Can I obtain citizenship without physically living in the country?

Almost never. To obtain citizenship in the majority of these countries, you typically must relocate and spend at least 183 days a year on the ground for several years. This process usually includes local language fluency and integration requirements. If your goal is citizenship with zero stay, you should look at Citizenship by Investment (CBI) options instead.

The Paper Residency Database

Q: What is a Paper Residency?

A Paper Residency is a legal residency status that allows you to establish a formal connection to another country without the requirement of relocation. It serves as a strategic Plan B, enabling you to plant a flag, diversify your sovereignty or start a citizenship clock while maintaining your primary life elsewhere. To ensure maximum flexibility, every program in this database meets a strict criteria of 7 days or less of annual physical presence, allowing you to maintain your legal status with just a short trip or no visit at all.

Q: Why is a specific country missing from this list?

This database is not a directory of every residency program in the world. It is a curated tool built for a very specific purpose. I only include jurisdictions that pass the Paper Residency test. A country must require 7 days or less of physical presence per year to keep the permit. Most nations fail this because they expect you to spend 183 days a year on the ground to maintain your status. I also skip some programs where the price tag does not match the actual value or those that trigger aggressive worldwide taxation the second you get the card.

Q: How do taxes work with a paper residency?

In most cases, holding a paper residency does not automatically trigger tax residency. Most jurisdictions use physical presence thresholds (often the 183 day rule) to determine tax liability. Since these programs require minimal time on the ground, you typically avoid becoming a tax resident in that country. However, some nations may trigger tax residency based on the permit itself or a registered address. It is important to remember that a paper residency does not automatically end your tax obligations in your home country or where you actually live. Those remain governed by the local laws and exit rules of those specific jurisdictions. Because every situation is unique, you should always consult with a qualified tax professional before proceeding.

Q: Can I include my family in a residency application?

Most programs allow you to include a spouse and minor children, but the rules for parents or adult children are much stricter. Some jurisdictions allow "dependent" parents if you can prove you are their primary source of financial support. For adult children, they usually must be full-time students and unmarried to qualify. Keep in mind that every family member added usually increases the total investment or the amount of "proof of funds" you need to show in a local bank.

Q: Is an e-residency the same as a paper residency?

No. An e-residency, like the one offered by Estonia, is just a digital identity for running a business or signing documents online. It does not give you the right to physically live in the country or a path to a passport. A residency permit is a full legal immigration status. It gives you the right to show up at the border and stay for as long as you want, even if you choose to spend nearly all of your year somewhere else.

Q: Will I lose my residency if I do not visit?

Yes, you will lose your status if you do not follow the specific physical presence rules of the country. Even if a program only requires a single day visit every few years, that requirement is a mandatory legal line. Modern digital border systems make it impossible to hide your absence. If you do not show up as required by law, the immigration system will flag your file for cancellation or move it to an inactive status. These programs are only manageable because the bar is so easy to clear, but the requirements themselves are not optional.

Q: How do these programs differ from a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a type of residency permit, but it is usually a temporary status that expires after a year or two. To renew it, many countries require you to prove active remote income and spend at least six months of the year on the ground. The permits in this database are different because they are built for a long term hold and only require seven days or less of annual physical presence. If a program requires you to actually move there to keep your status, it is a lifestyle permit and is not included here.

Secure your global Plan B without relocating. This curated index features residency programs with 7 days or less of annual physical presence.

