment Options Comparison
The following table presents general investment categories across NTL's residency program portfolio. Specific amounts are program-dependent and subject to current government regulations.
| Investment Type | Typical Range | Holding Period | Example Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investment | €250,000 - €400,000 | 5 - 7 years | Greece Golden Visa |
| Government Funds | €250,000 - €500,000 | 5 years typical | Portugal, Malta programs |
| Business Investment | €50,000 - $800,000 | Program-dependent | Germany, UK, USA E-2 programs |
| Job Creation | $800,000 - $1,050,000 | Investment must be maintained | USA EB-5 program |
Important: Investment amounts and requirements are subject to change by government authorities. Portugal and Spain have updated their Golden Visa programs with new investment requirements. Greece maintains real estate investment options. All program details must be verified against current official government regulations at time of application.
Eligibility Requirements
General Applicant Requirements
While specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, most residency by investment programs require applicants to:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
- Have no criminal record or serious immigration violations
- Pass health screening requirements (jurisdiction-specific)
- Demonstrate legal source of investment funds
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Sufficient capital to meet minimum investment threshold
- Legal source of funds documentation
- Financial capacity for application fees and legal costs
- Ongoing financial means for residence maintenance (some programs)
Due Diligence Standards
All residency by investment programs conduct background verification procedures including:
- Criminal record checks (national and international)
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) screening
- Politically Exposed Person (PEP) screening
- Source of Funds and Source of Wealth verification
- Sanctions list screening
Family Members Inclusion
Most programs permit inclusion of:
- Spouse or legally recognized partner
- Dependent children (age limits vary by program)
- Parents or grandparents (selected programs under specific conditions)
Important: Family member eligibility and age definitions vary significantly by jurisdiction. Specific requirements should be confirmed during program assessment.
How NTL Supports Your Residency Journey
With over 30 years of experience in investment migration, NTL provides comprehensive advisory services throughout your residency by investment journey. We ensure full regulatory compliance while optimizing your investment strategy.
Program Assessment & Selection
We evaluate your objectives, family requirements, investment capacity, and timeline to recommend the most suitable residency program. Our analysis considers tax implications, citizenship pathways, and family inclusion options.
Investment Structuring
We assist in identifying and structuring qualifying investments, whether real estate acquisitions, business ventures, or government fund contributions. Our team ensures your investment aligns with program requirements while meeting your financial objectives.
Due Diligence & Compliance
We coordinate the comprehensive background verification and documentation processes required by immigration authorities, ensuring all compliance requirements are met according to jurisdiction-specific regulations.
Application Coordination
Our team prepares and submits your residency application through authorized channels, managing all interactions with government authorities and providing regular progress updates throughout the approval process.
Post-Approval Support
We provide ongoing guidance on maintaining your residency status, renewal procedures, and eventual citizenship eligibility. Our support continues throughout your residency journey and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about residency by investment programs. For program-specific inquiries, please contact our advisory team.
What is the difference between residency and citizenship?
Residency grants the right to live in a country permanently or long-term but does not provide citizenship status or passport rights. Citizenship grants full national status including passport issuance, voting rights, and unrestricted residence. Many residency programs provide a pathway to citizenship after maintaining legal residency for a specified period, typically 5 to 10 years depending on jurisdiction.
How long does residency by investment take?
Processing timelines vary by jurisdiction. Some programs offer approval within 2 to 3 months (e.g., Cyprus, Greece), while others require 6 to 12 months (e.g., Portugal, Malta). USA EB-5 processing can extend beyond 12 months. Timeline estimates are program-specific and depend on application completeness, due diligence complexity, and government processing capacity.
Can I include my family members in the application?
Yes, most residency by investment programs allow inclusion of spouses and dependent children. Age limits for dependent children vary by program (typically 18 to 26 years). Some programs also permit inclusion of parents or grandparents under specific conditions. Family member eligibility should be confirmed during program assessment as requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Do I need to live in the country full-time?
Most Golden Visa programs have minimal physical presence requirements, often requiring only a few days per year or an initial visit for biometric registration. Specific requirements vary by jurisdiction. Portugal requires an average of 7 days per year. Greece has no minimum stay requirement. Requirements should be confirmed for each program as they affect citizenship pathway eligibility.
What investment options qualify for residency programs?
