Your expat dreams could become reality here.
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Plenty of people fantasize about starting fresh in another country, whether to immerse themselves in a new culture, enjoy a slower pace of life, or distance themselves from shifting political tensions at home. But no matter where you’re from, one major hurdle always stands in the way: your visa status. Even with a valid work visa, building a long-term life somewhere you’re not a citizen can feel complicated and uncertain. That said, there are certain legal pathways—particularly through international real estate investment—that can make relocating and staying abroad far more attainable.
In some countries, investing in property can open the door to permanent residency or even citizenship. The catch? It typically requires a significant financial commitment. You won’t be able to purchase a modest $30,000 home in Greece, for instance, and expect dual citizenship to follow overnight. Each country sets its own minimum investment thresholds and eligibility criteria, and these programs are usually very expensive. Still, it raises an important question: What is the value of a fresh start? Below, we outline 14 countries where buying real estate can create a pathway to residency or citizenship.
In Turkey, you must purchase property and agree that you won't sell the home for three years, according to the Republic of Turkey's Investment Office, and then you can apply for citizenship.
Turkey is home to some beautiful historic cities and stunning natural landscapes. The country has a universal healthcare system—and a big medical tourism industry—though you may want to consider other social and political issues in the country before calling your accountant.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $400,000
You can get citizenship in this Caribbean island by investing in a government-approved real estate project. You can find this list of projects on the Commonwealth of Dominica site. You also have to pay an additional fee to the government and agree not to sell your investment for three years after citizenship is granted. Even with the extra government fees, this is still one of the smaller investments on the list.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $200,000
St. Kitts and Nevis citizens hold one of the strongest passports in the Caribbean, and you don't have to pay income, investment, or wealth taxes in the country. There's also no stay requirement.
However, the minimum investment requirement ($325,000) is only for approved condos and resort hotel shares. For a single-family home or other private dwelling, the minimum requirement is $600,000, and neither real estate option can be sold for seven years, according to the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment site. Upon citizenship approval, expect to pay a government fee of at least $25,000.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $325,000
This safe and welcoming country is a popular one among those who seek a second citizenship in and around the Caribbean. However, you don't have free rein of all the real estate listings—you must purchase an approved project for this investment if you want that passport.
After you purchase one of these projects, you can then submit the sale agreement, along with the other required paperwork, to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), according to Henley & Partners, and pay a fee of at least $10,000. Choosing Antigua and Barbuda as your second citizenship option will require you to spend at least five days in the country within the first five years of obtaining citizenship, and you won't be able to sell the property for at least five years, either.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $300,000
When seeking citizenship through Grenada's investment program, the process is a bit more convoluted than in some of the other countries on this list. It's a lengthy, stringent process, according to Henley & Partners, and will require a background check. However, you'll get a healthcare system that is rated as the best in the Caribbean and will get to live (with no minimum staying requirements) in a truly beautiful place.
The home you purchase to start this process must be from a list of government-approved projects. After you pay the minimum investment, you'll still be expected to pay an additional, non-refundable contribution of at least $50,000. The property must be held for at least five years.
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $270,000
St. Lucia does allow citizenship through a real estate purchase with a minimum requirement plus a $50,000 administrative fee. Though, according to Henley & Partners, you must select a property from an approved list of projects, which must be held for a minimum period of five years
Citizenship or residency: Citizenship
Minimum investment requirement: $300,000
Live out your Mamma Mia fantasies by moving to Greece. Greece is a hot vacation destination, but there are many reasons to want to live there full-time, including amazing food, an affordable cost of living, a good public healthcare system, and, of course, proximity to other European countries.
