The Top 8 Residencies You Can Get (Within Months)
The fastest paths to global residency, ranked and explained.
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Getting a legal residency can take years, cost a fortune, or involve endless bureaucracy. But not everywhere. As someone who has obtained 6 residencies around the globe, I can vouch for that. More and more countries now offer fast-track residency options.
In this guide, you’ll find 8 residencies you can realistically secure within a few months (give or take). They are legal pathways that offer real stability, longer stays, and in some cases, a route to permanent residency or citizenship. Don’t nail me down on the definition of “residency.” Think of it as a legal way to live somewhere new without the headache of constant visa runs.
Here’s what you’ll learn for each residency:
Country: Where the program is based
Timeline: How long approval usually takes
Requirements: Income, documents, or investment needed
Benefits: What you get, from lifestyle perks to long-term advantages
How to apply: Links and starting points
Process: A quick overview of how it works, step by step
And also some personal info / experience added, when it makes sense (since I got 3, soon 4, of those 8 already).
Let’s get started…
Top 8 Residencies You Can Get
1. Taiwan Gold Card
Taiwan’s Gold Card is one of the most practical long-term options in Asia. It offers a 3-in-1 solution: 1. residency, 2. open work rights, and 3. access to Taiwan’s thriving economy, all without needing a local job offer. It’s clean, safe, and full of energy and one of the best lifestyle setups you’ll find in Asia. Especially of interest, if you’re a passionate cyclist, since the possibilities to cycle around the island are endless (be aware of rainy season though!).
Here the overview:
Country: Taiwan
Timeline: 30–60 days on average
Requirements:
Proof of monthly salary (~$5,700 USD), or
Recognised expertise in eligible fields
Passport, CV, and supporting documents
Benefits:
3-year renewable residency
Open work permit (freelance, employed, or founder)
Access to Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (after 6 months)
Eligibility for permanent residency after 3 years
How to apply:
Start here
The application process is fully online and relatively smooth. You’ll submit documents proving either a qualifying monthly income or professional achievements in one of Taiwan’s approved categories. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by relevant ministries, followed by immigration approval. If successful, you’ll receive a 3-year residency and work permit in one (dependents can be included).
2. Thailand Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa is a residency-by-membership program that offers long-term stay in one of Asia’s most traveler-friendly countries. It’s not a work visa, but for remote workers, retirees, or those building location-independent income streams, it’s an easy, hassle-free way to stay in Thailand for up to 20 years. You get VIP treatment at immigration, no more 90-day runs, and access to a vibrant, tropical lifestyle. Think café workdays in Bangkok, weekend trips to Chiang Mai, or island hopping down south.
Here the overview:
Country: Thailand
Timeline: 30–90 days (depends on program and nationality)
Requirements:
One-time membership fee (starts at ~650,000 THB / ~$19,500 USD)
Valid passport
Clean criminal record
No overstays or visa issues in Thailand
Benefits:
5 to 20-year renewable visa (depending on tier)
No need for visa runs or 90-day reporting (they handle it)
VIP immigration fast-track and airport services
Option to open a bank account, lease property, and access private hospitals
No need to show income, investment, or job offer
How to apply:
Official portal
Or via a licensed agent (they help with paperwork and communication)
The process is straightforward. You apply online or through an official partner, submit a passport scan and background check, then wait for approval (which can take a few weeks). Once accepted, you’ll receive a membership welcome and visa affixed either at a Thai consulate or on arrival. No income proof, interviews, or local sponsor needed.
However, this is a pricy option, and the recently introduced DTV visa (how to obtain it, you can view here) is competing with the Elite Visa, since it also offers longer stays, while being way cheaper. If you got the cashflow, the Elite Visa is a super-hassle free option though.
3. UAE Residency (via Freezone Company)
The UAE offers one of the most efficient and business-friendly residency routes in the world. By setting up a Freezone company, you can obtain a 2 year renewable residency visa, without needing a local sponsor. It's ideal for remote founders, solo operators, and those seeking a tax-free base with global connectivity. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah each offer different vibes, but all give access to top-tier infrastructure, banking, and ease of travel.
