In the world of global mobility, residency by investment programs (also known as Golden Visas) have become a popular option for individuals seeking a second residence or a way to live and invest in another country. These programs typically require individuals to make a significant financial investment in exchange for the right to reside in a country. One of the most appealing aspects of these programs is that they often come with minimal physical presence requirements, meaning you don’t have to spend much time in the country to maintain your residency status.
If you are considering securing residency by investment but want to avoid long stays, there are several countries offering attractive programs with flexible physical presence rules. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the countries that offer residency by investment with minimal physical presence requirements, giving you the freedom to enjoy your second home without committing to lengthy stays.
1. Portugal – Golden Visa
One of the most renowned residency by investment programs with minimal physical presence is Portugal’s Golden Visa. This program allows you to obtain residency in Portugal by making a qualifying investment, such as purchasing real estate, transferring capital, or creating jobs. What makes the Portugal Golden Visa particularly appealing is its low residency requirements.
- Physical Presence Requirement: You are required to spend only 7 days per year in Portugal during the first five years of the program. After that, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, though the physical presence requirement for citizenship increases to 14 days per year.
This means that you can maintain your residency status with minimal time spent in Portugal, making it one of the most flexible residency programs in Europe. Additionally, Portugal offers visa-free access to the Schengen Area, making it an attractive option for those seeking greater freedom of movement across Europe.
Key Takeaways:
- Minimum time in country: 7 days per year for the first 5 years
- Investment options: Real estate, capital transfer, or job creation
- Visa-free access: Schengen Area
2. Spain – Golden Visa
Spain’s Golden Visa program is another excellent option for individuals seeking residency by investment with minimal physical presence requirements. The program provides residency permits to non-EU nationals who make significant investments, including real estate purchases, business ventures, or job creation.
- Physical Presence Requirement: To maintain residency status, you are only required to spend one day per year in Spain during the first five years. After the five-year mark, you can apply for permanent residency, and after 10 years, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship, although this comes with more stringent residency requirements.
Spain’s Golden Visa program is particularly popular due to the country’s lifestyle benefits, including its rich culture, excellent healthcare, and beautiful landscapes.
Key Takeaways:
- Minimum time in country: 1 day per year for the first 5 years
- Investment options: Real estate, business, job creation
- Visa-free access: Schengen Area
3. Greece – Golden Visa
Greece offers a Golden Visa program for non-EU nationals, providing an opportunity to secure residency in one of Europe’s most popular destinations. The investment threshold for Greece’s Golden Visa is relatively affordable compared to other European countries, and the physical presence requirements are minimal.
- Physical Presence Requirement: You are not required to live in Greece to maintain residency. However, you must visit the country at least once every five years to renew your residency permit. This makes Greece a convenient option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of EU residency without the need for extended stays.
In addition to its low residency requirements, Greece offers the advantage of living in an EU country with easy access to other European nations. Furthermore, Greece has a thriving real estate market, making it an appealing investment option for many.
Key Takeaways:
- Minimum time in country: Visit at least once every 5 years
- Investment options: Real estate
- Visa-free access: Schengen Area
4. Cyprus – Permanent Residency by Investment
Cyprus offers one of the most straightforward residency by investment programs, which allows you to secure permanent residency without a lengthy wait or complex procedures. The program requires a significant investment, but the physical presence requirements are minimal.
- Physical Presence Requirement: To maintain your permanent residency, you must visit Cyprus at least once every two years. There are no minimum residency requirements beyond that, so this option is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance residency.
Cyprus is also attractive for investors because of its low taxation rates and its status as a gateway to Europe, especially for individuals seeking to expand their business in the region.
Key Takeaways:
- Minimum time in country: Visit once every 2 years
- Investment options: Real estate
- Visa-free access: Schengen Area (if residency leads to citizenship)
5. Malta – Individual Investor Program (IIP)
Malta’s Individual Investor Program (IIP) is an elite residency and citizenship by investment program that offers an efficient pathway to residency with minimal physical presence. Malta is known for its strong legal system and stable economy, making it a highly attractive destination for investors.
- Physical Presence Requirement: The minimum physical presence requirement is 12 months over a 5-year period, which allows for significant flexibility. Malta’s IIP program not only grants you residency but also offers the option to apply for citizenship after 1 year of residency.
As an EU member state, Malta offers visa-free access to all EU countries, along with other countries outside the EU, making it one of the most desirable residency options in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Minimum time in country: 12 months over 5 years
- Investment options: Real estate, donations, government bonds
- Visa-free access: EU Schengen Area
6. United Arab Emirates – Dubai Investor Visa
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai, has become an increasingly popular destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking residency by investment. The UAE offers various residency options for investors, including the Golden Visa, which grants long-term residency permits to investors and entrepreneurs.
- Physical Presence Requirement: The UAE’s residency by investment programs have minimal physical presence requirements, with many visas requiring you to spend just 1 to 2 months in the country per year. This makes the UAE an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy residency without being tied to a fixed location.
The UAE’s business-friendly environment, tax advantages, and strategic location in the Middle East make it an attractive option for investors, particularly those looking to expand their business operations in the region.
Key Takeaways:
- Minimum time in country: 1-2 months per year
- Investment options: Real estate, business, government bonds
- Visa-free access: GCC and other international destinations
Conclusion
Residency by investment programs with minimal physical presence offer the perfect solution for individuals seeking the benefits of global mobility and a second residence without the requirement of lengthy stays. Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and the UAE all provide excellent options with flexible residency rules, allowing investors to secure their second home with minimal time spent in the country.
When considering which program to choose, be sure to evaluate factors like the investment required, the benefits of residency, and the country’s visa-free access to other destinations. With the right program, you can enjoy the freedom to live, work, and travel with fewer constraints on your time.
