Top 7 Residency and Citizenship Programs for Expats Compared

For expats, the best residency and citizenship programs include Portugal and Greece residency schemes, the UAE long-term residency visa, and Caribbean citizenship options such as St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica.

This guide compares seven leading residency by investment programs and seven citizenship by investment programs for internationally mobile investors and expats.

These investment migration programs can provide additional residence rights, greater international mobility, family relocation opportunities, and, in some cases, a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship.

Their tax consequences depend on each applicant's circumstances and the laws of the relevant jurisdictions.

Key Takeaways:

• Portugal, Greece, the UAE, Malta, and Caribbean programs cater to different investor priorities, from European residency to direct second citizenship.
• Malta offers one of the lowest entry points for European residency, while Nauru currently has the lowest investment threshold among the citizenship programs compared.
• Some residency programs lead to citizenship, while others offer long-term residence only.
• Look beyond investment costs by comparing residency rights and citizenship pathways.

For second residencies that require income, assets, or qualifying investments, we can help structure suitable investment solutions that may align with those requirements, depending on your circumstances.

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp ‪+44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

The information in this article is for general guidance only, does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and may have changed since the time of writing.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing an Investment Migration Program

The most important factors to consider before choosing an investment migration program are the investment requirement, residency obligations, processing time, pathway to citizenship, tax implications, family eligibility, dual citizenship rules, and the program's long-term stability.

Investment Requirements

Some programs require qualifying real estate, while others accept investment funds, business investments, or government contributions.

Expats should also consider how each investment fits into their broader wealth, liquidity, and diversification strategy, rather than focusing solely on meeting the minimum requirement.

Residency Requirements

Many residency by investment programs require little or no physical presence, making them attractive for expats who continue living or working across multiple countries.

Others require more substantial residence before permanent residency or citizenship becomes available.

Processing Time

Processing timelines vary significantly.

Some citizenship by investment programs issue passports within a few months, while residency programs that eventually lead to citizenship may take several years.

Path to Citizenship

Not every residency program automatically leads to citizenship.

Expats should understand whether permanent residence can eventually result in naturalization and what additional residency, language, or integration requirements apply.

Tax Considerations

Obtaining residency or citizenship does not necessarily make someone a tax resident.

Expats should understand when residency triggers tax obligations, whether worldwide income becomes taxable, and how local rules interact with existing tax residency and double taxation agreements.

Family Eligibility

Most investment immigration programs allow spouses and dependent children to apply together.

Some also include parents, grandparents, or adult dependent children, although additional fees often apply.

Dual Citizenship Rules

Applicants should verify whether both their home country and destination country permit dual citizenship, as some jurisdictions restrict or prohibit holding multiple nationalities.

Program Stability

Investment migration regulations continue to evolve.

Choosing well-established migration programs with transparent legal frameworks may provide greater long-term certainty than newly introduced schemes.

How we selected these residency and citizenship programs

The programs in this guide were selected because they represent a mix of well-established residency-by-investment and citizenship-by-investment options that appeal to internationally mobile expats.

Selection was based on factors such as program stability, international recognition, investment flexibility, family eligibility, residency or citizenship outcomes, and long-term relocation potential.

It focuses on representative and well-established investment migration programs rather than every available option.

This is not an exhaustive list or ranking, and the most suitable program depends on each applicant's goals.

What are the Best Countries to Get Residency for Expats?

Some of the best countries for residency by investment in 2026 include Portugal, Greece, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malta, Italy, Hungary, and Cyprus.

These programs stand out for their combination of investment options, residency benefits, pathways to citizenship, tax advantages, and appeal to globally mobile expats.

1. Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal's Golden Visa remains one of Europe's leading residency by investment programs.

Investors generally qualify through approved investment funds, cultural contributions, scientific research, or business investment rather than residential real estate.

• Minimum investment: From approximately €250,000, depending on the qualifying investment route.
• Residence permit: Initially granted for 2 years and renewable, with one of Europe's lowest physical presence requirements (around seven days per year).
• Permanent residency: Eligible after 5 years of maintaining the investment and meeting legal residency requirements.
• Citizenship: Eligible to apply after 5 years, subject to naturalization requirements such as language proficiency and other legal criteria.
• Tradeoff: Portugal offers one of Europe's strongest pathways to citizenship with minimal physical presence, but residential real estate no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa, and many investment options require long holding periods and ongoing compliance.

2. Greece Golden Visa

Greece's Golden Visa is one of Europe's most popular residency by investment programs, primarily attracting investors interested in real estate while offering access to the Schengen Area.