Curated By

•Updated 13 Apr 2026

Filters

29 jurisdictions

Jurisdictions	Guatemala Latin America	Honduras Latin America	Mexico Latin America	Panama Latin America	Paraguay Latin America	Dominican Republic Caribbean	Albania Europe	Azerbaijan Europe	Bulgaria Europe	Cyprus Europe	Georgia Europe	Greece Europe	Hungary Europe	Latvia Europe	Malta Europe	Portugal Europe	Russia Europe	Mauritius Africa	South Africa Africa	Bahrain Middle East	UAE (Dubai) Middle East	Sri Lanka South Asia	Kazakhstan Central Asia	Cambodia Southeast Asia	Indonesia Southeast Asia	Malaysia Southeast Asia	Philippines Southeast Asia	Thailand Southeast Asia	Vanuatu Pacific
Overview
Physical Presence Requirements	1 day / 1 yr	1 day / 1 yr	None	1 day / 2 yrs	1 day / 3 yrs	1 visit / 4 yrs	1 day / 1 yr	1 day / 1 yr	1 day / 5 yrs	1 day / 2 yrs	1 day / 1 yr	1 visit / 5 yrs	1 day / 10 yrs	1 day / 1 yr	1 day / 5 yrs	14 days / 2 yrs	1 visit / 3 yrs	None	1 day / 3 yrs	1 day / 10 yrs	None	None	1 day / 5 yrs	None	None	None	None	None	None
Regional Mobility & Rights	None	None	PR Mobility: Grants visa-free entry to Pacific Alliance member states (Chile, Colombia, Peru) regardless of original nationality for tourism and business. Entry Perks: Within Mexico, residents utilize expedited immigration lines and are exempt from the FMM (Tourist) fee ($57 USD).	None	None	None	None	None	Schengen access	None	None	Schengen access	Schengen access	Schengen access	Schengen access	Schengen access	Provides visa-free entry and transit through Belarus via 6 designated land crossings under the 2025 Mutual Recognition Agreement, but grants no automatic mobility or residency rights in other EAEU or CIS nations.	None	None	Unified 'Schengen-style' GCC travel across six nations via the 2026 Grand Tours Visa.	Unified 'Schengen-style' GCC travel across six nations via the 2026 Grand Tours Visa.	None	None	None	None	None	None	None	None
Language	Spanish	Spanish	Spanish	Spanish	Spanish / Guaraní	Spanish	Albanian / English	Azerbaijani	Bulgarian / English	Greek (English widely spoken)	Georgian (English widely used in Tbilisi)	Greek (English common in major cities)	Hungarian (English in Budapest)	Latvian (English common in Riga)	Maltese / English	Portuguese	Russian	English / French / Mauritian Creole	English (11 official languages)	Arabic (English widely used)	Arabic (English widely used)	Sinhala / Tamil / English	Kazakh / Russian	Khmer / English	Indonesian / English	Malay / English	Filipino / English	Thai (English in tourist areas)	Bislama / English / French
Eligibility
Residency Options	Option 1 Rentista Visa Passive Investment & Corporate Income •Min: $1,250 USD/month income •Immediate permanent residency. •Income sources: Real estate rentals, investment dividends, annuities and corporate profit distributions. Option 2 Pensionado Retirement Visa Government or Private Pensions •Min: $1,250 USD/month income for life •Immediate permanent residency. •No minimum age requirement Option 3 Investor Visa Real Estate or Business Investment •Min: $100K USD •2-year temporary permit that converts to permanent residency if the investment is maintained. •Capital can be placed in a registered Guatemalan company, government bonds or local real estate.	Option 1 Rentista Visa Passive Foreign Income •Min: $2,500 USD/month •Temporary permit renewable annually for 5 years, then converts to permanent residency. •Income sources: Real estate rentals, investment dividends, annuities, corporate profit distributions and interest from bank deposits. •Banking Requirement: Must open a local Honduran bank account and provide proof of monthly fund transfers of the minimum required amount to maintain the permit and qualify for annual renewals. Option 2 Pensionado Retirement Visa Government or Private Pensions •Min: $1,500 USD/month income for life •Temporary permit renewable annually for 5 years, then converts to permanent residency. •Banking Requirement: Must open a local Honduran bank account and provide proof of monthly fund transfers of the minimum required amount to maintain the permit and qualify for annual renewals. Option 3 Investor Visa Real Estate or Business Investment •Min: $50K investment + $5K deposit •Temporary permit renewable annually for 5 years, then converts to permanent residency. •Banking Requirement: Requires an initial $25K transfer plus a $5K refundable deposit upon application, with the remaining $25K invested according to a scheduled project timeline.	Option 1 Temporary Residency Leading to Permanent Residency Economic Solvency •Method A: ~$4,432 USD net monthly income (680x UMA) •Method B: ~$74,687 USD in a savings account for at least 12 months (11,460x UMA) •1-year temporary permit, renewable for another 3 years, then convert to permanent residency. Option 2 Temporary Residency Leading to Permanent Residency Real estate investment •Min: ~$598K USD (40,000x UMA) •1-year temporary permit, renewable for another 3 years, then convert to permanent residency. Option 3 Temporary Residency Leading to Permanent Residency Business or capital investment •Min: $300K investment in a Mexican company or stocks (20,000x UMA) •1-year temporary permit, renewable for another 3 years, then convert to permanent residency. Option 4 Permanent Residency Economic Solvency •Immediate permanent residency only available for retirees (usually 60+) with savings/investments, or passive/retirement income. •Method A: ~$7,430 USD net monthly pension, annuity or social security income (1,140x UMA) •Method B: ~$298,815 USD savings or investments for at least 12 months (45,850x UMA)	Option 1 Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) Real Estate Investment Americas Argentina Brazil Canada Chile Costa Rica Mexico Paraguay Peru United States Uruguay Europe Andorra Austria Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Asia & Oceania Australia Hong Kong Israel Japan New Zealand Singapore South Korea Taiwan Africa South Africa •Min: $200K USD •2-year temporary permit that converts to permanent residency if the investment is maintained. •Can be structured as a mix of real estate and a fixed deposit. Option 2 Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) Fixed Term Deposit (Bank CD) Americas Argentina Brazil Canada Chile Costa Rica Mexico Paraguay Peru United States Uruguay Europe Andorra Austria Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Asia & Oceania Australia Hong Kong Israel Japan New Zealand Singapore South Korea Taiwan Africa South Africa •Min: $200K USD •2-year temporary permit that converts to permanent residency if the investment is maintained. •The certificate of deposit (CD) must have a minimum term of 3 years. •Can be structured as a mix of real estate and a fixed deposit. Option 3 Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) Work Permit from Panama Corporation Americas Argentina Brazil Canada Chile Costa Rica Mexico Paraguay Peru United States Uruguay Europe Andorra Austria Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Asia & Oceania Australia Hong Kong Israel Japan New Zealand Singapore South Korea Taiwan Africa South Africa •Method A: Create your own corporation and hire yourself as an employee. ◦Corporate Economic Solvency: Requires a ~$5K bank deposit in the corporate account. •Method B: Get hired by a Panamanian company that handles the sponsorship and work permit process. •2-year temporary permit that converts to permanent residency if the employment or investment is maintained. Option 4 Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) Real Estate Investment •Min: $300K USD •Also known as the "Golden Visa". Panama's premium fast-track residency program that grants immediate permanent residency within approximately 30 days. •Open to all nationalities. •Must hold the investment for at least 5 years. •Higher government and legal fees, expect to pay north of $15K in fees for this setup. Option 5 Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) Securities Investment •Min: $500K USD •Funds must be invested in securities through the Panamanian Stock Exchange via a Panamanian brokerage firm. •Also known as the "Golden Visa". Panama's premium fast-track residency program that grants immediate permanent residency within approximately 30 days. •Open to all nationalities. •Must hold the investment for at least 5 years. •Higher government and legal fees, expect to pay north of $15K in fees for this setup. Option 6 Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) Fixed Term Deposit (Bank CD) •Min: $750K USD •Also known as the "Golden Visa". Panama's premium fast-track residency program that grants immediate permanent residency within approximately 30 days. •Open to all nationalities. •Must hold the investment for at least 5 years. •Higher government and legal fees, expect to pay north of $15K in fees for this setup. Option 7 Pensionado Retirement Visa Lifetime pension or annuity •Min: $1K USD/month income for life •Immediate permanent residency. •No minimum age requirement. •If a married couple both have pensions, they can combine them to meet the $1,000 requirement. •Dependents: Must show an additional $250/month for each dependent. Option 8 Pensionado Retirement Visa Lifetime pension or annuity & real estate investment •Min: $750 USD/month income for life •Investment amount: Min $100K USD in real estate. •Immediate permanent residency. •No minimum age requirement. •Dependents: Must show an additional $250/month for each dependent. Option 9 Reforestation Investor Visa Reforestation Project Investment •Tier 1: Invest $100K USD in a government-certified reforestation project. ◦2-year temporary permit that converts to permanent residency. •Tier 2: Invest $350K USD in a government-certified reforestation project. ◦Immediate permanent residency. •Must hold the investment for at least 5 years.	Option 1 Temporary Residency Leading to Permanent Residency No Investment or Income Requirement •2-year temporary permit that converts to permanent residency. •Open to Western, OECD and Latin American citizens (near-100% approval), while applicants from developing nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East face significant discretion and frequent rejection. Option 2 SUACE Investor Program •Min: $70K investment into a local business •Investment can be made over a 10-year period. •Must commit to creating 5 formal jobs for Paraguayan citizens. •Grants immediate permanent residency within approximately 45 to 90 days. •Typically the only residency route for nationals from developing countries who aren't eligible for the TR-to-PR option. Option 3 Specialized Investor (Film & Creative) •Min: $40K investment into a Paraguayan film or creative industry projects •Grants immediate permanent residency within approximately 45 to 90 days.	