Countries such as Portugal, Greece, the UAE, Italy, and Hungary offer residency by investment programs that allow eligible Indian citizens to obtain legal residence through a qualifying investment.
These programs, often called Golden Visas or investor visa programs, can provide long-term residence rights, family inclusion, and, in some cases, a pathway to permanent residency and even citizenship.
Key Takeaways:
- Portugal, Greece, the UAE, Italy, and Hungary are among the top residency by investment options for Indians.
- Most Golden Visa programs allow spouses and dependent children to be included.
- Indian residents investing overseas must comply with RBI and FEMA regulations.
- Residency does not automatically lead to citizenship, and India does not permit dual citizenship.
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.
What is residency by investment?
Residency by investment is an immigration program that grants eligible foreign nationals residence rights in exchange for making a qualifying investment in the host country.
These programs are commonly known as Golden Visa programs.
Depending on the country, qualifying investments may include:
- Purchasing approved real estate
- Investing in regulated investment funds
- Establishing or expanding a business
- Investing in government-approved projects
- Creating local employment
A Golden Visa generally provides:
- The right to live in the country
- Visa-free or easier travel within certain regions (such as the Schengen Area where applicable)
- The ability to include eligible family members
- Access to healthcare and education, depending on local rules
- A potential pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after meeting legal requirements
Unlike citizenship by investment, Golden Visa holders initially receive residence status rather than a passport.
Best residency by investment programs for Indians
The best residency by investment programs for Indians include Portugal, Greece, the UAE, Italy, Hungary, and Malta, offering accessible investment thresholds, family inclusion, and, in many cases, Schengen access or pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
Typical qualifying investment: From €250,000 (cultural projects) or €500,000 (regulated investment funds).
Key highlights:
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after meeting legal requirements
- Low physical presence requirement
- Schengen travel
- Family inclusion
Typical qualifying investment: From €250,000 to €800,000, depending on the property and region.
Key highlights:
- Real estate investment route
- Schengen travel
- Renewable residence permits
- Family inclusion
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Typical qualifying investment: Property investment from approximately AED 2 million (subject to current eligibility rules).
Key highlights:
- 10-year renewable residence (for eligible categories)
- No personal income tax
- Property and business investment options
- Family sponsorship available
Typical qualifying investment: From €250,000 in an innovative startup, €500,000 in an Italian company, €1 million in a philanthropic initiative, or €2 million in Italian government bonds.
Key highlights:
- Multiple investment options
- Residence in an EU member state
- Family inclusion
- Pathway to long-term residence
Typical qualifying investment: From approximately €250,000 in approved real estate investment funds (subject to current program rules).
Key highlights:
- Schengen access
- Renewable residence permit
- Family inclusion
- Relatively limited physical presence requirements
Typical qualifying investment: Generally from around €375,000 for qualifying property purchases, together with additional government contributions and fees, depending on the selected program.
Key highlights:
- Residence in an EU member state
- Family inclusion
- Government-approved investment pathways
- Potential route to permanent residence
How to get residency by investment as an Indian?
To get residency by investment, Indians must apply for an eligible investor residence program, make a qualifying investment, comply with applicable RBI and FEMA requirements, and meet the destination country's immigration criteria.
Although procedures differ between countries, the process typically involves the following steps.
Choose the Appropriate Program
Compare investment thresholds, residency requirements, taxation, processing times, and long-term residency or citizenship opportunities.
Confirm RBI and FEMA Compliance
Before transferring funds overseas, Indian residents should ensure the proposed investment complies with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and applicable Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, including the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), where relevant.
Prepare Source of Funds Documentation
Most Golden Visa programs require applicants to demonstrate that the investment funds were obtained lawfully.
Supporting documents may include bank statements, income records, business ownership documents, or asset sale agreements.
Complete Due Diligence
Applicants undergo background checks covering criminal history, source of wealth, and financial standing.
Make the Qualifying Investment
Transfer the investment funds and complete the qualifying investment according to the destination country's immigration requirements.
Submit the Application
Provide supporting documentation, including:
- Passport
- Financial records
- Source of funds
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical insurance
- Evidence of the qualifying investment
Receive Residence Approval
Successful applicants receive a residence permit, usually subject to renewal conditions.
Maintain Program Requirements
Many countries require investors to retain the qualifying investment for a specified period and satisfy renewal or minimum stay requirements.
Can I sponsor my family on an investor visa?
Yes. Most residency-by-investment programs allow Indian applicants to include immediate family members within a single application.
Eligible dependants commonly include:
- Spouse
- Minor children
- Financially dependent adult children (subject to program rules)
- Dependent parents in certain jurisdictions
Family members generally receive residence rights similar to the principal applicant, although eligibility criteria differ by country.
Do I need to pay tax on foreign investment income as an Indian?
Yes, foreign investment income may be taxable for Indians if they are tax residents in India, as Indian tax residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income.