• Minimum investment: From €250,000 in eligible areas, with higher thresholds in designated locations.
• Residence permit: 5 years, renewable, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.
• Permanent residency: Available through continued legal residence.
• Citizenship: Eligible to apply after approximately 7 years of legal residence, subject to physical presence, language, and integration requirements.
• Tradeoff: Greece offers one of Europe's strongest property-based residency programs, but obtaining citizenship generally requires genuine residence rather than simply maintaining the investment.

3. UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talent, making it a popular choice for globally mobile business owners.

• Minimum investment: Investor routes generally start from AED 2 million in qualifying investments, with other eligibility pathways available for entrepreneurs and professionals.
• Residence permit: Up to 10 years, renewable, depending on the qualifying category.
• Permanent residency: No permanent residency status is currently available under the program.
• Citizenship: The Golden Visa does not provide a direct pathway to UAE citizenship.
• Tradeoff: The UAE offers long-term tax-efficient residency and a strong business environment, but it is not suitable for expats seeking permanent residency or a second passport.

4. Malta Permanent Residence Programme

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme grants permanent residence to qualifying investors through a combination of government contributions, qualifying property, and administrative requirements.

• Minimum investment: From approximately €169,000 under the property rental route, or around €474,000 if purchasing qualifying property, including the required government contribution, administrative fees, and other mandatory program costs.
• Residence permit: Permanent residence is granted upon approval, subject to ongoing compliance with program conditions.
• Citizenship: The program does not lead directly to citizenship, although applicants may qualify for naturalization under Malta's general citizenship laws after meeting the applicable residency requirements.
• Tradeoff: Malta provides immediate permanent residence and access to the Schengen Area, but the overall cost is relatively high and citizenship is not guaranteed through the program.

5. Italy Investor Visa

Italy's Investor Visa offers residence to qualifying investors through investments in innovative startups, Italian companies, government bonds, or philanthropic initiatives.

• Minimum investment: From €250,000, depending on the selected investment option.
• Residence permit: Initially issued for 2 years and renewable for 3-year periods if the investment is maintained.
• Permanent residency: Eligible after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
• Citizenship: Eligible to apply after approximately 10 years of legal residence, subject to naturalization requirements.
• Tradeoff: Italy provides flexible investment options and access to the European Union, but the pathway to citizenship is considerably longer than in countries such as Portugal.

6. Hungary Guest Investor Programme

Hungary's Guest Investor Programme allows qualifying investors to obtain long-term residence through approved investment funds or other eligible investment routes.

• Minimum investment: From €250,000 through approved real estate investment funds or other qualifying investments.
• Residence permit: Up to 10 years, renewable.
• Permanent residency: Eligible through continued legal residence under Hungary's immigration rules.
• Citizenship: Possible after approximately 8 years of legal residence, subject to meeting naturalization requirements.
• Tradeoff: Hungary offers one of the longest initial residence permits among European investment migration programs, but investors should consider that the program is relatively new and may continue to evolve.

7. Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment

Cyprus offers permanent residence to qualifying investors who purchase eligible residential property and satisfy financial eligibility requirements.

• Minimum investment: From €300,000 in qualifying residential property.
• Residence permit: Permanent residence is granted upon approval, provided ongoing program conditions are met.
• Citizenship: Permanent residence does not automatically lead to citizenship. Applicants may become eligible through Cyprus' standard naturalization process after meeting long-term legal residence requirements.
• Tradeoff: Cyprus offers relatively fast permanent residence and a straightforward property-based route, but investors seeking a second passport should note that citizenship requires a separate naturalization process rather than investment alone.

Which Countries are Best for Citizenship for Expats?

Some of the best countries offering citizenship by investment for expats in 2026 include St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

These programs are known for their relatively fast processing, qualifying investment options, family inclusion, and visa-free travel benefits.

1. St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

Established in 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis operates one of the world's oldest and most established citizenship by investment programs.

• Minimum investment: From US$250,000 through the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).
• Processing time: Typically 4–6 months.
• Citizenship: Granted upon successful completion of due diligence and approval.
• Visa-free travel: Access to more than 150 destinations, including the Schengen Area and the UK.
• Tradeoff: Offers one of the strongest Caribbean passports and a long-established legal framework, but the investment threshold is higher than some competing Caribbean programs.

2. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Antigua and Barbuda offers multiple investment routes, making it one of the region's most flexible citizenship by investment programs.

• Minimum investment: From US$230,000 through the National Development Fund.
• Processing time: Approximately 4–6 months.
• Citizenship: Granted after approval and completion of the qualifying investment.
• Visa-free travel: Access to more than 150 destinations.
• Tradeoff: Attractive for families because of broad dependent eligibility, but applicants must satisfy a minimum physical presence requirement after obtaining citizenship.

3. Dominica Citizenship by Investment

Dominica is widely regarded as one of the most affordable and reputable passport by investment programs.