Option 1 Rentista Visa Passive Foreign Income •Min: $2K USD/month •Fast-track Permanent Residency: Bypasses the 5 year temporary stage. Start with a 1 year probationary card, with all following card renewals valid for 4 year terms. •Income sources: Real estate rentals, investment dividends, annuities, corporate profit distributions and interest from bank deposits. •Banking Requirement: Must open a local Dominican bank account and provide proof of monthly fund transfers of the minimum required amount to maintain the permit. To renew your 1 year or 4 year card, you must provide 12-24 months of local bank statements showing consistent remittance. Option 2 Pensionado Retirement Visa Government or Private Pensions •Min: $1,500 USD/month income for life •Fast-track Permanent Residency: Bypasses the 5 year temporary stage. Start with a 1 year probationary card, with all following card renewals valid for 4 year terms. •Banking Requirement: Must open a local Dominican bank account and provide proof of monthly fund transfers of the minimum required amount to maintain the permit. To renew your 1 year or 4 year card, you must provide 12-24 months of local bank statements showing consistent remittance. •No minimum age requirement Option 3 Investor Visa Real estate, business investment or bank deposit •Min: $200K USD •Eligible Assets: Titled real estate, fixed-term certificates of deposit in a Dominican bank or capital contribution to a registered Dominican company. •Fast-track Permanent Residency: Bypasses the 5 year temporary stage. Start with a 1 year probationary card, with all following card renewals valid for 4 year terms. •Banking Requirement: Unlike income-based visas, there is no monthly fund transfer requirement. You must simply provide evidence that the $200K investment is still maintained at the time of renewal.	Option 1 Albania Real Estate Residence Permit Property Purchase •No Statutory Minimum (Market Entry approx. €100K) •Ownership of a residential unit (apartment or villa) that is "suitable for permanent living." •The property must have at least 20 square meters of living space per occupant. •2026 Threshold Note: While the 2026 law does not set a hard price floor, most administrative approvals now prioritize properties valued at €100K or higher to ensure the "suitability" requirement is met. •1 year renewable residence permit. Option 2 Albania Unique Permit for Investors (Business) Capital Injection & Job Creation •Min: $100K USD (10M ALL) •Direct investment of at least 10 million ALL into a newly incorporated or existing Albanian company. •The business must demonstrate "active engagement," which typically involves hiring at least one local Albanian citizen or showing a verified business plan approved by a specialized commission. •2026 Update: The initial permit duration for investors has been increased from 2 years to 5 years in a single issuance, significantly reducing renewal friction. •5 year renewable residence permit. There is no statutory minimum stay requirement to keep the permit active, provided the business remains tax-compliant and "active" on paper.	Option 1 Investor Residence Permit Bank Deposit or Real Estate •Min: $59K USD (100K AZN) •Bank Deposit: A term deposit of 100K AZN in a local Azerbaijani bank, maintained for the duration of the residency. •Real Estate: Purchase of residential or commercial property with a registered value of at least 100K AZN. •Government Securities: Purchase of state bonds or investment securities worth 100K AZN. •1 year temporary residence permit, renewable annually (or in 2-year increments for higher investments). Maintenance only requires the capital to remain in place. Option 2 Business Leadership Permit Executive/Director Track •Min: $0 (Operational Capital Requirements) •Company Formation: Registration of an Azerbaijani legal entity with at least one foreign founder. •Executive Role: The applicant must be appointed as the Director or Deputy Director of the company. •The company must demonstrate "economic activity," which includes maintaining a registered office and filing monthly nil-returns or active tax reports via the ASAN Imza digital signature system. •1 year renewable temporary residence permit. Maintenance requires corporate entity to remain in good standing. Taxes/social security for the director position are handled remotely.	Option 1 Bulgaria Golden Visa (Fund Investment) Regulated AIF or ETF Investment •Min: €512K (~$555K USD) •Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs): Investment of at least €512K in shares or units of a Bulgarian AIF managed by a licensed entity. These funds must invest primarily in Bulgarian assets (stocks, bonds, or real estate). •Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Investment of €512K in a Bulgarian ETF that tracks Bulgarian indices. •Grants Permanent Residency immediately upon approval (typically within 6–8 months). Option 2 Bulgaria Real Estate Residence Permit Property-Based Temporary Residency •Min: €307K (~$335K USD) •Purchase of one or more residential properties in Bulgaria with a total value of at least €307K (600K BGN). •1 year renewable temporary residency permit. To upgrade to Permanent Residency via this track, you must hold the permit for 5 years and meet the standard "physical stay" rules (30 months in 5 years), making it a weaker "paper" play than Option 1.	Option 1 Cyprus "Fast-Track" Permanent Residency Real estate purchase, company shares or investment funds •Min: €300K (~$327K USD) •Eligible Assets: You must invest at least €300K in one of the following: ◦New Residential Property: Must be a first-time sale from a developer. ◦Commercial Real Estate: Offices, shops, or hotels (can be resale). ◦Cyprus Company Shares: A company operating in Cyprus with at least 5 employees. ◦Investment Funds: Units in a Cyprus-regulated AIF, AIFLNP, or RAIF. •Immediate permanent residency. The card is renewed every 10 years, but your status is permanent as long as you maintain the investment.	Option 1 Georgia Short-Term Residence Permit (STRP) Residential or Commercial Real Estate •Min: $150K USD (~GEL 405K) •Purchase one or more non-agricultural properties with a combined market value of $150,000 USD. •Must be certified by an accredited Georgian appraiser within 12 months of application. •1 year temporary residence permit renewable annually. To qualify for Permanent Residency, you must hold this permit for 10 consecutive years. Option 2 Georgia Investment Residence Permit Real Estate or Business Capital •Min: $300K USD (~GEL 810K) •Eligible Assets: ◦Real Estate Track: $300K USD in property. ◦Business Track: $300K USD into a Georgian company. Requires annual turnover milestones: $50K (Year 1), $100K (Year 2), and $120K (Years 3 to 5). •5 year temporary residence permit. This is the "fast track" to Permanent Residency, which can be granted after 5 years instead of 10.	Option 1 Greece Golden Visa (Real Estate Path) Residential Purchase, Commercial Conversion or Heritage Restoration •Min: €250K to €800K (~$288K to $920K USD) •Eligible Assets: In 2026, the threshold is €800K (~$920K USD) for prime areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with >3,100 people) and €400K (~$460K USD) elsewhere. These must be single units of at least 120 sqm. However, the €250K (~$288K USD) entry remains for: (1) Commercial properties converted to residential use before the application, or (2) Restoration of listed heritage buildings. •Immediate permanent residence permit valid for 5 years. It is renewable indefinitely every 5 years as long as the investment is maintained. Option 2 Greece Golden Visa (Financial & Capital Paths) Bank Deposits, Government Bonds or Mutual Funds •Min: €350K to €800K (~$403K to $920K USD) •Eligible Assets: For "Paper" residents who want zero property maintenance, you can invest in: ◦Time Deposit: €500K (~$575K USD) in a Greek bank with a 1 year automatic renewal. ◦Greek Government Bonds: €500K (~$575K USD) with a maturity of at least 3 years. ◦Mutual Funds: €350K (~$403K USD) in funds investing in Greek equities or bonds. ◦Traded Securities: €800K (~$920K USD) in shares or corporate bonds traded on Greek markets. •Immediate permanent residence permit valid for 5 years. Renewable indefinitely. This is the lowest-friction route for those avoiding local property taxes and the 2026 Airbnb ban. Option 3 Greece Golden Visa (Startup & Innovation Path) Equity in Greek Startups (Elevate Greece) •Min: €250K (~$288K USD) •Eligible Assets: A capital contribution of at least €250K (~$288K USD) into a startup registered with the National Registry of Startups (Elevate Greece). This is a 2026 priority route designed for entrepreneurs. It requires the creation of at least two new local jobs within the first year of the investment. •Immediate permanent residence permit valid for 5 years. Renewable as long as the startup remains active and job creation requirements are met.	Option 1 Hungary Golden Visa (Guest Investor Residence Permit) Real estate investment fund or public trust donation •Min: €250K (~$272K USD) •Eligible Assets: Investment units in a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank (MNB), or a €1M donation to a designated higher education institution. The fund must hold at least 40% of its net asset value in Hungarian residential real estate. •10 year Temporary Residency: This is a 10 year temporary permit. It is renewable for another 10 years as long as you maintain the investment. This provides a decade of back pocket security without the hassle of frequent renewals.	