Austria

Austria is one of Europe’s wealthiest countries, offering a very high quality of life to its people. With awe-inspiring natural attractions and a well-developed and stable economy, Austria makes for an outstanding place of residence. 

As a citizen of Austria, you can live and work in the country and anywhere else in the EU at any time.

The Austrian passport has an excellent reputation and offers very comprehensive visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel, including visa-free access to the USA. It is without a doubt among the best travel documents in the world.

When you acquire citizenship under the Austrian Citizenship Act, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.

Citizenship by Investment Program

Minimum investment  of EUR €3 Million to EUR €10 Million

Full citizenship is granted immediately after the Investment and passport is issued 

Under the citizenship-by-investment provisions, an applicant is required to invest actively in the Austrian economy, for example in the form of a joint venture or direct investment in a business that creates jobs or generates new export sales. Significant direct investment is generally required. Passive investments in government bonds or real estate, for example, do not qualify.

In addition to standard documentary requirements (such as passports, birth, and marriage certificates), a completely clean personal record (certificate of no criminal record), a comprehensive CV, and business background information, as well as impeccable references must be provided by all applicants.

The Austrian Citizenship Act generally requires the applicant to abandon their current citizenship as a precondition for being granted Austrian citizenship. However, in case of a grant of citizenship under the provisions of Article 10 (6) of the Citizenship Act, the former citizenship can be legally maintained, that is, the applicant may not be required to give up their present citizenship.

No minimum stay requirements.

Varies per application but usually takes 24–36 months

Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 189 countries including the United States, the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, the rest of the EU, and Europe’s Schengen Area

With its beautiful beaches and tropical Mediterranean climate, Cyprus is considered an ideal destination for permanent residence for non-EU nationals.

Cyprus made changes to citizenship scheme in may 2019, requiring all applicants to

• Must have a schengen visa
• Hold all investments for 5 years
• Enhanced due diligence checks
• Subjected to annual quota of 700 applications/annually

• Naturalization of Investors scheme in Cyprus by exception (“citizenship investment scheme”)
  
• Cyprus Permanent Residency Scheme

€300,000 (Golden visa)
€ 2.15 million euro (Cyprus passport)

Certificate of Naturalisation (“Citizenship”) or Permanent residence permit depending on the scheme.

Under the cyprus naturalization scheme Subsection (2) of Section 111A , any one of the qualifying investments must be met by foreign entrepreneurs.

• €5 million cyprus state bonds directly from primary market.
• €5 million  in bonds, securities, debentures issued by cyprus companies or organizations.
• €2 million in real estate, construction of residential/commercial development projects, tourism or infrastructure projects.
• €5 million direct investment in new or existing cypriot company.
• €5 million bank deposit in a cyprus bank (personal, privately owned company, trust)
• €5 million on any combination of above..
• €12.5 million in a collective investment scheme, where each investors share is €2.5 million.

Under the Cyprus permanent residency scheme,

• €300,000 real estate investment in cyprus.

A visit once every two years is required

After 7 years the applicant may apply for citizenship according to the Greek Nationality Code (Law 3284/2004) via the process of naturalization.

• 8 – 12 months from submission of the application to approval for Citizenship. 
• 2 months for Residency (or 18 months under a Category F application)

Visa-free travel to 157 countries. The right of free movement to Cyprus, Europe’s Schengen Area, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore, among others 

Greece is a schengen member and EU state.  Greece is a well developed country and has excellent transport connections. The economy of greece is based on service sector, tourism, energy. Tourism in Greece accounts 16% of GDP. The currency is Euro and the country has warm Mediterranean climate. Recently the greek economy faced a setback because of high debts, desperately needed the help of EU funds to recover.

