Why is it so important to carefully plan the destination for relocation? Moving to another country can be a good start and a chance to change your life for the better: through access to quality education, top-tier healthcare, prestigious job opportunities, or visa-free travel for leisure and business. Imagine the neon lights of Tokyo, the vibrant markets of Marrakech, or the rhythmic carnivals of Rio de Janeiro — all of this promises new experiences. For those with the financial means, investment programs provide a pathway to get residency in one of the world’s developed countries.
In this article, we will explore the best offers from Europe, the USA, and the Middle East, as well as the key requirements for getting permanent residence through investment.
Best countries for obtaining a residence permit
If you want to buy a residence permit, it is important to consider the advantages and requirements of each program, as well as the conditions for staying, working, or running a business. Below are some of the top countries for getting a residence permit through investment according to these parameters.
Oman
Relocating to Oman can be an excellent opportunity for those seeking business immigration to a country with a high standard of living. To qualify, you must invest at least $650,000 in real estate, government bonds, or business ventures. The visa is issued for 5 to 10 years and allows you to live in the country with your family and obtain guest visas for relatives. Residency can be renewed as long as your investment remains in the country’s economy.
Oman is an Arab nation with a rich history and culture. It’s known for its political and economic stability, accessible healthcare, high security, quality education, well-developed infrastructure, and breathtaking landscapes.
The country offers favorable conditions for business and investment:
- A fast and transparent company registration, process, typically completed in about 28 days.
- Special Economic Zones, where special tax conditions are offered.
- A low corporate tax rate (15%) with reduced rates for small businesses (3%).
- Full foreign ownership allowed in Free Zones.
To obtain a residence permit, applicants must provide a set of documents, including a completed application form (in Arabic or English), photographs, a passport, health insurance, property documents, and a police certificate of no criminal record. The application review process takes approximately 3 months. Seeking assistance from an agency can simplify the procedure, verification and processing of documents, and facilitate online contract processing.
Bahrain
Relocating to Bahrain offers numerous advantages: the country is known for its stable economy, high standard of living, and accessible residency programs. You can qualify for a residence permit by investing at least $265,500 in a business or $500,000 in real estate or government bonds. This allows you to reside in the country permanently, earn an income, and provide various benefits for your family.
A safe environment, high-quality healthcare, and international schools make Bahrain an attractive destination for expatriates, who are treated with tolerance and respect. Doing business in Bahrain is attractive due to zero corporate taxes, a low 10% VAT, and reduced tax rates in Free Economic Zones. If you’re looking to set up a business abroad, this option is worth considering. Additionally, Bahrain’s well-developed infrastructure and strategic geographic location create an ideal environment for business growth. The process of obtaining a residence permit involves gathering the necessary documents, with applications typically reviewed within 3 months.
UAE
To obtain a residence permit in the UAE, you must invest at least $545,500 in real estate or government bonds. This allows you to live in the country, travel freely in and out, work, and conduct business. Holding a UAE residence permit also simplifies the visa process for family members.
The UAE is renowned for its high living standards, stable economy, and safety. The country has no personal income tax. Corporate tax is set at 9%, and VAT at 5% applies only to businesses with an annual profit exceeding $102,000. The business environment in the Emirates is highly attractive due to its Free Economic Zones, tax incentives, and long-term lease opportunities.
To obtain a residence permit, applicants must submit an application along with necessary documents, including a passport, health insurance, a police clearance certificate, and notarized proof of investment. The application process takes up to 3 months.
Malta
To get a residence permit in Malta through investment, you need to invest at least €31,000 for temporary residency or €180,000 in real estate or the economy for permanent residency. Those investing €690,000 or more can apply for citizenship. Alternatively, instead of purchasing property, you can rent housing with a minimum annual lease of €8,750. With a residence permit, you can live in Malta, travel across Europe visa-free, and access the country’s healthcare and education systems. The status can be renewed every five years, provided that the initial investment is maintained. After 5 years, residents can apply for citizenship.
Malta is famous for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and high standard of living. A corporate tax of 35% applies to companies. There is a tax refund system for residents that effectively reduces this to 1/7 of the total amount. The application process for investment-based residency, including identity verification and proof of legal income, typically takes around 3 months.
Greece
Greece is a country with a rich cultural heritage, excellent climate, and favorable conditions for investors. To get a residence permit in Greece, you must invest at least €250,000 in real estate or other assets, such as purchasing securities or government bonds. This gives you the right to live in the country, travel freely within the Schengen Zone, and access healthcare and education services. The residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed as long as the initial investment is maintained. After 7 years of living in Greece, residents can apply for citizenship.
Living in Greece offers numerous benefits, including a high level of security, affordable healthcare, and quality education. It is an excellent option for those considering business immigration to Europe. Greek cuisine, picturesque landscapes, and friendly locals make life in this country particularly enjoyable. The country has a warm climate and is famous for its historical landmarks.
Doing business in Greece also has its advantages. The country offers access to the European market, relatively low taxes, and incentives for foreign investors. The corporate tax rate starts at 22%, which is lower than the EU average. Investments in tourism, real estate, technology, and agriculture are particularly profitable.
The process for obtaining a residence permit follows standard procedures: applicants must submit an application, passport, photographs, health insurance, a police certificate of no criminal record, and proof of investment. The application process can take up to 3 months.
Portugal
Under Portugal’s residency-by-investment program, applicants must invest at least €250,000 in real estate, government funds, or scientific research. The residence permit allows individuals to live in the country, travel freely within the Schengen Zone, and access Portugal’s healthcare and education systems. Residency status can be renewed every 5 years, provided that the original investment is maintained. After 5 years, residents can apply for citizenship.
