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?
Malta’s residency is still possible, but it’s no longer "just" a €500k property investment, since under EU pressure there are now added government contributions and fees. Adult kids can sometimes be included, but only if they’re under 29, unmarried, and still financially dependent on you. So it works, but it’s pricier and more restrictive than before.
Definitely hot contenders! If the list had 10, they would be on it. I am planning an updated version of this list, with more residencies included, will update you once done!
Very welcome! For speed, Portugal's D7 visa is great if you have passive income. Hungary's White Card is even faster for approval but it's newer so less of a track record. A more granular answer depends on the individual circumstances (income, passport, financial situation etc.) but those 2 are a good place to start.
Fantastic Break down! I would also add Panama. Having done that myself, it's a good residency to hold and I recommend doing it via a local law firm to speed things up. The territoriality of the tax system is a huge draw and the lower cost of living is also good. Not super low compared to Colombia or Argentina but still great for westerners.
Among the 8 options, Taiwan, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Uruguay stand out as the most LGBTQ-friendly. All have legal protections and broad social acceptance. Cyprus is moderate, while Paraguay, Georgia, and the UAE are more conservative. Feel free to DM me, if you have more specific questions ;)
Great question! Most residency programs let you include minor children as dependent. It just means extra paperwork (birth certificates, translations, etc.) and sometimes a slightly higher income requirement. Feel free to DM me, if you have more specific questions to a particular residency option on the list ;)
Costa Rica is wildly behind in processing residency applications currently (2+ year wait, currently), but like you said, you fall into a waiting status after submitting your paperwork so you are allowed to stay indefinitely until you receive your answer.
Yep, I’ve been here coming up on 12 years. I have friends who’ve been in processing for close to 2 years, and that’s with one of the “easiest” paths, through the CR citizenship of their child.
I love Costa Rica, I’m planning on naturalizing next year, but there are some concerning patterns I’m keeping an eye on. I’ve felt far safer here than in the US for the last decade, however.
Good question. “Clean criminal record” doesn’t always mean spotless.
Some countries just ask for a recent police clearance (but e.g. in Thailand they don't they check themselves, but knowing their process, you will be totally fine). Old misdemeanors, DUIs from decades ago, or charges that were dismissed usually aren’t an issue. What tends to matter are serious or recent convictions. Expunged cases often don’t even show up.
If in doubt, check the exact wording for the residency you’re applying to, and use a local agent for a (free) check with your exact situation.
I can connect you with someone in Thailand (if this is what you are aiming for).
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.
yeah great point, I thought about including Panama as well, will do a deep dive on that particular residency as well at some point
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?
Malta’s residency is still possible, but it’s no longer "just" a €500k property investment, since under EU pressure there are now added government contributions and fees. Adult kids can sometimes be included, but only if they’re under 29, unmarried, and still financially dependent on you. So it works, but it’s pricier and more restrictive than before.
This is great, thanks for explaining the options!
You are so welcome! 😊
I’m surprised Panama and Mexico didn’t make the list.
Definitely hot contenders! If the list had 10, they would be on it. I am planning an updated version of this list, with more residencies included, will update you once done!
You should update the Info in Paraguay!
yep, absolutely!
Great list! Thanks for compiling this. Do you k ow which EU country is the fastest/easiest to obtain residency, please?
Very welcome! For speed, Portugal's D7 visa is great if you have passive income. Hungary's White Card is even faster for approval but it's newer so less of a track record. A more granular answer depends on the individual circumstances (income, passport, financial situation etc.) but those 2 are a good place to start.
Thank you. We're actually in Portugal right, and that was the country I was referring to. Cheers!
Fantastic Break down! I would also add Panama. Having done that myself, it's a good residency to hold and I recommend doing it via a local law firm to speed things up. The territoriality of the tax system is a huge draw and the lower cost of living is also good. Not super low compared to Colombia or Argentina but still great for westerners.
Yes totally. This article needs an update :)
Safe for LGBTQ? Thank you
Among the 8 options, Taiwan, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Uruguay stand out as the most LGBTQ-friendly. All have legal protections and broad social acceptance. Cyprus is moderate, while Paraguay, Georgia, and the UAE are more conservative. Feel free to DM me, if you have more specific questions ;)
Much appreciated 🙂Thank you!
You are very welcome! :)
How does having a minor child change the options?
Great question! Most residency programs let you include minor children as dependent. It just means extra paperwork (birth certificates, translations, etc.) and sometimes a slightly higher income requirement. Feel free to DM me, if you have more specific questions to a particular residency option on the list ;)
Costa Rica is wildly behind in processing residency applications currently (2+ year wait, currently), but like you said, you fall into a waiting status after submitting your paperwork so you are allowed to stay indefinitely until you receive your answer.
Thanks Crys, that is very good on the ground info! Are you in Costa Rica right now? How is it there?
Yep, I’ve been here coming up on 12 years. I have friends who’ve been in processing for close to 2 years, and that’s with one of the “easiest” paths, through the CR citizenship of their child.
I love Costa Rica, I’m planning on naturalizing next year, but there are some concerning patterns I’m keeping an eye on. I’ve felt far safer here than in the US for the last decade, however.
Very cool! I would love to ask you some questions to get on the ground intel for Costa Rica, can I contact you?
For sure. I believe I have my DMs open.
Done!
Thanks for the rundown but seriously who has the kind of money that’s required for most countries you spotlighted?
Because nobody wants to go there…
actually if you look at the popularity of those programs, many people are choosing to go to these places
Just because many do it, does not necessary mean it's a good thing... lol...
Exactly. Popularity and wisdom aren’t the same.
Hahaha. No thank you.
Why are medical checks required?
Good question. “Clean criminal record” doesn’t always mean spotless.
Some countries just ask for a recent police clearance (but e.g. in Thailand they don't they check themselves, but knowing their process, you will be totally fine). Old misdemeanors, DUIs from decades ago, or charges that were dismissed usually aren’t an issue. What tends to matter are serious or recent convictions. Expunged cases often don’t even show up.
If in doubt, check the exact wording for the residency you’re applying to, and use a local agent for a (free) check with your exact situation.
I can connect you with someone in Thailand (if this is what you are aiming for).
very welcome!