Investors with liquid assets can obtain long‑term residence permits in several jurisdictions simply by placing a qualifying deposit in a local bank. The required amounts vary widely, and most programs do not obligate the holder to reside permanently, allowing the permit to serve as a strategic “plan B” for lifestyle, security, or tax diversification.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
- Deposit 2 million AED (≈ US $545,000) in a UAE bank for two years.
- Grants a 10‑year “golden visa.”
- No minimum stay requirement; tax liability is generally limited unless the holder becomes a tax resident elsewhere.
Greece (Golden Visa)
- €500,000 placed in a Greek bank (or invested in real estate) qualifies for a five‑year residence permit, renewable.
- No mandatory physical presence; the permit allows free travel within the Schengen Area.
- A property purchase under the same program is an alternative but involves higher costs.
Latvia (Temporary Residence)
- Commitment of €280,000 to a Latvian bank (often structured as a subordinated debt) secures a five‑year temporary residence permit.
- Renewal requires reinvestment and a state fee of €25,000.
- Citizenship is possible after ten years of residence and language proficiency, but the program is primarily used for residence.
Panama
| Investment option | Amount | Permit type |
|---|---|---|
| Plain‑vanilla term deposit | US $750,000 | Permanent residence |
| Term deposit for Western nationals | US $200,000 | Temporary residence (upgradeable to permanent after two years) |
| Real‑estate purchase | US $300,000 | Immediate permanent residence |
| Purchase of Panamanian securities | US $500,000 | Immediate permanent residence |
- Deposits must be held in a reputable Panamanian bank; the country offers a relatively tax‑friendly regime and flexible tourist‑visa policies.
Ecuador
- US $45,000 placed in an Ecuadorian bank qualifies for a residence permit.
- The permit can be maintained without continuous physical presence, but citizenship requires actual residence over time.
- The program provides a low‑cost entry point for a South‑American foothold.
Thailand (Long‑Term Residence)
- Deposit of 10 million THB (≈ US $300,000) in a Thai bank grants an indefinitely renewable residence permit.
- The deposit can be a term deposit or a bond purchase.
- Thailand’s “non‑dom” tax treatment means foreign‑sourced income kept outside Thailand is not taxed; income earned locally is taxed at standard rates.
Indonesia (Second Home Visa)
- Deposit of US $129,000 in a government‑owned Indonesian bank secures an IM2 (Second Home) visa.
- The visa does not lead to citizenship and requires no minimum stay to retain.
- Residents who live in Indonesia for most of the year become subject to local tax rates.
Practical considerations
- Tax residency: Most of these permits do not create tax obligations unless the holder spends sufficient time in the country to become a tax resident.
- Renewal costs: Some programs (e.g., Latvia) impose state fees on renewal; budgeting for these recurring expenses is essential.
- Liquidity vs. fees: Direct bank deposits preserve liquidity, whereas structured investments (subordinated debt, securities) may lock funds or incur additional fees.
- Diversification: Holding residence permits in multiple jurisdictions can hedge against geopolitical or fiscal changes in any single country.
Investors should evaluate each program against personal goals, risk tolerance, and the specific legal and tax environment of their home country before committing funds.
