Global mobility has changed quickly over the past few years,some “golden visa” routes have tightened, others have relaunched, and many programs now come with more nuanced compliance requirements than most people expect.
This guide is designed as a single, comprehensive list of the residency programs featured under FTB Mobility’s Residence Programs,organized by region, with clear notes on minimum thresholds, what you get, and what changed recently. (Information is time-sensitive and program rules can change; always confirm eligibility before committing capital.)
Quick definitions (so you compare programs correctly)
Not every “residency program” is the same. In this article you’ll see three main categories:
- Permanent residence by investment: You receive a permanent residence status (often with conditions).
- Residence permits / long-term renewable visas: You receive multi-year residence rights that can be renewed (not always permanent residence).
- Investor/business visas (not PR): You can live in a country through investment or business activity, but it may not directly grant permanent residence.
Big updates to know before you choose a program
- Spain Golden Visa is closed to new applicants as of April 3, 2025. Spain still has other residence options, but the golden visa route is no longer available.
- Portugal Golden Visa no longer accepts real estate for new applications (fund/subscription and cultural donation routes remain common alternatives, depending on the pathway).
- Greece Golden Visa thresholds increased (with higher minimums in prime areas).
- Hong Kong relaunched investor residency via New CIES (high threshold, structured portfolio requirements).
- New Zealand reduced its minimum investment thresholds under the reformed Active Investor Plus program (2025 changes).
- US EB-5 minimum investment amounts remain at $800,000 / $1,050,000 (depending on category), with scheduled inflation adjustments in future years.
At-a-glance comparison table (all programs in this blog)
Minimums below are headline figures and may vary by route, location, or eligibility. Some programs are best understood as “starting from” rather than a single fixed price.
| Region | Country / Program | What it is | Typical headline minimum |
| Europe | Cyprus PR (investment route) | Permanent residence | €300,000+ (route-dependent) |
| Europe | France – Talent Passport (Investor/Business) | Residence permit via investment/business | €300,000+ (route-dependent) |
| Europe | France – Financially Independent | Non-working residence pathway | Financial self-sufficiency (case-specific) |
| Europe | Greece – Golden Visa | Residence permit via investment | €250,000–€800,000 (location-dependent) |
| Europe | Hungary – Guest Investor | Long-term residence via investment | €250,000–€1,000,000 (reintroduced 2024) |
| Europe | Italy – Investor Visa | Investor entry visa → residence | €250,000+ (startups) / €500,000+ (company) / other investment routes |
| Europe | Malta – MPRP | Permanent residence program | Multi-part: admin fee + contribution + qualifying ties |
| Europe | Monaco – Residence (bank deposit model) | Residence permit (practical bank minimums apply) | €500,000+ deposit (practical) |
| Europe | Portugal – Golden Visa (ARI) | Residence permit via qualifying investment | €500,000 fund route or €250,000 cultural donation route |
| Europe | Portugal – Highly Qualified Activity | Skills/work-based residence | Business startup option |
| Europe | United Kingdom – Innovator Founder | Business innovation pathway | Endorsement + business plan (not a passive investment route) |
| Europe | Spain – Residency (note: Golden Visa closed) | Spain alternatives (non-lucrative, entrepreneur, etc.) | Route-dependent (Golden Visa closed) |
| Middle East | Saudi Arabia – Premium Residency | Long-term/premium residence | SAR 100,000+ (limited) or SAR 800,000 (unlimited) |
| Middle East | UAE – Golden Visa (real estate) | Long-term renewable residence | AED 2,000,000+ property (route-dependent) |
| Middle East | UAE – Wealthy Individual (category-based) | Long-term residence categories | Route-dependent |
| Asia | Hong Kong – New CIES | Investor residence | HK$30,000,000 net assets + portfolio rules |
| Asia | Singapore – GIP | Permanent residence (via investment) | S$10,000,000+ (route-dependent) |
| Asia | Thailand – Privilege | Membership-based long-stay visas of 5-20 years | From THB 650,000 (package-dependent) |
| Asia | Thailand – LTR | 10-year long-term resident visa | Route-dependent (some categories include US$500,000 investment) |
| Africa | Mauritius – residence routes | Investor/business residence + real estate schemes | Route-dependent (often real estate scheme thresholds apply) |
| Africa | South Africa – Financially Independent | Permanent residence category | R12,000,000 net worth (plus fees) |
| Americas | United States – E-2 | Treaty investor visa (nonimmigrant) | “Substantial” investment (no fixed statutory minimum) |
| Americas | United States – EB-5 | Immigrant investor → Green Card | $800,000 or $1,050,000 (category-dependent) |
| Americas | Panama – Qualified Investor | Permanent residence via investment | $300,000+ (route-dependent) |
| Oceania | New Zealand – Active Investor Plus | Residence via investment | NZ$5,000,000 or NZ$10,000,000 (category-dependent) |
Europe residency programs
Cyprus: Permanent Residence (investment route)
Best for: Families who want a permanent status and a structured investment-led pathway.