Qualifying investments vary by jurisdiction and typically include: real estate purchases (residential or commercial), business investment or company establishment, government bonds or approved investment funds, capital transfer to national economy, and job creation through business operations. Each program has specific investment thresholds, holding period requirements, and approved investment categories defined in program regulations.
Will residency lead to citizenship?
Many residency programs provide a pathway to citizenship after maintaining legal residency for a specified period. Requirements typically include: 5 to 10 years of legal residency (jurisdiction-dependent), language proficiency demonstration (some programs), clean criminal record maintenance, financial self-sufficiency, and physical presence requirements. Citizenship eligibility rules vary significantly by country and should be evaluated during program selection.
How much does residency by investment cost?
Costs vary by jurisdiction and investment type. European programs typically require €250,000 to €500,000 in investment. Business investment programs range from €50,000 to $800,000 USD. Additional costs include government application fees, legal fees, due diligence fees, and advisory fees. Total costs are program-specific and should be calculated during program assessment.
What are common reasons for application refusal?
Common refusal grounds include: insufficient or fraudulent documentation, failure to demonstrate legal source of funds, criminal record or immigration violations, failure to meet due diligence requirements (AML/KYC), investment non-compliance with program regulations, health inadmissibility (jurisdiction-specific), and false or misleading information in application. Working with authorized advisory ensures compliance with all requirements.
Can I work in the country with residency by investment?
Work rights vary by program type. Golden Visa programs typically grant the right to work and establish businesses. Some programs have restrictions on employment in specific sectors. EU residency generally allows work throughout the EU, though specific conditions apply. Work rights should be confirmed for each program as they vary by jurisdiction and residency type.
What is the role of NTL in the process?
NTL provides government-authorized advisory services including: program selection and eligibility assessment, investment structuring and selection, documentation preparation and compilation, application submission coordination through authorized channels, due diligence procedure management, progress monitoring and government liaison, and post-approval residency maintenance guidance.
About NTL
NTL is a government-authorized immigration advisory firm established in 1994, specializing in citizenship and residency by investment programs. We operate as licensed agents for multiple CBI and RBI jurisdictions, providing advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, legal counsel, and institutional clients.
Our Authorization and Expertise
- Authorization: Government-licensed agent for multiple jurisdictions
- Specialization: Citizenship and Residency by Investment programs
- Services: Program selection, investment structuring, application coordination, compliance advisory
- Client Base: High-net-worth individuals, families, legal professionals, business entities
Content Reviewed By: NTL Advisory Team
Last Updated: January 9, 2026
Review Cycle: Quarterly review to reflect program regulation changes
Verification Standard: All program information verified against official government sources including immigration authority websites, official gazettes, and published program regulations
Contact and Advisory Services
For professional consultation on residency by investment programs:
- Consultation Requests: Submit inquiry through our consultation form below or contact page
- Program Information: Contact our advisory team for jurisdiction-specific program details
- Service Complaints: NTL maintains a formal complaints procedure. We aim to respond to all complaints within 10 business days.
NTL provides advisory services only. All residency applications are submitted to and approved by relevant government immigration authorities. We do not guarantee approval outcomes as final decisions rest with government authorities conducting due diligence and assessing applications according to program regulations.
Important Disclaimers
No Guarantee of Approval
NTL provides advisory services for residency by investment applications. We do not control or influence government approval decisions. All applications are subject to due diligence procedures and assessment by immigration authorities. Approval is not guaranteed regardless of investment amount or documentation quality.
Program Changes
Residency by investment programs are subject to legislative changes, policy updates, and government amendments. Investment thresholds, eligibility criteria, processing timelines, and program features may change without notice. All information should be verified against current official government sources at time of application.
Investment Risk
All investments carry financial risk. Real estate values may fluctuate. Business investments may generate losses. Government bonds are subject to credit risk. NTL does not provide investment advice or guarantee investment returns. Clients should seek independent financial advice before committing capital.
Legal and Tax Advice
NTL provides immigration advisory services only. We do not provide legal advice, tax advice, or accounting services. Clients should engage qualified legal counsel and tax advisors in relevant jurisdictions to assess legal implications and tax obligations of residency.
Source Verification
Program information presented is compiled from official government sources including immigration authority websites, published regulations, and official program documentation. Where information cannot be verified from official sources, it is marked as unverified. Clients should conduct independent verification of all material facts.
Request Your Residency Assessment
Contact NTL for a confidential consultation on residency by investment programs. Our advisors will assess your eligibility, explain investment options, and outline the application process with coordination of licensed legal professionals.