Residence by Investment

Residence by Investment allows eligible individuals and families to obtain residence rights in another country through a qualifying investment, contribution, property purchase, fund investment, bank deposit, business activity, or other approved route. 

No. Residence and citizenship are different legal statuses. Residence usually gives permission to live in a country, while citizenship provides nationality and passport rights. Some residence programs may lead to citizenship later, but this is not automatic. 

A Golden Visa is a common term for certain Residence by Investment programs, especially in Europe. It usually refers to a residence permit granted through a qualifying investment, although requirements and benefits vary by country. 

Latitude advises on residence options in countries including Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, New Zealand, Panama, and Portugal. Program availability, rules, and requirements can change over time. 

Among the options listed on this page, Anguilla has one of the lowest starting points, with a contribution route starting from USD $150,000. However, the most suitable route depends on your goals, family profile, tax position, timeline, and long-term plans. 

Processing times vary by country and by case. Some programs may be processed in a few months, while others can take longer depending on document readiness, due diligence, investment completion, government processing, biometrics, and application complexity. 

Many residence programs allow eligible family members to be included, such as a spouse or partner and dependent children. Some programs may also allow parents or other dependents. Family eligibility varies by jurisdiction. 

Not always. Some programs have low physical presence requirements, while others require more substantial residence to renew the permit, obtain permanent residence, or become eligible for citizenship. Requirements vary by country. 

This depends on the program. Some residence permits include work rights, while others restrict employment or require separate authorization. Applicants should confirm the specific rights attached to the permit before applying. 

In some countries, residence may support access to education, but rules vary by jurisdiction, permit type, school, and residency status. Applicants should confirm education access before relying on it. 

Not necessarily. Healthcare access varies by country and residence status. Some applicants may need private health insurance, and public healthcare access may be subject to local eligibility rules. 

Residence permits issued by Schengen Area countries may allow short-stay travel within the Schengen Area, generally up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This does not usually mean the right to live or work in every Schengen country. 

European residence options include Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Cyprus. However, Cyprus is an EU member state but is not currently part of the Schengen Area. 

Yes, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains available through qualifying routes, but real estate investment is no longer an eligible option. Current routes include options such as cultural support, investment funds, job creation, and business-related investment. 

No. Spain’s Golden Visa route has ended and is no longer an active Residence by Investment option. 

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is currently paused. However, some final places have been secured by Latitude. Anyone interested in these last spots should get in touch with Latitude as soon as possible.  

Portugal and Greece both offer European residence routes, but they differ in qualifying investments, timelines, physical presence requirements, property options, renewal rules, and potential citizenship pathways. The right option depends on the applicant’s objectives and circumstances. 

Malta’s MPRP is a permanent residence program for eligible non-EU nationals seeking residence in Malta. Portugal’s Golden Visa is a residence permit route that may support longer-term residence and potential citizenship eligibility after meeting additional requirements. They differ in cost, property requirements, residence rights, timelines, and long-term outcomes. 

Some residence programs may create a pathway to citizenship after several years. However, citizenship is not guaranteed and may require physical residence, language tests, integration requirements, tax compliance, good character, and other nationality law criteria. 

Not automatically in most cases. Immigration residence and tax residence are separate issues. Tax treatment depends on the country, time spent there, domicile, income, assets, remittances, and personal circumstances. Professional tax advice should be obtained. 

Usually, obtaining a second residence does not require giving up existing citizenship. However, applicants should consider immigration, tax, reporting, and compliance obligations in all relevant countries. 

Requirements vary by country but commonly include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, proof of address, bank statements, source of funds documents, medical insurance, investment documents, and due diligence information. 

Due diligence is the background, identity, financial, source of funds, and risk review carried out on applicants and qualifying dependents. It is a central part of reputable residence programs. 

Some residence programs include real estate routes, including Greece, Cyprus, Panama, Cayman Islands, and Anguilla. Others, such as Portugal, no longer allow real estate investment under the Golden Visa route. 

No. Real estate value, rental income, resale options, and investment returns are not guaranteed. Outcomes depend on the property, location, market conditions, fees, taxes, management costs, holding period, and exit terms. 

The right option depends on your nationality, family profile, budget, timeline, travel needs, lifestyle goals, tax position, source of funds, business interests, and long-term objectives. A private consultation can help compare suitable routes. 

No. Residence approval is not guaranteed. Applications are subject to eligibility, documentation, due diligence, source of funds review, investment completion, government processing, and current program rules.