Residence by Investment (RBI) Programs
At E&S Consultancy UK Limited, we take pride in offering a seamless, end-to-end service for clients pursuing Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residence by Investment (RBI) programmes. We partner exclusively with trusted, locally licensed lawyers in each country of application to ensure every process is compliant with national laws and executed with precision. From the initial consultation to the successful issuance of your citizenship or residence permit, our experienced team will personally manage, monitor, and oversee the entire process on your behalf.
Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, transparency, and confidence—knowing that your application is in the hands of qualified professionals, backed by a firm with a reputation for integrity and results.
Portugal
Golden Visa Program
Overview:
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most attractive RBI options, with a clear path to permanent residency and citizenship.
Status: Active
Investment Options:
- €500,000 in investment funds.
- €500,000 in R&D or cultural support
- €250,000 in the arts or heritage preservation
- Real estate option closed
Residency Requirement: 7 days per year
Path to Citizenship: After 5 years with A2 language proficiency
- Advantages:
- Access to Schengen Zone
- Family reunification
- Favourable tax regime (NHR scheme until 2024; alternative available)
Spain
Golden Visa
Overview:
Spain offers residency through real estate, business, or capital investment, with no obligation to live in the country.
Status: Terminated as of April 3, 2025.
- Investment Options:
- €500,000 in Spanish real estate
- €1 million in Spanish company shares or bank deposits
- €2 million in government bonds
Residency Requirement: None for renewal; stay required for permanent residency/citizenship
Path to Citizenship: 10 years (shorter for some Latin American nationals)
- Advantages:
- Access to Schengen Zone
- Spouse and children included
- Fast-track residency card in under 2 months
Greece
Golden Visa
Overview:
One of the most affordable RBI programs in the EU, especially for real estate investors.
Status: Active
- Investment Options:
- €250,000 €500,000 in residential real estate (depending on location)
- Long-term lease or hotel shares
Residency Requirement: None
Path to Citizenship: 7 years with residence and integration
- Advantages:
- Access to Schengen Zone
- No minimum stay requirement
- Simple renewal every 5 years
Italy
Investor Visa Program
Overview:
Italy’s investor visa grants residency to non-EU investors with multiple capital routes.
Status: Active
- Investment Options:
- €250,000 in innovative startups
- €500,000 in Italian companies
- €2 million in government bonds
- €1 million donation to public-interest projects
Residency Requirement: Must reside to maintain and renew permit
Path to Citizenship: After 10 years (4 years for EU nationals)
- Advantages:
- Full EU residence rights
- Access to Italian healthcare and education
- Family members included
Ireland
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) (Suspended in 2023)
Overview:
Previously allowed wealthy non-EU nationals to gain Irish residency through business or philanthropic investment.
Current Status (2025): Suspended, with no new applications accepted.
- Investment Options: (when active)
- €1 million in Irish enterprise or funds
- €2 million in real estate investment trust (REIT)
- €500,000 donation
Latvia
Residence by Investment
Overview:
One of the most accessible EU RBI programs with low thresholds.
Status: Active
- Investment Options:
- €250,000 in real estate + €25,000 government fee
- €280,000 in company shares or bonds
Residency Requirement: Minimal, required for renewals
Path to Citizenship: After 10 years
- Advantages:
- Fast-track to EU residency
- Affordable entry point
- Non-domicile tax status available
United Arab Emirates
Golden Visa
Overview:
Offers long-term residency (5 or 10 years) for investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Status: Active
Key Updates:
In May 2025, the UAE expanded the Golden Visa program to include five new categories: healthcare, education, digital content creation, e-sports, and luxury yacht ownership.
- Investment Options:
- AED 2 million (~€500,000) in real estate
- AED 2 million in business or savings
- Retirement and specialist talent routes also available
Residency Requirement: No minimum, but active local presence helps
Path to Citizenship: Rare, but possible by presidential exception
- Advantages:
- Tax-free living
- Modern lifestyle
- Residency for entire family
Canada
Start-Up Visa & Provincial Investor Programs
Program Type:
Permanent Residency through Business Investment or Innovation
1- Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV)
Overview:
Designed for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas backed by a designated organisation (angel investor, VC fund, or business incubator).
- Requirements:
- Commitment Certificate from a designated organisation
- Sufficient settlement funds (based on family size)
- CLB 5 in English or French
- Active role in business within Canada
Path to PR: Direct permanent residency upon application approval
Citizenship Eligibility: After 3 years of physical presence in 5 years
- Advantages:
- Access to Canadian healthcare and education
- Eligible for family members
- Work permit available during application processing
2- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Investors
Each province offers tailored investor or entrepreneur streams (e.g., Ontario Entrepreneur Stream, British
Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration).
