There are two answers to this question. First, the purchase of real estate in itself is not a reason for issuing a visa or residence permit. However, the property owner may apply for a visa, residence permit or citizenship. Different countries have different immigration policies.
What is the difference between a visa, residence permit and citizenship?
All countries have their own visa and the process of obtaining it. In many cases, crossing a state’s border by a foreigner requires a visa. Depending on the purpose and duration of the trip, there are different types of visas, but the stay in the country is usually limited in time.
A residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) allows not only to be in the country, but also to leave it and enter back an unlimited number of times during the term of the permit. This time is also limited, but can be extended. The renewal of a residence permit takes place only on the basis of predetermined conditions that vary from country to country.
Having a residence permit and living in the country for a certain period, foreigners can receive a permanent residence permit, which gives almost all the rights of citizens, with the exception of the right to vote and run for elections. In many European countries, a permanent residence permit can be obtained after 5 years of residence in the country. The term of permanent residence is not limited, but it can be lost, violating the law or the conditions of stay.
Having citizenship (Staatsbürgerschaft) means that a person has received all the rights and privileges of citizens of a given country. It allows you to freely move around the country and cross its borders. However, dual citizenship is not supported by all. The laws of some countries require you to renounce their citizenship when they receive a new one.
Depending on the country, when buying property there are two main options for the development of events:
1. Buying a property does not give any advantages when obtaining a residence permit.
In many countries, obtaining a visa or residence permit has nothing to do with the acquisition of real estate. For example, in the United States, owning real estate is an additional guarantee of the applicant’s financial situation, but does not allow obtaining a Green Card.
2. Ownership of real estate gives advantages in obtaining a visa or residence permit.
Buying property in another country, people invest in its economy. This is understood by many governments and they are trying to stimulate this process. Many countries are trying to simplify the visa regime in order to attract investors.
Buying real estate in the Schengen zone. Investors in the Schengen countries (and this is 26 countries in Europe) can qualify for a “multivisa” for owners, which allows them to stay in the country for up to 180 days each year. Some countries are more favorable for investors. For example, in Finland, the owner may receive a visa for 2 years. Spanish owners can also receive a multiple entry visa for up to two years on request.
Bulgaria, the UK and Cyprus, although they signed the Schengen Agreement, remain outside the Schengen zone.
In Bulgaria, owners can get a visa for multiple visits, multiple entries and every six months can stay in the country for up to 90 days. Buying a property in the UK allows you to apply for the same "reusable" visa after approval by the authorities, which consider each case separately. When buying property in Cyprus, you can also be in the country no more than 180 days a year.
Similar offers are valid not only in Europe. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, the purchase of real estate in the amount of 100 million dirhams allows you to stay in the country 180 days a year. In this case, a visa can also be obtained by family members.
Residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship.
If you want to stay in the country for a long time, you must obtain a residence permit, ideally permanent. In the future, this is citizenship. Many countries make this process easier for investors.
In Croatia, property owners can immediately apply for a residence permit. A purchase of more than 300,000 euros in Cyprus ensures the automatic receipt of a permanent residence permit. Malta also has a similar investment plan that allows owners to obtain a residence permit.
In Turkey, obtaining a permanent residence permit is issued after obtaining a 6-month residence permit. This process is very simple and does not take much time.
In Egypt, an investment of at least 300,000 Egyptian pounds allows you to obtain a residence permit with the possibility of permanent renewal.
In Panama, investments in the amount of $ 300,000 in real estate allow you to consistently obtain a residence permit for 2 months, then for 2 years and only then permanent. After receiving a 5-year residence permit, you can apply for citizenship
In Panama, investments in the amount of $ 300,000 in real estate allow you to consistently obtain a residence permit for 2 months, then for 2 years and only then permanent. After receiving a 5-year residence permit, you can apply for citizenship. In addition, obtaining a "passport investor" allows you to enter the countries of Europe without a visa.
The most expensive and long-term citizenship is in the UK. First, you must live in the country for five years to apply for citizenship. To do this, you need at least £ 100 million, of which 75 million must be invested in one way or another in the national economy. The remaining 25 million pounds can be invested in real estate or in a bank.
In many developed countries, real estate investment really simplifies the process of obtaining a visa, residence permit and citizenship. Thus, if you intend to get the right to stay for a long time, consider buying a property as one of the tools to achieve the goal.
The company Dominart Invest provides advice and support in the acquisition of real estate in Europe, registration of legal entities in matters of immigration. If you have questions on this topic or questions about real estate - just write to our chat, and we will answer you within a minute, we will be happy to provide any necessary information. You can also email us at kontakt@dominartinvest.com or call + 49 (30) 516 417 63.