Are Investment Residency Requirements Lower Than Caribbean?

A Golden Visa is the second term for investment residency programs, and refers to the possibility of residing in some European countries that offer such programs after investing in their economies or purchasing real estate.

Countries offering investment residency have always imposed residency requirements since their inception. However, with the introduction of residency in the Caribbean, the history of investment immigration programs that did not require residency has ended.

Residency is not the only requirement for investment residency programs. There are also language requirements, cultural integration, proof of connection, and tax requirements, although this article will focus only on the residency requirement.

We provide the latest list of countries currently offering investment residency in Europe and their physical residency requirements for 2025, whether your goal is to maintain your Golden Visa or aspire to permanent residency and citizenship.

Physical Residency Requirements for Investment Residency

1. Investment Residency to Maintain a Golden Visa

1. Portugal: Under the Portuguese residency by investment, you need a 7-day residency in the first year, followed by 14 days every two years of residency.

2. Greece: No residency requirement to maintain a Golden Visa.

3. Cyprus: At least one day residency every two years.

4. Hungary: No residency requirement, but you must have a registered physical address.

5. Latvia: At least one visit per year, regardless of duration.

6. Italy: No physical residency requirement.

7. Belgium: At least one visit.

2. Investment Residency to Qualify for Permanent Residency

✓ Latvia: Reside for more than 183 days per year for 4 years.

✓ Malta: There is a direct Malta permanent residency by investment program without the need for prior residency.

✓ Greece: Residency abroad must not exceed 6 months at a time or 10 months in total over 5 years.

✓ Portugal: Reside for 7 days in the first year, then 14 days every two years until the completion of 5 years.

3. Investment Residency to Qualify for European Citizenship

✓ Portugal: Requires a 5-year residency, although the program is considering increasing this to 10 years.

✓ Greece: Requires a residency of 183 days or more per year for 7 consecutive years under the Greece residence by Investment Program.

✓ Cyprus: Requires a 12-month residency within 7 years.

✓ Hungary: Residency for 8 years.

✓ Latvia: Residency for 9 years, with a minimum of 184 days per year.

✓ Italy: Permanent residency for 10 years.

✓ Belgium: Residency for more than 6 months per year within 5 years.

Comparing Investment Residency to Caribbean Citizenship

The European Union and the United States have imposed residency requirements on countries that grant Caribbean citizenship by investment to facilitate their citizens’ entry into these regions.

The United States and the European Union require Caribbean passport holders to demonstrate their connection to these countries by participating in community training and a short acclimatization period during their stay.

It’s worth noting that Caribbean citizenship holders can enter all Schengen countries and the United Kingdom without a visa, and are also eligible for a ten-year US business or tourist visa with each issuance.

Applicants seeking Caribbean citizenship are only required to reside for one month within five full years after obtaining citizenship. Considering European residency requirements, the Caribbean countries’ requirements are minimal compared to the European obligations.

Now, Caribbean Citizenship or Residency by Investment?

We cannot directly compare these two programs. The Caribbean program grants immediate citizenship, while applicants for the Residency by Investment program must wait several years and make a financial and physical commitment to qualify for future European citizenship.

However, it is up to the investor to decide which program is best for them based on their aspirations. If you would like detailed information and comparisons between the European Residency by Investment program in Europe or Citizenship by Investment in the Caribbean, contact one of our Global Citizen Consultants experts.