What it is: Cyprus offers permanent residence routes commonly associated with qualifying investments (frequently real estate and other categories, depending on the current framework).
Typical headline threshold: Often referenced at €300,000+, depending on the route and rules in force.
Key considerations:
- Documentation and ongoing compliance can be detailed (proof of qualifying investment, income, renewals/confirmations where applicable).
- Cyprus is frequently used as a regional base with lifestyle and business planning considerations.
France: Talent Passport (Investor/Business routes)
Best for: Applicants seeking residence in France through business activity or investment rather than passive real estate-only models.
What it is: France’s residency framework is usually approached through Talent Passport categories, including investor and founder profiles.
Typical headline threshold: Investor routes are commonly summarized around €300,000+ (with additional conditions).
Key considerations:
- This is typically more “substance” and activity-driven than a passive golden visa narrative.
- Practical success depends on alignment between the applicant profile, the investment, and the chosen Talent Passport category.
France: Financially Independent Residency
Best for: Individuals or families who want a lifestyle base in France and can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
What it is: A non-working/self-sufficient residence approach (commonly used by retirees or financially independent applicants).
Key considerations:
- Expect scrutiny on stable income, accommodation, and medical coverage.
- This is not the same as an investor residence permit and may limit work rights.
Greece: Golden Visa
Best for: Buyers who want a Schengen-area lifestyle base and are comfortable with higher real-estate thresholds in many locations.
What it is: Residence permit through qualifying investment (most commonly real estate), with a well-known golden visa structure.
Typical headline threshold: €400,000–€800,000 depending on zone/location and route specifics.
Key considerations:
- Thresholds and eligible property rules can be highly location-specific.
- Operational details (property use, leasing, compliance) matter,plan the investment as an asset, not just a visa.
Hungary: Guest Investor (reintroduced)
Best for: Applicants looking for an EU foothold through a reintroduced, investment-linked residence framework.
What it is: A long-term residence permit path tied to qualifying investment routes.
Key considerations:
- Program design and accepted investments depend on the implementing rules and approved routes.
- Because the program is relatively new in its current form, implementation details and timelines can evolve.
Italy: Investor Visa
Best for: Applicants who want Italy specifically and prefer diversified qualifying options (startup, company, bonds, donation).
What it is: An investor visa enabling residence when you meet one of the qualifying investment/donation routes.
Headline options often cited:
- €250,000 into an innovative startup
- €500,000 into an Italian limited company
- Higher thresholds for bonds or philanthropic donations
Key considerations:
- This can be attractive for applicants who prefer a business investment path over real estate.
Malta: Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Best for: Applicants targeting permanent residence within a formalized program structure.
What it is: Malta’s MPRP is a structured permanent residence program with a multi-part financial and eligibility framework (administration fee, contribution, and other qualifying conditions).
Key considerations:
- Malta programs are compliance-heavy and documentation-focused.
- Budget for government fees, due diligence, and professional costs in addition to the qualifying financial requirements.
Monaco: Residence (bank deposit model)
Best for: High-net-worth individuals seeking a premium European lifestyle base (non-EU), with strong banking and accommodation requirements.
What it is: Monaco residency typically involves proving accommodation and financial capacity, commonly demonstrated via a bank relationship and deposit.
Practical minimums: General requirements start at ~€500,000+ as a practical banking deposit level, but the real requirement is suitability and bank acceptance.
Key considerations:
- Monaco is not a “golden visa” in the typical EU sense; it’s closer to a high-standard residency setup.
- Expect high standards for accommodation and financial vetting.
Portugal: Golden Visa (ARI)
Best for: Applicants who want Portugal but don’t need real estate as the qualifying asset.
