10 residency and citizenship program types, each compared across countries.
Citizenship by investment (CBI) — direct acquisition of citizenship (and passport) in exchange for a qualifying investment, with no prior residence requirement.
Digital nomad visa — residence permits for remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing for foreign clients, performed via ICT.
Employment residency — standard work permits tied to a job offer from a local employer, covering the broadest category of economic migration.
Family reunification — residence permits for spouses, children, and sometimes parents of legal residents or citizens.
Highly skilled employment residence — permits for professionals with university degrees or equivalent experience, typically with a binding job offer from a local employer.
Investment residency — residence permits granted in exchange for qualifying investment (real estate, funds, business, government bonds, or bank deposits).
Passive income residency — residence permits for individuals who can support themselves from **passive income sources** (pensions, dividends, rental income, royalties, interest) without working…
Retired residency — residence permits for individuals living off pension or retirement income, with no intention to work locally.
Startup / entrepreneur residency — residence permits for founders, co-founders, and entrepreneurs who launch or invest in innovative businesses.
Student residency — residence permits for individuals enrolled in recognized educational institutions (universities, colleges, language schools).