Option 1 Latvia Golden Visa Business Equity, Real Estate, Bank Deposits or Government Bonds •Min: €50K to €280K (~$55K to $308K USD) •Eligible Assets: ◦Business Investment: €50K (~$55K USD) in the equity of a Latvian company (plus a €10K state fee). Note: The company must pay at least €40K in annual taxes to maintain the permit. ◦Real Estate: €250K (~$275K USD) in a single property (if in Riga or Jurmala) or up to two properties elsewhere. A 5% state fee and 2% stamp duty apply. ◦Bank Deposit: €280K (~$308K USD) in subordinated bank capital for a 5-year term. A €25K state fee applies. ◦Government Bonds: €250K (~$275K USD) in zero-interest state bonds for 5 years. A €38K state fee applies. •Grants temporary residence permit which is valid for 5 years. To convert to permanent residency, you must reside in Latvia for 4 out of 5 years and pass an A2 language exam. If you do not meet these physical stay requirements, the TR can be renewed for another 5 year term upon expiry for a €5K state fee.	Option 1 Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) Property lease + Government contribution + NGO donation •Min: ~€169K (~$185K USD) (Total "Sunk Cost" over 5 years) •Eligible Assets: Must demonstrate total net assets of at least €500K with at least €150K held in liquid assets. Alternatively, you can show €650K in total assets with €75K in liquid assets. This is a mandatory wealth test. •Rental Path Option: Lease a residential property for at least €14K/year for a minimum of 5 years. •Mandatory Fees: €60K administrative fee, a €37K government contribution and a €2K NGO donation. •Immediate permanent residency. Your physical ID card is renewed every 5 years. After the initial 5 years, you may sell the house or find a new lease. You must have an address in Malta to maintain your permanent residency status. Option 2 Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) Property purchase + Government contribution + NGO donation •Min: ~€375K •Eligible Assets: Must demonstrate total net assets of at least €500K with at least €150K held in liquid assets. Alternatively, you can show €650K in total assets with €75K in liquid assets. This is a mandatory wealth test. •Real Estate Purchase Option: Buy a residential property for at least €375K. •Mandatory Fees: €60K administrative fee, a €37K government contribution and a €2K NGO donation. •Immediate permanent residency. Your physical ID card is renewed every 5 years. After the initial 5 years, you may sell the house or find a new lease. You must have an address in Malta to maintain your permanent residency status.	Option 1 Portugal Golden Visa Investment funds, venture capital, or cultural/research donations •Min: €250K to €500K (~$272K to $545K USD) •Eligible Assets: Units in a Portuguese Venture Capital (VC) or Private Equity fund that is not real estate-focused (€500K) or a donation to national heritage/arts (€250K). Note: Direct real estate purchases no longer qualify in 2026. •Temporary permit renewable every 2 years as long as you maintain the investment. Converts to permanent residency after 5 years.	Option 1 Investor Permanent Residence (Property & Assets) Direct-to-PR Investment Track •Min: $165K to $545K USD (15M - 50M RUB) •Social Projects: A non-refundable contribution of 15 Million RUB (~$165K) to government-approved regional social or infrastructure projects. •Real Estate (Regional): Purchase of residential or commercial property worth 25 Million RUB (~$275K) in any region except Moscow/St. Petersburg. Property must be <2 years old. •Real Estate (Metropolitan): Purchase of property worth 50 Million RUB (~$545K) in Moscow or Saint Petersburg. •Government Bonds: Investment of 30 Million RUB (~$325K) in Russian state bonds (OFZ), held for a minimum of 3 years. •Grants immediate Permanent Residency, bypassing the 3 year Temporary (TRP) stage. Option 2 Investor Permanent Residence (Business) Entrepreneurial Capital Track •Min: $110K to $325K USD (10M - 30M RUB) •New Business: Creation of a Russian company with a minimum capital injection of 10 Million RUB and the creation of at least 10 local jobs. •Existing Business: Direct investment of 30 Million RUB into a Russian legal entity that has been operational for at least 3 years and meets specified tax contribution thresholds. •Grants immediate Permanent Residency. The business must remain in "Good Standing" with the Federal Tax Service (FTS) to ensure the residency is renewed at the 3 year biometric cycle.	Option 1 Property Acquisition Residency Asset-Backed Permanent Residency •Min: $375K USD •Approved Residential Schemes: Purchase of a villa, penthouse, or apartment within the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS), or Smart City Scheme. •G+2 Apartments: Purchase of an apartment in a building with at least two floors above ground, provided the purchase price is at least $375K USD. •Serviced Land: Non-citizens may also purchase a serviced plot of land in a PDS or Smart City development, provided a residence is built within a specified timeframe. •10 year residency permit, renewable indefinitely as long as the property is owned. The permit is issued as soon as the deed of sale is signed and the funds are transferred. Option 2 Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit Passive Income-Based Residency •Min: $2K USD/mo (or $24K USD/year) •Foreign Sourced Income: Proof of a monthly transfer of at least $2K USD (or an annual sum of $24K) from a source outside Mauritius into a local Mauritian bank account. •Note: Applicants must be at least 50 years of age. Unlike the property route, this does not require a large upfront capital outlay but requires consistent monthly or annual banking activity. •10 year renewable residency permit. After 3 years of holding this permit, the holder is eligible to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit.	Option 1 Financially Independent Permanent Residence Net Worth-Based Direct PR •Min: $650K USD (ZAR 12M) •Net Worth: Proof of a global net worth of at least 12 million South African Rand. This can be held in any currency and located anywhere in the world. •Approval Fee: A one-time statutory government fee of ZAR 120K (~$6,500 USD), payable only upon approval of the application. •Grants immediate Permanent Residence Permit (PRP). Once issued, it is valid for life. Option 2 Retired Person Visa Passive Income-Based Residency •Min: $2K USD/mo (ZAR 37K) •Monthly Income: Proof of a lifelong irrevocable income (pension, annuity, or dividends) of at least ZAR 37K per month. •Cash Alternative: A capital sum in a global bank account that meets the income threshold when divided by the visa duration (approx. $100K USD for a 4-year term). •Issued as either a 4-year renewable Temporary Residence or a lifetime Permanent Residence. The TR is granted for lump-sum savings or flexible passive income, while the PR requires proof of a guaranteed lifelong income (e.g., a pension or annuity). Both statuses carry a 0-day annual stay requirement. There is no legal minimum age.	Option 1 Bahrain Golden Residency Real Estate Asset Anchor •Min: $345K USD (130K BHD) •Real Estate: Ownership of one or more residential properties in designated "Investment Zones" (e.g., Durrat Al Bahrain, Amwaj Islands, Reef Island) with a total registered value of at least 130K BHD. •10 year renewable residency permit. The permit remains valid indefinitely as long as the property remains in the applicant's name.	Option 1 Dubai Golden Visa (10 Year) Real Estate, Public Investment or Entrepreneurship •Min: AED 2,000,000 (~$545K USD) •Eligible Assets: ◦Completed Real Estate: One or more residential properties with a total value of AED 2,000,000 (~$545,000 USD). ◦Off-Plan Property: Units under construction with a total value of AED 2,000,000 (~$545,000 USD). Note: As of 2026, the previous requirement to have paid at least AED 1,000,000 (~$272,000 USD) upfront has been removed. Eligibility is based on the total contract value. ◦Mortgaged Property: Eligible if the total property value is AED 2,000,000 (~$545,000 USD) or more, regardless of the equity amount paid to date. ◦Public Investment: A 10-year deposit of AED 2,000,000 (~$545,000 USD) in a UAE investment fund or a capital contribution into a local company. •10 year renewable residency permit. This is a federal status that does not require a local sponsor and allows the holder to remain outside the UAE for any length of time without losing residency.	Option 1 Sri Lanka Investor Visa (Golden Paradise - 5 Year) Foreign Currency Deposit or Real Estate •Min: $100K USD •Cash Deposit: A deposit of $100K USD in a "Visa Programme Foreign Currency Account" (VPFCA) with a licensed Sri Lankan commercial bank. •Property: Acquisition of immovable property (condominiums) worth at least $100K USD. •Equity/Debt: Investment in at least 10% voting shares of a local company or government debt securities (Treasury bonds) with a minimum 5-year maturity. •5 year renewable residence permit. Option 2 Sri Lanka Investor Visa (Golden Paradise - 10 Year) Higher-Tier Capital Investment •Min: $200K USD •Fixed Deposit: A deposit of $200K USD into a VPFCA. You may withdraw up to 50% of the principal after the first year, provided you maintain a minimum balance of $50K USD for the remainder of the 10 year term. •Large-Scale Equity: Investment of $200K USD in local businesses or Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) listed equities. •10 year residence permit (typically endorsed in two 5 year stages).	Option 1 A6 Golden Visa (10 Year Residency) Corporate Capital & Securities •Min: $300K USD •Charter Capital: A direct investment of $300K into the charter capital of a Kazakhstani legal entity (non-extractive sectors preferred). •Public Securities: Purchase of local publicly traded securities listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) or Astana International Exchange (AIX) valued at $300K. •Grants an immediate 10-year multiple-entry investor visa, which functions as a long-term residency permit. The permit remains valid as long as the investment is maintained. Option 2 AIFC Investment Residency (5 Year Residency) Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) •Min: $60K USD •AIX Securities: Purchase of financial instruments (stocks or bonds) listed on the Astana International Exchange (AIX) worth at least $60K. •AIFC Legal Entity: Investment of $60K into the shares of a company registered within the AIFC (English Law jurisdiction). •5 year renewable visa.	