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Choosing between residency by investment and citizenship by investment can feel confusing at first, especially when both offer attractive pathways to global mobility, security, and new opportunities.
While these programs may seem similar, they serve very different goals. Residency by investment is ideal for those who want the right to live in a country with flexibility and fewer upfront obligations, while citizenship by investment provides a direct route to a second passport and full national rights.
The Real Purpose Behind Investment-Based Residency and Citizenship Programs
Residency by investment (RBI) and citizenship by investment (CBI) programs are designed to support national growth while offering investors new opportunities. From a country’s perspective, these programs play a strategic role in strengthening the economy and boosting global competitiveness.
Attracting Foreign Capital
RBI and CBI programs bring significant investment into the country, whether through business activity, development projects, or government-approved funds. This injection of capital helps strengthen the economy and supports long-term national growth.
Stimulating Job Creation
Investor funds often flow into sectors that rely on local labor, such as construction, tourism, technology, or services. As these projects grow, they create new jobs for residents and boost overall employment levels.
Diversifying the Economy
By attracting investors from different industries and regions, countries can reduce their dependence on a single economic sector. This helps build a more resilient and versatile economy that can adapt to global changes and new opportunities.
Promoting Competitiveness
Offering RBI and CBI programs positions a country as an attractive destination for global talent and investment. This enhances international visibility, encourages innovation, and helps the nation stand out in a competitive global market.
What is a Residency by Investment Program (RBI)?
A Residency by Investment (RBI) program is a pathway that allows foreign investors to obtain legal residency in a country by making a qualifying financial investment. Instead of going through traditional immigration routes, investors can secure the right to live, work, or study in that country by contributing to its economy—usually through real estate, business creation, government funds, or other approved investment options.
RBI programs are designed to be flexible. In many cases, such as the Portugal Golden Visa, you don’t need to relocate full-time to maintain your residency, which makes them especially appealing to globally mobile professionals, retirees, and families looking for stability or a backup plan.
What is a Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI)?
A Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program allows foreign investors to obtain full citizenship—and a passport—by making a qualifying investment in a country’s economy. Unlike residency programs, CBI offers the highest level of legal status from the start, giving you the same rights as any other citizen, including the ability to live, work, and vote, as well as access government services.
These programs typically involve a direct contribution to a national fund, real estate investment, or other government-approved economic projects. One of the biggest advantages is that most CBI programs have no physical stay requirements, making them ideal for investors who want global mobility, a secure second nationality, or easier international travel without relocating.
The Differences Between Residency by Investment vs. Citizenship by Investment Programs
Residency by Investment (RBI) grants the right to live in a country, while Citizenship by Investment (CBI) provides full citizenship and a passport. The table below highlights the core distinctions.
List of Countries Offering Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment Programs
CBI Programs
- Turkey
- Austria
- Malta
- Grenada
- St. Kits and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- Dominica
- Antigua e Barbuda
RBI Programs
- Austria
- Cyprus
- Greece
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Portugal
- Switzerland
- United States of America
Residency by Investment vs. Citizenship by Investment: What Is Right for Me?
Choosing between Residency by Investment (RBI) and Citizenship by Investment (CBI) comes down to your goals, lifestyle, and how much freedom you want from your investment. Both options offer valuable benefits, but the right choice depends on what you expect in the short and long term.
To help clarify your direction, here are key questions to ask yourself:
- Do I want the right to live in the country, or do I want a second passport?
- How quickly do I need the benefits of the program?
- Am I planning to spend time in the country, or do I prefer no stay requirements?
- Is it important for me to keep my current nationality?
- What level of global mobility am I looking for?
- How much am I willing to invest upfront?
- Do I want a pathway to future citizenship, or immediate citizenship?
How We Can Help
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citizenship by Investment (CBI)?
CBI is a process by which an individual can obtain a second citizenship and passport by investing in the economy of the host country.
What is Residency by Investment (RBI)?
RBI allows an individual to obtain legal residency status in a country through investment. This can eventually lead to citizenship, subject to the country’s immigration laws.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. This means you can become a Portuguese citizen without having to renounce your original citizenship, allowing you to hold multiple passports.
How to get Portugal citizenship?
You can obtain Portuguese citizenship through several routes:
- Naturalization: After 5-6 years of legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for citizenship.
- Descent: If you have a Portuguese parent or grandparent, you can apply for citizenship.
- Marriage: If you have been married to a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years, you may be eligible for citizenship.
- Adoption: Minor children adopted by Portuguese citizens are eligible for citizenship.
- Sephardic Jewish Ancestry: Descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th century can apply for citizenship under a special law.
How to become a Portugal citizen?
To become a Portuguese citizen, you must meet the eligibility requirements under one of the available routes (such as naturalization, descent, marriage, or special programs) and submit your application to the Portuguese government, typically through the Civil Registry Office (“Conservatória dos Registos Centrais”). You must provide all required documentation and meet language proficiency requirements, if applicable.
Does Portugal give citizenship by birth?
Yes, but with specific conditions. Portugal grants citizenship by birth to children born in Portugal if at least one of the parents has lived legally in Portugal for a minimum of one year. If neither parent meets this criterion, the child will not automatically receive Portuguese citizenship.
How can I get Portugal citizenship?
You can get Portuguese citizenship by residing in Portugal for 5-6 years, having Portuguese ancestry, marrying a Portuguese citizen, or through special programs like the Sephardic Jewish ancestry route. Each path has specific requirements and steps, so it’s important to choose the one that fits your situation best.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?
The time it takes to obtain Portuguese citizenship varies depending on the route:
- Naturalization: Typically 5-6 years of legal residency.
- Marriage: Minimum of 3 years of marriage to a Portuguese citizen.
- Descent: The application process can take several months to a year, depending on the complexity and completeness of the documents.
Once the application is submitted, processing can take 6-24 months, depending on the case and the backlog at the authorities.
Does Portugal allow triple citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows multiple citizenships, including triple citizenship. There are no restrictions on the number of citizenships a Portuguese citizen can hold.
How many years to get Portugal citizenship?
The typical residency requirement to apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization is 5-6 years. Other routes, such as marriage or descent, may have different time frames.
How to get dual citizenship in Portugal?
To obtain dual citizenship, you must first meet the requirements for Portuguese citizenship (such as residency, descent, or marriage). Once granted Portuguese citizenship, you are not required to renounce your original citizenship, allowing you to hold dual or multiple nationalities.
How much investment is required for Portugal citizenship?
Portugal does not offer direct citizenship by investment. However, the Golden Visa program provides a pathway to residency through investment, which can lead to citizenship after 5 years. Investment options start at €200,000 for cultural donation projects in low-density areas, €500,000 for investments funds, or €500,000 for investment in Portuguese companies. After maintaining the investment and meeting residency requirements for 5 years, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship.
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