Families & owners of businesses in UAE continue to explore second & third passports to enhance Stability and Mobility Globally!
The UAE offers an amazing lifestyle, but many U.A.E. inhabitants are looking toward various countries that provide the opportunity to build their 2nd home and have a gateway into Europe, the U.S.,and travel more easily. In addition, with investor immigration program changes occurring quickly in 2025, being aware of the many complexities surrounding this type of visa grants is the first step towards helping you and your family establish an international plan.
More and More Residents of the UAE Are Seeking Investment Passport Options Outside UAE
As more and more people from the UAE search for Residences in Diverse Countries, the desire continues to increase. Whether it is to provide World-Class Educational Opportunities to Children in the European Union, or looking for the Fastest Way to Secure an Investment Residency Visa that enables fast relocation, the reasons vary. Investment Residency as a form of Permanent Residency allows UAE Residents to separate their Permanent Residency right from Employment in that country.
Top Residency by Investment Countries in 2026
When comparing different investment migration programs, the choice usually boils down to three main regions: Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. Each offers a unique set of benefits depending on your budget and long-term goals.
1. Portugal: The European Favorite
Portugal remains one of the most sought-after residency by investment countries. While the government removed the direct real estate purchase option recently to curb housing prices, the program is still very much active through “Golden Visa” fund investments.
Investment: €500,000 in qualifying private equity or venture capital funds.
Physical Presence: Only 7 days per year on average.
Pathway to Citizenship: One of the most attractive features is the ability to apply for a passport after just 5 years of residency.
2. Greece: The Strategic Entry Point
If you are looking for the best countries for residency with a focus on the Schengen Area, Greece is a top contender. It allows investors to travel freely across 29 European countries without a separate visa.
Investment: Minimum €250,000 (for specific conversion or restoration projects) up to €800,000 in prime areas like Athens and Thessaloniki.
Status: Grants a 5-year renewable residence permit.
Benefit: No requirement to live in Greece to maintain the status, making it ideal for those who wish to remain based in the UAE.
3. Malta: Direct Permanent Residency
Unlike other European programs that grant temporary permits initially, the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) offers permanent residence by investment almost immediately. This is particularly valuable for those seeking long-term certainty in the EU.
Investment: A combination of a government contribution (approx. €98,000) and a property lease or purchase.
Benefit: Lifetime residency for the entire family, including up to four generations in some cases.
Comparing the Fastest Investment Residency Options
For families in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, time is often of the essence. If you need a secondary residence quickly, you should look at the fastest investment residency options currently available:
Hungary: A newcomer to the golden visa programs scene in 2024-2025, offering a 10-year residency permit with relatively quick processing times through guest investor funds.
Cyprus: Highly regarded among residency by investment countries for its efficient fast-track program, which typically grants permanent residency to real estate investors within just 2 to 4 months.
USA (EB-5): While the Green Card takes time, the “Concurrent Filing” rule allows those already in the US on certain visas to live and work there almost immediately after filing.
Analysis of Best Countries for Residency 2026
Portugal: Best for those seeking a path to a Tier-1 passport with minimal stay requirements (7 days/year).
Greece: Best for the lowest entry cost into the Schengen Zone for specific renovation projects.
Malta: Best for families wanting permanent status from day one without needing to renew temporary visas.
Cyprus: Best for rapid processing (3-4 months) and permanent status.
USA (EB-5): Best for families prioritizing education and career opportunities in the world’s largest economy.
How FRR Immigration Simplifies Your Selection
Choosing between the many residency by investment countries can feel overwhelming, especially while managing a business in the UAE. At FRR Immigration, we provide the expert investment immigration consulting you need to navigate these choices and submit a successful application for residency via investment.
FRR Immigration will help you create a clear plan concerning the steps required to apply for residency across various residency by investment countries by doing the following:
Customized Portfolio Evaluation – Our experienced professionals will evaluate your long-term financial goals and needs of your family, and assist you with selecting the country/countries that will meet your family’s lifestyle needs.
Full Documentation Processing – We will manage all of the documentation associated with the application process for you; from obtaining police certificates to notarizing documents in the UAE.
Access to Unique Real Estate: Our organizations provide you with easy access to verified and high-quality properties, which will provide both occupancy and opportunity for an investment on your behalf, specifically under the Golden Visa program offered by Greece and Cyprus.
Establish Direct Contact to the Authorities: We have created a direct line of contact to government authorities that administer the Golden Visa programs. By working closely with the program’s authorities, you can receive expedited results for your Permanent Residency by Investment (PRI) Application, as well as resolve questions directly with the authorities, in the shortest timeframe possible.
Continued Support After Arrival: When obtaining a visa, FRR provides continued support to help clients complete the tax registration, enroll their children in local schools, and open their new local bank accounts.
If you would like to learn more about the 2025 investment migration programs available for families relocating to Greece or Cyprus; contact us today for up-to-date compliance and investment migration programs for your family to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can my family join me in these residency programs?
A: Yes, most investment migration programs allow you to include your spouse and dependent children. Some programs, like Malta and Greece, even allow you to include parents and grandparents.
2. Do I have to live in the country to keep my residency?
A: It depends on the program. Many European “Golden Visas” like Greece and Portugal have very low physical stay requirements, while the US EB-5 requires you to make America your primary home.
3. What is the difference between residency and citizenship by investment?
A: Residency gives you the right to live in a country. Citizenship gives you a passport and full rights of a national. Many residency programs offer a path to citizenship after 5 to 7 years.
4. Is real estate still an option for the Portugal Golden Visa?
A: As of 2025, direct real estate purchase is no longer a path for the Portugal Golden Visa. Investors must now use the “Fund” route, which involves investing €500,000 in Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds.
5. How long does the process take from the UAE?
A: On average, most fastest investment residency options take between 3 to 8 months. Programs like Greece and Cyprus are currently among the quickest for UAE residents to process.