Option 1 Cambodia My Second Home (CM2H) - Real Estate Investment-Based Golden Visa •Min: $100K USD •Real Estate: A minimum investment of $100K USD in a government-approved real estate project (typically high-end condominiums in Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville). •Membership Fee: A one-time administrative/membership fee of $50K USD paid to the Khmer Home Charity Association (the official government partner). •10 year renewable Golden Visa. Option 2 Cambodia My Second Home (CH2) - Flexible Donation or Deposit-Based Residency •Min: $50K USD (Non-refundable) or $150K USD (Deposit) •Non-Refundable Contribution: A one-time donation of $50K USD to the state. This is the lowest out-of-pocket entry for a 10 year residency in 2026. •Bank Deposit: A fixed deposit of $150K USD in a local Cambodian bank. •Property Entry: An alternative entry point of $85K USD for specific smaller-scale approved properties. •10 year renewable visa status.	Option 1 Indonesia Golden Visa (E28C - 5 Year) Passive Investment Residency •Min: $350K USD •Minimum investment of $350K USD in Indonesian government bonds (ORI/SUKUK), shares of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), or Indonesian mutual funds. •Note: The application is 100% digital via the official e-visa portal. No interview or physical visit to an embassy is required for the initial approval. •5 year multi-entry residence permit. The e-visa and re-entry permit are issued automatically upon approval. Option 2 Indonesia Golden Visa (E28C - 10 Year) High-Tier Passive Investment or Property •Min: $700K to $1M USD •Financial Assets: A minimum investment of $700K USD in government bonds or IDX-listed public company shares. •Real Estate: A minimum purchase of $1M USD in luxury apartments or flats in Indonesia. Note that land (landed houses) remains restricted to leasehold titles for foreigners, but the Golden Visa provides the longest legal security for these holdings. •10 year multi-entry residence permit. Option 3 Indonesia Second Home Visa Bank Deposit Residency •Min: $130K USD (IDR 2,000,000,000) •Cash Deposit: A deposit of IDR 2 billion (approx. $130K USD) in a state-owned Indonesian bank. •Alternative: Proof of ownership of a luxury apartment in Indonesia worth at least $1M USD (similar to the Golden Visa route but under a different legal category). •5 year renewable visa. While it has a lower entry point than the Golden Visa, it requires entering the country to finalize the bank deposit within 90 days but maintains a 0-day stay requirement thereafter.	Option 1 Malaysia Premium Visa Program (PVIP) Deposit & Offshore Income-Based •Min: $212K USD (RM 1,000,000) •Fixed Deposit: A deposit of RM 1,000,000 into a Malaysian bank account. After 12 months, 50% can be withdrawn for property purchase, medical expenses, or education in Malaysia. •Monthly Offshore Income: Proof of recurring income from outside Malaysia of at least RM 40,000 (~$8,500 USD) per month. •Government Fee: A one-time participation fee of RM 200,000 (~$42,500 USD) for the main applicant and RM 100,000 per dependent. •20 year renewable residence permit. The only investor visa that grants the legal right to work, study, and own businesses in Malaysia without additional permits. Option 2 Malaysia My Second Home (Federal MM2H) Tiered Deposit & Property Purchase •Min: $150K to $1,000,000 USD (tiered fixed deposit + property) •Important Note: Paper Residency based on our criteria only applies to applicants aged 50+; those under 50 are subject to a 90-day annual physical presence requirement. •Silver Tier: $150K USD (RM 700k) deposit + mandatory purchase of property worth at least RM 600,000. •Gold Tier: $500K USD (RM 2.3M) deposit + mandatory purchase of property worth at least RM 1,000,000. •Platinum Tier: $1M USD (RM 4.7M) deposit + mandatory purchase of property worth at least RM 2,000,000. •Visas valid for 10 (Silver), 15 (Gold), or 20 years (Platinum). All Mainland MM2H tiers now require the purchase of residential property, which must be held for at least 10 years.	Option 1 Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) Deposit-Based Indefinite Residency •Min: $50K USD (Age 35–49) or $20K USD (Age 50+) •SRRV Smile: A $20K USD (Age 50+) or $50K USD (Age 35–49) fixed deposit in a PRA-accredited bank. The funds must remain untouched to maintain the visa. •SRRV Classic: Same deposit amounts as "Smile," but allows the funds to be converted into an investment in a RFO (Ready For Occupancy) condominium unit worth at least $50K. •Note: If you have a pension of $800/mo, the deposit for those age 50+ drops to $10,000 USD. •Grants immediate permanent non-immigrant visa with indefinite stay and multiple-entry privileges. Option 2 Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) Active Investment Residency •Min: $75K USD •Approved Investments: The $75K must be invested in publicly listed companies, companies engaged in "Investment Priority Plan" areas, or manufacturing/service sectors. •Capital Allocation: Direct real estate (condos/land) does not qualify for SIRV. It must be active business or stock market capital. •Initial status is a 6 month Probationary Visa. It is only converted to Permanent status once the Board of Investments (BOI) verifies the active investment. •This option is a more complex "Paper" play than the SRRV because it requires an annual report to the Board of Investments (BOI) to prove the capital is still active.	Option 1 Thailand Privilege (Gold Membership) 5 Year Residency •Fee: THB 900K (~$27,600 USD) •No proof of income or assets is required. Applicants must pass a standard criminal background check (4 to 8 weeks). •5 year multiple-entry "Privilege Entry" visa. Option 2 Thailand Privilege (Platinum Membership) 10 Year Residency •Fee: THB 1,500,000 (~$46K USD) •Additional family members can be added for a fee of THB 1,000,000 (~$30,600 USD) per person. •10 year multiple-entry "Privilege Entry" visa (issued as two 5 year visa stickers). Option 3 Thailand Privilege (Diamond Membership) 15 Year Residency •Fee: THB 2,500,000 (~$76,600 USD) •Additional family members can be added for a fee of THB 1,500,000 (~$46,000 USD) per person. •15 year multiple-entry "Privilege Entry" visa (three 5 year stickers). This tier includes premium perks like free domestic flights on Bangkok Airways and specialized insurance packages. Option 4 Thailand Privilege (Reserve Membership) 20 Year Residency (Invitation Only) •Fee: THB 5,000,000 (~$153,200 USD) •Limited to 100 new members per year. This is the only tier where the membership is legally transferable to another person for a 20% fee. •20 year multiple-entry "Privilege Entry" visa (four 5-year stickers). This is the "ultimate" status, providing access to the Reserve Club and a dedicated Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) for all government and lifestyle interactions. Option 5 Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa Wealthy Global Citizen or Remote Professional •Min: $1M USD Assets OR $80K USD Annual Income •Wealthy Global Citizen: You must show at least $1M USD in global assets and a personal income of $80K USD per year for the last two years. Additionally, you must invest at least $500K USD in Thai government bonds, Thai real estate or a Thai company. •Work-from-Thailand Professional: Requires a personal income of $80K USD per year for the last two years. Your employer must be a publicly listed company or a private company with at least $150M USD in combined revenue over the last three years. •10 year residency permit (issued as two 5 year blocks). This is a formal non-immigrant visa that carries 0 days of required stay. It is the most robust paper residency for those who want a 10 year residency without the $50,000+ upfront fee of the Thailand Privilege.	Option 1 Vanuatu 10-Year Permanent Residency (Subclass 135) Asset Verification (Non-Investment) •$10,500 USD (All-in Fee) •Asset Proof: You must show proof of global net assets totaling at least $350K USD. This can be in the form of bank statements, property valuations or stock portfolios. You do not need to move this money to Vanuatu. •Fee Specifics: The $10,500 USD price is the standard 2026 all-in cost for a single applicant, covering the $2,500 government application fee, $3,000 certificate fee, and $5,000 agent processing fee. •10 year Permanent Residency certificate. 100% remote with no biometric requirement for the card issuance. Option 2 Vanuatu Self-Funded Visa (Subclass 131) Monthly Income Verification •Min: $2,100 USD Monthly Income •Certified Income: Proof of a recurring monthly income of $2,100 USD (for a single applicant) or $4,200 USD (for a couple). •Bank Trust: A letter from a Vanuatu bank verifying a deposit sufficient to cover a return flight to your home country. •Temporary residence permit valid for 1 year and renewable annually. This route requires much higher administrative upkeep than the 10 year PR card due to the recurring income reporting requirements.
Family Inclusion	Yes: Spouse, children under 18, students 18–25, and dependent parents.	Yes: Spouse and children under 21.	Yes: Spouse, children under 18, students (up to age 25), and dependent parents.	Yes: Spouse, children under 18, students 18-25, and dependent parents.	Yes: Spouse, children under 18, dependent adult children (students), and dependent parents.	Yes: Spouse, children under 18, students 18–25, and dependent parents.	Yes: Spouse/Partner and dependent children. Dependents are granted a "Family Reunification" permit that mirrors the duration of the primary applicant's permit.	Yes: Spouse, children, and parents. Dependents are granted residency permits of the same duration as the main applicant.	Yes: Spouse and children of any age. Bulgaria also allows for the inclusion of parents and parents-in-law under "Family Reunification" for residency, though they may have different paths to citizenship.	Yes: Spouse and dependent children (up to age 25 if students). Note: In 2026, parents and in-laws can no longer be included in the main application.	Yes: Spouse and children under 18.	Yes: Spouse, children under 21, students 18–24 (unmarried/dependent), and parents of both spouses (no age limit).	Yes: Spouse, children under 18, students 18-26, and dependent parents.	Yes: Spouse and children under 18.	Yes: Spouse, children under 18, students 18–29, and dependent parents/grandparents.	Yes: Spouse, children under 18, students 18–26, and dependent parents.	Yes: Broad inclusion. The permit covers the main applicant, spouse, children (no age limit if dependent), parents, grandparents, and grandchildren. All family members receive the same 0-day stay Permanent Residency status.	