Question 1

What is the difference between residency and citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Residency gives your family the right to live in a country, shown by a residence card. Citizenship makes you a national of that country, with a passport. Residency is renewed every few years; citizenship is for life and passes to your children.

Question 2

Why do families do this?

Accepted Answer

For the freedom to travel with less paperwork, a second home, more choices for their children, somewhere to retire, or simply a plan B. Most have more than one reason, and the reasons change as life does.

Question 3

Is this legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every programme on this site was created by the country's own government and is written into its law. Each adult applicant goes through background checks, and the government makes the final decision.

Question 4

Am I eligible?

Accepted Answer

Most programmes ask for a clean record, funds you can show the source of, and the investment itself. Some are not open to every nationality. We check all of this before you commit to anything.

Question 5

Which programme is right for my family?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you want it for: travel, a home, schooling, retirement or a plan B. The Route Finder gives you a first answer in a few minutes, and a call gives you a considered one.

Question 6

Do we have to live in the country?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Many programmes ask for little or no time in the country, a few ask for some days each year, and the United States routes do require you to live there. Each programme page shows the time required.

Question 7

Can we travel across Europe with a residence permit?

Accepted Answer

A residence card from a country in the Schengen Area lets you visit the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180. It does not give the right to live or work in them.

Question 8

Can we work or study there?

Accepted Answer

Children can usually attend school, and adults can usually study. The right to work depends on the programme: some permits include it and others need a separate work permit.

Question 9

Does residency lead to citizenship?

Accepted Answer

It can, but never automatically. Most countries ask for several years of residence, and often for time actually spent living there and a language test. The wait varies widely from one country to another.

Question 10

Can I keep my current passport?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many countries allow dual citizenship, but some do not, and the rule that matters is your current country's as well as the new one's. Check this first.

Question 11

Do we need to speak the language?

Accepted Answer

Generally not in order to apply. A language test more often comes later, if you choose to apply for citizenship through residence.

Question 12

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

From a few weeks to more than a year, depending on the programme and on how quickly your documents are ready. Each programme page shows how long recent applications have taken.

Question 13

Do we need to travel to apply?

Accepted Answer

Often once, to give fingerprints and a photograph. Some programmes need no visit at all, and a few ask you to spend time in the country.

Question 14

How long does the status last?

Accepted Answer

Citizenship is for life. A residence card is renewed every few years, for as long as you keep to the programme's conditions, such as holding the investment or a home there.

Question 15

Is the first call really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The first 30 minutes cost nothing and commit you to nothing.

Question 16

How much do we need to invest?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the country and the route you choose. Each programme page shows its starting amount, and your own figures are set out in writing after your call.

Question 17

Will we know the full cost before we commit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The investment, the government fees and every other cost are set out in writing before you decide. Government fees are set by the authorities and can change, so the figures are confirmed again when you apply.

Question 18

Do we get the investment back?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the route. Contributions and government fees are not returned. Property, funds and deposits remain yours and can usually be sold after a minimum holding period, though their value can go down as well as up.

Question 19

When is the money paid?

Accepted Answer

Some programmes ask for the investment before you apply, others only once you are approved in principle. You will have the order of payments in writing before you commit.

Question 20

Can my family be included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most programmes cover your spouse and dependent children on one application, and several include parents as well.

Question 21

Can my parents be included?

Accepted Answer

In several programmes, yes, and in some, grandparents too. They usually need to be financially dependent on you. Each programme page lists exactly who qualifies.

Question 22

Up to what age can children be included?

Accepted Answer

It varies. Children under 18 are almost always included. Many programmes also include adult children who are unmarried and still dependent on you, up to an age set by the programme.

Question 23

Do our children keep the status when they grow up?

Accepted Answer

Citizenship is theirs for life. With residence, a child's card is usually tied to yours until they are adults, after which they may need to qualify in their own right.

Question 24

Will a second residence change where I pay tax?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. Where you pay tax usually depends on where you spend your time and where your life is centred, not on holding a residence card.

Question 25

Does a second passport change my tax position?

Accepted Answer

Not by itself, though your wider circumstances might. We do not give tax advice, but we can refer you to a tax specialist before you apply.

Question 26

What are the background checks?

Accepted Answer

Every adult applicant is asked to show who they are, that they have a clean record, and where their funds come from. It is routine and it applies to everyone.

Question 27

What if the application is refused?

Accepted Answer

The government makes the decision and no one can promise the outcome. That is why eligibility is checked before you commit, and why you are told beforehand what would and would not be returned.

Question 28

What happens if a programme changes or closes?

Accepted Answer

A status you already hold is normally unaffected, but the rules for renewing it, and the travel rights that come with it, can change. We publish rule changes as they happen.

Question 29

Is our information kept private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your details are kept confidential and used only as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Question 30

How do we start?

Accepted Answer

With a conversation. Thirty minutes, free, about your family and where you would like to be.

Questions, answered plainly.

The four questions almost everyone asks

Is this legal?

Do we have to live in the country?

Can my family be included?

How long does it take?

The basics

Ask us directly.

Some questions are easier to talk through.