How many days per year must I actually stay for investment immigration? Residence requirements and "residence-free" golden visas by country
There is a significant difference. First, distinguish between two types of "residence requirements": ① the minimum days to maintain a valid residence card, and ② the residence threshold for applying for permanent residence or citizenship later. The former may be very lenient for some golden visas (some require only a few days per year, nearly "residence-free"), while the latter is generally much stricter (often requiring actual long-term residence for several years). Residence days also affect tax residency status. Below, we explain the differences, low-residence programs, and planning considerations, with official sources.
Why "residence requirements" are often key in choosing a program
Many people choose a golden visa to obtain status or a Plan B without immediately relocating. In such cases, "how many days per year must I actually stay" becomes critical: some programs require almost no residence, allowing renewal as long as the investment is maintained; others require a minimum number of days per year, and failure to meet them may prevent renewal. Choosing incorrectly can trap those who "don't want to move" in residence obligations. Therefore, it is essential to confirm the program's residence rules before applying.
Two types of residence requirements must be distinguished: maintaining residence vs. applying for PR/citizenship
The first type is the minimum residence to "maintain the residence card": some golden visas are very lenient, e.g., some programs require only a few days per year for renewal, nearly "residence-free". The second type is the residence for "upgrading status": when you want to convert temporary residence to permanent residence (PR) or citizenship, the thresholds are generally much stricter, often requiring actual long-term residence, cumulative years, and even language and integration tests. Confusing these two is the most common mistake—being able to maintain residence with few days does not mean you can obtain PR or passport with few days.
Low-residence / "Residence-free" vs. High-residence Requirement Programs
Designs vary greatly by country: some programs emphasize flexibility with very low residence requirements, suitable for those who wish to retain status but continue living in their home country; others expect applicants to relocate, with higher residence requirements. Since regulations may change (some popular programs have recently modified conditions), it is unwise to generalize based on outdated information. For specifics on annual days required, calculation methods, and consequences of non-compliance, always refer to the current regulations of the country's immigration authority, starting from the program pages and official links on this site.
Source.：OECD — Residence/Citizenship by Investment
Don't overlook: residence days also affect "tax residency" status
Residence days affect not only your residence card but also your tax residency status. Most countries determine tax residency based on the number of days spent (commonly around 183 days per year as a reference) and the center of vital interests. That is, if you start living long-term to obtain PR, you may simultaneously become a tax resident and be subject to global income taxation. Plan both "immigration residence requirements" and "tax residence days" together to avoid unexpected tax liabilities. For details on personal foreign income and CRS, see "Post-Immigration Taxation" on this site.
Source.：AIMA — Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum
PR and Citizenship: Actual residence is generally stricter
When pursuing permanent residence or citizenship, residence requirements are generally stricter than for maintaining residence: in addition to cumulative years, they may require actual physical presence for a certain period each year, no prolonged absences, and may include language, clean criminal record, and integration tests. The definition of "actual residence" (continuous vs. cumulative days, maximum allowable absences) also varies by country. If your ultimate goal is a passport rather than just a residence card, you must factor in these long-term residence obligations from the start, rather than discovering insufficient days when applying for PR.
Source.：Enterprise Greece — Greek Golden Visa
How to research and plan: First decide "whether to actually move" before selecting a program
Suggested sequence: ① First determine whether you "want to relocate long-term" or "only need status/Plan B while continuing to live in your home country". ② Based on this, select programs with matching residence requirements (choose flexible programs for low residence, accept higher residence obligations for citizenship). ③ Confirm the two sets of residence days for maintaining residence and upgrading to PR/citizenship. ④ Factor in tax residence days. Regulations often change and details are complex; for major decisions, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or advisor in the relevant country, and always rely on current official announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in the country every year with a golden visa?
Not necessarily. The minimum residence requirements to maintain a residence card vary significantly by country. Some golden visas are very lenient (some require only a few days per year, nearly residence-free). However, when upgrading to permanent residence or citizenship, the residence thresholds are generally much stricter. Always refer to the current regulations of the country's immigration authority.
Are there investment immigration programs that require "no residence at all"?
Some programs have extremely low residence requirements for maintaining residence, nearly residence-free, suitable for those who want to retain status but continue living in their home country. However, this usually applies only to "maintaining residence"; obtaining PR or passport typically still requires actual residence. Regulations may change; always refer to current official announcements.
Will residence days affect whether I have to pay taxes?
Yes. Most countries determine tax residency based on the number of days spent (commonly around 183 days per year as a reference) and the center of vital interests. If you live long-term to obtain PR, you may simultaneously become a tax resident and be subject to global income tax. It is advisable to plan both immigration residence requirements and tax residence days together; see "Post-Immigration Taxation" on this site for details.
Are the residence requirements for maintaining residence the same as for obtaining PR or citizenship?
Generally not; the latter is much stricter. Being able to maintain a residence card with few days does not mean you can obtain permanent residence or a passport with few days—upgrading status often requires cumulative years, actual annual residence, and even language and integration tests. The two sets of requirements must be confirmed separately.
How many days must I stay for Portugal and Greece golden visas?
Residence days and calculation methods for each program are subject to the current announcements of the country's immigration authority (e.g., Portugal's AIMA, Greece's relevant authorities), and regulations may change. It is recommended to check the latest requirements via official links on each program page on this site, and not to generalize based on outdated information.
What happens if I don't meet the residence requirement?
May result in inability to renew the residence card, or affect future eligibility for permanent residence/citizenship. Consequences and remedies for non-compliance vary by country. It is advisable to consult the relevant authority or a qualified advisor before failing to meet the required days.
Official data sources
This page is a neutral information compilation, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice, which does not constitute any commitment. Programs frequently change, please refer to the latest official announcements. · Last Updated：