Peculiarities of receiving residence permit in some countries

According to the European Statistical Committee in 2013 Russian citizens, Ukrainians and Belarusians received 386,598 residence permits in the European Union. It is 16.3% of all residence cards issued in the EU. Russian citizens are the most numerous holders of residence permits in many European countries.

The change of living place is quite a common practice around the world. As a rule, people are looking for more suitable and better living conditions, and the countries that are ready to accept immigrants, offering different conditions for that. The easiest way is to obtain a residence permit in the country.

Residence permit is a document confirming the right of its holder to permanently living on the territory of the country that issued permit. It is possible to leave country and entry with permit as well as stay in this country rather long (from one year to five years).

In accordance with United Nations’ statistics prepared in 2015-2016 there are the most attractive countries for living:

There are many methods for residence permit receiving. One of the easiest is buying property abroad.

As usual for residence permit receiving it is enough to buy a property for a certain amount or put that amount in other assets / investments. In different countries this amount ranges from $ 45, 000 to 2,000,000 GBP. In any case, people who can buy a property in that amount have simple and easy way to change the place of residence.

Residence permit requires living a certain time in the country that issued this residence permit. This time varies from the country. If a person lives less than the due time, the residence permit may be cancelled.

Moreover, residence permit gives the right to receive citizenship in some countries if you stay quite a long time in the country. We also offer you a brief overview on the residence permit receiving in some countries.

Russia

It is impossible to receive residence permit in Russia if you buy a property. There are other reasons for receiving residence permit in Russia. In July 2016 the amendments to the Federal Laws “On Russian citizenship” and “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in Russia” came into force. These amendments established new criteria for simplified receiving Russian citizenship by entrepreneurs and specialists.  

Foreign entrepreneurs have the right to apply for Russian citizenship via simplified procedure (without obligatory 5 years living in Russia) if they have business in Russia at least for 3 years and the sum of paid taxes and insurance fees is no less than one million per year.

Foreign citizens-investors have also the right to apply for Russian citizenship via simplified procedure if the share of their contributions to the authorized capital of Russian companies is not less than 10% in the last three years, the size of the authorized capital of the company - not less than 100 million rubles, and the amount of taxes paid and contributions to the pension fund - at least 6 million rubles annually. For detailed information please contact consultants of Confidence Group.

Spain

Spain is the ideal variant for those who want to live at resort and forget about cold winters. Please also note that there are not only such advantages as warm climate and sea in Spain but such as the cost of square meter that is cheaper than in Russia. So hundreds of the middle class have already implemented their dream of own property abroad.

In Spain, there is the law that establishes residence permit issuing in five cases including those who buy a house or an apartment in the amount of not less than € 500 thousand (currently about 35 million rubles) per one person or for those who share contributions to Spanish credit institutions at the amount of not less than € 1 million (about 70 million rubles). Such residence permit is issued to the investor and family - spouse and minor children.

Originally the residence permit and the right to free movement across the EU countries is provided for 2 years available, then extended for another 4 years. Please note that the property should be bought without the credit. Foreign citizen can obtain Spanish citizenship after living in the country for at least 10 years.

Germany

Germany is the country that annually provides the largest number of residence permits. This is due, primarily, the leading position of the German economy in the European Union and, consequently, many quotas for permanent residents and new citizens.

The residence permit in Germany can not be obtained in case of buying property. The easiest way to obtain a residence permit is opening own business in the country. The most common form of ownership is a limited liability company (GmbH).

The amount of start-up capital for a limited liability company is € 25 thousand (about 1,75 million rubles). Residence permits for businessmen in Germany are issued for 1 year and renewed annually for the next 3 years. Businessman should stay in Germany for at least 6 months of the year. After 3 years of living in Germany and successful business, a foreign citizen can apply for a permanent residence permit, and after 4 years - for citizenship.

Greece

After the purchase of property in Greece everyone has the opportunity to receive a residence permit.

