Residency Timelines by Country 2025
Relocating to another country often starts with securing residency, which can take anywhere from a few months to several years. This guide breaks down 10 popular residency programs for 2025, focusing on processing times, investment requirements, and benefits. Here's a quick summary of the key programs:
- Portugal D7 Visa: Ideal for retirees or those with passive income (€870/month minimum). Residency possible within 5 years.
- UAE Golden Visa: Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. Specific requirements vary.
- Singapore GIP: Designed for high-net-worth individuals; updated 2025 criteria pending.
- Greece Golden Visa: Real estate investment of €250,000 ($270,000) grants residency in 2-3 months.
- Malta MRVP: Involves contributions to national funds and real estate investment. Processing times vary due to detailed reviews.
- Swiss Residency: Temporary B Permit granted within 4-5 months, renewable annually.
- Malaysia MM2H: Requires proof of financial stability and fixed deposits. Offers long-term residency.
- Cyprus Residency by Investment: Real estate investment grants permanent residency in 6-9 months.
- United States EB-5 Visa: $800,000 investment in TEAs or $1,050,000 elsewhere. Processing times depend on project type.
Quick Comparison
| Program | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal D7 Visa | €870/month (income) | 5 years | Schengen Area access, permanent residency |
| UAE Golden Visa | Varies | Varies | Long-term residency in a business hub |
| Singapore GIP | Pending 2025 updates | Varies | Residency in Asia's financial center |
| Greece Golden Visa | €250,000 ($270,000) | 2-3 months | EU residency, Schengen travel |
| Malta MRVP | Varies (funds + real estate) | Varies | EU mobility, tax advantages |
| Swiss Residency | N/A | 4-5 months | High quality of life, renewable annually |
| Malaysia MM2H | Fixed deposit + assets | Several months | Long-term visa, family inclusion |
| Cyprus Residency | €300,000 ($320,000) | 6-9 months | Permanent EU residency |
| U.S. EB-5 Visa | $800,000-$1,050,000 | 6+ months | Direct path to U.S. green card |
Each program aligns with different goals, from tax benefits to family-friendly pathways or global mobility. For U.S. investors, platforms like Retirement Citizenship can help structure investments using retirement funds.
Easiest Countries to Get Permanent Residency in 2025 – You Won't Believe How Easy It Is
1. Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa is designed for retirees and individuals with a reliable passive income - such as pensions, rental earnings, or dividends. Instead of requiring a significant upfront investment, this visa places priority on consistent financial stability.
Minimum Financial Requirement
To qualify, applicants need to show a steady passive income of at least €870 per month for the primary applicant.
Main Benefits
The D7 Visa offers freedom to travel throughout the Schengen Area without restrictions. After maintaining legal residency for five years, holders can apply for permanent residency in Portugal. With its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and welcoming atmosphere, Portugal stands out as an attractive choice for long-term residency.
2. UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a residency program tailored for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals who want to secure long-term residency in the UAE. Positioned as a gateway to one of the world's most vibrant business hubs, this program provides a range of appealing benefits, making it an attractive option for those looking to live and work in the region.
3. Singapore GIP
The Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP) provides an opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to gain residency in one of Asia's leading financial hubs. As of now, the official 2025 requirements - including the necessary investment amount, processing timelines, and eligibility criteria - have not been released.
4. Greece Golden Visa
Greece's Golden Visa has emerged as a sought-after option for securing EU residency, particularly for those interested in real estate investment. Its relatively low cost compared to other European programs has made it a favorite among international investors.
Minimum Investment (USD)
To qualify, you'll need to invest at least €250,000 (around $270,000) in real estate.
Timeline to Initial Residency
The application process is relatively quick. You can expect to receive your initial residency within 2 to 3 months after submitting your application. Once approved, permanent residency is granted right away.
5. Malta MRVP
Malta's MRVP stands out as another appealing option for securing EU residency, offering unique benefits alongside Greece's streamlined process and attractive real estate opportunities.
Main Benefits
The MRVP opens doors to greater mobility and business opportunities within the EU. It allows successful applicants - and their eligible family members - to live, work, and study in the EU, all while benefiting from Malta's appealing tax system and financial advantages.
6. Swiss Residency
Switzerland offers a pathway to residency through a temporary B Permit, which is renewable on an annual basis.
| Step | Timeline | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation and due diligence | Month 1 | Gather required documents and complete background checks |
| Approval and D visa invitation | Month 1 | Receive initial approval and an invitation to apply for the D visa |
| Residence permit application | Month 2 | Submit the application for the residence permit |
| Swiss residency granted | Month 4–5 | Obtain the B Permit and officially establish residency |
7. Montenegro Real Estate Residency
The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment program, which allowed individuals to gain residency and eventually citizenship through investment, officially ended on December 31, 2022.
8. Malaysia MM2H
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program offers long-term residency for those looking to settle in Malaysia. Recent updates to the program focus on ensuring applicants have solid financial backing and are actively involved in the local community.
Main Benefits
The MM2H program comes with a range of perks. It offers a renewable long-term visa with multiple entries, which also extends to immediate family members. Other advantages include tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income, access to high-quality healthcare, opportunities to invest in real estate, and simplified rules for importing personal vehicles.
9. Cyprus Residency by Investment
Cyprus offers a streamlined investment program that provides a quick route to European residency. This initiative replaced the country's previous citizenship-by-investment program, which ended on November 1, 2020.
Timeline to Initial Residency (Months)
The processing time is approximately 2 months from the date of application submission. Including the time needed for document preparation, the entire process typically takes 6–9 months.
10. United States EB-5 Visa
The United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a straightforward path to U.S. permanent residency through investment.
Main Benefits
The EB-5 program offers a direct route to U.S. permanent residency without requiring employer sponsorship or family ties. For those looking to use retirement funds, it's possible to leverage IRA assets for the investment. Retirement Citizenship provides expertise in structuring these transactions to comply with U.S. tax and immigration laws.
Program Comparison: Advantages and Disadvantages
When weighing residency programs for global mobility, it's essential to examine factors like investment requirements, processing times, tax perks, family inclusions, and compliance obligations. Each program comes with its own set of strengths and challenges, making a thorough comparison necessary.
For U.S.-based investors, the EB-5 program allows the use of retirement assets, such as IRAs, to meet investment criteria. Organizations like Retirement Citizenship assist investors in structuring these investments while ensuring compliance with financial and tax regulations, making global mobility more accessible.
Conclusion
When considering global residency programs, several factors stand out: processing times, investment requirements, and long-term benefits. The right choice depends on your personal priorities and goals.
For those seeking quick relocation, options like the UAE Golden Visa and Singapore's GIP are appealing. If family inclusion is a priority, Greece's Golden Visa and Portugal's D7 Visa provide family-friendly pathways.
Ultimately, aligning the program's benefits with your specific goals - whether it's expedited relocation, future citizenship, favorable tax conditions, or family security - can make the process smoother. Expert guidance from platforms like Retirement Citizenship simplifies decision-making and sets U.S. investors on the path to achieving their global mobility aspirations.
