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Brazil is Latin America's largest economy and one of the region's most attractive destinations for international investors, entrepreneurs and families seeking long-term residence. The country offers established residency pathways through real estate investment, business ownership, employment and family reunification. Its diverse economy, extensive coastline and strategic position within MERCOSUR make Brazil an appealing destination for global mobility, investment and relocation. Copy text

Ultra-low-cost Southeast Asia base. Digital nomads. Crypto entrepreneurs. ASEAN market access. No presence requirement.

Costa Rica is one of Central America's most established destinations for international residents, known for political stability, quality of life and a territorial tax system. Foreign nationals can access temporary residence through several routes, including qualifying investment or stable foreign income, with the possibility of progressing to permanent residence after meeting the applicable residence requirements.

Cyprus offers investment-based permanent residence and an income-based renewable Pink Slip; neither grants citizenship directly.

Investors seeking the most affordable CBI with Schengen access. No UK requirement. Budget-conscious second passport. Short RE holding (3 years).

Egypt citizenship by investment programme. Arab Republic of Egypt (North Africa / Middle East; transcontinental — Sinai Peninsula in Asia)

Crypto/Bitcoin investors with significant holdings seeking territorial tax base + Schengen access + 0% Bitcoin CGT. Very niche use case.

Georgia offers property-based residence from USD 150,000 and separate HNWI tax residency, with no minimum stay for the property permits.

Greece offers renewable Schengen residence from EUR 250,000 on specialist routes, with no annual stay needed to maintain the permit.

Investors targeting the US market via E-2 Treaty. Only Caribbean CBI that unlocks a US business visa pathway. Also good for Schengen + UK access.

Budget-conscious EU Schengen residency with zero presence. 9% corporate tax for business structuring. Alternative to Greek GV for investors accepting Orbán political risk.

Italy combines a residence-by-investment visa with separate flat-tax regimes for qualifying new residents and foreign pensioners.

Arab-world investors specifically needing Jordanian citizenship for MENA connectivity and regional business operations.

Programme information pending.

Latvia provides renewable investor residence from EUR 50,000, with annual re-registration and a pending but not-yet-effective reform.

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's leading destinations for international residents, combining modern infrastructure, competitive living costs and strong regional connectivity. Its flagship Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme offers renewable long-term residence through several categories based on fixed deposits and residential property ownership. Malaysia can be particularly attractive to applicants aged 50+, who may qualify under MM2H without a minimum annual stay requirement.

Malta's MPRP provides indefinite Schengen residence with no annual stay requirement, broad family inclusion and a structured property-and-contribution package.

Mexico is one of Latin America's most established destinations for international residents, combining a major economy, strong connectivity and flexible immigration options. Temporary residence can be obtained through economic solvency without a compulsory investment or property purchase, while qualifying residents may progress to permanent residence after four years.

Monaco is one of Europe's most exclusive destinations for internationally mobile individuals and families, combining political stability, a highly developed private banking sector and a favourable personal tax environment. Residence is available to applicants who establish suitable accommodation in the Principality and demonstrate sufficient financial resources. There is no statutory minimum investment, although Monaco banks apply their own financial requirements.

Investors wanting Pacific CBI alternative to Vanuatu with better mobility (101 countries including UAE, HK, Singapore). Only for high risk-tolerance investors.

HNWIs seeking Five Eyes Pacific passport + strong APAC connectivity + clean/safe lifestyle + 5-year citizenship pathway.

Panama offers investment, treaty, employment and pension residence routes within a territorial-tax, US-dollar economy.

Paraguay offers direct permanent investor routes and a standard temporary-to-permanent pathway within a territorial-tax system.

Early retirees and digital nomads (40+) wanting affordable Southeast Asia permanent residency. Excellent lifestyle and low cost of living. Flexible — deposit can be converted to property.

HNWIs seeking EU residency with pathway to Portuguese/EU citizenship in 5 years. IFICI tax regime attractive for high global income. Minimal stay requirement (7 days/year).

San Marino is a small European republic with a highly mobile passport and visa-free short-stay access to many destinations. It is not a member of the European Union, so Sammarinese citizenship does not provide EU citizenship or automatic rights to live and work across the EU.

Budget-conscious investors wanting the world's cheapest CBI with Schengen access. CPLP strategic value (Portugal/Brazil preferential access). Crypto-friendly source of funds.

Sierra Leone citizenship by investment programme. Republic of Sierra Leone (West Africa; member of ECOWAS and the Commonwealth)

UHNWI ($50M+ net worth) wanting Asia-Pacific hub + world's strongest passport. Wealth management center. Genuine business interest in Singapore/APAC essential.

