Would you like to obtain permanent residence in another country, with or without a Golden Visa?

Permanent residence at its basic level is designed for individuals and families who want to physically relocate full time to a new country. Other clients seek Permanent Residence because they are very mobile, spending time living and working in different countries. They are looking for a favorable place they can call home, preferably in a tax friendly country.

Permanent residence is also suitable as a Plan B - making sure you and your family can "get out of Dodge fast" if necessary. If the worst happens and something goes wrong in your home country - such as political unrest, pandemic or even a war, or you become a victim of crime or extortion - then you have a "second life" in a safe, neutral jurisdiction ready to fit easily into with a minimum of disruption.

Permanent residence or "P.R." can also bring a number of fringe benefits you might not initially have considered. These include access to schools and higher education and healthcare that might not be available in your home country, through to VIP fast track airport privileges in some countries.

By far the easiest way to qualify for a residence permit / permanent residence abroad is by investment. The best known route to permanent residency through investment is the so-called "golden visa."  The term Golden Visa was originally coined in Portugal but is now generally applied to residence permits obtained based on a substantial investment, aimed at successful people who are willing to invest in a country in return for residence.

Methods of obtaining permanent residence via the Golden Visa route typically include:

  • Investment in financial instruments (government bonds, venture capital funds etc)
  • Investments in real estate
  • Starting a business (entrepreneur or business angel visas)
  • Depositing funds in a bank account

There are also opportunities in many countries to obtain Permanent Residence without going down the investment route. For example, Portugal's D7 visa program, Paraguay's Permanent Residence Program and the Serbia residence program just to name a few.

Another important consideration is the availability of citizenship and passport. In Portugal, for example, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years, but need to learn some Portuguese language and prove certain integration into the community in order to qualify. If a second citizenship is important to you, then it's probably better to go straight away for Citizenship by Investment in the Caribbean or Vanuatu rather than via the Permanent Residence route.

Bottom line? Choosing a golden visa or permanent residence permit is no easy task. A personalized consultation with a Permanent Residence expert immigration lawyer will help narrow your choice and guide you in the right direction. There is no charge for this initial consultation.

Sign up for a free consultation on the selection of a golden visa to save time and money, getting the right Permanent Residence option without headaches.

Below are the most useful and popular articles on Permanent Residence.

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All articles on the topic – Residence permits and residence permits abroad

Search results: 68

Serbia Residence Permit: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025


Serbia is an attractive destination for relocation because of its central location, mild climate, rich history and culture, and affordable prices. The country’s authorities make it easy for foreigners to acquire legal residence in Serbia. A foreign national can qualify for a residence permit if he or she buys livable property in the country, finds a job, starts a business company or marries a Serbian citizen. The total cost of acquiring a residence permit should not exceed 1,000 euros.

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Moving to Switzerland: Is the Game Worth the Candles and Is Switzerland Expat-Friendly?


Why was Switzerland named the best country overall? Living standards and safety in Switzerland in 2023. Business immigration to Switzerland. Living standards, social goals, crime, and security. Switzerland as an ICT hub. Fintech infrastructure in Switzerland. Healthcare and longevity. Is Switzerland friendly to expats? How authorities treat expats in Switzerland. Immigration to Switzerland: prospects for 2023. Living and working in Switzerland – level of friendliness does matter for would-be immigrants.

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Residence Permit in Serbia Through Real Estate Investment


Discover how to obtain a Serbian residence permit through real estate investment. Serbia offers an attractive program for investors looking for a gateway to Europe, with affordable property, visa-free travel opportunities, and a simplified application process. Learn about eligibility, costs, benefits, and the step-by-step guide to securing residency in Serbia. Explore why investing in Serbian real estate is a smart choice for your next move.

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Purchase real estate or form a company in Montenegro to acquire legal residence there


Montenegro in the Balkans offers an opportunity to acquire a legal residence permit in the country in exchange for an investment into real property or a business venture. Both investment options can also be used to obtain full citizenship of Montenegro. The article discusses the requirements to the foreign investors wishing to purchase property or start a company in the country, the procedure of acquiring legal residence in Montenegro by investment, the required application documents, and other relevant issues.

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Legal residence in Greece for financially independent individuals


Greece welcomes financially independent foreigners to apply for legal residence in the country. It is an attractive opportunity to legalize your stay in the EU in case you come from a country outside the Union. The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a legal resident in Greece, the application procedure, the restrictions for the applicants, the residence permit extension possibilities, and other relevant issues.

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Visas to African Countries for Foreign Investors: 20 options


Most African countries have developing economies and they need foreign direct investments. The following countries on the continent offer long-term visa (residence permit) opportunities to foreigners prepared to invest into their economies: Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mauritius, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South African Republic. Egypt runs a full-fledged citizenship-by-investment program and Cabo Verde offers foreign investors accelerated citizenship acquisition opportunities.