• Minimum investment: From US$200,000 through the Economic Diversification Fund.
• Processing time: Approximately 3–5 months.
• Citizenship: Granted after successful due diligence and investment completion.
• Visa-free travel: Access to more than 140 destinations.
• Tradeoff: Lower investment requirements make it attractive to budget-conscious investors, although its passport offers slightly fewer visa-free destinations than some competitors.

4. Grenada Citizenship by Investment

Grenada's citizenship program is particularly attractive to international entrepreneurs because of its treaty benefits with the United States.

• Minimum investment: From US$235,000 through the National Transformation Fund.
• Processing time: Approximately 3–4 months.
• Citizenship: Granted upon approval.
• Visa-free travel: Access to more than 145 destinations, including China.
• Tradeoff: Grenada is the only Caribbean citizenship by investment program whose citizens may qualify for the US E-2 Investor Visa, but qualifying investments are higher than some alternatives.

5. St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment

St. Lucia offers several qualifying investment routes, giving applicants flexibility based on their financial goals.

• Minimum investment: From US$240,000 through the National Economic Fund.
• Processing time: Around 6–10 months.
• Citizenship: Granted after successful application approval.
• Visa-free travel: Access to more than 140 destinations.
• Tradeoff: Flexible investment options make the program attractive, but processing times may be slightly longer than some competing Caribbean jurisdictions.

6. Turkey Citizenship by Investment  

Turkey offers one of the few citizenship by investment programs centered primarily on real estate investment.

• Minimum investment: From US$400,000 in qualifying real estate.
• Processing time: Typically 3–6 months.
• Citizenship: Granted after maintaining the qualifying investment for the required holding period.
• Visa-free travel: Access to more than 110 destinations.
• Tradeoff: Suitable for investors seeking both citizenship and property ownership, but global mobility is generally weaker than Caribbean citizenship programs.

7. Nauru Citizenship by Investment

Nauru introduced a new citizenship by investment program aimed at attracting foreign investment while supporting national development.

• Minimum investment: From US$115,000 through the government's approved contribution program.
• Processing time: Approximately 3–4 months, subject to due diligence.
• Citizenship: Granted after successful completion of the application process.
• Visa-free travel: Access to more than 80 destinations, including Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, and the UAE.
• Tradeoff: One of the lowest investment thresholds among citizenship by investment programs, but it has a shorter track record and a less powerful passport than longer-established jurisdictions.

Note: Processing times, investment thresholds, and visa-free travel figures are approximate and subject to change.

Which Is Better, Permanent Residency or Citizenship?

Permanent residency is generally better for expats who want the right to live, work, or invest abroad while keeping their current citizenship, whereas citizenship is better for those seeking a second passport and the full legal rights of a national.

Citizenship generally offers broader rights, including a passport, voting rights in many jurisdictions, and unrestricted residence.

It may also simplify long-term relocation and provide additional opportunities for future generations.

For many cross-border investors, residency by investment serves as the first step toward eventual citizenship by investment, particularly in countries that provide a structured naturalization pathway.

Which Program Is Best for Different Types of Expats?

Portugal is one of the best options for expats seeking a pathway to EU citizenship, the UAE appeals to tax-conscious investors, and St. Kitts and Nevis is well suited for those seeking a fast second passport.

Other investment migration programs cater to different priorities, such as family relocation, property investment, or lower-cost citizenship.

Rather than focusing solely on processing speed or investment amount, investors should evaluate how each program aligns with their long-term personal, business, and financial objectives.

Conclusion

Investment migration is a decision that can influence where you live, invest, build a business, and plan for future generations.

While investment thresholds and processing times often receive the most attention, the legal rights, flexibility, and long-term stability of a program frequently have a greater impact over time.

Choosing with the future in mind can produce benefits that extend well beyond obtaining residency or a second passport.

FAQs

Which country ranked first in the Global Residence Program Index 2026?

Greece ranked first in the 2026 Global Residence Program Index, recognized for its strong combination of investment accessibility, EU residency benefits, quality of life, and pathway to long-term residence.

Which is the toughest citizenship to get?

Countries such as Austria, Japan, and Switzerland are generally considered among the hardest citizenships to get because they typically require lengthy periods of legal residence, strict naturalization criteria, and, in some cases, limitations on dual citizenship.

What is the best country to become an expat?

Countries such as Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Singapore, and Canada are consistently regarded among the best destinations for expats, thanks to their strong economies, quality of life, healthcare, safety, and opportunities for international professionals and investors.

Which country gives the fastest citizenship by investment?

Nauru currently offers one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs, with processing typically taking around 3–4 months, while established Caribbean programs such as Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis can also grant citizenship within a few months following successful due diligence and approval.

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