By purchasing real estate, you're given a residence permit of five years that you can renew an unlimited number of times, and you're allowed to apply for citizenship after seven years of residence.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €250,000 (about $292,000)
Related Story: Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love
A comparatively easy option for obtaining permanent residency somewhere outside the U.S. is Brazil. There are a few investment opportunities, but if you're doing so through a real estate purchase, the minimum cost requirement varies by region: Buying a property in the north or northeast of the country will cost at least BRL 700,000 ($140,000), and buying a property anywhere else will cost at least BRL 1,000,000 (about $200,000), according to Global Citizen Solutions.
Once you've done this, you're eligible for permanent residency. To maintain status, you must keep the property for at least four years and visit the country once every two years. After this, if you have the ability to communicate in Portuguese, no serious criminal record, and demonstrated ties to Brazil, you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $140,000
This British territory in the Caribbean offers permanent residency through real estate investment. Anguilla is popular for a few reasons, including its low taxes, idyllic scenery, no minimum stay requirement, and the fact that it serves as an easier pathway to British citizenship.
According to Select Anguilla, there are a few fees you must take into account when purchasing real estate on top of the minimum investment requirement. You also must hold the purchase for at least five years in order to maintain residency status, but after that, you're able to apply to become a British Overseas Territories Citizen, according to La Vida Golden Visas.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $750,000
The scenic Cayman Islands area is appealing for the absence of corporate, capital gains, inheritance, personal income, and recurring property taxes, but there are plenty of other reasons to seek residency there. According to Sotheby's Realty, permanent residency here opens the door to possible eventual British Citizenship, just like in Anguilla.
However, the minimum investment requirement is the highest on this list. However, if you're willing and able to pay, then you're set to have permanent residency for life, as long as you visit at least one day per year.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $2.4 million
Curaçao, located in the Caribbean, is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is beloved for its beautiful scenery, political stability, and thriving economy. Investors can apply for Dutch citizenship after five years of permanent residency, according to La Vida Golden Visas.
To obtain permanent residency, there are a few investment options, a real estate purchase being one of them. However, how much you spend determines how long your residence permit lasts. If you spend $280,000, your renewable permit is valid for three years; spend $425,000, your renewable permit is valid for five years; spend $850,000, and you obtain an indefinite residence permit.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $280,000
Cyprus is a small Mediterranean island east of Greece with a low cost of living, no inheritance tax, high-quality healthcare, and an extremely low crime rate. Not to mention, its landscape is stunning.
To obtain permanent residency via real estate, you must purchase a property that hits the minimum investment requirement plus value-added tax (VAT), according to Henley & Partners. You also must have a secured annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad to qualify for residence. The minimum stay requirement is small, requiring you to visit the country once every two years. After you've resided in Cyprus for seven years, you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €300,000 (about $350,000)
Another British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos is a stunning island with major tax benefits, compelling investment opportunities, and a serene landscape. Many high net-worth individuals own property here.
When investing via a real estate purchase, it'll cost a minimum of $1,000,000 to buy property in Providenciales and obtain your permanent residency certificate (PRC), according to Griffiths and Partners. However, if you want to purchase a home on another island, your minimum investment requirement shoots down to $300,000. It costs $25,000 to apply for a PRC on top of your investment, but after residing in the country for five years, there's an option to apply for British Overseas Territory Citizenship.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: $300,000
Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe, though it is not part of the European Union. There are many benefits to living in Andorra, some of which include low tax rates, visa-free entry to Spain and France, exceptional healthcare, and a great education system, according to Immigrant Invest.
If you choose to obtain permanent residency through investing in real estate, you must reside in the country for 90 days per year, and the residence permit must be renewed after one year. Plus, you will have to pay a deposit of €50,000 into the Andorran National Institute of Finances. You can renew your permit an indefinite number of times as long as you still own the property, and after 10 years, you can apply for citizenship, according to La Vida Golden Visas.
Citizenship or residency: Residency
Minimum investment requirement: €350,000 (about $409,000)
The 20 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the U.S.
The 10 Cities with the Best Quality of Life
JFK's Former D.C. Home Is on the Market
This Feature Can Make Your Home Sell Faster
