Structured Listings
Structured listings of residence and golden visa routes.
WIMA Countries & Programs
Residence by
Investment
A professional reference framework for residence programs, golden visa routes and investment-linked residency pathways worldwide.
WIMA provides structured information for professionals, institutions and stakeholders reviewing residence by investment programs across jurisdictions.
Independent
Structured
Professionally Maintained
WIMA Reference Dashboard
Program comparison interface
Program statusOpen / Review
Minimum capitalComparable fields
Residence requirementJurisdiction specific
Family inclusionEligibility based
Long-term pathwayPR / citizenship review
Institutional Summary
Residence Program Reference
Country-Level Information
Country-level information organized by region and status.
Disclosure Principles
Professional reference aligned with WIMA disclosure principles.
Professional Connection
Connect program information with certified professionals and members.
Reference Definition
What Is Residence by Investment?
Residence by investment refers to legal residence pathways that allow eligible individuals to obtain residence rights through qualifying investment, contribution, business activity or financial standing, subject to national law and official approval.
Residence Rights
A residence permit may allow the holder to live, study, work or access services, depending on the jurisdiction.
Investment Requirement
Programs may require real estate, funds, business creation, deposits, bonds or other qualifying contributions.
Renewal Conditions
Residence rights may depend on maintaining the investment, meeting stay rules and remaining compliant.
Long-Term Pathway
Some programs may lead to permanent residence or citizenship after legal residence requirements are met.
Important distinction: Residence by Investment is not the same as Citizenship by Investment. Residence normally grants legal residence first. Citizenship may require additional years, language, integration, physical presence or naturalization requirements.
01
Qualifying Investment
Eligible investment, contribution, business activity or financial standing.
02
Residence Permit
Official review and residence rights subject to program conditions.
03
Renewal
Ongoing compliance, documentation and investment maintenance.
04
Permanent Residence
Possible long-term status after legal requirements are satisfied.
05
Citizenship Eligibility
Naturalization may depend on national law, presence and integration.
Program Directory
Residence by Investment Program Directory
A structured reference list for residence routes, golden visa programs, permanent residence pathways, investor residence and business residence categories.
Program requirements are summarized for professional comparison and should be verified against official sources before reliance.
Australia
OceaniaResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalNo fixed financial contribution
Residence RequirementSubject to visa category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable subject to eligibility
PathwaySkilled or investment-related residence
Austria
EuropeResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFinancial self-sufficiency requirement
Residence RequirementStrict eligibility conditions
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionLimited
PathwayResidence in an EU jurisdiction
Bulgaria
EuropeResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 512,000
Residence RequirementLow physical presence
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayPermanent residence route
Canada
AmericasInvestor ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalProgram-dependent
Residence RequirementPhysical residence expected
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayPermanent residence and citizenship eligibility
Cayman Islands
CaribbeanPermanent ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom USD 1.2 million
Residence RequirementSubject to category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayLong-term or permanent residence
Costa Rica
AmericasInvestor ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom USD 150,000
Residence RequirementRenewal conditions apply
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence with long-term options
Cyprus
EuropePermanent ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 300,000
Residence RequirementPeriodic visit requirement
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayPermanent residence
Dominican Republic
AmericasPermanent ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom USD 200,000
Residence RequirementSubject to residence category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable subject to eligibility
PathwayInvestment-linked permanent residence
Greece
EuropeGolden VisaOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 250,000
Residence RequirementNo continuous residence requirement
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayLong-term residence and possible naturalization
Hong Kong
Asia PacificInvestment ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom HKD 30 million
Residence RequirementSubject to official rules
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence in a major financial center
Hungary
EuropeGolden VisaUnder Review
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 250,000
Residence RequirementSubject to current program rules
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence in an EU jurisdiction
Italy
EuropeInvestor ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 250,000
Residence RequirementLimited stay requirement
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence with long-term naturalization potential
