Residency & Citizenship

What Are Residency & Citizenship Programs?

Residency and citizenship by investment programs offer affluent individuals and families the opportunity to obtain the right to live, work and in some cases hold a second passport in a foreign country in exchange for a qualifying investment. Unlike traditional immigration routes that depend on employment, ancestry or lengthy naturalisation periods, these programs provide a fast-track solution.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs grant full citizenship and a passport from the host country, usually within a few months, giving holders the right to vote and transfer citizenship to future generations. Residency by Investment (RBI) programs, often called “golden visas,” grant long-term or permanent residence permits that allow investors and their families to live, study and conduct business in the country but do not automatically confer citizenship. Most RBI schemes offer a pathway to citizenship after a period of continuous residence and adherence to language or cultural integration requirements.
Both CBI and RBI programs typically require applicants to invest in government bonds or approved funds, purchase real estate or contribute to national development funds. Applicants must also pass due-diligence checks to ensure they have no criminal record and their funds are legally sourced. Many countries compete to attract high-net-worth individuals because such programmes stimulate local economies through direct capital injections, property transactions and consumer spending.
The choice between residency and citizenship by investment depends on personal goals: some investors prioritise global mobility and the prestige of a second passport, while others seek a safe base for business operations, better education and healthcare for their families or a tax-efficient lifestyle.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Residency or Citizenship Program?

Eligibility varies by country and by programme type, but applicants generally need to be over 18, possess a clean criminal record and prove the legal origin of their investment funds.

High net worth individuals who can make significant financial contributions whether through donations, property purchases or business investments form the primary applicant pool.

Citizenship programmes often set minimum donation thresholds (e.g., US$200,000–300,000 to government funds) or require real-estate purchases from around US$300,000.

Some Caribbean nations allow family members including spouses, dependent children and even parents to be included under one application, making these programmes attractive for multi-generational families.

For residency programmes, applicants may need to invest in real estate or approved funds at levels ranging from €250,000 to €800,000 depending on location.

Countries like Greece and Portugal permit applicants to rent out their properties or choose flexible donation options.

Investors must demonstrate they have sufficient income or savings to support themselves and carry comprehensive medical insurance. Many RBI schemes allow the main applicant to include their spouse, children under 21 and parents; some also allow dependents over 21 if they are in full-time education.

In all cases, applicants must undergo background checks and provide notarised documents such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance and proof of investment.

Difference Between Residency and Citizenship Programs

The core distinction lies in the rights conferred. Citizenship by investment grants a second passport and full citizenship rights, including the right to vote, stand for election and pass citizenship to descendants. Citizens enjoy lifetime security without needing to maintain their investment after a certain holding period. They can live, work and study anywhere in the issuing country and, for EU citizens, anywhere in the European Union.

Residency by investment, on the other hand, offers a residence permit that must be renewed periodically. Residents may live, work or study in the host country, but they do not get voting rights or a passport. Many residency programmes stipulate minimum stay requirements or ongoing investment thresholds. However, these programmes are generally less expensive than citizenship schemes and still provide freedom of movement within regions like the Schengen area. In some countries, maintaining residency for a certain number of years (typically five to seven) and meeting language or integration requirements can lead to naturalised citizenship.

Investors choosing between the two should consider their long-term goals: immediate global mobility and full rights favour CBI, while RBI is suitable for those wanting a foothold in another country with a potential path to citizenship later.

Advantages of Residency & Citizenship Programs

Global mobility and visa-free travel.

A key benefit of these programmes is the ability to travel without visa restrictions. Caribbean citizenships, for example, grant visa-free access to more than 130 countries, including the Schengen area, the U.K. and much of Asia. Residency in EU countries such as Greece, Malta and Portugal allows unrestricted travel within the Schengen zone. This freedom reduces dependency on consular processes and can be invaluable for business meetings, holidays or emergency travel.

Secure a safe haven and quality of life.

Many investors seek stability in countries with strong governance, low crime and high standards of healthcare and education. Residency programmes in EU nations offer access to world-class medical care and educational institutions. Citizenship programmes in the Caribbean provide family-friendly environments with favourable climates and political stability. These programmes also protect against geopolitical risk by giving families the option to relocate quickly should conditions change in their home country.

Tax optimisation and financial planning.

Several investment-migration destinations levy little or no tax on worldwide income or capital gains. For business owners and investors, the ability to structure assets through a tax-efficient jurisdiction can result in significant savings. Residency programmes may allow non-domiciled tax status or favourable regimes for foreign-sourced income, while citizenship programmes can expand banking options and ease the opening of international accounts.

Business expansion and market access.

Residency and citizenship open doors to new markets. Holding an EU residence permit allows entrepreneurs to establish subsidiaries, hire staff and bid on public contracts within the European Union. Caribbean citizens with access to the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa can set up and operate a business in the United States. Investors benefit from stable legal systems, protection of property rights and access to modern infrastructure and logistics networks.

Family legacy and generational benefits.

Citizenship by investment can be passed on to future generations, ensuring that children and grandchildren inherit the same travel freedoms and security. Residency programmes, while not automatically inheritable, often allow dependants to transition to citizenship after a qualifying period. Programmes in Greece and Portugal explicitly permit the inclusion of parents and children, enabling entire families to enjoy residence rights.