There is no necessity to stay in Greece for a certain period. There are many advantages of having residence permit: you can travel freely in Europe without a visa, children will be able to receive European education, you will be able at any time to come to resort and spend holidays abroad.

Greek residence permit is issued for up to 5 years after buying a house or an apartment in the amount not less than € 250 thousand (about 17.5 million rubles) per person. One of the variants is long-term lease of property (for example, the hotel) for a period of not less than 10 years and for a total amount of € 250,000 which must be paid  at once.

The investor's family, husband / wife and minor children also receive residence permits. After ten years of legal residence in Greece foreign citizens have the right to obtain the citizenship.

Norway

The snow-white mountain peaks, green meadows, blue glaciers, waterfalls and, of course, the famous fjords - fantastic nature will be available to you in such attractive country for living as Norway. This country attracts not only by the fantastic nature, but also economic and political well-being, which are so eager for foreign citizens who plan to move to another country.

Buying a property in Norway is not the reason for receiving residence permit receiving in Norway.

The easiest way to obtain a residence permit is to open your own business in the country, which requires a minimum registered capital of € 13,000 (about 910 thousand rubles). In addition, Norway citizen must be the Head of your company. The projected profit before the tax must be at least € 25,000 per year (not less than 1,75 million rubles). The residence permit is issued for one year and may be prolonged. Seven years after official living in the country foreign citizen can apply for Norway citizenship.

USA

Moving to the United States for permanent residence is the dream of thousands of people around the world. Russian citizens and citizens of former Soviet republics - Ukraine and Belarus are among them. There are many advantages: great opportunities, strong social support and ability to move freely around the world.

Residence permit (Green Card) can be obtained in case of investments in the US economy (from $ 500,000 (approximately 3 million rubles) in the project on the territory of the so-called target region (Targeted Employment Area) - countryside or in areas with high unemployment.

Investments (up to $ 1 million (about 60 million rubles)) to new business and creating at least 10 jobs for Americans must be done via special Regional Centers. The document is issued for 10 years with possibility of extension. In case of five years official living a foreign citizen has the right to apply for US citizenship. At the same time during this five-year period the applicant can not leave the country for more than 30 months, or to make a trip lasting more than one year.

Australia

Buying an apartment or house in Australia does not mean automatic receiving of residence permit. One of the most common ways to obtain a residence permit is to invest at the amount of at least 1,5 million Australian dollars (about 71 million rubles). The residence permit is issued for a period of up to 4 years, then you can receive permanent residence permit, after 5 years – citizenship.

Portugal

Portugal is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world and no wonder that it is visited annually by millions of tourists who want to know its centuries-old history, relax on its beautiful beaches and take a walk through the streets of the old city, as well as wishing to buy a property.

Starting from October 08, 2012 everyone who buy a property at the amount of not less than € 500,000 (about 35 million rubles) has the right to receive residence permit. The period of obligatory staying in Portugal is 30 days per year. The other period the property can be leased.

Foreign citizen can also create own business (investments at the amount of not less € 500,000 (about 35 million rubles)) and open at least 10 working places. After five years of temporary residence permit applicant can receive citizenship.

The owners of several houses (apartments) with the total value of not less than € 500,000 can also receive residence permit in Portugal. At the same time, it is not impossible to sell this property during 5 years. More than 1000 "gold investors" obtained Portuguese residence permits are the Chinese, than Russians and Brazilians.

Lithuania

The foreign citizen can receive residence permit in Lithuania without buying property and other investments. It is enough to have high marks in Lithuanian language for applying residence permit and even citizenship. Please note that Lithuanian language is one of the most difficult languages in Europe. For those who do not plan to learn language there is no variant for permit receiving even if they buy a property.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of non-European countries where it is very easy to obtain a residence permit. It is not necessary to buy a property. Anyone can apply for a residence permit, which is valid for 1 year. The applicant is only required to pass tests and show that he has no problems with AIDS, hepatitis and drug abuse, as well as to provide a certificate stating that he is not wanted by Interpol.