Jersey
EuropeHigh Value ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom GBP 1.75 million
Residence RequirementTax and high-value eligibility requirements
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable subject to eligibility
PathwayHigh-value residence route
Latvia
EuropeResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 60,000
Residence RequirementLow physical presence
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence in the EU
Luxembourg
EuropeInvestor ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 500,000
Residence RequirementSubject to national conditions
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence in a high-income EU state
Malaysia
Asia PacificLong-Term ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalProgram-dependent
Residence RequirementSubject to visa category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayLong-term multiple-entry residence
Maldives
Asia PacificResidence FrameworkComing Soon
Minimum CapitalFrom USD 250,000 corporate resident baseline
Residence RequirementSubject to final or current category rules
Processing RangeForthcoming framework
Family InclusionMay be available under eligible categories
PathwayLong-term residence framework
Malta
EuropePermanent ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalProgram-dependent
Residence RequirementSubject to program conditions
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayPermanent residence in an EU jurisdiction
Mauritius
AfricaResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom USD 375,000
Residence RequirementSubject to category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence through investment
Mexico
AmericasResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom qualifying financial threshold
Residence RequirementRenewal conditions apply
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayTemporary or permanent residence
Monaco
EuropeResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFinancial standing requirement
Residence RequirementAccommodation and financial requirements
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence in Monaco
Montenegro
EuropeResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalProgram-dependent
Residence RequirementSubject to category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence in Southeast Europe
New Zealand
OceaniaInvestor ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom NZD 5 million
Residence RequirementInvestment and presence conditions
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence with long-term settlement options
Panama
AmericasResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom USD 100,000
Residence RequirementSubject to selected route
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence in an international business jurisdiction
Portugal
EuropeGolden VisaOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 250,000
Residence RequirementLimited annual stay requirement
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence with potential long-term settlement options
Saudi Arabia
Middle EastPremium ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom SAR 100,000 annually or SAR 800,000 one-time
Residence RequirementSubject to category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayLong-term residence
Serbia
EuropeResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom EUR 6,000 annual company route
Residence RequirementSubject to approved residence basis
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionSpouse and children under 18
PathwayTemporary residence with permanent residence route
Singapore
Asia PacificInvestor ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom SGD 10 million
Residence RequirementInvestment and business conditions
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence in a global business hub
Switzerland
EuropeResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom CHF 250,000 annual tax basis
Residence RequirementCantonal approval and residence conditions
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence through fiscal arrangement
Thailand
Asia PacificLong-Term ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalProgram-dependent
Residence RequirementSubject to visa category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayLong-term stay privileges
The Bahamas
CaribbeanPermanent ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom USD 1 million
Residence RequirementNo minimum stay requirement
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionSpouse and dependents may be included
PathwayLifetime permanent residence
United Arab Emirates
Middle EastGolden VisaOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom AED 1 million
Residence RequirementSubject to category
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayLong-term residence
United Kingdom
EuropeBusiness ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalProgram-dependent
Residence RequirementBusiness and immigration conditions
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence through qualifying business activity
United States
AmericasInvestor ResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFrom USD 800,000
Residence RequirementPermanent residence obligations apply
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayPermanent residence through qualifying investment
Uruguay
AmericasResidenceOpen
Minimum CapitalFinancial independence or activity-based route
Residence RequirementSubject to residence rules
Processing RangeProgram-dependent
Family InclusionAvailable
PathwayResidence with potential naturalization options
No matching residence programs found under the current filters.
