A Trusted Law Firm for Global Citizens

At Laws Bureau, we provide strategic guidance in international residence, citizenship, and global mobility planning. Every year, individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and investors rely on our expertise to help them navigate international opportunities with confidence and clarity.

Our experienced professionals work collaboratively across our international offices, delivering tailored legal and advisory solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of globally mobile clients.

As international mobility continues to expand, residence and citizenship planning have become increasingly important for those seeking greater global access, security, educational opportunities, and long-term stability. Laws Bureau proudly supports clients worldwide by providing professional guidance and practical solutions aligned with their international goals and future aspirations.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers an exceptional quality of life, underpinned by strong economic performance and enduring political and social stability. Its visa pathway enables successful applicants to live and work in one of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Australia

The Latvia Residence by Investment Program presents a range of qualifying investment routes and offers the added advantage of no mandatory residence requirement, providing greater flexibility for international investors.

Latvia

Australia provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for highly skilled professionals and stands as a premier destination for global entrepreneurs and business innovators seeking growth and opportunity.

Greece

Under the Greece Golden Visa Program, eligibility is based on a qualifying real estate investment, with a minimum threshold in designated property categories, offering a streamlined pathway to European residency and Schengen mobility.

Malta

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme grants enhanced mobility across Europe’s Schengen Area, along with the stability, protection, and benefits of Malta’s robust EU-aligned legal and social framework.

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program provides a prestigious pathway to visa-free travel across Europe’s Schengen Area, while granting the right to live, work, and study in Portugal within a stable and highly desirable European environment.

Portugal

Bahamas

The Bahamas provides a powerful investment-based route to lifetime permanent residency, allowing you and your family to establish long-term status through carefully selected real estate investments or secure zero-coupon bonds.

Austria

Austria provides a distinguished residence pathway within an EU member state, granting visa-free access across the Schengen Area to a select number of German-speaking applicants, subject to strict eligibility criteria and rigorous assessment.

Costa Rica offers investors and residents strategic access to Central American markets, supported by a reputation for strong political stability and enriched by its dynamic, vibrant urban centres.

Costa Rica

Canada

Canada opens the door to the dynamic North American economy, offering investors and their families a strategic pathway through the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s Residence by Investment program delivers a direct pathway to permanent residency, granting applicants and their families access to a stable environment and an exceptional quality of life.

The Cayman Islands provide a well-established pathway to long-term or permanent residency, enabling investors to secure residence through approved real estate acquisitions or qualifying business investments.

Cayman Islands

Cyprus

The Cyprus Permanent Residence Program delivers a compelling gateway for investors seeking high-value international real estate opportunities, paired with an exceptional Mediterranean residence in a strategically located and highly desirable jurisdiction.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic provides foreign nationals with a clear and accessible pathway to permanent residency through qualifying investment in business ventures or approved real estate, opening the door to long-term opportunity and regional growth potential.

Hong Kong provides diverse residency pathways in a world-class global hub, serving as the leading gateway for trade, investment, and business expansion between international markets and mainland China.

Hong Kong

Hungary

Hungary offers an investor visa through qualifying real estate investment funds or a contribution to a Hungarian public trust. After maintaining residency for 8 years under the Guest Investor Residence Permit, applicants may become eligible to apply for Hungarian citizenship.

Italy

Italy offers two exclusive residence pathways for investors seeking visa-free mobility across Europe’s Schengen Area, with the added advantage of no mandatory permanent stay requirement.

Jersey offers residents an exceptional standard of living, supported by a stable and sophisticated economy. Ideally positioned with excellent flight connectivity across Europe, the island combines exclusivity, convenience, and international accessibility.

Jersey

Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Residence by Investment Program provides a strategic opportunity to secure residency in one of Europe’s most prosperous, high-income, and business-oriented EU nations through qualifying investment.

Malaysia

The Malaysia Premium Visa Program enables foreign nationals to secure long-term residency in Malaysia through a flexible multiple-entry visa, offering stability, convenience, and access to one of Asia’s most dynamic lifestyle destinations.

The Maldives Pearl Residence Program, launching in H1 2026, will offer an exclusive opportunity to obtain permanent residence in one of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after destinations. Register your interest today to secure early access.

Maldives

Mauritius

The Mauritius Residence by Investment Program serves as a strategic gateway to a dynamic and fast-growing investment market, while offering an exceptional tropical destination for living, working, and retirement.

Mexico

Mexico is a strategically positioned and globally connected nation that provides foreign investors with a clear pathway to residency through qualifying investment opportunities, combining business potential with exceptional lifestyle advantages.

