Residence by Investment programs vary according to the country. The investment threshold, speed and cost of processing the application, the country’s infrastructure, business opportunities, cost of living and quality of life must all be carefully considered, especially when relocating your family.
The past years have also brought another important factor to the attention of those mulling a relocation – a nation’s response to a global health crisis, a very important factor to consider. Additional factors include:
Political stability and peace are a necessity for everyone, especially for investors from conflict zones. Business persons who regularly travel overseas treasure a safe environment where their families can stay safe in their absence.
Business people find favourable tax structuring, exemptions or incentives, inheritance, and capital gains taxes that accompany many residence by investment programs extremely enticing.
Although Permanent Residency may not grant you the same travel privileges as Citizenship in certain countries, Permanent Residency status can facilitate and accelerate a visa application process.
Most programs allow investors to include their family members in their application for residency by investment. However, there are differences, as some might include children as well as parents and in-laws, while others don’t. You must also consider what will happen once children come of age.
Permanent residency outside your own country might be the gateway to new business opportunities, whether in a specific country, the wider region, or globally. Here it is worth exploring and comparing the levels of professional services provided and how easy it is to conduct international business in each destination.
For families with children, education and health care are of primary importance. Look into the available international primary, secondary and tertiary educational facilities, and their accreditation.
Most countries offer Residence by Investment programs as a means of attracting foreign direct investment. The program details are usually designed to channel such funds in a particular direction, either to boost a specific sector or the economy as a whole.
Residence by Investment programs also attract international entrepreneurs seeking to expand the scope of their business. This in turn offers the country new and valuable exposure, and puts it on the map of global business, with all the associated benefits.
In most countries, the main route to residency by investment is via property acquisition. The minimum value of such property varies not only from country to country, but may also be adjusted from time to time, to reflect the country’s interest in attracting investors.
This residency option requires a minimum investment of €300,000 in either new residential units, commercial properties (new or resale), shares in a Cyprus-based company with a physical presence and at least five employees, or units in a Cyprus-based investment fund.
Non-EU nationals can qualify with a steady income from abroad (at least €9,568 plus €4,613 per dependent). Buying property in Cyprus isn’t required but can improve approval chances, along with a suggested €15,000–€20,000 in a local bank.
Available to non-EU entrepreneurs who invest at least €260,000 in a Cyprus-based company, with funds transferred from abroad.
This permit allows EU and EEA citizens to live or work in Cyprus long-term and must be applied for within four months of arrival.
Non-EU citizens can use the Pink Slip to extend their stay in Cyprus beyond their visa period, allowing long-term visitor status if they apply before their initial visa expires.
Cyprus’s Business Facilitation Unit (BFU) streamlines the work permit process, enabling non-EU/EEA employees of registered companies to live and work legally in Cyprus.
Greece’s Golden Visa program offers residency to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment, including real estate (€250,000–€800,000 based on location and property type), a €500,000 business investment, or financial investments such as a €500,000 deposit or €350,000 in shares.
Greece’s Non-dom Tax Regime allows foreign individuals transferring tax residency to Greece to pay a flat annual tax on foreign income, without needing to declare it domestically. Eligibility requires a €500,000 investment in Greece within three years, which can be in real estate, securities, or shares in Greek-based entities.
There are no standard conditions, as each country designs and develops its Residence by Investment program individually. It is also important to note that such programs are periodically amended, as their impact is assessed and compared with the desired outcome.
However, all programs have some basic requirements in common. As a general rule, applicants must be able to demonstrate the following:
Our wide array of properties can be found in the world’s most desirable locations, a wide array of property spanning multiple continents, perfect for consolidating your global mobility.
Our Velment team possesses the vital expertise and experience necessary to assist you in your latest real estate venture.
Our Velment team is readily available through every step of your property purchase, ready to assist in any real estate conundrum you may face.
Velment offers a comprehensive suite of services, managing every aspect of the property acquisition process to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for clients.
