Residency by investment programs enable high-net-worth individuals to acquire residency or citizenship of a country through qualifying monetary contributions.
Key Features:
- Investment thresholds range from $100,000–$2,000,000 in real estate, government bonds, or business ventures.
- Applicants must pass due diligence screenings verifying source of wealth and lacking criminal records.
- Grants residency permissions with potential pathway to citizenship or its benefits.
Example:
A Russian entrepreneur gained temporary residency of the UAE under a real estate investment program, purchasing an apartment for personal use.
Takeaways:
While controversially favorable to elites, such programs stimulate economic activity and real estate sectors. Successful due diligence enhances security. Residency grants travel privileges while relaxing visa rules for investing globally.