Monaco stands as Europe’s premier residence destination for discerning individuals seeking an elite lifestyle defined by prestige, exclusivity, and sophistication. Residents enjoy an unrivalled standard of living in one of the world’s most luxurious and secure jurisdictions.

Monaco

Montenegro

Montenegro offers a dynamic and rapidly growing investment landscape, while its residence program provides access to European residency benefits and strategic connectivity to the wider European market.

Namibia

Namibia is currently reviewing its Residence by Investment framework in collaboration with relevant government authorities and stakeholders. Further announcements and program updates are expected to be released in due course.

Panama presents a compelling residency-by-investment opportunity, allowing individuals to secure residence in a vibrant tropical nation renowned for its strategic location and world-class international banking hub.

Panama

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Premium Residency, often called the "Saudi Green Card," allows foreign nationals to live, work, own businesses, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor. Launched under Vision 2030.

Serbia

Serbia provides a strategic pathway to citizenship, combined with attractive investment prospects and privileged access to key European markets.

Singapore’s Global Investor Program offers a prestigious route to residency in one of the world’s most stable and secure nations, granting access to an exceptional standard of living, along with world-class education and healthcare systems.

Singapore

Uruguay

Renowned for its exceptional quality of life and strong investment appeal, Uruguay provides a flexible residency pathway through employment, entrepreneurship, or proof of financial independence.

Switzerland

The Swiss Residence Program provides a clear and structured pathway to securing residency in Switzerland, one of the world’s most stable and prestigious jurisdictions.

Thailand delivers flexible and premium residency solutions through its Thailand Privilege Residence and Long-Term Residence Programs, offering a streamlined pathway to long-term stay in one of Asia’s most desirable destinations.

Thailand

United Arab Emirates

The UAE offers investors a gateway to a dynamic, innovation-driven economy, providing a strategic opportunity to establish residence in one of the Arabian Gulf’s most forward-thinking and entrepreneurial hubs.

United States of America

USCIS administers the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, offering investors a direct pathway to U.S. residency through qualifying investment in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

FAQs

What does residence by investment mean?

Residence by Investment (RBI) is a lawful immigration pathway that allows foreign nationals to obtain residency by making a qualifying financial investment, such as purchasing real estate, investing in government-approved funds, starting a business, or supporting designated development projects. These programs often provide the right to live, work, and study in the host country, along with access to public services like healthcare, and may also lead to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Can a residence by investment program lead to citizenship?

Yes, in many jurisdictions, residence by investment can lead to citizenship once the required residency and legal conditions are fulfilled. For example, Portugal offers eligibility after five years, Greece after seven years, Italy after ten years, and the United States after five years of permanent residency. Applicants are generally required to satisfy physical presence requirements, demonstrate language proficiency, and maintain their qualifying investment throughout the qualifying period.

What is the difference between residence by investment (RBI) and citizenship by investment (CBI)?

Residence by Investment (RBI) provides a legal right of residence, usually issued on a temporary and renewable basis, allowing individuals to live in a country without granting full citizenship. Citizenship by Investment (CBI), on the other hand, offers immediate citizenship and a passport, often within a matter of months. While RBI programs typically require a lower financial commitment, they involve a longer pathway to citizenship through naturalization, which may include several years of residency along with language and integration obligations.

Do I need to reside in the country to maintain my residence permit?

Minimum stay requirements for residence by investment differ depending on the country. Portugal requires an average stay of only seven days per year, while Greece, Hungary, and Bulgaria do not impose any minimum physical presence requirement. Italy generally requires just a brief annual visit, and Cyprus mandates at least one visit every two years. By contrast, the U.S. EB-5 program requires ongoing physical residence to maintain status and qualify for citizenship. Since conditions vary widely between programs, it is important to review each jurisdiction’s specific requirements.

What is the cost of residence by investment programs?

Investment thresholds differ widely across jurisdictions. For instance, Latvia starts from around EUR 50,000, Greece from EUR 250,000, Portugal from EUR 200,000 to EUR 500,000, Italy from EUR 250,000, and Malta from approximately EUR 150,000 plus property investment. In the UAE, entry levels begin at about USD 204,000, while the U.S. EB-5 program requires between USD 800,000 and USD 1,050,000. Additional expenses such as government processing fees, legal costs, and due diligence charges may also apply. Please contact us for more detailed, personalised information.

What kinds of investments qualify for residence by investment programs?

Does residence by investment provide access to Europe’s Schengen Area?