Yes: Spouse/Partner and dependent children (under 24). Parents of the permit holder are also eligible for residence permits as dependents, provided they do not engage in gainful employment in Mauritius.	Yes: Spouse/Life Partner and dependent children. For the Financially Independent track, the ZAR 12M net worth covers the primary applicant; however, a spouse must typically apply under a "Relative" category once the primary PR is secured.	Yes: Spouse, children (unmarried daughters of any age and sons under 25), and parents.	Yes: Spouse, unmarried sons (no age limit for Golden Visa in 2026), and unmarried daughters of any age.	Yes: Spouse and dependent children. The primary investment covers the entire family unit. A flat visa fee of $200 USD per person per annum applies.	Yes: Spouse and dependent children.	Yes: Spouse and dependent children. The initial investment usually covers the principal, with nominal processing fees for dependents.	Yes: Spouse and children under 18 are eligible for dependent visas. No additional qualifying investment is required for family members, though separate government processing fees apply.	Yes: Spouse, children under 21, and parents/parents-in-law. Children between 21 and 34 can also be included if they are unmarried and not employed in Malaysia.	Yes: Spouse and unmarried children under 21. The base deposit covers the principal and two dependents. Each additional dependent requires an extra $15K USD deposit.	Thailand Privilege: Yes. Family members can be added to the Platinum, Diamond, and Reserve tiers for a specific "Next Member" fee. The Gold tier is strictly for individual applicants. LTR: Yes: Spouse and children under 20. You can include up to 4 dependents per primary holder.	Yes: Spouse and dependent children. For the Subclass 135 PR card, additional fees are roughly $2,500 USD for a spouse and $1,500 USD per child.
Tax & Financials
Tax Regime	Territorial	Territorial	Worldwide	Territorial	Territorial	Semi-territorial	Worldwide	Worldwide	Worldwide	Remittance-based (Non-Dom)	Territorial	WorldwideFlat Tax (Non-Dom)	Worldwide	Worldwide	Remittance-based (Non-Dom)	Worldwide	Worldwide	Worldwide	Worldwide	No personal income tax	No personal income tax	Worldwide	Worldwide	Territorial	Worldwide	Territorial	Territorial	Remittance-based	No personal income tax
Tax Details	Only Guatemalan-sourced income is taxed. Foreign income, capital gains, and dividends are tax-free.	Only Honduran-sourced income is taxed. Foreign income, capital gains, and dividends are tax-free.	Tax residents are taxed on global income. Foreign-sourced income is taxable, but credits are available for taxes paid abroad (Foreign Tax Credit) to prevent double taxation, regardless of whether a specific tax treaty exists.	Only Panama-sourced income is taxed. Foreign income, capital gains, and dividends are tax-free.	Only Paraguay-sourced income is taxed. Foreign income, capital gains, and dividends are tax-free.	Only Dominican-sourced income is taxed. For holders of the Rentista, Pensionado and Investor visas, foreign-sourced dividends and interest are granted a permanent exemption, effectively maintaining a pure territorial tax status.	Progressive personal income tax (0% to 23%). However, dividends are taxed at a flat final rate of 8%. A major 2026 incentive exists for self-employed individuals and small businesses: those with an annual turnover under 14 million ALL (~$140K) are subject to 0% corporate income tax until December 31, 2029.	Residents are taxed on global income via a tiered system: private non-oil/gas sector employees enjoy a preferential progressive rate (3% to 14%), while standard/oil-sector income is taxed at 14% to 25%. Investment income is generally taxed at 5% for dividends and 10% for interest, with 0% wealth or inheritance tax.	Bulgaria operates a flat tax system for residents. Tax residency is triggered by spending 183 days in the country or having a "center of vital interests" in Bulgaria. Residents are subject to a 10% flat tax on global income.	As a tax resident (60+ days) under the non-dom regime, foreign dividends and interest are 0% tax for 17 years. There is an 8% tax on crypto profits. Profit from the sale of shares, bonds, and other "titles" is 0% tax for all residents.	Foreign-sourced income is legally 0% tax for individuals. Individuals registered as "Small Businesses" (Individual Entrepreneurs) pay a flat 1% tax on business turnover up to GEL 500,000 (~$185K USD). IT companies with "Virtual Zone" or "International Company" status can reduce corporate tax to 0% or 5% respectively.	Tax residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income. Individuals who transfer tax residency and invest at least €500K can opt for the Article 5A "Non-Dom" regime, paying a flat €100,000 annual tax on all foreign income for 15 years. Foreign pensioners can access a flat 7% tax rate on all foreign-sourced income for 15 years if they become tax residents.	Tax residents (183+ days) are taxed at a flat 15% on worldwide income.	Tax residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income. Latvia offers a 0% corporate tax rate on reinvested profits, making it a highly competitive jurisdiction for holding companies or active business entities.	Foreign income taxed only when remitted to Malta. Non-remitted foreign income and capital gains are tax-free.	Tax residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income.	Residents are subject to a five-tier progressive income tax (13% to 22%) on global income, with a fixed 5 Million RUB (~$55K) annual lump-sum option for Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) and 0% wealth or inheritance tax.	Tax residents are subject to a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 20%. Foreign-sourced income is only taxable if it is remitted to Mauritius. Dividends and capital gains are generally 100% tax-exempt. There are no wealth, inheritance, or property taxes.	South African tax residents are subject to tax on their global income regardless of where it is earned. You are classified as a tax resident if you are 'ordinarily resident' (considering South Africa your true home) or if you meet the 'physical presence test.' The test requires you to be present in South Africa for more than 91 days in the current year, more than 91 days in each of the five preceding years, and more than 915 days in total over those five years. Tax residents are subject to progressive rates (18% to 45%). A ZAR 1.25 million exemption exists for foreign employment income, provided the resident spends more than 183 days outside the country annually.	0% tax on all personal income (local and foreign), capital gains, and inheritance for both residents and non-residents. A 10% VAT is in effect, and a new 10% Corporate Income Tax for large businesses is scheduled to begin in 2027.	Zero personal income tax, zero capital gains tax, and zero wealth or inheritance tax for individuals. A 9% federal corporate tax applies to business profits exceeding AED 375,000 (~$102,000 USD). For individuals conducting business activities under a commercial license, corporate tax only applies if their annual revenue exceeds AED 1,000,000 (~$272,000 USD).	Individuals present in Sri Lanka for 182 days or more in a year are classified as tax residents and are subject to progressive tax rates (6% to 36%) on worldwide income. However, effective April 1, 2025, remitted foreign-sourced income is subject to a maximum concessionary rate of 15%.	Residents are subject to a two-tier progressive income tax: 10% on income up to 8,500 MCI (~$65K USD) and 15% on the excess. Dividends for residents are taxed at a flat 5%. Holders of the AIFC Investment Residency are eligible for a "90-day rule" where they can trigger tax residency after only 90 days of stay, gaining a total exemption on all foreign-sourced income, interest and capital gains.	Physical presence of more than 182 days per year triggers tax liability on worldwide income at progressive rates (0% to 20%); for stays of 182 days or less, only income sourced within Cambodia is taxed at a flat 20%.	Individuals present in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a 12-month period are classified as tax residents and are subject to progressive tax rates (5% to 35%) on worldwide income. Individuals present for 183 days or less are subject to a flat 20% withholding tax only on income derived from Indonesian sources. There is no wealth tax and no inheritance tax on assets located outside of Indonesia. A 4-year exemption on foreign-sourced income is available for qualifying experts who become tax residents.	Resident individuals are generally exempt from tax on foreign-sourced income until December 31, 2036. This includes dividends, interest and rental income earned outside Malaysia. However, a 2% tax applies to dividend income exceeding RM 100,000 derived from Malaysian-resident companies.	0% tax on all income earned outside the Philippines. If you remit foreign funds into the country, they are generally not taxed unless they are derived from local sources. There is no wealth or inheritance tax on foreign assets.	Foreign income is generally not taxed until remitted to Thailand in the same calendar year it is earned. No capital gains tax on foreign assets for typical structures; rules can change—confirm with a Thai tax adviser.	Zero personal income tax, zero capital gains, and zero wealth or inheritance tax.
Naturalization