• Greece investor visa by real estate acquis (Law 4146/2013)
  Greece Strategic investment visa

• EUR €250,000 in residential real estate
• EUR € 3 million to 100 million euro under strategic investment creating 150 jobs in appropriate sector

Permanent Residency 

REAL ESTATE OPTION

1. An investment in real estate property with a minimum value of EUR €250,000, plus the applicable taxes
2. A 10-year lease agreement for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences in tourist accommodation complexes (Article 8 of Law 4000/2001)
3. A 10-year time-sharing agreement for hotel accommodation (Law 1652/1986)

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION

1. A capital contribution with a minimum value of EUR €400,000 to a company that has its registered office or establishment in Greece (with the exception of portfolio investment companies and real estate investment companies) for the acquisition of shares in a share capital increase or bonds that are, at the time of issue, admitted for trading on regulated markets or multilateral trading mechanisms that operate in Greece
2. A capital contribution with a minimum value of EUR €400,000 to a real estate investment company (Article 21 of Law 2778/1999) that will invest exclusively in Greece, for the acquisition of shares in a share capital increase
3. A capital contribution with a minimum value of EUR €400,000 to a closed-end investment company (Article 5 of Law 2367/1995) for the acquisition of shares or to a closed-end mutual fund (Article 7 of Law 2992/2002) for the acquisition of shares, provided that the aforementioned alternative investment institutions have the intention to invest exclusively in companies that have headquarters or establishments in Greece

SHARES, BONDS, AND/OR GOVERNMENT BONDS

1. Purchase of Greek government bonds with a minimum acquisition value of EUR €400,000 and residual maturity of at least three years at the time of purchase, via a credit institution established in Greece, which will also act as the custodian of these bonds
2. Purchase of shares or corporate bonds with a minimum acquisition value of EUR €800,000, which are admitted for trading or are traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading mechanisms, operating in Greece
3. Purchase of units with a minimum value of EUR €400,000 of a mutual fund incorporated in Greece or another country and with the intention to invest exclusively in shares, corporate bonds, and/or Greek government bonds that are admitted for trading or are traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading mechanisms, operating in Greece
4. Purchase of units or shares with a minimum purchase value of EUR €400,000 of an alternative investment fund established in Greece or another country of the EU, which intends to exclusively invest in immovable property in Greece

None

After 7 years the applicant may apply for citizenship 

1 - 2 months from submission of the application to approval

The right of free movement to Greece, the UK, EU, and Europe’s Schengen Areas

Italy is the third largest economy in the euro zone and major regional power in Europe.  The country has Mediterranean coastline in southern Europe. Italy is a major hotspot of foreign direct investment in Europe.  Italian is widely spoken and the currency is Euro. Italian law openly welcomes significant foreign investment in the country and self-employed persons, including entrepreneurs, may be granted a temporary residence permit depending on the entrepreneurial activities.

Residence-by-Investment Program (Golden Visa)

EUR €250,000  - €2 million

Temporary residence permit / C business visa / D visa

Satisfy one of the following three requirements:

• A minimum of EUR €2 million in Italian government bonds
• A minimum of EUR €500,000 in Italian corporate bonds or shares (reduced to EUR €250,000 if investing in innovative start-ups). Listed or publicly traded shares are also an eligible investment and can be deposited abroad.
• A minimum of EUR €1 million in projects of public interest in Italy, such as culture, education, ecology, immigration management, research and development, arts, and heritage. This is a non-refundable donation.

The investment needs to be maintained during the validity of the visa. A spouse, children, and dependent parents of the main applicant may also request a visa without additional investment.

None

After 5 years of living in Italy

After 10 year in total

3 - 4 months 

• The right to live, work, and study in Italy.
• Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area
• Residence in a country with a rich culture, attractive industries, and major global cities
• No permanent stay in Italy required
• Access to excellent medical care and education facilities

Latvia is a baltic EU member state. The country is also a member of schengen agreement. The currency is Euro. Latvia has cheap very affordable costs of living compared to other european countries. Latvia has extreme cold weather in winter and cool summers. The main industry in Latvia is processed foods, textiles, machinery and equipment. The currency is Euro. Latvia has good real estate market in the capital Riga. Latvian and russian are widely spoken languages in the country.