The most affordable/cheapest residence by investment options in Europe is Latvia, with entry starting from approximately EUR 50,000. Greece begins at around EUR 250,000, while Portugal starts from roughly EUR 200,000, depending on the selected investment pathway. These figures represent only the minimum investment and do not include additional costs such as government fees, legal expenses, and other related charges.

How long does the residence by investment process take?

Due diligence for residence by investment programs generally involves identity verification, criminal record checks, source of wealth and source of funds assessments, as well as strict anti-money laundering (AML) compliance procedures. Applicants are typically required to provide translated, certified, and notarised documentation. In some countries, applications must also be submitted through authorised agents or licensed immigration professionals.

What are the tax implications of residence by investment programs?

Most residence by investment programs allow individuals to live in the host country, and many also grant the right to work. In the European Union, residence permits typically provide access to the local labour market without the need for a separate work permit. Similarly, the U.S. EB-5 program offers full and unrestricted employment rights through permanent residency. However, work permissions can vary depending on the jurisdiction, so it is essential to review the specific conditions of each program.

The EB-5 Investor Visa is the United States’ investment-based immigration program, often referred to as a “golden visa.” It provides foreign investors with a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) by investing at least USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area or USD 1,050,000 in other locations, in a qualifying commercial enterprise that creates or preserves a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. After maintaining permanent residency for five years, investors may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.

As of January 2026, the Canada Start-Up Visa Program has been paused for new applications, with a successor program expected to be introduced. Existing applications will continue to be processed. Meanwhile, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program remains an alternative pathway for investors seeking Canadian residency, although it operates under different eligibility criteria and is subject to intake limitations.

What is the impact on my residence permit if I sell my investment property?

The most suitable residence by investment program depends on your individual objectives, whether that includes access to the EU or the Schengen Area, a pathway to citizenship, tax planning opportunities, business expansion, high quality of life, education for children, minimal physical presence requirements, or overall cost efficiency.

Key factors to evaluate include investment thresholds, residency obligations, processing times, eligibility for family members, and the political and economic stability of the destination country.

Given the complexity of these programs, professional guidance can help ensure you select the option best aligned with your personal and financial goals.

Required documentation for a residence by investment application typically includes a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, a clean criminal record certificate, valid health insurance, evidence of the qualifying investment, and completed application forms. In most cases, supporting documents must also be officially translated and notarised in accordance with the program’s requirements.

Typical qualifying investments for residence by investment programs include real estate acquisitions, investment fund participation, government bonds, business formation or capital contributions, job creation, and approved donations to cultural, scientific, or heritage initiatives. The exact options vary by jurisdiction, with some countries prioritizing property investment while others favour fund-based or donation-driven pathways.

How do I select the most suitable residence by investment program?

In most residence by investment programs, the qualifying investment must generally be maintained throughout the validity of the residence permit or for a minimum holding period, usually around five years. If the investment property is sold before this period ends, it may lead to the loss of residency rights. However, once permanent residence or citizenship has been obtained, many programs no longer require the investment to be retained.

What documents are required to apply for a residence by investment program?

Tax implications under residence by investment programs depend primarily on an individual’s tax residency status and physical presence in the country. Simply holding a residence permit does not automatically result in tax residency, which is generally determined by factors such as spending approximately 183 days per year in the jurisdiction. Many countries also offer preferential tax regimes for new residents, creating potential tax planning advantages. Since tax regulations differ significantly across jurisdictions, professional tax advice is highly recommended.

Can family members be included in a residence by investment application?

Yes, most residence by investment programs allow family inclusion, typically covering spouses and dependent children, and in many cases also extending to parents, subject to the specific requirements of each program.

Residence by investment processing times vary depending on the country and the specific program. Some jurisdictions can process applications within approximately 3–4 months, while others may take 12–18 months due to application volumes and administrative backlogs. Processing times can also be influenced by the completeness and accuracy of the applicant’s documentation. Please contact us for detailed timelines relating to a specific program.

What due diligence checks are required for residence by investment applications?

What does the U.S. EB-5 Investor Visa Program involve?

Is the Canada Start-Up Visa Program still open for applications in 2026?

Which is the most affordable/cheapest residence by investment program in Europe?

Does a residence by investment permit allow me to work in the host country?

A residence by investment permit issued by a Schengen member state can provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area, allowing travel across participating European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Reviews

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The team guided me through express entry smoothly, answering every question with patience and care.

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Toronto

Thanks to their refusal risk assessment, my family sponsorship application was approved without issues.

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Vancouver

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