Portugal is popular due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and high standard of living. The country offers attractive conditions for businesses through tax incentives: for the first 10 years, new residents are exempt from certain taxes and pay a flat 20% income tax on earnings generated in Portugal. To get a residence permit, applicants must submit an application along with the required documents. The review process takes up to 3 months.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers a residency-by-investment program for individuals willing to invest at least €300,000 in real estate or shares of government-owned companies. This allows residents to live in the country, travel within the Schengen Zone, and access educational and healthcare services. The residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained. After 5 years of continuous residence, individuals may apply for citizenship.
Cyprus is known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and high quality of life. Businesses in Cyprus benefit from low taxes and flexible investment policies. The corporate tax rate is only 12.5%. The process for obtaining a residence permit includes submitting an application, providing necessary documents, and proving the investment in the Cypriot economy. Applications are typically reviewed within 3 months.
Italy
Moving to Italy offers the chance to live among breathtaking landscapes, historical landmarks, and a rich cultural heritage. To obtain a residence permit in Italy, an investment of €250,000 is required in real estate, government bonds, or the creation of a new business. The residence permit allows individuals to live in Italy, travel freely within the Schengen Zone, and access healthcare and education services. The status can be renewed every 5 years as long as the initial investment is maintained. After 10 years of residence, applicants can apply for citizenship.
Italy attracts many with its pleasant climate, picturesque regions, and high standard of living. The corporate tax rate for businesses is 24%. To obtain a residence permit, applicants must submit an application along with the necessary documents and proof of investment. The application review process can take up to 6 months.
Spain
Spain is known for its pleasant climate, mild winters, early springs, warm autumns, and summers that are not excessively hot. The country boasts a rich history and culture, and a high standard of living. To obtain a residence permit in Spain, an investment of at least €500,000 in real estate is required, or the establishment of a new business that creates at least 10 jobs. This residence permit allows individuals to live in Spain, travel within the Schengen Zone, and access the country’s healthcare and education systems. It can be renewed every 5 years if the initial investment is maintained. After 10 years of residence, you can apply for citizenship.
Spain attracts entrepreneurs with tax incentives and a flexible investment policy. The corporate tax rate is 25%. To obtain permanent residency, applicants must submit an application, provide the necessary documents, and verify their investment. The process of obtaining a residence permit in Spain can take up to 6 months.
USA
The United States offers numerous opportunities for those looking to start a new life through business immigration. The country has a low unemployment rate of just 3.6% and an average salary of $4,600 per month. Strong purchasing power positively impacts business development. To obtain a U.S. residence permit through the EB-5 program, an investment of at least $800,000 is required. This residency allows individuals to live, work, and travel freely within the U.S., as well as access high-quality education and healthcare services. After 5 years of residence, applicants can apply for citizenship.
For those with smaller investment capital, the E-2 visa is an alternative option. With a minimum investment of $100,000, this visa allows individuals to run a business in the U.S., reside in the country, and eventually apply for a residence permit.
Personal income tax rates in the U.S. vary depending on earnings. The corporate tax rate is 21%. However, the country offers various incentives, credit programs, and grants for small and medium-sized businesses, making it an attractive destination for startups. The processing time for an investment visa application in the U.S. ranges from 12 to 18 months.
Which country is the best choice?
If you are considering getting a residence permit through investment, it is essential to evaluate not only the program’s cost but also the quality of life, infrastructure, climate, tax system, and business opportunities. Looking for the cheapest residence permit worldwide is not always the best approach, as low investment thresholds may come with hidden drawbacks. The table below presents countries that combine affordability, comfortable living conditions, and business opportunities.
| COUNTRY | INVESTMENT AMOUNT | BENEFITS OF RESIDENCY | ADVANTAGES | HOW TO OBTAIN RESIDENCY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oman | from $650 000 | Residence, healthcare, business | Stable economy, well-developed infrastructure | Application through the investment program |
| Bahrain | from $265 500 | Residence, work, investments | No income tax, high quality of life | Investment in the economy or real estate |
| UAE | from $545 500 | 5-10 year residence visa, business opportunities | Low taxes, safety | Purchase of real estate or business investment |
| Malta | from €180 000 | Residence, work in the EU | Stable economy, high living standards | Investment in bonds or real estate |
| Greece | from €250 000 | Residence, free movement within the EU | Mild climate, rich cultural heritage | Investment in real estate |
| Portugal | from €250 000 | Residence, access to European markets | High quality of life, favorable climate | Participation in the Golden Visa program |
| Cyprus | from €300 000 | Permanent residence, healthcare access | Strategic location, English-speaking environment | Investment in real estate |
| Italy | from €250,000 | Residence, access to the European market | Rich history, tourism attractiveness | Investment in the economy or real estate |
| Spain | from €500 000 | Residence, travel within the Schengen Zone | Rich culture, comfortable climate | Purchase of real estate or economic investment |
| USA | from $800 000 | Green Card through the EB-5 program | Largest economy, advanced infrastructure | Investment in a commercial project, job creation |
How to obtain a residence permit in your desired country?
Choosing the right country for residency by investment can be challenging due to various factors such as program requirements, investment amounts, and personal preferences. If you are planning to relocate abroad, our company is ready to handle the entire preparation process and offer you the most suitable option. We will help you navigate the available opportunities and advise you on the best residency options based on your goals and needs. Our company provides a full range of services related to obtaining a residence permit, including:
- consultations on selecting the optimal program;
- preparation and submission of required documents;
- investment process support;
- legal assistance at every stage;
- long-term visa acquisition.
With extensive experience in international law and finance, we successfully manage projects of any complexity and offer turnkey solutions. Regardless of the country you choose, we guarantee a personalized approach and professional assistance at every stage of your business immigration or obtaining a residence permit by investment. Contact us today, and let’s make your dream of living abroad a reality!
