Combining company incorporation with residency or citizenship is increasingly popular among global investors in 2025. This strategy offers business flexibility, tax advantages, mobility, and long‑term stability for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. In this guide, we’ll explore the top countries providing residency‑by‑investment or citizenship‑by‑investment via company formation, highlight key requirements, and explain why these destinations stand out in 2025.
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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The UAE offers the Golden Visa for investors, with investment tiers starting around AED 100,000 (~US $27k) and extending to US $136,000 or higher, providing five- to lifetime residency options.
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Investors often incorporate businesses in free zones like Dubai Mainland or RAKEZ and qualify for multi-year or lifetime residency, including dependents.
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With minimal physical presence needed and integration into a world-class financial system, the UAE remains a top choice for strategic business + residency planning.
2. Portugal
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Portugal’s Golden Visa program no longer accepts real estate investments as of 2025. Instead, it offers qualifying paths like €500,000 investment into funds, scientific research, or business creation; or €250,000 into cultural/heritage restoration.
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Investors setting up a company that creates jobs (usually ≥10 jobs) or makes capital contributions may qualify.
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Residency requires minimal stay—about 7 days per year—and citizenship is available after five years, giving free access to the Schengen Area.
3. Greece
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The Greece Golden Visa offers residency in exchange for real estate investment starting from €250,000–€800,000, or investment in bonds/instruments.
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Investors can also form businesses, though job creation requirements apply.
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Residency includes family members and requires only a handful of days per year; it’s one of Europe’s most affordable and flexible programs.
4. Cyprus
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Cyprus has long offered residency or citizenship by investment via real estate and business finance, typically starting at €300,000.
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Business investors who incorporate in Cyprus and meet capital/job criteria may qualify swiftly.
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Processing is notably speedy, making Cyprus a popular option for those seeking rapid corporate presence and residency.
5. Hungary
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Hungary’s Guest Investor Program (GIP) offers a 10-year residency permit for contributions of €250,000, including through business investment or bonds.
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More suited to passive or investment-linked residency seekers, though corporate setup can support qualification through active business structures.
6. New Zealand
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New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa is tailored to entrepreneurs and investors, requiring around NZ $5 million investment in business or government bonds, with residency granted in return
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It emphasizes active business involvement and long-term relocation, making it ideal for investors planning global operations with Oceania presence.
7. Panama
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Panama’s Business Investor Visa grants residency to those who start a company with at least USD 160,000 capital and hire local staff, with permanent residency possible after two years.
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It’s a pragmatic option for those seeking Latin America HQ and residency through direct corporate investment.
8. Singapore (Startup Visa & PR)
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Singapore doesn’t offer classic Golden Visa, but entrepreneurs may qualify via the EntrePass startup visa, with a path to permanent residency for those who scale their business and meet investment/employment thresholds.
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Singapore’s top-tier infrastructure, talent ecosystem, and investor‑friendly regulations make it ideal for tech or innovation‑oriented firms.
9. Malta & Italy
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Malta previously offered citizenship by investment via real estate or significant donation, but the program closed in 2025 and is no longer available.
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Italy Golden Visa continues to offer residency via investments starting at €250,000 in innovative startups, or higher amounts in real estate or bonds. Residency can lead to long-term stay rights in the EU.
10. Estonia (E‑Residency for Business Use)
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Estonia's e‑Residency allows global entrepreneurs to form an EU-based company online, facilitating digital operations and banking. Note: it does not grant physical residency or citizenship.
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Ideal for digital entrepreneurs and fintech businesses needing quick company setup and EU market access, albeit without relocation benefits.
✅ Why Combine Company Formation with Residency?
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Mobility & Global Access | Residency or citizenship provides visa-free travel, easier business access, and lifestyle flexibility. |
| Tax & Wealth Planning | Certain jurisdictions offer favorable tax treatments, estate planning advantages, and diversification. |
| Business Expansion | Establishing a legal entity in a stable jurisdiction enables access to banking, trade, and compliance networks. |
| Family & Long-term Security | Residency permits often include spouse, children, and elderly dependents; potential for citizenship after residency. |
| Strategic Diversification | Serving as a “plan B” or alternative domicile amidst geopolitical or economic uncertainty. |
📌 Things to Evaluate Before Choosing
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Minimum investment threshold—capital vs. real estate vs. business creation.
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Stay requirement—physical presence and visa renewal rules.
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Processing time—some countries (e.g. Malta closed, Portugal delay) experience backlogs.
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Expansion flexibility—scope to grow business, hire, and access financial services.
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Post‑setup compliance—annual filings, accounting, local admin obligations.
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Family coverage—whether dependents and parents can be included.
Conclusion
In 2025, countries leading the integration of company formation and residency programs include UAE, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, and others like Hungary or Italy depending on individual goals and investment levels. Each offers unique combinations of business-friendly environments, residency flexibility, and strategic advantages.
Selecting the right destination requires careful alignment with investment purpose—whether corporate expansion, tax optimization, mobility, or long-term stability. Consulting with trusted advisors, reviewing official legislative changes, and understanding obligations in both home and host countries are essential.
If you’re evaluating options to incorporate internationally and pursue residency or citizenship by investment, let’s explore which country aligns with your goals. HorizonCross Advisory can assist with tailored strategies, regulatory guidance, and end‑to‑end implementation. Schedule a free consultation today to determine the best global expansion path for your business and lifestyle.