What it is: Portugal’s golden visa continues primarily through non-real-estate qualifying routes (depending on current rules).
Common headline options today:
- Investment fund subscription often cited at €500,000
- Cultural/heritage donation often cited at €250,000 (sometimes reduced in certain areas, route-specific)
Key considerations:
- The “Portugal = buy property” assumption is outdated for new applicants, as the real estate option was removed in 2023.
- Fund selection and due diligence are critical; treat this like an investment decision, not a box-ticking exercise.
Portugal: Highly Qualified Activity (non-investment alternative)
Best for: Professionals who want a Portugal residence pathway based on skills, employment, or qualified activity rather than capital deployment. This is also a much quicker option for Portugal compared to the Golden Visa, which has long processing times.
What it is: A work/qualification-driven residence route (not a golden visa).
Key considerations:
- Strength depends on your employment situation, qualifications, and the specific permit category.
United Kingdom: Innovator Founder
Best for: Entrepreneurs with an innovative business concept and the ability to obtain endorsement.
What it is: A business-led pathway (the UK’s old investor visa is closed; this is not a passive route).
Key considerations:
- Success depends on endorsement, a credible plan, and the ability to execute.
- Strong for true founders, less suitable for passive investors.
Spain: Residency (note: Golden Visa closed)
Best for: People who want an option in Spain and can qualify through non-golden-visa options.
Important: Spain’s Golden Visa is closed to new applications as of April 3, 2025.
How to approach Spain now: Spain still offers other residence pathways (such as non-lucrative residence (requiring proof of passive income), entrepreneur routes, and other categories). The correct route depends on your profile (income, work plans, business activity, etc.).
Middle East residency programs
Saudi Arabia: Premium Residency
Best for: High-net-worth applicants who want long-term residence rights in Saudi Arabia under a premium framework.
What it is: A premium residence authorization with different tiers/fee structures.
Headline fees often cited:
- SAR 100,000 (limited duration, renewable)
- SAR 800,000 (unlimited duration)
Key considerations:
- Saudi frameworks can be category-driven (investment, talent, business). Choose the route that matches your actual profile and objectives.
United Arab Emirates: Golden Visa (property investor baseline)
Best for: Applicants who want a long-term Middle East base with strong infrastructure and connectivity.
What it is: A long-term renewable residence category (often 10 years for investor routes).
Common headline threshold: AED 2,000,000 property value (route-specific, emirate-specific processes).
Key considerations:
- UAE has multiple Golden Visa categories beyond property (entrepreneurs, specialized talents, etc.).
- Property selection, mortgage rules, and title structure can affect eligibility.
UAE: “Wealthy Individual” categories
Best for: Applicants who qualify outside pure real estate, through business, investments, or other Golden Visa categories. Typically the best candidates for this can provide proof of assets and/or regular income.
What it is: A practical label for UAE’s broader long-term residence categories.
Key considerations:
- The right approach depends on whether your strongest case is property, business ownership, professional profile, or another eligible category.
Asia residency programs
Hong Kong: New CIES (New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme)
Best for: Very high-net-worth applicants seeking a Hong Kong base through a structured, regulated investment scheme.
What it is: Investor residency scheme with a high bar and defined portfolio requirements.
Headline requirement: HK$30,000,000 net assets (assessment period applies), plus specific investment and portfolio allocation rules.
Key considerations:
- This is not a casual program; portfolio composition and compliance are central.
- Best suited to applicants who already operate at institutional wealth-planning levels.
Singapore: Global Investor Programme (GIP)
Best for: Applicants who want Singapore Permanent Residence and can meet substantial investment and substance requirements.
What it is: PR-by-investment framework with multiple routes (business investment, fund investment, and family office-style structures).
Headline minimums: Starting from S$10,000,000+ depending on route.
Key considerations:
- Singapore expects real economic links; plan for substance, governance, and documentation.
Thailand: Privilege Membership
Best for: People who want a convenient Thailand long-stay solution without structuring a large investment.
What it is: A membership-based long-stay visa framework.
Headline starting point: Packages start from THB 650,000 for a 5-year visa option..
Key considerations:
- This is a long-stay solution, not an investment immigration route.
- Great for lifestyle planning; less relevant for “residency leading to citizenship” narratives.
Thailand: LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa
Best for: Professionals, high-net-worth individuals, and remote workers seeking a structured 10-year Thailand residency..