LatAm HNWIs (2-year Spanish citizenship pathway). Expats using Beckham Law for 6 years of 24% flat tax. High-net-worth investors with €1M+ in financial instruments.

Non-EU investors seeking a strong second passport with Schengen+UK access, zero tax obligation, and zero residency requirements. Best established CBI brand globally.

HNWIs preferring the refundable bond route for capital preservation. Schengen access maintained. UK travel no longer possible visa-free.

Residence for qualifying financially independent foreigners through a negotiated annual lump-sum taxation agreement; no capital investment route.

HNWIs wanting Southeast Asia lifestyle base with 10-year visa security. Remote professionals. Retirees with $250k–$500k Thai investment. No daily presence required.

MENA/OIC investors seeking Islamic finance-compatible jurisdiction with strong regional connectivity. RE in Istanbul + citizenship combo. 111 visa-free countries.

The UAE Golden Visa provides renewable long-term residence through investment, business, professional or talent categories, with no minimum stay to maintain the permit.

Uruguay offers legal residence through income, investment, work or family ties and a legally separate set of investment-based tax-residence incentives.

Non-US investors with genuine desire to live and work in the USA. US market access. Children's education in US. Non-Chinese/Indian nationals (no backlog).

ONLY suitable for investors needing the fastest possible passport at minimum cost, with Asia-Pacific/Africa travel focus and NO requirement for EU/Schengen/UK access.

Established in 2013, Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme offers four investment options starting from USD 230,000. Benefits include visa-free travel to the Schengen Area and the UK, family inclusion, dual citizenship and a minimum stay of just five days within the first five years. All applications are subject to government approval and due diligence. Timeline: Typically 7 to 9 months.

Permanent residence and tax residency route requiring a local place of abode, at least 30 days’ annual presence, USD 100,000 minimum annual income and a USD 20,000 annual flat tax. Timeline: 4 - 5.

Argentina has announced a new citizenship by investment programme expected to open for applications in Q4 2026. Applicants will be able to choose between a USD 350,000 non-refundable contribution to the National Treasury and a USD 800,000 subscription to a government bond created specifically for the programme. Family members may be included subject to additional contributions. Applications are not yet being accepted. Timeline: Applications expected to open in Q4 2026. Overall processing time has not yet been published..

Bolivia does not operate a formal golden visa. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary residence under the country's general immigration framework on qualifying grounds such as work, business activity, family links and other recognised purposes. Temporary residence may be granted for up to three years, after which qualifying residents may apply for permanent residence. Timeline: Typically 1–3 months, depending on the residence category, documentation and DIGEMIG processing..

Brazil offers several pathways to residency through real estate investment, business activities, qualifying innovation projects and remote work. Real estate residency starts from BRL 700,000 in the North and Northeast, while business investment starts from BRL 150,000 for eligible innovation projects. Digital nomads can also apply without making a local investment, provided they demonstrate foreign-source income of at least USD 1,500 per month or USD 18,000 in available funds. Residence validity, renewal conditions and physical presence requirements vary by route. Brazil offers opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, remote professionals and families seeking a residence option in Latin America's largest economy. Timeline: Investor residence applications are subject to immigration review, investment verification and document assessment. An indicative planning period of 2–6 months may be used for advisory purposes, but official processing periods and appointment availability can vary significantly. Approval times are not guaranteed..

Ultra-low-cost Southeast Asia base. Digital nomads. Crypto entrepreneurs. ASEAN market access. No presence requirement. Timeline: 1- 3 months.

Cyprus offers both temporary and permanent residence options for non-EU nationals. The Pink Slip provides renewable residence for financially independent applicants, Category F offers a traditional income-based permanent residence route, while Regulation 6(2) provides accelerated permanent residence through a qualifying €300,000 investment. Timeline: Pink Slip: approx. 4-6 months. Fast-Track PR: generally several months. Category F: significant processing backlog..

Dominica CBI offers From USD 200,000. US visa access is currently restricted for Dominica nationals: new US visitor, student and immigrant visas are suspended since 1 January 2026. Timeline: 4 - 6.

Egypt Citizenship by Investment Programme offers From USD 250,000 (non-refundable donation route); other routes range up to USD 500,000 (see 'Investment Options' tab). Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access reported in a wide range across sources (approximately 50 destinations); US E-2 Investor Visa Treaty eligibility (Egypt–US treaty signed 27 June 1992) Timeline: Typically 6–12 months for the main applicant; approximately 24 months in total for an included spouse due to the mandatory 2-year waiting period.

El Salvador Freedom Passport offers fast-track citizenship through a USD 1,000,000 contribution payable in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT. Includes family eligibility and access to 131 visa-free/visa-on-arrival destinations, including the Schengen Area, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Timeline: Among the fastest in the world: approximately 6–8 weeks from application to passport, fully remote.