- Typical Requirements:
- Net worth of CAD $600,000 to $1.5M
- Investment of CAD $150,000 to $600,000
- Business management experience
- Commitment to live and operate business in the province
Path to PR: Nomination → Temporary permit → PR
Citizenship Eligibility: After holding PR for 3 years (minimum stay requirements apply)
United States
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Program Type: Direct-to-Green Card Investment Route
- Minimum Investment:
- $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
- $1,050,000 in a non-TEA business
- Requirements:
- Investment must create or preserve 10 full-time U.S. jobs
- Funds must be lawfully sourced
- Passive or active involvement allowed (direct or regional center)
- Processing Time (as of 2025):
- 24-36 months for I-526E approval
- Concurrent adjustment of status possible if applying from within the U.S.
- Green Card Benefits:
- Live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.
- Access to public education and healthcare
- Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency
- Family Eligibility:
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21
New Zealand
Active Investor Plus Visa (Replaced Investor 1 & 2 in 2022)
Program Type: Residence pathway through active investment
- Minimum Investment:
- NZD $5 million-$15 million depending on investment type
- Higher points for direct investments in NZ businesses
- Higher points for direct investments in NZ businesses
- Eligibility Criteria:
- English language ability (IELTS 5.0+)
- 117 days residence over 4 years
- Investment held for 48 months
- Clean criminal and health record
- Key Benefits:
- Access to high-quality lifestyle, healthcare, and education
- Family included
- Eligible for PR after maintaining investments and residence
- Path to Citizenship:
- After 5 years of residence with physical presence
Australia
Business Innovation & Investment Program (BIIP)
Program Type: Points-based visa for investors and entrepreneurs
- Visa Categories:
- Subclass 188 (Provisional): Temporary residency stream
- Subclass 888 (Permanent): After meeting business performance criteria
- Key 188 Streams:
- 1. Business Innovation Stream - For business owners expanding to Australia
- 2. Investor Stream - AUD $2.5M in designated investment fund
- 3. Significant Investor Stream (SIV) - AUD $5M in complying investments
- General Requirements:
- Net assets of AUD $1.25M+ (Business Innovation)
- Business turnover and ownership history
- Physical presence and business operation in Australia
- Path to PR:
- 3-4 years of successful business/investment activity
- Transition to Subclass 888
- Citizenship:
- Eligible after 4 years of legal residence (1 year as PR)
Why Use E&S Consultancy UK Limited?
As trusted immigration advisors, E&S Consultancy UK Limited offers tailored support for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and business owners exploring residence by investment options across major economies like the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
What We Provide:
- Tailored investor visa strategies
- Complete documentation and legal processing
- Local partnerships and business plan support
- Long-term PR and citizenship planning
- Family inclusion and relocation assistance
| Country | Program Type | Min. Investment (Local Currency) | Min. Investment (EUR/USD approx.) | Second Citizenship | Citizenship Path | Family Included | Schengen Access | Program Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | RBI | "€250,000 - €500,000" | "€250,000 - €500,000" | 7 days/year | Yes (5 yrs) | Yes | Yes | Active |
| Spain | RBI | "€500,000+" | "€500,000+" | None | Yes (10 yrs) | Yes | Yes | Terminated (2025) |
| Greece | RBI | "€250,000 - €500,000" | "€250,000 - €500,000" | None | Yes (7 yrs) | Yes | Yes | Active |
| Italy | RBI | "€250,000 - €2,000,000" | "€250,000 - €2,000,000" | Yes | Yes (10 yrs) | Yes | Yes | Active |
| Malta (MPRP) | RBI | "€98,000++ property & donation" | "€150,000-€250,000" | None | Yes (via naturalisation) | Yes | Yes | Active |
| Cyprus | RBI | "€300,000" | "€300,000" | One visit every 2 yrs | Yes (5-7 yrs) | Yes | Pending | Active |
| Latvia | RBI | "€250,000 + €25,000 fee" | "€275,000" | Minimal (for renewal) | Yes (10 yrs) | Yes | Yes | Active |
| UAE | RBI | "AED 2M (~€500,000)" | "€500,000" | None | Rare (exceptional cases) | Yes | No | Active (expanded 2025) |
| Canada (SUV/PNP) | RBI | "CAD $150,000-$600,000+" | "€100,000-€400,000+" | Yes | Yes (3 yrs PR) | Yes | No | Active |
| USA (EB-5) | RBI | "$800,000 - $1,050,000" | "€750,000 - €980,000" | Yes | Yes (5 yrs PR) | Yes | No | Active |
| Australia (BIIP) | RBI | AUD $2.5M - $5M | €1.5M - €3M | Yes | Yes (after 4 yrs) | Yes | No | Active |
| New Zealand | RBI | NZD $5M - $15M | €2.75M - €8.25M | Yes (117 days in 4 yrs) | Yes (after 5 yrs) | Yes | No | Active |
Disclaimer: E&S Consultancy UK Limited does not provide legal advice in any Citizenship by Investment (CBI) jurisdiction. All legal services are carried out by locally licensed lawyers in the country of application. We act as international consultants, overseeing and coordinating the application process to ensure a smooth and fully compliant experience for our clients.
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