Imagine having the freedom to live, work and travel almost anywhere in the world—and enjoying better tax planning, healthcare and schools along the way. In this article, you’ll get
1. the main factors wealthy individuals consider
2. a rundown of the most popular investment-residency routes
3. some under-the-radar programs that won’t show up in every guide

By the end, you’ll know exactly which path fits your lifestyle, wallet and globe-trotting ambitions.

Why High Net Worth Individuals Look Abroad

When you’ve built significant assets, second residency isn’t just a luxury—it’s a strategic move.

• Global visa-free access to over 150 countries according to the Passport Index
• Tax flexibility and estate-planning perks
• Access to premier education and healthcare
• Business expansion into new markets

The Henley & Partners’ Q2 2023 Residence Program Index reports an 11.4% global increase in demand for residency by investment.

“A carefully chosen second residency can be as valuable as any financial asset,” said Maria Smith, global mobility strategist.

Key Factors to Weigh Before You Apply

You might focus on different things depending on your goals, but these points matter to most ultra-wealthy applicants:

1. Visa-free travel (Schengen zone? Asia? Americas?)
2. Tax treatment—flat rates vs. worldwide income
3. Minimum stay requirements (90 days? none?)
4. Family coverage (kids, spouse, elderly parents)
5. Renewal costs and process
6. Integration demands (language tests, community involvement)

The Tried-and-True Residency-by-Investment Routes

Portugal Golden Visa

Most popular in Europe.
– Minimum €500,000 real-estate purchase or €350,000 renovation fund
– Six-month residency requirement over two years
– Access to Schengen, plus path to permanent residence after five years
– SchengenVisaInfo.com’s detailed breakdown of Portugal Golden Visa renewal fees

Greece Golden Visa

• €250,000 property minimum
• No minimum stay—renewable every five years
• Schengen access via Enterprise Greece’s official Golden Visa programme overview

United States EB-5 Program

• $800,000 investment in Targeted Employment Areas according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
• Creates at least ten U.S.-based jobs
• Two-year conditional green card, then permanent residence

Spain Golden Visa

• €500,000 property purchase
• Just one day in Spain per year
• Schengen access and path to citizenship after ten years
• Official details in Invest in Spain’s Residency by Investment guide

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

• Non-refundable contribution of €98,000
• €250,000 government bond purchase (held five years)
• €270,000 real-estate purchase or rental
• Residency within two months, per Identity Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme overview

Under-the-Radar High-Value Options

Anguilla’s High-Value Residency Program

Skip property. Pay one lump-sum tax to live there.
– Annual government payment of US$30,000, per GlobalResidency.com’s Anguilla program details
– No local income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax
– Caribbean lifestyle, English-speaking

Cayman Islands Three-Tier Permits

25-year residency under three streams, explained on the Government of Cayman Islands’ residence permit page:
– Independent Means: show US$120,000 annual income
– Direct Investment: develop or buy a local business, create 30% local jobs
– Business Presence: set up an approved company in key sectors

Plus:
– Permanent residency with US$2.4 million real-estate investment
– Minimum stay: 90 days/year
– Annual renewal fees

Switzerland Lump-Sum Taxation

Rather than earning locally, you negotiate a set tax bill every year:
– Details on the Swiss government portal for lump-sum taxation agreements
– No Swiss wage income required
– After ten years of residency (and proven integration), you can apply for naturalization

U.S. EB-5 TEA Program (Renewed Focus)

• Lowered US$800,000 investment threshold in rural or high-unemployment areas, per Investopedia’s EB-5 program overview
• Creates at least ten jobs
• Two-year conditional green card → permanent green card

Portugal vs. Europe Alternatives

If you want shorter waits, consider:
– Greece Golden Visa: €250,000 property, no stay
– Spain Golden Visa: one-day annual requirement
– Malta PRP: quick two-month approval, higher fees

Your Global Footprint Awaits

Choosing the right residency plan depends on how much time you’re willing to spend on-site, your tax ambitions and whether you want a fast track to citizenship. From Anguilla’s lump-sum option to the U.S. EB-5’s job-creation model, you’ve now got the key programs and the questions to ask. Ready to decide which passport—or residency card—fits your next chapter?