Georgia offers renewable property-based residence from USD 150,000 and an initial 5-year investment residence permit from USD 300,000, both without a minimum-stay requirement. A separate HNWI programme can establish Georgian tax residency without the standard 183-day test for applicants who satisfy its asset or income criteria. Timeline: Processing time varies by route; no verified timeline is supplied..

Greece grants a renewable five-year residence permit to eligible non-EU investors who make a qualifying investment. The minimum investment depends on the route: €250,000 for certain listed-building, change-of-use and startup routes; €400,000 or €800,000 for qualifying real estate, depending on location; and different thresholds for financial investments. No minimum stay in Greece is required to maintain the investor permit. The permit does not grant Greek citizenship or make its holder a Greek tax resident. Timeline: 8–14 months.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) offers From USD 235,000 (National Transformation Fund contribution, single applicant or family of up to 4). Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access to 140+ destinations, including the Schengen Area, UK, China (30 days), Hong Kong and Singapore Timeline: 6–8 months.

Budget-conscious EU Schengen residency with zero presence. 9% corporate tax for business structuring. Alternative to Greek GV for investors accepting Orbán political risk. Timeline: 3–5 months.

Costa Rica offers temporary residence to both investors and financially independent applicants. Investors may qualify through a minimum USD 150,000 investment in approved assets or projects, while Rentista applicants can qualify by demonstrating at least USD 2,500 in stable monthly income for a minimum period of two years. Both routes provide a renewable residence solution in one of Central America's most established international destinations. Timeline: Processing times vary depending on the application and DGME workload..

This record combines three distinct Italian tools: a non-EU Investor Visa from EUR 250,000, a EUR 300,000 annual substitute tax for qualifying new residents, and a 7% foreign-income regime for pensioners relocating to eligible municipalities in Southern Italy or designated earthquake-affected areas. Immigration status and tax elections remain separate. Timeline: 3-6 months (Investor Visa, application to residence permit).

Jordan grants citizenship through active investment routes: new productive projects with Jordanian job creation, investment in existing businesses, listed shares, strategic sectors, large-scale employment and Amra City. Entry starts at JOD 500,000 (approx. USD 705,000) outside Amman. Passive deposit and bond routes are no longer available. Visa-free access to around 50 destinations; no visa-free access to Schengen, the UK or the USA. Timeline: Varies by route. Share and existing-investor routes: typically 4-7 months from approval. New-project routes are staged: residence first, then a 3-year temporary Jordanian passport, with full citizenship only after compliance is verified..

This listing describes a simplified Kyrgyz citizenship procedure for applicants who may qualify through birth in the Kyrgyz SSR/Kyrgyz Republic or former USSR citizenship. It is not a citizenship-by-investment programme. The applicable residence period, eligibility, documents and procedure must be confirmed under current Kyrgyz law before applying. Timeline: From 7 months.

Latvia offers EU/Schengen residence through qualifying investment. From 15 September 2026, the long-standing real-estate and bank-deposit Golden Visa routes close to new applicants. The company-equity route remains available from €50,000 plus a €10,000 state payment, although the permit is reduced to up to two years. A new €150,000 alternative investment fund route is legislated but is not yet operational. Timeline: Approximately 3–4 months.

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a renewable long-term residence programme for foreign nationals seeking a base in Malaysia. The federal programme offers four categories: Silver, Gold, Platinum and SEZ/SFZ. Requirements combine a Malaysian fixed deposit with a compulsory residential property purchase. Fixed deposits range from USD 32,000 under the SEZ/SFZ route for applicants aged 50+ to USD 1 million under Platinum. MM2H does not lead automatically to permanent residence or citizenship. Timeline: Processing time varies. No guaranteed processing timeframe is published by MOTAC..

Malta's MPRP grants indefinite residence status with a 5-year renewable card and no minimum stay. The rental route is approximately EUR 169,000 before legal and ancillary costs, alongside a separate asset test; MPRP is distinct from Malta's citizenship and tax regimes. Timeline: Officially 4-6 months; realistic full processing may extend to approximately 12 months.

Monaco offers residence to financially self-sufficient individuals who establish a genuine home in the Principality and demonstrate adequate financial resources. There is no statutory minimum investment. Applicants may rent or own suitable accommodation and commonly demonstrate financial means through a Monaco bank reference. A EUR 500,000 banking relationship is widely used as a practical benchmark, although individual banks may require substantially higher assets. Timeline: Typically around 3–6 months, depending on nationality, banking onboarding, documentation and the authorities' review..

