Imagine buying a beachfront apartment—and gaining the right to live, work, or retire in a new country. In 2024, that’s exactly what many governments are offering through property-based residency programs. These “Golden Visas” or real estate-linked permits allow investors to unlock more than returns: they offer freedom, tax advantages, and international mobility.
This blog explores 10 countries where buying property can give you residency—some temporary, others permanent. We cover entry costs, process details, benefits, and why each destination stands out for international investors.
Residency Route: Portugal Golden Visa (Real estate option)
Minimum Investment (2024): €500,000 (commercial or residential real estate)
Key Perks:
Live and work in Portugal
Visa-free access to the Schengen Zone
Apply for citizenship after 5 years
Update: Residential real estate in Lisbon and Porto is no longer eligible—focus is now on interior regions and commercial properties.
Residency Route: Greece Golden Visa
Minimum Investment: €250,000 (property purchase in most regions), €500,000+ in Athens and select tourist zones
Key Perks:
Fast-track permanent residency
No minimum stay requirement
Access to EU healthcare and education
Ideal for: Investors wanting a low-tax, scenic base in Europe.
Residency Route: Property Purchase + Short-term Residency, leading to Citizenship
Minimum Investment: $200,000+ for residency, $400,000+ for citizenship
Key Perks:
Fast residency approval
Citizenship in under 6 months (if desired)
Turkish passport includes visa-free access to 110+ countries
Extra Benefit: Dual citizenship is allowed.
Residency Route: Spain Golden Visa
Minimum Investment: €500,000 in real estate
Key Perks:
Live in Spain and travel across the EU
Option to work and start a business
Path to permanent residency and citizenship
Note: Spain has income tax for residents—non-doms should plan accordingly.
Residency Route: Investor Visa via Property
Minimum Investment: AED 2 million (~$545,000)
Key Perks:
10-year renewable Golden Visa
Zero income tax
Access to business hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi
Best for: Entrepreneurs, high-income earners, remote workers
Residency Route: Friendly Nations Visa / Qualified Investor Visa
Minimum Investment: $200,000+ in property (Friendly Nations), $300,000 (Qualified Investor)
Key Perks:
Fast-track permanent residency
Path to citizenship after 5 years
No worldwide income tax
Ideal for: US, EU, and Latin American investors.
Residency Route: Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR) or Elite Visa with Property Ownership
Minimum Investment: LTR eligibility is income-based, but property adds weight; Elite Visa packages start around $15,000 (not permanent)
Key Perks:
Long-term stay of 5–20 years
Access to luxury lifestyle, healthcare, beach cities
Property titles available for condos (not land)
Note: Foreign land ownership still restricted.
Residency Route: Property Investment Visa
Minimum Investment: $375,000 in a government-approved real estate project
Key Perks:
Permanent residency
Tax-friendly jurisdiction (no capital gains or inheritance tax)
High-end island lifestyle
Popular with: South Africans, Europeans, and Middle Eastern investors.
Residency Route: Citizenship by Investment through Real Estate
Minimum Investment: $200,000 (joint) or $400,000 (single)
Key Perks:
Dual citizenship within 6 months
Visa-free access to 140+ countries
No income or wealth taxes
Good for: Investors seeking a second passport with lifestyle appeal.
Residency Route: Property ownership + business or visa extensions
Minimum Investment: Around $70,000–$150,000 for condos in Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville
Key Perks:
Long-term stay possible via renewable visas
No foreign ownership cap on condos
Emerging economy with potential upside
Note: No official “residency by investment” program, but de facto path is well-used.
Do you want tax advantages, visa-free travel, a second passport, or just a place to retire?
Can you sell the property after a few years? Will you keep the residency or need to requalify?
Residency processing times vary, and legal support is often necessary. Use vetted migration lawyers.
Some programs (e.g., Portugal or Spain) may be under pressure politically. Don’t delay if a deal looks strong.
In 2024, real estate is no longer just about ROI—it’s about residency, rights, and relocation. Whether you're looking to build a life abroad, secure a Plan B, or gain mobility without renouncing your citizenship, property-linked residency programs open up powerful new possibilities.
From the luxury of Dubai to the charm of Portugal or the island lifestyle of Mauritius, these 10 countries offer investors a unique path to global access, lifestyle enhancement, and smart asset diversification. If you’re ready to turn your property into a passport to the world, the time to move is now.
