Imagine buying a beachfront apartment—and gaining the right to live, work, or retire in a new country. In 2024, that’s exactly what many governments are offering through property-based residency programs. These “Golden Visas” or real estate-linked permits allow investors to unlock more than returns: they offer freedom, tax advantages, and international mobility.

This blog explores 10 countries where buying property can give you residency—some temporary, others permanent. We cover entry costs, process details, benefits, and why each destination stands out for international investors.

1. Portugal

• Residency Route: Portugal Golden Visa (Real estate option)

• Minimum Investment (2024): €500,000 (commercial or residential real estate)

• Key Perks:

  • Live and work in Portugal

  • Visa-free access to the Schengen Zone

  • Apply for citizenship after 5 years

• Update: Residential real estate in Lisbon and Porto is no longer eligible—focus is now on interior regions and commercial properties.

2. Greece

• Residency Route: Greece Golden Visa

• Minimum Investment: €250,000 (property purchase in most regions), €500,000+ in Athens and select tourist zones

• Key Perks:

  • Fast-track permanent residency

  • No minimum stay requirement

  • Access to EU healthcare and education

• Ideal for: Investors wanting a low-tax, scenic base in Europe.

3. Turkey

• Residency Route: Property Purchase + Short-term Residency, leading to Citizenship

• Minimum Investment: $200,000+ for residency, $400,000+ for citizenship

• Key Perks:

  • Fast residency approval

  • Citizenship in under 6 months (if desired)

  • Turkish passport includes visa-free access to 110+ countries

• Extra Benefit: Dual citizenship is allowed.

4. Spain

• Residency Route: Spain Golden Visa

• Minimum Investment: €500,000 in real estate

• Key Perks:

  • Live in Spain and travel across the EU

  • Option to work and start a business

  • Path to permanent residency and citizenship

• Note: Spain has income tax for residents—non-doms should plan accordingly.

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Residency Route: Investor Visa via Property

• Minimum Investment: AED 2 million (~$545,000)

• Key Perks:

  • 10-year renewable Golden Visa

  • Zero income tax

  • Access to business hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

• Best for: Entrepreneurs, high-income earners, remote workers

6. Panama

• Residency Route: Friendly Nations Visa / Qualified Investor Visa

• Minimum Investment: $200,000+ in property (Friendly Nations), $300,000 (Qualified Investor)

• Key Perks:

  • Fast-track permanent residency

  • Path to citizenship after 5 years

  • No worldwide income tax

• Ideal for: US, EU, and Latin American investors.

7. Thailand

• Residency Route: Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR) or Elite Visa with Property Ownership

• Minimum Investment: LTR eligibility is income-based, but property adds weight; Elite Visa packages start around $15,000 (not permanent)

• Key Perks:

  • Long-term stay of 5–20 years

  • Access to luxury lifestyle, healthcare, beach cities

  • Property titles available for condos (not land)

• Note: Foreign land ownership still restricted.

8. Mauritius

• Residency Route: Property Investment Visa

• Minimum Investment: $375,000 in a government-approved real estate project

• Key Perks:

  • Permanent residency

  • Tax-friendly jurisdiction (no capital gains or inheritance tax)

  • High-end island lifestyle

• Popular with: South Africans, Europeans, and Middle Eastern investors.

9. Antigua & Barbuda

• Residency Route: Citizenship by Investment through Real Estate

• Minimum Investment: $200,000 (joint) or $400,000 (single)

• Key Perks:

  • Dual citizenship within 6 months

  • Visa-free access to 140+ countries

  • No income or wealth taxes

• Good for: Investors seeking a second passport with lifestyle appeal.

10. Cambodia

• Residency Route: Property ownership + business or visa extensions

• Minimum Investment: Around $70,000–$150,000 for condos in Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville

• Key Perks:

  • Long-term stay possible via renewable visas

  • No foreign ownership cap on condos

  • Emerging economy with potential upside

• Note: No official “residency by investment” program, but de facto path is well-used.

Tips for Choosing the Right Country

1. Clarify Your Goals

Do you want tax advantages, visa-free travel, a second passport, or just a place to retire?

2. Study the Exit Plan

Can you sell the property after a few years? Will you keep the residency or need to requalify?

3. Be Ready for Bureaucracy

Residency processing times vary, and legal support is often necessary. Use vetted migration lawyers.

4. Watch Policy Shifts

Some programs (e.g., Portugal or Spain) may be under pressure politically. Don’t delay if a deal looks strong.

Conclusion: Invest in More Than Property—Invest in Mobility

In 2024, real estate is no longer just about ROI—it’s about residency, rights, and relocation. Whether you're looking to build a life abroad, secure a Plan B, or gain mobility without renouncing your citizenship, property-linked residency programs open up powerful new possibilities.

From the luxury of Dubai to the charm of Portugal or the island lifestyle of Mauritius, these 10 countries offer investors a unique path to global access, lifestyle enhancement, and smart asset diversification. If you’re ready to turn your property into a passport to the world, the time to move is now.