Investment migration lets you gain residence or citizenship in another country by making a qualifying investment, often in real estate, business, or government bonds.
It’s a legal and strategic pathway for globally mobile individuals looking to expand their rights, security, and financial options.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- What are the top countries for investment migration?
- What is the difference between residency and citizenship by investment?
- What are the requirements for investment migration?
- How much do you need to get into investment migration?
If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, you can email me (hello@adamfayed.com) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
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Some facts might change from the time of writing. Nothing written here is financial, legal, tax, or any kind of individual advice or a solicitation to invest. Nor is it a product or service recommendation.
What Is Investment Migration?
Investment migration refers to the process of acquiring legal residency or citizenship in a country through a financial contribution.
These programs are often offered by governments seeking to attract foreign capital and talent in exchange for immigration privileges.
There are two primary categories:
- Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Grants full citizenship rights, usually without a long-term residence requirement.
- Residency by Investment (RBI): Offers legal residency status that may lead to citizenship after several years.
Can I Move My Investments to Another Country?
Yes, in many cases, you can move your investments internationally as part of an investment migration strategy.
However, it’s crucial to distinguish between simply relocating your assets and making qualifying investments under a formal migration program.
There are generally two types of cross-border investment movements:
- Transferring financial assets such as moving funds to a foreign bank account, purchasing overseas inmobiliario, or opening an offshore investment account.
- Making a qualifying investment specifically structured to meet a country’s immigration requirements; this might include buying government bonds, investing in a national development fund, or starting a local business.
Not all international investments automatically qualify you for residency or citizenship.
Countries with investment migration programs have strict rules on what types of capital are eligible, how much you must invest, and where the funds must come from.
Additionally, investors should carefully assess:
- Tax consequences in both their home and destination countries
- Currency controls or restrictions on outbound transfers
- Repatriation limits for withdrawing funds in the future
Investment Migration Countries in 2025
Top countries for citizenship by investment:
- St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada – Known for fast processing and visa-free access to 140+ countries
- Dominica – One of the most affordable CBI programs, with strong visa-free access and a streamlined process
- Turquía – Citizenship through real estate from $400,000
- Malta – Offers EU citizenship through a multi-stage residency route
Top countries for residency by investment:
- Portugal, Greece, Spain – European golden visas offering Schengen access
- UAE – Long-term residency with tax advantages
- Singapur – Global Investor Program for high-net-worth individuals
- Australia – Significant Investor Visa (SIV) pathway offering residency for investments of AUD 5 million in complying funds
Some countries offer both residency and citizenship, either through direct investment or through a path-to-citizenship model over several years.
Citizenship by Investment vs Residency by Investment
| Feature | Citizenship by Investment | Residency by Investment |
| Status Granted | Full nationality | Legal residency |
| Time frame | 3–12 months | Usually 1–5 years |
| Passport Issued | Yes | No (just residence card) |
| Path to Citizenship | Immediate | May require naturalization |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children, sometimes parents | Often includes dependents |
CBI provides more immediate benefits, such as visa-free travel and a second passport.
RBI offers flexibility for those who may not want to give up their original citizenship or who prefer to establish tax residency elsewhere.
How to Apply for Investment Migration
While each country has different procedures, the general process to apply for investment migration typically includes:
- Choose a program based on your goals (mobility, tax, lifestyle)
- Work with a licensed advisor or agent authorized by the destination government
- Submit required documents including proof of funds, source of wealth, background checks
- Make the qualifying investment
- Complete interviews or biometric registration if required
- Receive approval and residency or citizenship documents
Some countries process applications in as little as 60 days, while others require 6–12 months depending on due diligence and program structure.
Investment Migration Requirements
Typical investment migration requirements include:
- Minimum investment amount – This varies by country and program, and may involve a real estate purchase, a non-refundable donation to a national fund, or capital investment in a local business or government bonds.
- Clean criminal record – Most countries require a police clearance certificate to demonstrate the applicant poses no security or reputational risk.
- Proof of legal source of funds – Applicants must show documentation that the investment capital was obtained lawfully, often requiring bank statements, tax returns, or business financials.
- Valid passport and health documentation – A valid passport is required, along with health certificates to rule out contagious diseases or conditions that could burden the local healthcare system.
- No serious immigration violations – Prior visa overstays, deportations, or bans from Schengen, the US, or other major jurisdictions can disqualify applicants.
- Good standing with sanctions lists – Individuals listed on international watchlists, such as UN, EU, or OFAC sanctions lists, are usually barred from applying.
In addition, some programs may impose physical presence requirements, such as a minimum number of days per year spent in the country, especially for those seeking eventual citizenship.
Others offer flexibility with little or no residency obligations.
How Much Does Investment Migration Cost?
Citizenship by Investment:
- St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada: From $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate), plus fees
- Dominica: From $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate), with low government fees and quick processing
- Turkey: $400,000 minimum in real estate
- Malta: Over €700,000 through a combination of donation, property purchase or lease, and other qualifying contributions
Residency by Investment:
- Portugal: €250,000 to €500,000 depending on the asset class (arts, funds, or real estate)
- Greece: Minimum €250,000 in real estate
- Spain: €500,000 in real estate
- UAE: AED 2 million (approx. $545,000) in real estate or local savings
- Singapore: S$2.5 million (approx. USD 1.85 million) in a business or approved fund
- Italy: €250,000 in innovative startups or €500,000 in established Italian companies
Additional costs may include due diligence fees, legal/agent fees, government application charges, and family member add-ons.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Investment Migration?
Advantages:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 100+ countries
- Tax optimization and strategic relocation
- Security from political/economic instability
- Access to better healthcare and education
- Legacy planning and intergenerational mobility
Disadvantages:
- High costs and non-refundable contributions
- Some programs have lengthy or complex procedures
- Scrutiny from financial institutions and tax authorities
- Legal and compliance risks if improperly structured
- Risk of programs being suspended or losing credibility
Is Investment Migration Legal?
Yes, investment migration is legal in countries that explicitly offer such programs through legislation or policy.
These programs are officially regulated and typically include robust due diligence processes to prevent misuse.
However, legal issues can arise when:
- Investors use unlicensed agents or fake programs
- There’s a failure to disclose assets to tax authorities
- Programs are not recognized by other countries (e.g., for visa or reporting purposes)
Conclusión
Investment migration continues to be a powerful tool for global mobility, conservación del patrimonio, and access to better opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for a second passport, long-term residency, or a plan B for your family’s future, there are legal, structured programs designed to meet different goals and budgets.
That said, not all programs are equal, and the landscape is evolving.
Always seek regulated advice to ensure compliance with local laws, tax reporting rules, and eligibility criteria.
¿Le duele la indecisión financiera?
Adam es un autor reconocido internacionalmente en temas financieros, con más de 830 millones de respuestas en Quora, un libro muy vendido en Amazon y colaborador de Forbes.