Latvia Golden Visa

EUR €80,000

D visa, Temporary EU Residence Permit (schengen)

• €50,000 business capital investment + €10,000 state fee + €20,000 processing fee
• €250,000 in real estate + 5% state fee
• €200,000 in business investment in a latvian company
• €300,000 bank deposit in a latvian bank.

None

After 5 years of uninterrupted living

After 10 year in total

1 - 3 months 

• Visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area
• No minimum stay required to be eligible for the residence permit renewal
• Fast-track application procedure
• Russian widely spoken
• Excellent transport links with Russia and other EU member states

Malta is the largest of the three major islands that constitute the Maltese archipelago.The island-state of Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy), it consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, of which Malta is the largest island.

Malta is a parliamentary republic, its government is modelled on the British Westminster system, with a mixed legal system of English common law and civil law (based on the Roman and Napoleonic civil codes). Head of state is the President of Malta. Head of government is the Prime Minister.

Malta enjoys an excellent reputation for its splendid climate, friendly people, low crime rate, and superb quality of life. An attractive place in which to live or own a second home, Malta also has excellent air links.

• Individual Investor Program (IIP)
• Malta Residence and Visa Program (MRVP)
• Global Residence Program (GRP)

Individual Investor Program (IIP)

• Both EU and Non-EU citizens can apply for this program. Minimum investment EUR €900,000

Malta Residence and Visa Program (MRVP)

•  Purchase Government Stock worth EUR €250,000 that is to be retained for a period of five years (refunded after 5 fives);
•  Pay an administration fee ofEUR €30,000;
•  Pay EUR €5,000 for parents-in-law and grandparents;
•  Provide a Health Insurance to cover the entire family/dependants;
•  Rent a property for a minimum of EUR €10,000 for a period of five years or purchase a property for a minimum of EUR €270,000.
• Permanent residence card valid for schengen area

Global Residence Program (GRP)

• The applicant is required to either (a) purchase local real estate valued at no less than EUR €220,000 or (b) rent a residence (house or apartment) at an annual lease of no less than EUR €8,750.

e-Residence card (residence permit issued initially which leads to passport)

The application for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is thoroughly checked and assessed and undergoes a four-tier due diligence process. To qualify, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• A minimum age of 18 years for all applicants
• An investment of at least EUR €600,000 (or EUR €750,000 by exception) depending on the residence status length (36 months or 12 months, respectively)
• The purchase of a residential property in Malta of at least EUR €700,000, which must be held for five years. Alternatively, the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR €16,000 per annum, also held for five years. Please note that the property cannot be sublet during this five-year period. A 36-month (or 18-month, by exception) lease agreement or property purchase is required during the residence period
• A donation of at least EUR €10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organization or society, as approved by the Community Malta Agency
• Legal residence of Malta for at least 36 months (or 12 months, by exception), which includes the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR and €16,000 per annum, held for that same period. Applicants require a valid residence card in order to apply for citizenship

1. Acquire and hold a residential immovable property in Malta having a minimum value of (EUR €350,000); or
2. Lease a residential immovable property in Malta for a minimum annual rent of EUR €16,000)

There is no requirement to live in Malta but citizenship (certificate of naturalization) is only possible after satisfying 12 months of residency requirements. Once all requirements are fulfilled and the Certificate of Naturalisation  has been issued,  the maltese citizenship granted would be considered as permanent. 

Malta Passport is granted based on certificate of naturalisation (proof of citizenship).  Malta passport means full EU citizenship, with visa-free travel to more than 160 countries in the world, including the right of establishment in all 28 European Union countries.

