Residency by Investment Programmes

Residency by investment gives qualifying individuals and families the legal right to live, work, and travel in another country through a qualifying financial commitment — typically in real estate, government funds, or business. Hudson McKenzie advises clients across the UK, GCC, and internationally on selecting the right programme for their personal, financial, and lifestyle objectives.

Residency by investment programmes have grown significantly in recent years as individuals, families, and investors seek greater mobility, security, and access to international opportunities. Unlike citizenship by investment, which confers a new passport and full national rights, residency by investment gives you the legal right to reside in a country — and in many cases to work, invest, and enrol dependants in local schools — without needing to give up your existing citizenship.

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The key factors when selecting a residency programme include the investment threshold and preferred asset class, the country's tax environment and quality of life, the physical presence requirement (some programmes require as few as seven days per year), processing timelines, and whether there is a clear pathway to citizenship for those who eventually want one.

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Hudson McKenzie provides independent advisory across residency programmes in the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. Our team assesses each client's full profile — nationality, investment capacity, family circumstances, and long-term objectives — before recommending a route.

Residency Programmes We Advise On

Portugal Golden Visa — Residency by Investment

Portugal's Golden Visa is one of Europe's most established residency by investment programmes, offering non-EU nationals a route to Portuguese residency and, after five years, the possibility of applying for Portuguese citizenship. Current qualifying investment routes include fund investments and certain real estate categories. One of the programme's most distinctive features is its low minimum stay requirement — holders are required to spend as little as seven days per year in Portugal, making it well suited to internationally mobile individuals and families.

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Greek Residence Permit

Greece's residency by investment programme — commonly referred to as the Greek Golden Visa — grants residency through qualifying real estate or other permitted investments and provides holders with access to the Schengen Area. There is no minimum stay requirement, and the programme is renewable every five years. After seven years of continuous residency, holders may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship. The programme has attracted significant interest from investors across the Middle East, Asia, and the UK.

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Cyprus Residence by Investment

Cyprus offers permanent residency to qualifying investors through its fast-track investment route. As a member of the European Union, Cyprus provides holders with access to EU rights and benefits. The programme is particularly attractive for its streamlined application process and the country's favourable tax environment, including non-domicile tax status for new residents. Applications can typically be processed within two months of submission.

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Maltese Residence Programme

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers non-EU nationals permanent residency in Malta — a full EU member state with English as an official language, a low crime rate, and a well-established financial services sector. The programme requires a combination of a government administration fee, a property rental or purchase commitment, and a charity donation. There is no minimum stay requirement, and no requirement to take up employment in Malta.

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Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

The Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme enables non-EEA nationals to establish a high-potential start-up in Ireland and obtain Irish residency. Approved applicants receive permission to live and work in Ireland while developing their business, with a clear pathway to long-term residency and ultimately citizenship by naturalisation after five years. Ireland's EU membership, common law legal system, and position as a hub for technology and financial services make it a compelling destination for entrepreneurs from the GCC and beyond.

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Hudson McKenzie provides independent advisory on residency by investment programmes across the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. Our service covers the full process — from initial eligibility assessment and programme comparison, through to application preparation, document procurement, submission management, and ongoing support through to approval. With offices in London, Dubai, and Riyadh, we advise clients across the UK, GCC, and internationally.For clients considering full citizenship rather than residency, please see our Citizenship by Investment Programmes page.

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