Comparison Framework
How WIMA Compares Residence Programs
WIMA evaluates residence programs through a professional reference framework designed to support comparison, disclosure and responsible advisory practice.
| Evaluation Criteria | Residence by Investment | Golden Visa | Permanent Residence | Investor Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | Varies by statute, category or financial standing. | Often defined by property, fund or contribution thresholds. | May require qualifying investment, assets or economic link. | Usually linked to investment amount, enterprise or job creation. |
| Investment route | Real estate, funds, business, deposit or contribution routes. | Commonly property, fund or approved investment routes. | Long-term capital, financial independence or residence history. | Enterprise investment, fund investment or regional economic activity. |
| Processing time | Government and documentation dependent. | Often staged through pre-approval and investment evidence. | Can be longer where permanent rights are granted upfront. | May involve business plans, source-of-funds and agency review. |
| Physical presence | Ranges from minimal visits to full residence obligations. | Often limited, but varies significantly by jurisdiction. | Usually more substantial or renewal-linked. | Frequently linked to management, settlement or permanent residence duties. |
| Family inclusion | Often available subject to dependency rules. | Usually available for spouse and dependent children. | Commonly available with detailed eligibility rules. | Often available where principal applicant qualifies. |
| Renewal conditions | Investment maintenance, insurance, address and compliance. | Investment holding period and visit rules may apply. | Permanent status may still carry documentation obligations. | Business, investment and residence conditions may continue. |
| Tax residence exposure | Requires separate specialist review. | May be separate from immigration residence. | Long-term residence can increase tax relevance. | Business activity may create additional tax considerations. |
| Work rights | Defined by permit category. | May be permitted, restricted or separately authorized. | Often broader, but jurisdiction specific. | May be tied to business or investor activity. |
| Pathway to permanent residence | Possible in selected jurisdictions. | Often possible after long-term compliance. | Usually inherent or directly connected. | Often central to the route. |
| Pathway to citizenship | Not automatic and subject to naturalization law. | May require years of residence and integration. | May be available after legal residence requirements. | May be available after permanent residence and compliance. |
| Due diligence intensity | Identity, source-of-funds and compliance review. | Often moderate to high due to investment visibility. | High where long-term rights are granted. | High where business capital and funds are reviewed. |
| Policy stability | Subject to legislative and administrative change. | Can change quickly due to housing or policy pressure. | Usually tied to wider immigration law. | Can change with economic priorities and program review. |
Route Types
Common Investment Routes
Residence programs may be organized around different qualifying routes. The legal effect, eligibility requirements and risk profile differ by jurisdiction.
Real Estate
Residential or commercial property investment, subject to program rules.
Investment Funds
Subscription to approved funds or regulated investment vehicles.
Business Creation
Formation, expansion or investment into qualifying enterprises.
Government Bonds
Investment into approved sovereign or public instruments where available.
Bank Deposit
Qualifying deposits maintained for a required holding period.
Donation or Contribution
Non-refundable contributions to approved public or development funds.
Innovation or Entrepreneurship
Residence based on business innovation, start-up activity or economic contribution.
Regional Overview
Regional Residence Overview
Europe
Many programs focus on Schengen mobility, permanent residence, EU access and long-term settlement planning.
Americas
Programs often emphasize permanent residence, business expansion, family relocation and access to major markets.
Caribbean
Residence routes may focus on real estate, financial independence, business activity and long-term lifestyle planning.
Middle East
Programs increasingly support entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and long-term residents in regional business hubs.
Asia Pacific
Programs often emphasize capital investment, business activity, innovation, global mobility and family relocation.
Oceania
Residence routes are typically linked to investment, skilled contribution, business activity or long-term settlement.
Africa
Selected programs provide residence pathways through real estate, business investment and economic contribution.
Professional Assessment
Benefits and Limitations
Benefits
- Legal residence rights
- Family inclusion options
- Business and education access
- Potential permanent residence pathway
- Potential citizenship pathway
- Greater geographic flexibility
- Alternative residence planning
- Access to selected regional mobility benefits
Limitations
- No automatic citizenship
- No guaranteed approval
- Policy changes may occur
- Residence conditions may apply
- Tax exposure requires advice
- Investment may need to be maintained
- Due diligence can be extensive
- Government fees and professional costs vary
Compliance Standards
Due Diligence and Disclosure Standards
Residence by investment involves legal, financial and compliance considerations. WIMA encourages clear client disclosure, source-of-funds awareness and responsible professional conduct.
