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12 Countries That Give Residence Permissions to Buyers

Hamit Ekşi
Hamit Ekşi
February 26, 2022
5 min read

Explore 12 countries that grant residence permits to foreign investors through real estate purchases or business investments to secure your future abroad.

Top Countries Offering Residency Through Real Estate and Investment

You can get a residency permit in many countries by putting money into their local economy. People often call these programs "Golden Visas." They let you live, work, and travel across specific regions. Here are 12 countries where you can gain residency through real estate and investment.

1. Germany

Germany offers a path to live there if you start a business. They care more about your economic help than just buying a house. And they prioritize how much your company helps the local market.

  • Investment Requirement: You must spend at least 250,000 Euros to start a local company.
  • Employment Condition: Your business must hire German citizens.
  • Path to Citizenship: Successful owners can get permanent status and then apply for full citizenship.

2. United Kingdom

The UK has special routes for business owners. If you're a Turkish citizen, the Ankara Agreement used to offer great perks for entrepreneurs. But you still have options to grow your business there today.

  • Initial Permit: You get a one-year visa to start your company.
  • Extension: The government can add three more years if your business does well.
  • Permanent Residency: You can apply for this after four years of living in the UK.
  • Citizenship: You can become a citizen after living there for five years.

3. United States

The US uses the EB-5 program to grant residency. The price you pay depends on where you put your money. It's a popular choice for families who want to move to America.

If you need a closer look here, see Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Your Elite Guide.

  • Targeted Areas: You need to invest $500,000 in places with high unemployment.
  • Standard Investment: This goes up to $1 million in other areas.
  • Job Creation: Your project must create at least 10 full-time jobs for Americans.
  • Citizenship: You can apply for a US passport after five years of living there.

4. Dominican Republic

This is one of the cheapest ways to move to the Caribbean. The cost changes if you bring your family along. It's a fast process for those who want a second home in the sun.

  • Single Applicants: One person can get citizenship rights with a $100,000 investment.
  • Family: You'll need $200,000 to include a spouse and kids.
  • Language: It helps to know Spanish since it's the official language.

5. Ireland

Ireland is great if you speak English and want easy access to Europe. It's a stable place for your money and your family.

  • Real Estate Investment: You can get a permit by buying a home worth 400,000 Euros.
  • EU Benefits: Since it's in the EU, you get huge travel and business perks across the continent.

6. Spain

People love Spain for the sun and the lifestyle. You can live there by buying into the local housing market. It's a top choice for retirees and remote workers.

  • Minimum Purchase: A 160,000 Euro home gets you a permit and visa-free travel in the Schengen Area.
  • Stay Requirement: You must stay at least 183 days a year for some permit types.
  • Long-term: You can usually get citizenship after 10 years of living there.

7. Canada

Canada wants to attract wealthy people who can help their economy grow. They offer a very high quality of life and great schools for your children.

  • Direct Investment: You'll need to invest $400,000.
  • Asset Proof: You must show you have at least $800,000 in the bank.
  • Status: You need official immigration status before you can apply for a passport.

8. Latvia

Latvia is one of the cheapest ways to get into the EU from Northern Europe. It's a quiet and beautiful country with modern cities.

  • City Property: Buy a home for at least 143,000 Euros in a major city.
  • Rural Property: This drops to 71,500 Euros if you buy in the countryside.
  • Travel: You can travel freely to any other EU country.

9. North Macedonia

This Balkan nation has two different levels for people who want to move there. It's a great spot for those looking for a lower cost of living.

  • Residency: A 40,000 Euro property purchase gets you a one-year permit.
  • Citizenship: You can get full citizenship if you invest 400,000 Euros in a business.

10. Malta

Malta is very popular because it gives you a full EU passport. This lets you live and work anywhere in Europe or Switzerland. But it's one of the more expensive options on the list.

  • Donation: You must give at least 650,000 Euros to the government.
  • Property: Buy a home for 350,000 Euros or rent one for 16,000 Euros a year for five years.
  • Bonds: Put 150,000 Euros into government bonds for five years.

11. Portugal

The Portuguese Golden Visa is famous because it's flexible and offers great travel perks. You don't have to live there full-time to keep your status.

  • Real Estate: Buying a 500,000 Euro property gives you residency rights right away.
  • Jobs: You can also start a business that hires 10 local workers.
  • Permanent Status: You can apply for permanent residency after five years.

12. Greece

Greece has a simple plan for home buyers. Many call it the cheapest Golden Visa in Southern Europe. It's perfect for families who want to travel through Europe without a visa.

  • Investment: Spend at least 250,000 Euros on real estate.
  • Renewal: The permit lasts five years. You can renew it forever as long as you own the home.
  • Family: You can bring your parents and kids up to age 21.
  • Note: You can travel in the EU, but you don't get a work permit automatically.

Choosing Your Residency Through Real Estate and Investment

Picking the right country depends on your budget and where you want to live. But every program on this list offers a solid way to secure your future. So, take your time to compare the costs and benefits. Getting residency through real estate and investment is a big step, but it's often the fastest way to move abroad.

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Hamit Ekşi

About Hamit Ekşi

Expert real estate consultant specializing in Turkish Citizenship by Investment programs. Helping international investors find their dream properties in Turkey.

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