What it is: A 10-year long-term visa with categories (including high-net-worth and investment-linked profiles).
Key considerations:
- Requirements depend on the category, income/assets and, in some cases, an investment.
- Best when your documentation is strong and your profile clearly fits one of the defined categories.
Africa residency programs
Mauritius: Residence / investor-linked routes
Best for: Applicants seeking an island base with structured investor and real-estate scheme options.
What it is: Mauritius commonly uses Occupation Permits and real-estate scheme-linked residence pathways (route-dependent).
Key considerations:
- Treat this as a program family, not one single “golden visa.”
- The best route depends on whether your plan is business-led, investment-led, or real-estate-led.
South Africa: Financially Independent (permanent residence category)
Best for: Individuals who can demonstrate high net worth and want a permanent residence category not tied to running a local business.
What it is: A PR category requiring proof of minimum net worth.
Headline requirement: R12,000,000 net worth (plus applicable government fees).
Key considerations:
- Documentation quality and evidence of net worth are central.
Americas & Oceania residency programs
United States: E‑2 Treaty Investor (not a green card)
Best for: Entrepreneurs from eligible treaty countries who want to live in the US through operating a real business.
What it is: A nonimmigrant investor visa/status; renewable, but not permanent residence by default.
Investment amount: There is no single fixed statutory minimum; the requirement is generally a “substantial” investment relative to the business.
Key considerations:
- Works best with a real operating plan, job creation, and clean source-of-funds documentation.
- Many people pair E‑2 with longer-term PR planning where appropriate.
United States: EB‑5 Immigrant Investor (Green Card pathway)
Best for: Investors seeking a direct pathway to US permanent residence.
What it is: An immigrant investor program leading to a green card if requirements are met.
Minimum investment: $800,000 or $1,050,000 depending on the category.
Key considerations:
- Project due diligence and timeline expectations are critical.
- Source-of-funds documentation is often the biggest workstream, as US authorities have strict source of funds requirements.
Panama: Qualified Investor (permanent residence)
Best for: Applicants who want a relatively straightforward Latin America PR option with investment linkage.
What it is: A permanent residence route tied to qualifying investment categories.
Headline threshold: Commonly cited $300,000+ (route-dependent).
Key considerations:
- Confirm the exact qualifying asset type and holding period rules before investing.
New Zealand: Active Investor Plus
Best for: Investors seeking residence in New Zealand with a rules-based investment framework.
What it is: Residence by investment program with category-based thresholds.
Headline minimums:
- NZ$5,000,000 (Growth category)
- NZ$10,000,000 (Balanced category)
Key considerations:
- Investment composition and physical presence requirements in New Zealand vary by category.
How to choose the right residency program (a simple filter)
Ask these four questions first:
- Do you need permanent residence now, or is a renewable long-term visa enough?
- PR-focused: Cyprus, Malta, Panama, South Africa (category-specific), US EB‑5
- Long-term renewable: UAE Golden Visa, Thailand LTR/Privilege, Saudi Arabia Premium Residency
- Do you want Europe primarily for Schengen access and lifestyle, or for business substance?
- Lifestyle + base: Greece, Portugal (route-dependent), Monaco
- Business substance: France Talent Passport, UK Innovator Founder
- Are you comfortable with real estate as the qualifying asset?
- Real estate-heavy: Greece (location thresholds apply), UAE property route
- Non-real-estate alternatives: Portugal funds/donation routes, Italy startup/company routes
- Where is your strongest documentation?
- Source of funds, tax records, audited financials, corporate structures, and bankability often determine which program is realistically “best.”
Why work with FTB Mobility
Residency planning is rarely just a form submission, especially when it involves high-value investments, cross-border tax exposure, family relocation, and multi-jurisdiction compliance.
FTB Mobility supports clients across:
- Program selection across multiple regions
- End-to-end execution (immigration + investment coordination + relocation needs)
- Complex profiles (multi-country ties, corporate mobility planning, family requirements)
Next step: build a short list (3 programs that actually fit)
If you want, share the following and FTB Mobility can help narrow down realistic options:
- Preferred region(s) and timeline
- Whether you need permanent residence or just a long-term base
- Budget range and preferred asset type (real estate vs funds vs business)
- Family members included
- Your nationality and where you currently reside
This article is informational and not legal or tax advice. Program rules and thresholds can change; always confirm current requirements before investing.