Does not apply (direct citizenship granted)

12-36 months (citizenship program) 

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 186 Countries including the USA, UK, EU Countrties etc
• Access to a transparent and reputable financial centre and a prime jurisdiction for international business
• World’s strictest due diligence standards and vetting of applicants, thus ensuring only highly respectable applicants
• An attractive place to live or own a second home in, strategically located with excellent air links

Applicants cannot apply to this program, if they

1. provided false information on his application;
2. has a criminal record;
3. is the subject of a criminal investigation;
4. is a potential national security threat to Malta;
5. is, or is likely to be, involved in any activity likely to cause disrepute to Malta
6. has been denied a visa to a country with which Malta has visa-free travel arrangements (UK, EU Schengen, USA etc..) and has not subsequently obtained a visa to the country that issued the denial.
7. if you are national if Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan.

The principality of Monaco (aka. Monte Carlo) is the 2nd smallest country in the world in the french riviera. Monaco has no income tax, no wealth tax, no local tax, no capital gains tax and very minimal inheritance taxes. Monaco has no double taxation agreement with other countries, which gives living in Monaco high degree of confidentiality and freedom. Monaco is a tax haven for foreign companies and businesses. In 2014, the country had about 30% of the population made up of millionaires.

Investment or Entrepreneur activities

EUR €500,000 to €10 million

Business visa or Temporary Residence Permit

• EUR €1 million capital transfer
• EUR €1 million real estate purchase
• EUR €500,000 in a business setup with at least 5 jobs

None

After 5 years 

After 10 years

1 months 

Restricted

Monaco Residency by Investment offers visa-free access within Shenghen Zone — get visa-free access to 26 EU states, including Switzerland, Luxemburg, Italy and Germany.

Portugal boasts an excellent reputation and is considered one of the world’s most globalized and peaceful nations, with a high quality of life and a very high Human Development Index ranking. It is among the oldest nations in Europe with a rich history, lively culture, exceptional cuisine, stunning beaches, and idyllic countryside.

Portugal Golden Visa

EUR €350,000 (outside Lisbon) or EUR €500,000 in Lisbon

Long term temporary residence permit (Schengen) with renewable every 1 or 2 years.

Real Estate or Capital Investment in a Business such as:

1. Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €1 million Euros
2. The creation of, at least, 10 job positions
3. The purchase of real estate property with a value equal to or above €500,000 Euros
4. The purchase of real estate property, with construction dating back more than 30 years or located in urban regeneration areas, for refurbishing, for a total value equal to or above 350 thousand Euros
5. Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €350,000 Euros for investing  in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technology system
6. Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €250,000 Euros for investing  in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage, through the local and central authorities, public institutions, public corporate sector, public foundations, private foundations of public interest,  networked local authorities, local corporate sector organizations, local associations and public cultural associations, pursuing activities of artistic output, and reconstruction or maintenance of the national heritage
7. Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €500,000 Euros, for purchasing shares in investment funds or in venture capital geared to capitalize small and medium companies that, in turn, must present a feasible capitalization plan.

7 to 14 days per year

After 5 years, the Residence Permit is converted o Permanent Residence 

• 6 years after investment (1 year after becoming a Permanent Resident).
• Knowledge of Portugese language is necessary

5 to 8 Weeks

Portugal Residence by Investment Program offers visa-free access within Shenghen Zone — get visa-free access to 26 EU states, including Switzerland, Luxemburg, Italy and Germany. 

Situated in Southwestern Europe, Spain is regarded as one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. It is a vibrant country admired for its majestic landscapes and excellent quality of life and a nation with a rich history and unique culture and traditions. Spain has one of the most important economies in Europe. It is also a full member of the EU and the Eurozone.

Spanish Golden Visa

Spanish Law 14/2013, allows non-EU investors to qualify for Spanish residency under the golden visa program. The following investments qualify for Spanish golden visa.

• Real estate assets (EUR €500,000)
• Shares or bank deposits (EUR €1 million)
• Public debt (EUR €2 million)

Residence Permit issued for 2 years (renewable upon expirations).

The Spain Residence-by-Investment Program requires that a foreign individual invests into either a real estate project, a business project, company shares or bank deposits, or government bonds.