Steps to Apply for a Residency or Citizenship Program

1. Define your objectives and choose the right program. Clarify whether your priority is immediate global mobility, a safe family base, or a long-term pathway to EU citizenship. DSA’s experts analyse your goals and suggest suitable programmes from the Caribbean, Europe or the Middle East.

2. Prepare documentation and funds. Gather passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearances, proof of address, medical reports and financial statements demonstrating the legal origin of funds. Decide on an investment route: a government contribution, real-estate purchase, bond subscription or fund investment.

3. Conduct preliminary checks and submit an application. DSA will coordinate with government-approved agents to pre-screen your eligibility and ensure all documents are properly notarised and translated. Applications are then submitted to the relevant agency along with the investment or deposit.

4. Undergo due diligence and await approval. Governments conduct background checks to verify the applicant’s integrity and financial standing. Processing times range from two months for fast-track Caribbean citizenship programmes to nine months for some European residency schemes. Our team monitors the application and responds to any information requests.

5. Complete investment and receive permit or passport. Once approved, complete the investment (if not already done) and take the oath of citizenship or collect your residence card. For residency programmes, you may need to register biometrics and renew your permit periodically.

How DSA Can Help in Residency & Citizenship Programs

Navigating the myriad investment-migration options requires specialised expertise, legal knowledge and local connections.

DSA provides end-to-end support that starts with a confidential consultation to understand your goals and risk appetite.

We compare available programs, highlighting key factors such as minimum investment, processing time, tax consequences, family inclusion and potential for future citizenship.

Our team collaborates with licensed agents, law firms and banks in each jurisdiction to prepare accurate documentation, secure investment channels and ensure compliance with anti-money-laundering regulations.

We also assist with property selection for real-estate-based programmes and coordinate donations or fund subscriptions.

Throughout the process, DSA manages communication with government authorities, monitors timelines and keeps you informed until your residence permit or passport is delivered.

After approval, we continue to support you with relocation, company formation, banking, tax planning and renewing or upgrading your status as needed.

Why Choose Us?

DSA stands out because of its holistic approach to investment migration.

As a full-service consultancy based in the UAE, we have decades of experience assisting entrepreneurs, investors and families with company formation, visa services and cross-border tax planning.

Our residency and citizenship team combines legal specialists, financial advisors and global mobility experts who understand the nuances of each jurisdiction.

We offer transparent pricing, personalised service and a dedicated account manager who will act as your single point of contact.

Our strong relationships with government agencies, real-estate developers and banks enable us to expedite applications and secure preferential terms for our clients.

Whether you are seeking an EU residence permit to expand your business or a second passport for family security, DSA delivers tailored solutions that prioritise confidentiality and compliance while maximising your investment’s return.

FAQs – RAK ICC Offshore Company Formation

Processing times vary by country; Caribbean citizenship programmes typically approve applications within three to four months, while European residency schemes may take six to nine months. Citizenship applications require more extensive due diligence but grant a passport immediately upon approval, whereas residency permits are issued more quickly but confer fewer rights.

Many residency programmes impose no minimum stay requirement, allowing you to hold the permit without relocating. However, some countries may require short annual visits or proof of accommodation. Citizenship programmes do not require residence unless you apply for naturalisation through an RBI route.

Yes. Most CBI and RBI programmes allow the main applicant to include a spouse, dependent children and, in many cases, parents. Fees and investment amounts may increase as dependants are added.

Options include non-refundable contributions to government funds, real-estate purchases at specified minimums (e.g., €250,000 in Greece or US$300,000 in Antigua), investments in approved bonds or funds and, for some programmes, donations to educational or cultural institutions. DSA will help you choose the option aligned with your objectives.

It depends on the jurisdiction. Several Caribbean and European programmes do not tax worldwide income, while others require tax only on locally sourced income. DSA provides guidance on tax planning and can structure your affairs to minimise liability.

Most countries offering CBI or RBI schemes recognise dual citizenship, so you can retain your original nationality. You should, however, check the laws of your home country regarding dual nationality.

In many residency programmes, such as Greece’s golden visa, you may rent out the property to generate returns. Some citizenship programmes, however, impose holding periods during which the asset must remain unsold. We advise clients on how to maximise returns while complying with programme rules.

Citizenship programmes usually require you to maintain the investment for a set number of years. Selling or withdrawing early may lead to revocation of citizenship or require paying back incentives. Residency programmes often allow you to sell property once permanent residence is granted but may require reinvestment if you seek to maintain residency. Our consultants outline exit strategies tailored to each programme.

Governments engage independent firms to verify applicants’ backgrounds and source of funds. They review criminal records, financial history and reputation. A clean record is crucial, and providing complete documentation speeds up the process. DSA conducts pre-checks to identify issues before submission.

Many European RBI schemes, such as those in Greece and Portugal, offer a path to citizenship after five to seven years of maintained residency. Applicants must meet residence duration, language and integration requirements. DSA can plan your progression from residency to citizenship, ensuring compliance with local laws along the way.

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Residency & Citizenship