Residency Frameworks for International Investors

Residency forms an important component of how internationally mobile investors structure their affairs across jurisdictions. Unlike citizenship, which is typically limited to a small number of formal programmes, residency pathways are significantly broader and more varied.

These frameworks can provide the right to live, work, or establish a presence in a particular jurisdiction, and are often used alongside asset, business, and tax planning strategies.

Residency may be obtained through a range of routes, including investment-based programmes, business or entrepreneurial activity, employment, or broader financial presence. The structure and requirements vary considerably between jurisdictions.

At Prifma Capital, we focus on a select group of established jurisdictions that are widely used by international investors and their advisors as part of a broader global diversification strategy.

Investment-Based Residency

A number of jurisdictions offer structured residency pathways linked to investment activity. These are often used by investors seeking flexibility within a particular region or as part of a longer-term planning strategy.

Typical examples include:

• Malta — permanent residence through a structured contribution and property-based framework

• Greece — residency through real estate investment from EUR 250,000

• Portugal — investment-based residency routes with various qualifying options

• United Arab Emirates — residency through property investment or business activity

• United States — EB-5 investor framework linked to job-creating investment

Alternative Residency Pathways

Beyond investment-based programmes, many internationally recognised jurisdictions offer residency through alternative routes such as business activity, employment, or financial presence.

These frameworks are often used by internationally mobile individuals who are structuring their affairs across multiple jurisdictions, particularly in major financial centres and established wealth hubs.

Residency frameworks vary significantly depending on personal circumstances, objectives, and the structure of an individual’s assets and business interests.
For this reason, residency is typically considered as part of a broader strategy rather than in isolation.

For a detailed breakdown of how residency and citizenship frameworks can be structured together, including a comparative analysis of key jurisdictions, download the Prifma Global Mobility & Wealth Report.

Key Jurisdictions

Europe
Greece
Italy
Jersey
Malta
Monaco
Portugal
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom

Asia
Hong Kong
Singapore
United Arab Emirates

Americas
Canada
The Bahamas
United States