Who is Eligible for Residency by Investment Programs?

Find out who is eligible for residency by investment programs and learn the criteria for obtaining residency in top global destinations.

Jan 6, 2025 - 16:16

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Who is Eligible for Residency by Investment Programs?

Residency by investment (RBI) programs have become increasingly popular for individuals seeking a second home, a new business location, or an opportunity to enhance their global mobility. These programs allow foreign nationals to obtain residency in exchange for a significant financial investment in a country’s economy. In many cases, the investment can lead to a path toward citizenship.

But who exactly is eligible for residency by investment programs? The eligibility criteria vary by country and program type, but there are several common factors that potential applicants should understand.

In this article, we’ll explore who is eligible for these programs, what the common requirements are, and how you can determine whether a residency by investment program is the right fit for you.

What is Residency by Investment?

Residency by investment allows individuals to obtain legal residence in a foreign country by making a qualifying investment. These investments typically fall into categories such as real estate, business development, government bonds, or charitable contributions.

Once the investment is made, applicants may receive a residency permit that grants them the right to live, work, and travel within the country. While residency does not always equate to citizenship, many programs offer a pathway to citizenship after a certain number of years of residency.

General Eligibility Criteria for Residency by Investment

Though the specifics of each program can vary, most residency by investment programs have similar eligibility criteria. Below are the general requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible for residency by investment:

1. Age Requirement

Most residency by investment programs require that applicants be at least 18 years old. This is because the programs are aimed at adults who can legally enter into financial agreements and make investments. However, the age requirement can vary depending on the country.

In some programs, minor children (under 18 years old) can be included in the application, and their residency will be granted along with their parent(s), provided the family meets other program criteria.

2. Clean Criminal Record

A key eligibility requirement for residency by investment programs is that applicants must have a clean criminal record. Governments want to ensure that individuals applying for residency are law-abiding citizens and pose no threat to the safety or security of the country.

Most countries that offer residency by investment conduct background checks to verify applicants’ criminal history. If you have a criminal record, it may affect your eligibility, though each country may have different criteria for assessing applicants with a criminal history.

3. Financial Requirements

The investment itself is the central criterion for residency by investment programs. To qualify, applicants must meet the minimum financial requirements set by the country’s program. These financial criteria vary significantly depending on the country and the type of investment involved.

Some common types of qualifying investments include:

Real Estate: Purchasing property, often with a minimum price range set by the country. For example, in Greece, the minimum investment is €250,000 in real estate.
Business Investment: Starting a business or contributing to an existing company within the country. This option is more common in countries like the United States (EB-5 visa) and the United Kingdom (Innovator Visa).
Government Bonds or Donations: Some countries offer investment options in government bonds or require a donation to a national development fund.
Bank Deposit: Certain programs require applicants to place a fixed deposit in a local bank for a predetermined period.

While some countries have relatively low investment thresholds, others require significant capital, such as the U.S. EB-5 program, which requires a minimum investment of $900,000 to $1.8 million depending on the location.

4. Proof of Legal Income or Wealth

In addition to the investment, applicants typically must prove that they have the legal income or wealth to make the required investment. This is to ensure that applicants can sustain themselves and their family members while living in the country.

Most countries require proof of financial standing through bank statements, business income, tax returns, or other financial documentation. The documentation must demonstrate that the applicant’s wealth was acquired legally and that the funds for investment are not derived from illicit sources.

5. Health Requirements

Applicants for residency by investment programs may also need to meet certain health standards. Some countries require applicants to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they do not have any serious contagious diseases or health conditions that may burden the local healthcare system.

This requirement can vary depending on the country, but applicants who fail to meet the health standards could be disqualified from the program.

6. Intention to Maintain Residency

In many programs, applicants must demonstrate an intention to maintain their residency in the country, even if the country does not have a strict physical presence requirement. This could involve meeting a minimum stay requirement, such as spending a certain number of days in the country each year.

In countries like Portugal, investors under the Golden Visa program are not required to live full-time in the country, but they must spend a minimum number of days over a five-year period to maintain their residency status.

Family Members

One of the key advantages of residency by investment programs is that most programs allow you to include your immediate family members in the application. Typically, family members who can be included are:

Spouse: Most programs allow the applicant’s spouse to obtain residency along with them.
Children: Children, usually under 18, can typically be included in the application. In some cases, children up to 25 years old can also be included if they are financially dependent on the primary applicant and are pursuing higher education.
Parents or In-Laws: Some programs allow applicants to include their parents or in-laws, provided they are financially dependent on the applicant.
Siblings: In rare cases, some programs may allow applicants to include siblings if they meet specific dependency criteria.

Including family members in your residency application can be a major benefit, as it allows your entire family to enjoy the advantages of residency in a new country.

Residency by Investment Eligibility by Country

While the general criteria above apply to many countries, the specific requirements can vary. Let’s take a look at a few popular residency by investment programs and their eligibility criteria:

Portugal Golden Visa

Investment Requirement: From €280,000 in real estate or a business investment.
Eligibility: Applicants must be over 18, have no criminal record, and meet the financial requirements.
Family: Spouse, children, and dependent parents can be included.

United States EB-5 Visa

Investment Requirement: $900,000 (for TEA areas) or $1.8 million in a U.S. business.
Eligibility: Applicants must prove the source of their investment funds and demonstrate a clean criminal record.
Family: Spouse and children under 21 can be included in the application.

Greece Golden Visa

Investment Requirement: €250,000 in real estate.
Eligibility: Applicants must have no criminal record and meet the financial requirements.
Family: Immediate family members, including children up to 21, can be included.

Conclusion

Residency by investment programs offer a pathway to global mobility, enhanced lifestyle, and access to new business opportunities. However, understanding the eligibility criteria is essential before applying. While the requirements vary by country, common factors such as age, financial capacity, clean criminal record, and health standards are typically required.

If you’re considering applying for a residency by investment program, make sure to consult with legal and financial experts to help you navigate the process and determine if you meet the criteria. These programs can open the door to new opportunities, so it's worth exploring the options available to you.