Citizenship Path	5 years of holding Permanent Residency status. 2 years for nationals of Spain or Central American states. 2 years for individuals with specialized scientific, artistic, or philanthropic achievements.	3 years of holding legal residency status (Temporary or Permanent).	5 years of holding legal residency status (Temporary or Permanent)	5 years of holding Permanent Residency status.	3 years of holding Permanent Residency status.	Investor: 6 months of holding Permanent Residency status. Rentista / Pensionado: 2 years of holding Permanent Residency status. Standard: 7 years of legal residency (5 years Temporary + 2 years Permanent).	7 Years of total residence (5 years PR + 2 years).	5 Years of continuous residency.	5 Years of holding Permanent Residence.	Eligible after 8 years of legal residence within a 10-year period.	10 years of continuous residence. Georgian language proficiency, a history/law test and renunciation of existing citizenship required.	7 years of lawful residence while maintaining the Golden Visa; B1 Greek language proficiency, a civic knowledge test, and tax residency required.	11 years of legal residence: 3 years of temporary residency followed by 8 years of permanent residency.	10 years of lawful residence (5 years TR + 5 years PR), A2 Latvian language proficiency, a clean criminal record and knowledge of the national anthem required.	Eligible after 6 years of actual physical residence.	5 years from the date the residency application was first submitted while holding the ARI permit; A2 Portuguese and clean criminal record required.	5 Years of holding Permanent Residence.	2 to 7 years of physical residence.	5 years of holding Permanent Residence (PR) status.	25 Years of continuous residency.	Strict. Standard residency does not lead to a direct path to citizenship. Naturalization is reserved for exceptional cases via nomination by the UAE Cabinet or Royal Courts.	Technically non-existent for most.	5 Years of continuous legal residency.	Eligible for Naturalization after 5 years of holding the CM2H/CH2 visa.	Naturalization available after 5 years of continuous or 10 years of cumulative residency.	None	10 years of continuous physical residence.	Thailand Privilege: Non-Existent. The Privilege Visa is a "Privilege Entry" (PE) category and does not count toward the time requirements for Permanent Residency or Citizenship. LTR: Theoretical but viable. The LTR counts toward the 3-year requirement for Permanent Residency.	10 years of physical residence and a mandatory citizenship test administered in Bislama.
Physical Requirement for Citizenship	Strict. Applicants must demonstrate "continuous" residence, meaning no single absence from the country should exceed 6 consecutive months. Total absences should not exceed 1 year during the 5-year qualifying period. Applicants must also pass a Spanish language proficiency exam and a test on Guatemalan history and culture.	Strict. While 1 visit/year maintains the card, citizenship requires "continuous and effective" residence. This typically means spending 183+ days per year in-country during the qualifying period.	High. In the 2 years immediately preceding the application, you must be physically present in Mexico for at least 18 months total.	General Rule: Must show significant integration. Most lawyers recommend 6+ months per year in-country during the 2 years before applying. Qualified Investor Visa 2026 policy update: Recent policy suggests holders can qualify with only one visit every 2 years, though actual approval remains at the discretion of the naturalization office.	Strict. Requires significant local ties and typically 183+ days per year in-country during the 3-year Permanent Residency period. While Paraguay officially only allows dual citizenship with Spain via treaty, the requirement for other nationalities to renounce their original citizenship is generally not enforced in practice.	Strict. Citizenship eligibility is based on "continuous and effective" residence. Applicants are generally expected to spend more than 6 months per year in the Dominican Republic. Physical presence is audited via passport stamps during the mandatory Spanish language and history interview.	Strict. Requires physical "Ordinary Residence." To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must physically reside in Albania for at least 6 months per year over a 5 year period to obtain Permanent Residency (PR), followed by an additional 2 years. A language proficiency test (Level A2 or higher) is mandatory.	Strict. Naturalization requires the applicant to have lived in Azerbaijan for the majority of the 5 year period. Azerbaijan does not recognize dual citizenship. Applicants must provide proof of renunciation of their original nationality to receive an Azerbaijani passport.	Low/Strategic. To naturalize, you must have held PR status for 5 years. Requires a basic A1 language test (though exemptions exist for certain investment tiers) and proof of a clean record.	Strict. You must be physically present in Cyprus for the entire 12 months immediately preceding the application. You must pass a Greek Language B1 proficiency exam and a written exam on Cypriot history and social reality.	Strict. Applicants are eligible for a passport after 10 years of continuous residence. "Continuous" is strictly defined as spending no more than 90 days per year outside of Georgia. While the residency permit itself has a 0-day stay requirement, the citizenship clock only ticks for those physically present in the country for 275+ days per year. Georgia generally does not allow dual citizenship. You must renounce your nationality to receive a Georgian passport.	Strict. Unlike the permit itself, the citizenship clock requires physical presence in Greece for at least 183 days per calendar year.	Strict. Applicants must demonstrate 11 years of continuous residence, consisting of 3 years of temporary residency followed by 8 years of permanent residency. During the initial 3 year qualifying period, absences must not exceed 90 days at a time or 270 days total. Applicants must also pass a Hungarian language proficiency assessment at an intermediate level and a written exam in Hungarian covering constitutional fundamentals, history, and culture.	Strict. Paper residency (visiting only for renewals) allows you to keep the permit indefinitely but will never lead to a passport or permanent status.	Strict. Requires physical residence, English/Maltese proficiency and a culture test.	Flexible. Applicants are eligible for a passport after 5 years of holding the ARI permit. The countdown officially begins from the date the residency application was first submitted. Applicants must demonstrate an A2-level proficiency in the Portuguese language (basic conversational) and have a clean criminal record. 2026 Alert: While Parliament has proposed moving this to a 10-year requirement, as of March 2026, the 5-year rule remains the active law due to constitutional challenges.	Strict. Naturalization requires the applicant to establish physical "ordinary residence" in Russia for the majority of the 5 year period. Applicants must also pass a Russian language and history exam.	Naturalization eligibility is tiered based on investment and nationality: a 2 year track for high-tier investors ($500K+), a 5 year track for Commonwealth citizens and a standard 7 year track for all others. The citizenship clock requires physical "ordinary residence," specifically a 12-month continuous presence immediately preceding the application and an aggregate stay that meets the specific track's threshold (e.g., 5 years of presence within the 7-year window for the standard track). Proficiency in English, French, or Creole and a demonstrated "moral tie" to the island are also required.	Applicants must be physically present in South Africa for the 12 months immediately preceding the application and for a total of at least 4 cumulative years during the 8 years prior to that final year. To maintain "ordinarily resident" status, absences should generally not exceed 90 days per year. As of 2026, the path is increasingly discretionary and subject to new merit-based selection criteria.	Strict. To naturalize, applicants must have legally resided in Bahrain for 25 consecutive years (15 for Arab nationals), be proficient in Arabic, and own property. Dual citizenship is generally not recognized. Naturalization typically requires renouncing your original nationality.	Not Applicable. There is no time-based naturalization path for investors.	Strict. The Investor Visa is a temporary residency permit and does not lead to Permanent Residency or Citizenship. To naturalize in Sri Lanka, you must typically demonstrate 7 years of continuous "ordinary residence" (physical stay) and gain specific approval from the Ministry, which is rarely granted to non-ethnic Sri Lankans.	Strict. Naturalization requires the applicant to have physically resided in Kazakhstan for at least 183 days per year over a 5 year period. Applicants must also pass the KAZTEST (Level A1 Kazakh language proficiency) and a basic history exam to qualify for the passport.	Low but not zero. The naturalization process requires the applicant to demonstrate integration. You must pass a Khmer language and history examination. However, you are NOT required to have spent all 5 years physically in the country. The 5 year clock refers to the age of your residency permit, provided you have maintained good character and your investment.	Strict. Naturalization requires physical presence. Must demonstrate a mastery of the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia), show a source of income within Indonesia, and formally renounce all other citizenships as Indonesia does not permit dual nationality.	Not Applicable. Neither PVIP nor MM2H provides a pathway to Malaysian citizenship. Malaysia does not permit dual citizenship, and naturalization requires a minimum of 10 to 12 years of physical residence, proficiency in the Malay language and renunciation of all other nationalities.	Strict. To naturalize, you must live in the country for 10 years (reducible to 5 years if you marry a Filipino or establish a new industry). You must speak a local dialect (Tagalog/Cebuano).	Thailand Privilege: Not Applicable. These visas do not provide a path to Thai citizenship. LTR: Strict. While you can keep the LTR with 0 days of stay, the clock for Permanent Residency and eventual citizenship only starts if you are physically resident and paying into the Thai system.	Strict. The naturalization path requires you to live in Vanuatu for at least 10 years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Paper Residency is a legal residency status that allows you to establish a formal connection to another country without the requirement of relocation. It serves as a strategic Plan B, enabling you to plant a flag, diversify your sovereignty or start a citizenship clock while maintaining your primary life elsewhere. To ensure maximum flexibility, every program in this database meets a strict criteria of 7 days or less of annual physical presence, allowing you to maintain your legal status with just a short trip or no visit at all.

