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Ever wondered what the alternative pathways to EU residency under the non-investment category are with faster processing times? Here’s a list of a few good options for EU residency and Caribbean citizenship.
France – Under the Entrepreneur category (minimum investment EURO 30,000) OR under the Financially Independent Person (FIP) program (passive monthly income preferably more than EURO 5,000), Thea individual could qualify for residency and eventually sponsor their dependents too and move to France. However, sponsoring dependents requires additional proof of passive monthly income. The processing time is approximately 6 months for the respective applications. Please do drop us a message to obtain a detailed program brochure.
Portugal & Iceland – Under the scholarship / Vocational training program, Non-EU citizens qualify for this program. Requirements would be sufficient financial means with clean PCC records. This program eventually provides a pathway for transition to work or a business residence permit. For more details, do reach out to us.
Italy – Investment based residency program
One of the best capital protected Residency by Investment programs withthe quickest processing time of just 2 to 3 months. The Italian Residency By Investment Initiative allows for investments to only be made up to 60 days after the physical collection of your Residency Permit for Italy – a true risk-free path to a European “Golden Visa”. Some key points:
– Invest € 500,000 to receive an EU residence permit plus a capital protected income stream;
– Stable, Proven Fully Managed Revenue Model;
– Guaranteed buy-back options, from the end of the lockup period;
– Capital commitment only after collection of residence permit(s);
– 2–3 months approval/application process (nulla osta);
– Visa-free travel in the EU (Schengen zone);
– Eligible for citizenship after 10 years of residence in Italy;
– Application processing time: 2 – 3 months.
Hungary- Investment based residency program:
If you are considering mid investment based EU residency program , then we would highly recommend considering the Hungarian Golden Visa. Some of the key benefits of this program:
– Invest € 250,000 in a government approved Real Estate Investment fund;
– 10-year residence permit in Hungary (EU). The only program providing the longest residence visa in the EU.
– Renewable for a further 10 years without further investment;
– Sale of the investment is possible after 5 years without losing the 10-year residence permit;
– Visa-free travel in the EU (Schengen zone);
– Residence permits for all immediate family members (dependent children under 18);
– Application processing time: 2 – 3 months.
Caribbean Citizenship Program – Further changes in pipeline:
A draft agreement between the Caribbean Five, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Saint Lucia, proposes the creation of a regional regulatory authority to oversee citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. The draft proposal dated July 1, 2025, outlines the following recommendations:
🔷 30-Day Residency Requirement:
New citizens would be required to spend at least 30 days during the first five calendar years after citizenship is granted. While Antigua & Barbuda currently implements this requirement, the rest of the CBI countries too strongly considering implementing this rule. Failure to fulfil both the physical presence and integration components can result in penalties such as fines of up to 10% of the qualifying investment and potential passport revocation.
🔷 Passport Validity:
Currently, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda issue a 10-year validity passport. According to the proposal, initial passports issued to a citizen would be valid for five years, renewable for ten years only after meeting certain compliance conditions.
🔷 Enhanced Due Diligence checks
The Caribbean five (Antigua and Barbuda , Dominica , Grenada , Saint Kitts and Nevis , and Saint Lucia ) are implementing mandatory interviews for main applicants and due diligence checks for applicants aged 18 and above.
An even more comprehensive background check will be imposed, and may extend interviews to dependents aged 12 and 16, depending on the nationality.
🔷 Escrow Account Requirement
Investment funds and required government contributions must be deposited into a designated escrow account held by approved institutions for transparency and safeguarding of funds.
🔷 Centralized Data Sharing
Data, including biometrics and application history, will be shared via a centralized CARICOM IMPACS database; hence, applicants rejected by one Caribbean country cannot reapply in another—unless formally approved.
🔷 Annual Application Caps
The authorities would set annual limits on approved CBI applications for each country based on an annual assessment to prevent over commercialization.
To know the best fit for you and your family, get in touch with us today!
