For individuals and families looking to establish residency outside the United States, several countries offer immigration programs based on investment, financial resources, or other qualifying criteria. These programs can provide opportunities to live abroad, expand international mobility, and, depending on the country and program, establish long-term or permanent residence.
Graham Adair assists clients with global immigration matters and works with experienced local counsel in jurisdictions around the world. Below are four residency options currently available in Europe and Latin America.
Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal’s Golden Visa program provides a residence permit to qualifying non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who make and maintain an eligible investment in Portugal.
Current qualifying options include a €500,000 investment in certain non-real-estate collective investment funds, a €500,000 investment in qualifying scientific research, a €200,000 contribution supporting qualifying cultural activities, and certain business and job-creation alternatives. The program generally requires an average physical presence in Portugal of only seven days per year.
Qualifying family members may also be included under the program.
May be of interest to: Individuals and families seeking European residency while maintaining their primary residence elsewhere.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme provides qualifying applicants with permanent residence in Malta. According to the program materials, residence under the program provides the right to reside, settle and stay in Malta, as well as visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Applicants must satisfy several financial requirements. These currently include a €60,000 administration fee, a €37,000 government contribution, a €2,000 philanthropic donation, and qualifying property. Applicants may purchase property for at least €375,000 or rent qualifying property for at least €14,000 annually. Applicants must also satisfy specified financial means requirements.
Eligible dependents can include a spouse or qualifying partner, children up to age 28, and parents and grandparents under certain conditions.
May be of interest to: Individuals and families considering permanent residence in an EU and Schengen country.
Panama Residency Options
Panama offers several residence categories with significantly different qualifying requirements.
Available options described in our current materials include the Friendly Nations residence program, Qualified Investor residence, Economic Solvency residence, and programs for pensioners and retired bondholders. There is also a residence option available to Italian nationals under the Panama-Italy Treaty.
Investment thresholds vary by category. For example, the Qualified Investor program includes a US$300,000 real estate investment option, while other qualifying investment categories have different minimum amounts. Panama also offers permanent residency to qualifying pensioners who receive a lifetime monthly retirement pension of at least US$1,000.
May be of interest to: Investors, retirees, and internationally mobile individuals looking for residence options in Latin America.
Costa Rica Investor Residency
Costa Rica offers temporary residency to qualifying foreign investors.
Under the current program materials, applicants must make a qualifying investment in Costa Rica of at least US$150,000. Eligible investments can include real estate or other registrable property, shares of a Costa Rican company, securities, certain productive or nationally significant projects, venture capital funds, and sustainable tourism infrastructure projects.
The materials indicate an approximate processing time of 10 to 14 months after filing and identify documentation requirements including an apostilled criminal record and birth certificate.
May be of interest to: Individuals looking to establish residence in Costa Rica through a relatively accessible investment-based pathway.
Choosing the Right Residency Program
There is no single residency program that is appropriate for everyone. Investment requirements, family eligibility, physical-presence requirements, processing procedures, and long-term immigration benefits vary substantially by jurisdiction.
Individuals considering an international residency program should also evaluate the potential tax, financial, and investment implications with appropriate advisers before proceeding.
Graham Adair can help clients understand available immigration options and coordinate with experienced local counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.
Considering residency outside the United States? Contact Graham Adair to discuss your objectives and learn more about residency options that may be available to you and your family.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Immigration laws, government fees, investment requirements, processing times, and program availability are subject to change. Individual circumstances vary, and current requirements should be confirmed before taking action.