Applicants are required to fulfill one of the following investment options in the country:

1. The acquisition of real estate with a minimum value of EUR €500,000 (one or several properties)
2. The creation of a business project to be developed in Spain, duly recognized as being of ‘general interest’
3. Company shares or bank deposits with a minimum value of EUR €1 million in Spanish financial institutions
4. A government bonds investment with a minimum value of EUR €2 million

Documentary evidence of the investment must be provided as part of the application process.

No minimum stay requirements. A visit to Spain at least once is required.

After 5 years, the Residence Permit is converted o Permanent Residence 

Residents may apply for citizenship only in their 10th year of residence in Spain. However, Sephardi Jews and citizens of Equatorial Guinea, Latin America, and the Philippines can apply for Spanish citizenship after only two years of effective residence in Spain.

2 to 4 Weeks

The right to live, work, and study in Spain, and free movement to the EU and Europe’s Schengen Area

Switzerland offers its residents an excellent quality of life and ranks among the top countries in which to live. It is home to many international organizations and is noted for its multi-cultural and plurilingual society and its politically and economically stable environment.

1. Swiss Residence Program (“Lump Sum Taxation”)
2. Swiss Business Investor Program

CHF 200,000 per year

Swiss C visa or D visa or Residence Permit

1. Swiss Residence Program: Under this program one must pay CHF 200,000 as lump sum tax to the swiss canton where you live. Depending on the canton this amount could go from CHF 400,000 to CHF 600,000 per years. You cannot work under this program
2. Swiss Business Investor Program:  Non EU nationals must form a new Swiss company or invest in an existing swiss company, provided the turnover no less than CHF 1 million

No requirements but if you want Permanent Residency/Citizenship, you must take up Residency in Switzerland

After 10 years of Residency

After 12 years of uninterrupted living in Switzerland 

3 to 6 Months

The right to live and study in Switzerland.

• Political, social, and economic stability
• Multilingual, highly qualified, and motivated workforce
• First-class infrastructure, excellent banking facilities
• Highly attractive lifestyle and healthy environment
• Efficient and reliable public services
• Possible fiscal incentives for substantial investments

Turkey connects Asia and Europe strategically placed at the cross roads of these two continents, serving by air, sea and roads. The country is a highly industrialised developed nation and one of the worlds leading emerging market.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

USD $250,000

Short or long term Residence permit / Residence visa

• Real Estate investment minimum USD $250,000)
• Foreign direct investment into a business minimum USD $500,000
• Invest in Government bonds or a bank deposit of USD $500,000
• Create 50 jobs

Immediately after investment 

3 - 6 months after investment

1 Month

The right to live, work and study in Turkey. A Turkish passport allows visa free travel (or visa on arrival) to 125 countries worldwide. 

The UK has long been a significant world power, both economically and politically. London is the financial capital of the world, offering an international business environment. The UK is also renowned for having some of the best educational institutions in the world and an open, international culture.

Tier 1 Investor/Entrepreneur program

GBP £2 Million to £10 Million

Tier 1 Visa

Must have at least GBP £2,000,000 investment funds to apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

Applicant must:

• be 18 or over to apply for this visa
• be able to prove that the money belongs to either them or their husband, wife, unmarried or same-sex partner
• have opened an account at a UK regulated bank to use for their funds

The funds must be:

• held in one or more regulated financial institutions
• free to spend (‘disposable’) in the UK

The money can be in the UK or overseas when they apply.

The main applicant and their spouse should not spend more than 180 days per year outside the UK.

• Eligible for Permanent Residency after 2 years with an investment of £10 million
• Eligible for Permanent Residency after 3 years with an investment of £5 million
• Eligible for Permanent Residency after 5 years with an investment of £2 million

After 1 year as a Permanent Resident with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

2 - 4 Weeks from submission of the application to approval

The right to live, work, and study anywhere in the United Kingdom