This database is not a directory of every residency program in the world. It is a curated tool built for a very specific purpose. I only include jurisdictions that pass the Paper Residency test.

A country must require 7 days or less of physical presence per year to keep the permit. Most nations fail this because they expect you to spend 183 days a year on the ground to maintain your status.

I also skip some programs where the price tag does not match the actual value or those that trigger aggressive worldwide taxation the second you get the card.

In most cases, holding a paper residency does not automatically trigger tax residency. Most jurisdictions use physical presence thresholds (often the 183 day rule) to determine tax liability. Since these programs require minimal time on the ground, you typically avoid becoming a tax resident in that country. However, some nations may trigger tax residency based on the permit itself or a registered address.

It is important to remember that a paper residency does not automatically end your tax obligations in your home country or where you actually live. Those remain governed by the local laws and exit rules of those specific jurisdictions. Because every situation is unique, you should always consult with a qualified tax professional before proceeding.

Most programs allow you to include a spouse and minor children, but the rules for parents or adult children are much stricter. Some jurisdictions allow "dependent" parents if you can prove you are their primary source of financial support. For adult children, they usually must be full-time students and unmarried to qualify. Keep in mind that every family member added usually increases the total investment or the amount of "proof of funds" you need to show in a local bank.

No. An e-residency, like the one offered by Estonia, is just a digital identity for running a business or signing documents online. It does not give you the right to physically live in the country or a path to a passport.

A residency permit is a full legal immigration status. It gives you the right to show up at the border and stay for as long as you want, even if you choose to spend nearly all of your year somewhere else.

Yes, you will lose your status if you do not follow the specific physical presence rules of the country. Even if a program only requires a single day visit every few years, that requirement is a mandatory legal line. Modern digital border systems make it impossible to hide your absence. If you do not show up as required by law, the immigration system will flag your file for cancellation or move it to an inactive status. These programs are only manageable because the bar is so easy to clear, but the requirements themselves are not optional.

A digital nomad visa is a type of residency permit, but it is usually a temporary status that expires after a year or two. To renew it, many countries require you to prove active remote income and spend at least six months of the year on the ground.

The permits in this database are different because they are built for a long term hold and only require seven days or less of annual physical presence. If a program requires you to actually move there to keep your status, it is a lifestyle permit and is not included here.

The Paper Residency Database

Residency programs comparison table

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Paper Residency?

Why is a specific country missing from this list?

Can I obtain citizenship without physically living in the country?

How do taxes work with a paper residency?

Can I include my family in a residency application?

Is an e-residency the same as a paper residency?

Will I lose my residency if I do not visit?

How do these programs differ from a digital nomad visa?