Here the overview:
Country: United Arab Emirates
Timeline: 7–30 days (depending on Freezone and paperwork)
Requirements:
Set up a Freezone company (starting at ~$3,500–$6,000 USD/year)
Valid passport
Medical check + Emirates ID registration
No prior immigration violations in the UAE
Benefits:
2 year renewable residency visa
No personal income tax
Option to sponsor family members
Open bank accounts, lease property, and operate globally
Base yourself in a fast-moving, high-opportunity region
How to apply:
Choose a Freezone (e.g. IFZA, RAKEZ)
Work with a licensed agent or apply directly via the Freezone's portal (e.g. RAKEZ)
The process starts with choosing a Freezone - each has its own pricing, rules, and benefits. After submitting your passport and setting up the entity, you’ll undergo a simple medical test and biometric scan for your Emirates ID (the pic above). Once complete, you’ll receive a residency visa stamped in your passport. No need for local employees unless you scale later.
Important: Getting a residency is easier than getting a local bank account. I met numerous people who got fooled by one of the many agents, who open UAE companies in 48 hours, while not letting people know the whole picture of the difficulty of bank account opening process. So please do your research before, and ignore all the “sponsored” google matches to your search inquiry.
4. Costa Rica Temporary Residency
Costa Rica is one of the easiest places in Latin America to get legal residency. Through programs like Pensionado (retiree) or Rentista (independent income), you can live long-term in a politically stable, nature-rich country with one of the highest happiness scores in the world. It’s perfect for slow living, remote work, or just building a slower life with good coffee and nice weather.
Here the overview:
Country: Costa Rica
Timeline: 2–5 months (processing times vary, but you can stay while it's pending)
Requirements (Rentista route):
Proof of stable income of $2,500 USD/month for 2 years or
Bank deposit of $60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank
Valid passport + background check + consular registration
Benefits:
Renewable 2-year residency
Access to the national health system (Caja)
No need to work locally
Path to permanent residency after 3 years
How to apply:
Apply at your local Costa Rican consulate or
Enter as a tourist and apply in-country through immigration or a lawyer
The process involves gathering key documents (income proof, police report, birth certificate), translating them into Spanish, and submitting them to immigration. Most applicants work with a local lawyer to streamline it. While waiting for approval, you can legally stay in Costa Rica. Once approved, you register with the local municipality and enroll in the health system.
5. Georgia Residency (via Company Formation)
Georgia remains one of the most underrated countries for remote entrepreneurs. By setting up a local LLC and meeting basic presence requirements, you can unlock legal residency and operate tax-efficiently. It’s visa-free for many nationalities, but if you’re staying longer or want to build a base, this is one of the easiest and fastest paths to long-term legal stay.
There is also an option to obtain a digital nomad visa for Georgia, but here we will focus on the residency option via company formation (and discuss the visa option in another post).
Here the overview:
Country: Georgia
Timeline: 1–4 weeks to register a company + apply for residency
Requirements:
Register a Georgian LLC
Show some business activity (invoices, clients, or income)
Valid passport + clean record
Local address + minimum presence (183+ days/year for tax residency)
Benefits:
Renewable 1-year residency
1% tax on business income under ~$155,000 USD/year
Low bureaucracy, easy banking, and fast setup
No requirement to hire locals or rent an office
Path to permanent residency after 5+ years
How to apply:
Register your company online or with a local agent
Apply for residence permit through the Ministry of Justice
The process is straightforward. You can fly in visa-free, register the company in a few days, open a bank account, and begin operating. After showing some business activity, you apply for a residence permit tied to your company. If approved, you’ll receive a 1-year renewable card. Living in Georgia 183+ days per year also qualifies you as a tax resident with access to their favourable Individual Entrepreneur regime.
6. Cyprus Residency (via LTD + Non-Dom Setup)
Cyprus offers one of the best setups in Europe for entrepreneurs and remote founders. By registering a local LTD (find the explicit process here) and spending at least 60 days per year on the island, you can legally become a tax resident, without being physically tied down. Combine this with the country’s Non-Dom regime, and you get a personal income tax exemption on dividends for 17 years. It was my first residency abroad, and a good option for first time remote founders.