Identity Verification
Applicant identity, civil records and family documentation.
Source of Funds
Origin of investment capital and supporting financial evidence.
Adverse Media Review
Public records, sanctions exposure and reputational risk indicators.
Conflict Disclosure
Referral fees, commercial relationships and advisory limitations.
Program Risk Notice
Processing uncertainty, policy change and refusal risk.
Document Control
Translation, notarization, certification and secure record handling.
Long-Term Status
From Residence to Long-Term Status
Eligibility Review
Assess goals, jurisdiction fit and qualifying route.
Investment Selection
Choose eligible investment or contribution pathway.
Residence Application
Submit documents, due diligence materials and official forms.
Residence Approval
Receive residence rights subject to program conditions.
Renewal and Compliance
Maintain investment, documentation and residence obligations.
Permanent Residence
Some jurisdictions allow long-term or permanent status after conditions are met.
Citizenship Eligibility
Some pathways may lead to naturalization after legal residence requirements.
Citizenship eligibility is not automatic and may depend on language, physical presence, integration, conduct and national law.
Certified Planner Connection
Professional Guidance and WIMA Certification
Residence planning requires structured knowledge of program rules, disclosure obligations, due diligence principles and client suitability considerations.
WIMA Certified Residence & Citizenship Planner
The WIMA-CRCP credential is designed for professionals working across residence planning, citizenship pathways, investment migration, disclosure and due diligence awareness.
FAQ
Residence by Investment FAQ
Residence by investment is a legal pathway that may allow eligible individuals to obtain residence rights through qualifying investment, contribution, business activity or financial standing, subject to national approval.
No. Residence by investment generally grants residence rights first. Citizenship may require years of legal residence, language knowledge, integration, physical presence and naturalization approval.
A golden visa is a common market term for an investment-linked residence permit. The legal meaning varies by country and should always be checked against official program rules.
Residence routes exist across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Oceania and Africa. Program availability and requirements change over time.
Costs vary significantly. Some programs begin with modest investment thresholds, while others require substantial capital, property purchases, tax arrangements, business activity or government fees.
Many residence programs allow spouses, dependent children and sometimes parents to be included, subject to age, dependency and documentation requirements.
Some residence programs may create a pathway to citizenship after several years. This is not automatic and depends on national law, physical presence, language, integration and conduct requirements.
Physical presence rules vary. Some programs require minimal visits, while others require continuous residence to maintain status or qualify for long-term rights.
Work rights depend on the residence category. Some permits allow work, while others may restrict employment or require separate authorization.
Common documents include passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearances, proof of funds, investment documents, health insurance and completed official forms.
Applicants may undergo identity verification, criminal record checks, sanctions screening, source-of-funds review, adverse media checks and compliance assessment.
Residence status does not always equal tax residence. Tax residence usually depends on physical presence, domicile, income source and national rules. Specialist tax advice is essential.
Some programs require the investment to be held for a minimum period. Selling early may affect renewal, residence rights or eligibility for long-term status.
Processing times vary by country, documentation quality, due diligence, government workload and program design. Timelines should not be guaranteed unless officially confirmed.
Professionals should review investment threshold, residence requirement, family inclusion, tax exposure, due diligence, processing time, policy stability and long-term goals.
Official Notice
Professional Reference Notice
WIMA Residence by Investment is an independent professional reference resource. Program requirements, investment thresholds, processing times and eligibility criteria may change. Users should verify information against official sources and qualified professional advice before reliance.
WIMA is an independent international professional association and does not act as a government authority, program administrator, regulator or licensing body.
WIMA Reference Framework
Use Residence Information Responsibly
Explore residence programs through a structured WIMA framework built for professional comparison, disclosure and responsible sector participation.