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Paraguay and Uruguay: Two Peaceful Countries outside the Bipolar World


A foreign national can qualify for a legal residence permit in Paraguay by launching a company in the country, finding a job there, or simply proving his/ her solvency. Demonstrating your financial independence will also be enough to qualify for a residence permit in Uruguay. You can become a naturalized Paraguayan/ Uruguayan within three to five years.

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Visa-Free Destinations for Georgians: Information for Those Applying for Legal Residence in Georgia


It is possible to acquire legal residence in Georgia in the Caucasus by investment. If a foreign national legally resides in Georgia for five years while spending the best part of each year in the country, he or she can apply for citizenship of Georgia. This is an attractive opportunity because a Georgian passport gives visa-free access to 199 destinations. Many more destinations are accessible on electronic visas or visas-on-arrival.

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Visa-Free Destinations for Paraguay Passport Holders: Benefits for Travellers


Perks that a Paraguay passport can offer to international business people and avid travelers. Why choose second citizenship in Paraguay? Where can you travel visa-free with a Paraguay passport? Check our full list of visa-free destinations and learn where an electronic visa or a visa on arrival is enough for Paraguay nationals. Are non-visa restrictions applicable to Paraguay passport holders?

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Visa-Free Destinations for Holders of Serbian Passports


A Serbian passport brings several important advantages to its holder. In particular, Serbian can enter a great number of countries around the world without visas. In many other cases, they can enter foreign countries on an electronic visa or obtain a visa on arrival. A foreign national can acquire citizenship of Serbia only by naturalization but becoming a legal resident of Serbia (to turn into a citizen of the country later) is relatively easy.

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Residence Permit in Turkey (İkamet) – New Rules in 2023


Turkey is a hospitable country that offers a favorable climate, tempting business opportunities, and an actively developing international community. Dual citizenship is allowed, so it is no wonder people flock here to get a residence permit. There are different types of Turkish residence permits, and we discuss all of them in the article. Rules for touristic residence permit renewal have been updated in 2022 – read on to find out. How to bring a family with you, get citizenship by investment, or what documents to submit – you will find everything in our new post.

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Almost Ten Thousand Foreigners Acquired Residence Cards in Panama in the First Four Months of 2023


Nearly 10,000 people acquired residence permits in Panama between January and May of 2023. The figure is unprecedented. The growth of the popularity of the Panamanian immigration programs is partially attributable to the tightened requirements to immigrants in the neighboring USA. Relocating to Panama has never been such an attractive opportunity as it is at the moment.

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Reasons Why You Should Consider Acquiring Legal Residence in Uruguay


Uruguay welcomes foreigners to apply for legal residence there. A permanent foreign resident of the country can eventually become a citizen of Uruguay. The climate is wonderful there, the nature is beautiful, and the people are friendly. The process of acquiring a legal residence permit is fast, simple, and inexpensive.

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Moving to Paraguay for Permanent Residency: Living Costs, Grocery Prices, and Salaries in 2023


General overview of the country. Path to permanent residency in Paraguay: food prices, entertainment options, and real estate costs in 2023. Average restaurant and cafe bills. Cost of groceries. Recreation and entertainment costs. Things to know before you move to Paraguay as a permanent resident with children. Clothing and footwear prices. Transportation costs. Housing prices in Paraguay in 2023. Average salary and mortgage costs. Cost of utilities and communication services in the country.

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Can You Get Residency in Northern Cyprus?


This article discusses the advantages of obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), including ease of obtaining a permit for property buyers or renters, developed infrastructure, relatively low cost of living, and access to internationally recognized universities. Experts also talk about the conditions and necessary documents.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Relocating to Luxembourg


Living in Luxembourg brings many advantages. The country has a favorable geographic location and an advanced economy. It is safe, friendly, and very peaceful. The banking sector is extremely strong and job offers are plentiful. At the same time, the cost of living is comparatively high in Luxembourg. Real estate in particular costs much less in the neighboring countries of France, Germany, and Belgium.

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El Salvador “Passports for Crypto” part of President’s Independence Plan


BTC to be used as legal tender – truth or dare? Getting ready to issue El Salvador passports for Bitcoin. Reasons to promote El Salvador passports for crypto initiative: historical background. Passports for crypto issued in Grenada, Vanuatu, and St Kitts – no need to wait. Expert assistance for those wishing to acquire passports for crypto abroad.

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Panama Residency by Investment: Finding Your Way into Tropical Paradise for Investors


Documents to have and general requirements to meet in order to move to Panama. Panama permanent residency for retirees wishing to enjoy their golden years. Visas for financially independent persons. Residency in Panama for investors. Panama golden visa for real estate buyers. Forestry investor visa and ways to acquire it. Friendly nations route to obtain Panama residency.

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