Here the overview:
Country: Cyprus
Timeline: 3–8 weeks (to incorporate, apply, and get documents approved), up to a year to get the tax residency certificate
Requirements:
Register a Cyprus LTD (via a local agent or lawyer)
Appoint yourself as director and pay yourself a salary
Rent or own a residence in Cyprus
Spend at least 60 days/year in Cyprus
Not be a tax resident in any other country
Valid passport, clean record, and basic company admin
Benefits:
Legal EU residency via company director status
Access to the Non-Dom tax regime
0% tax on dividends for 17 years (under Non-Dom status)
12.5% corporate tax (only on Cyprus-sourced income), will possibly raised to 15% soon
Strong banking, infrastructure, and proximity to Europe/MENA
How to apply:
Set up LTD with a local accountant/lawyer
Register for Non-Dom status and tax ID
Sign a rental agreement and document presence in-country
The process is handled mostly through local agents. You’ll register the LTD, open a business bank account, and appoint yourself as an employee/director. Once you establish your 60-day presence and meet the simple conditions, you become a Cyprus tax resident. Ideal if you want an EU base with major tax perks and a high quality of life (and/or if your client insist on doing business with en EU-based company).
7. Uruguay Residency
Uruguay is stable, liberal, and liveable, offering a low-hassle path to legal residency with minimal income or investment requirements. Whether you're settling in Montevideo, along the coast in Punta del Este, or going rural, Uruguay offers peace, safety, and strong institutions. It’s an especially attractive option for Europeans or North Americans looking for a “Plan B” outside the Western bubble.
Here the overview:
Country: Uruguay
Timeline: ~3–6 months (you can live there legally while it’s processed)
Requirements:
Proof of income (as low as ~$1,500/month) from abroad or a local source
Local address (rented or owned)
Birth certificate + clean criminal background check (apostilled & translated)
Medical check (done in Uruguay)
Physical presence in Uruguay during part of the application
Benefits:
Legal residency with minimal red tape
No investment or employment requirement
Access to public healthcare
Path to permanent residency in 2 years and citizenship after 3–5
How to apply:
Enter Uruguay as a tourist and start the process in-country
Visit Dirección Nacional de Migración or work with a local lawyer
Submit documents, attend an interview, and complete medical evaluation
The process is very doable without agents, though many prefer hiring a local lawyer to speed things up and handle translation/legalisation. Once you file, you get temporary residency status and can stay while it’s processed. You don’t need to pay taxes on foreign income unless you formally opt into the tax system (don’t!). Uruguay also respects privacy, making it a solid long-term base for those who want freedom and stability without a high profile.
8. Paraguay Permanent Residency
Paraguay offers a fast and accessible permanent residency program. It’s affordable, easy to get, and doesn’t require you to live there. If you value optionality, asset protection, or just want a long-term base with low obligations, Paraguay is a quiet powerhouse.
Here the overview:
Country: Paraguay
Timeline: 2–4 months for approval (can vary depending on documentation and office speed)
Requirements:
Valid passport
Clean criminal background check (from your home country and Paraguay)
Proof of economic solvency (typically a $5,000 USD deposit in a local bank)
Birth certificate (apostilled + translated)
Medical certificate (done locally)
Some applicants now also need local registration and biometric data
Benefits:
Permanent residency granted immediately (no renewals needed)
No minimum stay required
No tax on foreign-sourced income (unless you opt in)
Low cost of living and very low administrative burden
Optional path to citizenship after 3 years of presence
How to apply:
Enter Paraguay as a tourist
Work with a local lawyer or relocation firm to prepare documents
Submit your application at the Dirección General de Migraciones in Asunción
The process is best done with local help, especially due to translation and shifting requirements. You’ll open a bank account to show solvency, complete a few local steps like a medical exam and police registration, and submit everything for review. Once approved, you’ll receive a Cedula (ID card, as above) and enjoy true long-term residency.
To Conclude
If you’re looking for a plan B, a lifestyle upgrade, or a smarter way to structure your global life, these 8 residencies offer real options.
From Asia to Europe to Latin America, you now know:
What’s required
What to be aware of
How to take the first step for each
Where you can get legal residency fast
Which programs offer long-term stability, tax perks, or low-commitment flexibility
Residency doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right setup, you can live freer, smarter, and more internationally than ever before.
Know someone who needs a plan B? Send this their way.
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Why would you not include Panama? I got my permanent Pensionada Resident Visa in 4 and a half months. It's good for the rest of my life.
Great list, what about Malta? My husband has UK citizenship via his mom but our adult kids don’t, Malta looks like a place that we can all go with one investment of 500k in property? Perhaps it’s changed?