The United Kingdom

United Kingdom is one of the most expensive countries with high standards of living, the cost of the property and the requirements for obtaining a residence permit. Residence permit in the UK can be obtained through big investments. In accordance with new rules that came into force since November 2014, an applicant must have at least £ 2 million (more than 175 million rubles). Money must be invested in the country economy, for example, in government securities or funds, which are defined by the government.

Please note that the property should be bought without the credit. It is also not permitted to invest via offshore firms. Buying a property is not the part of the investor program. After 5 years, the investor and his family can obtain British citizenship without living with residence permit for 10 years, as it is usually established in other countries.

Turkey

Turkey is one of the inexpensive countries for obtaining residence permit in case of buying property. It is enough to buy a property at the amount of € 45,000 (about 3 million rubles) for receiving the right to obtain residence permit. Residence permit is issued for up to one year then it can be renewed annually. It is necessary to stay in Turkey no less than 120 days per year. After five years of residence in Turkey, a foreign citizen can apply for citizenship.

Latvia

Latvia is a favorite country for our citizens. Our compatriots are attracted by beautiful scenery, amber coasts of the Baltic Sea and narrow streets of the historic part of Riga. One of the arguments for buying an apartment or a house in this country is the ability to obtain a residence permit. Many Russians buy properties in Riga, Jurmala and other cities in Latvia.

Staring from September 01, 2014 the cost of the property must be not less than € 250,000 (about 17, 5 million rubles). The property should consist from one apartment/house. It is also necessary to pay state fee at the rate 5% of the cost of the property for receiving residence permit. Residence permit is issued for 5 years and its owner should annually confirm his rights on the property, so he has no possibility to sell the property. After 5 years the applicant can receive the permanent residence permit. Please also note that Latvian government plans to toughen the rules of residence permit receiving for Russians. In particular, the amendments, that exclude Russian citizens from the list of countries whose citizens can apply for a residence permit after property buying, have already prepared.

Canada

Buying a property in Canada does not give the possibility to receive residence permit or other visa benefits. Immigration to Canada is possible for investors. This program is meant the ownership of assets at the amount not less than 1,600,000 Canadian dollars (about 77 million rubles) and the readiness to invest at least 800,000 Canadian dollars (about 39 million rubles) for 5 years in the Canadian economy.

Switzerland

Switzerland is very popular among foreign citizens as the country for permanent residence due to strong, stable and wealthy economy.

However, buying a property in Switzerland is not the basis for obtaining a residence permit. Moreover, the authorities of this country protect their market from foreigners. The property selling to non-residents proceeds via quota (about 1,600 per year for the whole country). At the same time there are cantons (Swiss territorial unit) in which foreigners have no right to buy properties.

The easiest way for a foreign citizen is to open own business. Such company should really work, open work places for Switzerland citizens, pay taxes and facilitate the economic region development. Each of 26 cantons has its own criteria to investments (up to several millions of Switzerland francs) and work places (up to 10). After residence permit receiving a foreign citizen should live in Switzerland at least 181 days per year and annually pay taxes. Only after 10 years of legal living in the country, a foreign citizen can apply for citizenship.

Austria

There are also limits for property buying by non-residents in Austria. A foreign citizen who wants to buy a property in Austria should receive the government permission. According to realtors the period of receiving permission depends from the citizenship of the applicant. For example, Russians can wait such permissions up to 6 month and EU citizens-up to 2 weeks. Moreover, permission is asked for a certain property. Only some people can wait such long period.

Buying a property is not the basis of residence permit receiving but at the same time having own property in Austria is the obligatory requirement for obtaining residence permit.

Confidence Group provides services on residence permit receiving in Russia and abroad. For additional information please contact consultants of Confidence Group.