RIF Trust CEO Mimoun Assraoui stresses the importance of PR to HNWIs: “Of course, managing how others view us a person, as a brand, as a company is key, but so is becoming a permanent resident.”
“Countries grant temporary residence to the likes of students or workers for a set, limited period. What Residency by Investment allows you to do is offer permanent residence, the right to live in a country indefinitely,” he reveals.
Our CEO concludes: “One of the greatest benefits of European residency is that it allows you to travel freely across the 29 countries comprising the EU Schengen Area. Investing in residency elsewhere affords you the chance to live in some of the world’s best countries, the likes of Canada, the UAE, UK, and US. In this article, we will outline our recommended Residency by Investment programs, the best route to permanent residency for HNWIs.”
You can become a permanent resident in North America through the Canada Start-up Visa. This has been attractive investment since its launch in 2013. There is a minimum investment of C$275,000 to qualify.
There is a physical residency condition to meet if you want to maintain permanent residency in Canada. You and any family dependents must live in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within a 5-year timeframe. Spending less than the stipulated amount of time on Canadian soil will see you lose your in right to work, live, and travel in Canada.
The Greek Golden Visa allows you to become a permanent resident in the European Union. This eases your business and leisure travel through the celebrated and strategic Schengen Zone. You will need to invest at least €250,000 to be considered eligible for this program.
You and your family dependents qualify for permanent residence in Greece 5 years after receiving your golden visas. In order to secure this, you should spend no longer than six months in one go or 10 months in total outside the country. You must also maintain your original investment, be that in Greek real estate or a start-up.
Malta offers another route to permanent residency in Europe. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) requires a minimum €100,000 investment. Again, there’s visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
There are no physical residency requirements for MPRP applicants. You must travel to Malta for a biometrics appointment, that’s all. If you qualify for the MPRP, you don’t need to live in Malta to be considered a permanent resident there.
The Portuguese Golden Visa is a 3rd permanent residence in Europe. To secure one, you will need to invest at least €325,000. This also guarantees visa-free entry to the Schengen Zone.
To obtain permanent residency in Portugal, you must reside 7 days of your 1st year as a Portuguese Golden Visa holder. For every subsequent 2-year period, you must spend 14 days on Portuguese soil. With its warm climate, Portugal’s a great place to vacation.
Spain provides the 4th and final way to become a permanent resident in Europe. The Spanish Golden Visa is available for a minimum €350,000. It allows you to explore the 29 Schengen countries freely.
You achieve permanent residency in Spain after living continuously in the country for 5 years. It’s the same as in Greece. Time out of Spain must be less than six consecutive months and not exceed a total of 10 months.
The UAE Golden Visa allows you to become a permanent resident in the likes of Dubai. It requires you to invest at least $550,000. Your dependents can include spouse, children, and domestic staff.
This Residency by Investment program offers a long-term, renewable residence visa that runs for 5 or 10 years. Ordinarily, to maintain permanent residence in the UAE, you would need to spend a minimum of 6 months a year in the country. That’s not the case with the UAE Golden Visa.
Aspiring British residents can invest a minimum £200,000 to qualify for PR in the UK. This will secure a UK Innovator Founder Visa. The British government launched this initiative back in 2023.
Another term for UK permanent residency is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is an option after 3 years as an Innovator Founder Visa. You will, however, have to meet at least 2 of the 7 Innovator achievements.
The US EB-5 Investor Visa requires a minimum $800,000 investment. This is a golden gateway to a coveted Green Card. The United States have been issuing EB-5 visas since 1990.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), “Once you become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you maintain permanent resident status until you:
Which Residency by Investment program is best for you? A specialist consultancy like RIF Trust will be able to assess your specific needs and advise you accordingly. So, contact us now, and we’ll show you how to begin your journey to permanent residency today without any further delay.