For Indians seeking residency by investment, key tax considerations include:
- Whether they remain an Indian tax resident under India's tax residency rules
- Whether they also become a tax resident in the destination country
- The application of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) between India and the destination country
- How foreign dividends, capital gains, rental income, and interest are taxed in both jurisdictions
- Foreign asset and income reporting obligations in India and, where applicable, the destination country
Because tax treatment varies depending on an individual's residency status and the country of investment, Indian investors should obtain tax advice before relocating or investing overseas.
What are the risks of a Golden Visa?
For Indians, the main risks of a Golden Visa include regulatory changes, investment losses, tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions, currency fluctuations, and compliance with Indian overseas investment rules.
Regulatory Changes
Golden Visa programs may change over time, like what happened with Portugal golden visa and Greece golden visa.
Governments can increase minimum investment thresholds, modify eligibility requirements, or close programs altogether, potentially affecting future applicants.
Investment Risk
Qualifying investments, such as real estate, investment funds, or businesses, may lose value or generate lower-than-expected returns.
Indian Tax and Cross-Border Tax Complexity
Obtaining residency abroad does not automatically change an individual's tax residency in India.
Indian investors may need to consider Indian tax rules, tax obligations in the destination country, and any applicable Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs).
RBI and FEMA Compliance
Indian residents investing overseas must comply with applicable RBI and FEMA regulations, including overseas remittance rules.
Failure to comply may result in regulatory issues or delays in transferring investment funds.
Currency Risk
Most Golden Visa investments are denominated in foreign currencies such as euros or UAE dirhams.
This means exchange rate movements can significantly influence both your upfront investment cost and the value of your eventual returns.
Understanding how to manage FX risk exposure is just as important as selecting the right investment.
Exchange rate fluctuations between the Indian rupee and the investment currency may affect the overall cost of the investment and any future returns.
Residency and Investment Requirements
Many RBI programs require applicants to maintain the qualifying investment and, in some cases, meet minimum stay requirements to renew or retain their residence permits.
Citizenship Considerations
Some Golden Visa programs provide a pathway to citizenship.
However, because India does not permit dual citizenship, Indians considering naturalization in another country should understand the implications for their Indian citizenship before proceeding.
Which is better, permanent residency or citizenship?
Permanent residency is the better option for many Indians, because it allows them to live abroad while retaining Indian citizenship.
Citizenship offers additional rights but generally requires giving up Indian citizenship under Indian law.
Permanent Residency
Permanent residency may be the preferred option for Indians who want to:
- Live abroad long term
- Retain Indian citizenship
- Work, study, or conduct business in the destination country
- Access local healthcare and education, where eligible
Citizenship
Citizenship may be more suitable for Indians who intend to settle permanently in another country and are willing to relinquish Indian citizenship.
Potential benefits include:
- A passport from the destination country
- Voting rights
- Full legal rights as a citizen
- Greater security of status that is not tied to maintaining residency conditions
An Indian citizen who voluntarily acquires another country's citizenship generally loses Indian citizenship and may instead be eligible to apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, where applicable.
What happens if an Indian later returns to India?
An Indian who later returns to India may continue to hold a foreign residence permit, but returning can affect how overseas investments, foreign bank accounts, and cross-border income are regulated and reported in India.
Overseas Assets and Investments
Individuals returning to India should review whether their overseas assets, investment funds, real estate, and foreign bank accounts are subject to additional Indian regulatory or reporting requirements based on their residential status.
Tax Residency
Returning to India may result in an individual becoming an Indian tax resident again if they meet the applicable tax residency criteria, potentially affecting the taxation and reporting of foreign income and assets.
Ongoing Investment Requirements
Investors should continue to meet the residency program's holding periods, renewal conditions, and other obligations if they wish to keep their residence rights, even while living primarily in India.
Conclusion
Residency by investment is not simply about obtaining residence abroad—it is a long-term strategic decision that can affect an Indian investor's mobility, tax position, wealth planning, and future citizenship options.
While minimum investment thresholds often attract the most attention, factors such as regulatory stability, ongoing compliance requirements, and long-term personal and business objectives are equally important when comparing programs.
Taking a holistic approach can help Indian investors choose a residency-by-investment program that supports both their immediate goals and their long-term international plans.
FAQs
Which country is the easiest for Indians to immigrate to?
Canada is often considered one of the more accessible countries for Indians to immigrate to through skilled worker immigration programs.
Other popular destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.
What is the tax residency rule in India?
Indian tax residency is determined under the Income Tax Act based primarily on the number of days an individual is physically present in India during the relevant financial year and, in some cases, previous years.
Tax residency determines whether worldwide income or only specified Indian-source income is taxable in India.
What is the investment limit for NRI?
For investments in listed Indian companies, an individual NRI can generally own up to 10% of a company's paid-up equity capital, while all NRIs and OCIs together can own up to 24%, subject to applicable regulations.
What is the role of RBI under FEMA?
The RBI regulates overseas remittances and investments by Indian residents under FEMA.
Indians pursuing residency by investment must comply with applicable RBI and FEMA requirements before investing overseas.
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