Obtain Residency by Investment

It is possible to obtain citizenship by investment in many countries around the world through various programs, however, many of them first allow investors to obtain residency by investment. No matter the country one decides to buy a golden visa in, the advantages are the same: obtaining residency faster than in any other way.

Foreign investors considering applying for residency by investment in countries like Cyprus, Malta, or even the United States can rely on our specialists who can help them buy golden passports.

Top countries in which residency by investment can be acquired in 2026

The number of golden visa countries which a foreign entrepreneur or high net worth individual can obtain residency by investment is much higher, however, we decided on the top 10 most appreciated countries which have developed such programs for quite some time:

1. Belgium has no residence-by-investment program (only permits for self-employed and salaried persons);
2. Malta has more than one program under which residency and citizenship by investment are available;
3. Portugal is also among the European countries to run a successful residency by investment schemes;
4. Cyprus is one of the oldest EU member states to enable residency in Europe;
5. Austria is also one of the countries that have enabled a residency by investment scheme recently;
6. Greece is also a sought country in which residency and golden visa/citizenship by investment can be acquired;
7. The United States of America runs one of the oldest residency by investment programs (the EB-5 visa, created in 1990; currently USD 800,000 in a TEA or USD 1,050,000).

Our specialists can help you enter the golden visa program in almost every country on our list, so we invite you to reach out to us if you need information on these programs.

What does it imply to obtain residency by investment?

There are several aspects all citizenship by investment countries have in common. Among these, the fact that investment must be made in real estate property or companies in the country chosen to immigrate to. However, there are also countries in which other investments, such as government bonds and other financial instruments are permitted. An exception to this rule is Malta, which allows foreign investors to rent properties instead of purchasing them.

If you are considering applying for a golden visa in Malta, our agents there can help you.

When deciding to enter a golden visa program in another country, the investors should keep in mind a few requirements. Among these:

• the fact that they must submit proof of their good financial standing and that the source of money is a legitimate one;
• most of the programs enabled by European countries are dedicated to non-EU citizens;
• all candidates are required to pass a medical examination when entering the country they applied for residency by investment;
• foreign citizens who want to bring other family members must also consider higher amounts of money for investment.

Some nations grant immediate permanent residency to those who invest a significant amount of money in government bonds, real estate, businesses, or R&D initiatives.

Those who choose Portugal’s residence program are granted the same rights and benefits as its residents, even with the program’s modifications.

The UAE’s investor visa, also known as the “golden visa,” allows real estate investors in Dubai to live, work, open bank accounts, launch businesses, and sponsor family members for a renewable five to ten-year residency permit. By buying real estate worth at least EUR 375,000 (plus EUR 97,000 in government fees and contribution), investors can become permanent residents of Malta; the application process takes 2 to 6 months.

The conditions for obtaining residency by investmentare similar in most countries at the level of 2026, however, the applicants should pay attention to the requirements to have successful outcomes.

Assistance in applying for residency by investment in 2026

No matter the country you decide to apply for residency by investment in 2026, asking for support can be a good idea for a successful application. Our agents can help you buy golden passports in some of the most important countries offering such programs.

We can verify your eligibility and prepare the documents you need for a successful application. Moreover, should you need any advice on the country you can apply for residency by investment, our agents can advise you.

If you have questions on how to choose a residency by investment program in 2026, our agents are at your service with tailored information based on your plans. We will also provide updated information on the latest financial requirements for different countries.

In most EU countries, the 2026 Start-up Visa is one of the main ways of obtaining a golden visa/citizenship by investment with little money. So, if you are interested in this option, our specialists can help you.

Why decide on EU residency by investment

Foreign investors have the chance to live, work, and study in the European Union while also enjoying additional benefits, such as but not limited to:

• visas are not required to enter the EU Schengen region;
• future citizenship following a period of residence;
• moving together with one’s family;
• access to EU markets;

There are variations in each nation’s standards, and each program frequently goes through modifications. Contact our knowledgeable team for more information on the family requirements, due diligence costs, and background checks for each EU Golden Visa program.

Immigration statistics in EU countries

In EU states, the proportion of foreign-born people rose from 13.6% in 2023 to 14.1% in 2024. In numbers, this means that:

• migrant inflows fell to 4 million in 2023 from a peak of 6.2 million in 2022, with 77% originating from non-EU nations;
• Germany’s immigrant population increased from 16.9 million in 2023 to 17.4 million in 2024 (or from 20.3% to 20.9% of the population), demonstrating its status as the EU’s top destination;
• approximately 3 out of 4 immigrants in the EU in 2024 were between the ages of 15 and 64;
• the number of asylum seekers in the EU fell to 0.9 million in 2024 from over a million in 2023;
• refugees represented 12.2% of the people who were born abroad who lived in EU states in 2024.

For complete information on how to obtain residency by investment, please contact our consultants.