Understanding RBI
Residency by investment (RBI) refers to a broad category of legal pathways that allow individuals to establish long-term or permanent residency in a country through a qualifying financial contribution. Unlike citizenship programmes, RBI does not automatically confer a new passport — but it does grant the legal right to live, work, and travel freely within the host country.
RBI programmes vary considerably in their structure. Some require active investment in real estate, business, or funds. Others are income-based — known as passive income or digital nomad visas — allowing applicants to qualify simply by demonstrating sufficient recurring income without needing to make a capital investment.
Many of our clients combine residency programmes with longer-term citizenship goals: establishing residency first, meeting physical presence requirements over time, and ultimately qualifying for naturalisation in the host country.
Obtain residency through qualifying real estate purchases, business investments, or fund contributions in the host country.
Some countries — most notably Portugal — allow residency for applicants who can demonstrate sufficient passive or remote income without an active investment.
Several jurisdictions offer residency to founders and business owners who establish or relocate an active business to the host country.
After maintaining qualifying temporary residency for a set period, many applicants can apply for long-term or permanent residency — a step towards citizenship.
Popular Destinations
Portugal's D7 visa allows applicants with sufficient passive income — from pensions, rental income, or remote work — to establish full legal residency. Combined with the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, it is one of Europe's most attractive residency options.
Qualification: Passive income or remote work income
Stay requirement: Minimum 183 days/year in Portugal
Pathway: 5 years to permanent residency / citizenship
Greece's investor residency programme is one of the most flexible in Europe, with no obligation to reside in the country. It grants Schengen travel rights and can be renewed every five years provided the investment is maintained.
Qualification: Real estate or fund investment from €250,000
Stay requirement: No minimum stay requirement
Pathway: 7 years to citizenship eligibility
Spain offers two popular residency routes: the investor visa (golden visa equivalent) for capital-based applicants, and the non-lucrative visa for those with sufficient income who wish to retire or live in Spain without working locally.
Qualification: Passive income or real estate from €500,000
Stay requirement: Flexible; actual stay required for NLV
Pathway: 10 years to permanent residency for most
The UAE's long-term residency programme offers 10-year renewable visas for investors, entrepreneurs, and specialised professionals. It is particularly attractive for individuals seeking a tax-efficient base without needing to physically reside there full-time.
Qualification: Investment, employment, or property from AED 2M
Stay requirement: No minimum stay requirement
Pathway: 10-year renewable residency
Panama's Friendly Nations programme offers residency to nationals of qualifying countries through economic ties or investment. It is one of the most cost-accessible residency pathways in the Americas.
Qualification: Economic activity or investment from USD 200,000
Stay requirement: No minimum stay requirement
Pathway: 5 years to permanent residency
Latvia provides an accessible EU residency route through relatively low-threshold investment options. It is popular with applicants seeking Schengen access who do not require an immediate pathway to citizenship.
Qualification: Business or real estate from €50,000
Stay requirement: No minimum annual stay
Pathway: 5 years to permanent residency
Key Considerations
Many clients seek residency in warmer climates or culturally rich environments to enjoy a higher quality of life in retirement or semi-retirement.
Certain countries offer favourable tax regimes for new residents. Our advisors can outline the general landscape, though we recommend specialist tax advice for your situation.
Residency in a Schengen-area country enables visa-free travel across 27 European countries — a significant advantage for frequent travellers.
Establishing residency in a stable, safe jurisdiction can provide families with an important alternative base and access to quality education.
Residency may open access to local business markets, banking facilities, and trading relationships not otherwise available.
For clients with long-term objectives, residency is often the first step towards eventual naturalisation and a second passport.
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