Nauru's Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program offers citizenship from USD 90,000 for a single applicant under the Iruwa Initiative discount, valid for applications filed by 31 December 2026 (standard contribution USD 115,000). Fully remote process with no physical presence requirement. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 87 destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong and the UAE. No visa-free access to the Schengen Area, the UK (visa required since December 2025) or the USA. Timeline: Typically 3-5 months from submission of a complete file. Headline best case around 3 months; actual timing depends on due diligence and document quality..

HNWIs seeking a Five Eyes Pacific passport, strong APAC connectivity, a safe lifestyle, and a 5 year pathway to citizenship through active investment in New Zealand Timeline: Approval in principle averages around 37 working days. Investment must then be held for 36 months (Growth) or 60 months (Balanced).

Panama offers multiple permanent residency options, including the fast-track Qualified Investor route and a special treaty route for Italian citizens. It combines political stability, a US-dollar economy, territorial taxation and strong international connectivity. Timeline: Typically 45 days under the Qualified Investor route.

Paraguay offers standard temporary residence with no statutory minimum investment, as well as separate routes to permanent residence through SUACE and the Investor Pass. Investment thresholds, eligibility, residence requirements and costs vary by route. A residence permit does not automatically establish tax residence. Timeline: Typically 4-5 months depending on route and document processing.

Early retirees and digital nomads (40+) wanting affordable Southeast Asia permanent residency. Excellent lifestyle and low cost of living. Flexible - deposit can be converted to property. Timeline: 4–8 weeks.

Portugal's Golden Visa (ARI) provides qualifying non-EU/EEA/Swiss investors with Portuguese residence through investment funds, cultural or artistic support, scientific research, company capitalisation or job creation. Real estate no longer qualifies. The programme offers low physical-presence requirements, Schengen mobility and family reunification. Timeline: Approximately 12-24 months in practice, depending on AIMA processing and biometric appointment availability. AIMA does not publish a fixed end-to-end processing time..

Residency for entrepreneurs who hold at least 51% of a San Marino company, provide at least one full-time job and meet the financial-guarantee requirements. The route is subject to an annual cap of 50 new permits. Timeline: No official processing-time estimate has been published. Approval is subject to the competent authorities..

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme offers citizenship from USD 90,000 through the National Transformation Fund. The programme is fully remote, with no residency requirement, and processing typically takes around 4-6 months. Timeline: 4–6 months.

Sierra Leone offers two citizenship pathways: Fast-Track Special Naturalisation from USD 140,000 and African Heritage Naturalisation from USD 100,000 for applicants who establish African ancestry through qualifying DNA evidence. Both routes can be completed remotely and provide Sierra Leone citizenship with access to ECOWAS regional mobility. Timeline: 2 - 3.

Sierra Leone's GO-FOR-GOLD Programme offers lifetime Permanent Residency through gold-backed and no-gold pathways. The programme can be completed remotely, requires no ongoing physical presence and provides an optional pathway toward citizenship. Timeline: Up to approximately 40 days.

UHNWI ($50M+ net worth) wanting Asia-Pacific hub + world's strongest passport. Wealth management center. Genuine business interest in Singapore/APAC essential. No dual citizenship permitted. Timeline: 6–12 months (application to approval).

CLOSED to new applicants since 3 April 2025. Historically: LatAm HNWIs (2-year Spanish citizenship pathway). Expats using Beckham Law for 6 years of 24% flat tax. This entry is retained for reference and comparison purposes only. Timeline: 3–5 months.

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) offers From USD 250,000 (Sustainable Island State Contribution route, single applicant or family of up to 4). Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access to a large share of global destinations, including the Schengen Area( Around 156 countries); Timeline: 4–6 months.

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) offers From USD 240,000 (National Economic Fund contribution, single applicant or family of up to 4). Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access to 140 countires Timeline: 12.

Switzerland's lump-sum taxation regime allows qualifying foreign nationals who relocate to Switzerland and do not engage in gainful activity there to be taxed on an agreed expenditure-based amount rather than ordinary worldwide income and wealth. No qualifying capital investment is required. For 2026, the federal minimum deemed-income base is CHF 435,000, although the taxable base and resulting annual tax can be significantly higher depending on lifestyle, housing costs, canton and the statutory control calculation. Timeline: Typically 3-6 months, depending on the canton, immigration approval and negotiation of the lump-sum tax ruling..

Mexico offers temporary residence to foreign nationals who can demonstrate sufficient economic solvency without making a qualifying investment. Applicants may qualify through income, pension, savings or investment balances, with financial thresholds determined under Mexican rules and applied by the relevant consulate. Temporary residence can be maintained for up to four years and can subsequently lead to permanent residence. Timeline: Typically several weeks, depending on the Mexican consulate and subsequent residence-card processing in Mexico..