Routes that lead to permanent residence — settlement pathways compared
The "typical duration" column below is the validity descriptor of each visa, not a computed settlement timeline — qualifying-residence periods, physical-presence rules, absence limits, and good-character tests are set per route and detailed on each route page. Routes are listed alphabetically.
Global skilled-route ranking evidence
Cheapest, fastest, settlement and no-sponsor skilled-route methodology
Use this evidence layer to read route rankings as methodology-backed comparisons, not universal recommendations.
No universal best route
A low mandatory sunk cost, a fast published decision window, a direct settlement path and no employer sponsor are different dimensions. This cluster keeps them separate so search engines, AI retrievers and reviewers can cite the methodology without turning one metric into a recommendation.
Lowest tracked sunk cost
- United States of America - TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)US$80; proof-of-funds stays separate.
- Republic of Singapore - Employment Pass (EP)SGD 330; proof-of-funds stays separate.
- Kingdom of Sweden - Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)SEK 2,200-SEK 3,200; proof-of-funds stays separate.
Fastest published decision clocks
- Republic of Singapore - Employment Pass (EP)10 days – 2 weeks; settlement is separate.
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Skilled Worker visa3 weeks; settlement is separate.
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Health and Care Worker visa3 weeks; settlement is separate.
No-sponsor access
- Canada - Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)No employer sponsor required; check points, funds or endorsement gates.
- Canada - Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)No employer sponsor required; check points, funds or endorsement gates.
- Canada - Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)No employer sponsor required; check points, funds or endorsement gates.
- Cheapest work-visa ranking
- No-sponsor route ranking
- No-sponsor guide
- Processing-time dataset
- Settlement dataset
- Computed figures
- Unsponsored work routes
- Cost-to-complete JSON
- Processing-times JSON
- Route-record JSON
- How our route rankings are sourced
Source dates: cost, processing, settlement and route records checked through 21 July 2026. FX normalisation reviewed 30 June 2026 and used only for ordering. This cluster supports retrieval and review, not ranking, traffic, AI-citation or market-share outcome claims.
What does Routes that lead to permanent residence — settlement pathways compared compare?
Every route we track that can lead to permanent residence or settled status, with its typical visa duration. The page compares 495 routes using Typical duration and Route; each row links to a primary-source route guide.
Verified against Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) on 1 June 2026.
| Destination | Route | Typical duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic of the Philippines | 13(A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage | Probationary for the first year, then permanent on conversion once the marriage is confirmed subsisting. | family |
| New Zealand | Active Investor Plus Visa | Resident visa; permanent residence after meeting conditions over 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced). | investor |
| State of Israel | Aliyah - Immigration under the Law of Return | Leads to Israeli citizenship; an A/1 temporary residence visa for eligible persons is issued for a multi-year period as an alternative pathway. Verify on the official page. | citizenship-by-descent |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua and Barbuda CBI - Approved Real Estate | Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua and Barbuda CBI - Business Investment | Full citizenship once the qualifying business investment is made and the application is approved; the early-years physical-presence step applies. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua and Barbuda CBI - National Development Fund | Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved; a short physical-presence step applies in the early years (see FAQ). | citizenship-by-investment |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua and Barbuda CBI - University of the West Indies Fund | Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved; the early-years physical-presence step applies. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Republic of San Marino | Atypical Residence under Facilitated Tax Regime | Long-term residence route; after 10 years, holders are entitled to registered residence and related rights. | residence-general |
| Swiss Confederation | B Permit — Third-Country National (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) | Up to 1 year; renewable annually. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of The Bahamas | Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence | Permanent residence once granted, conditional on maintaining the qualifying investment for the required period; confirm current conditions on the official page. | residence-general |
| Barbados | Barbados Immigrant Status | A long-term, settled status once granted; subject to the conditions the Immigration Department attaches. Confirm current validity and conditions on the official page. | residence-general |
| Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory) | Belonger Status | The reviewed page lists 6-8 months, but applicants should reconfirm because the service is under review. | citizenship-by-descent |
| Czech Republic | Blue Card | Valid up to 3 months longer than the work contract, with a maximum listed by Czech rules. | skilled-migration |
| Japan | Business Manager Visa (経営・管理) | 1 year initially; renewable for 1, 3, or 5 years. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of South Africa | Business Visa | Issued for the period of the business activity, subject to conditions. | investor |
| Swiss Confederation | C Permit — Settlement (Niederlassungsbewilligung) | Indefinite — valid as long as you remain resident in Switzerland. | residence-general |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) | Initial stay granted under the scheme, renewable while the investment and asset requirements continue to be met. | investor |
| Republic of Trinidad and Tobago | CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement) | Allows an initial entry stamp followed by an indefinite stay once the certificate is verified; can lead toward settled status. Confirm current validity on the official page. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Cameroon | Carte de Resident | Ten years. | residence-general |
| Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory) | Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means | Permanent residence (settled status) once granted, subject to maintaining the qualifying investment; allocations are subject to an annual quota. Confirm current conditions on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Uganda | Certificate of Residence | The official page lists 5-year, 10-year and life durations for marriage-based certificates. | residence-general |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Chancenkarte (Germany Opportunity Card) | Up to 12 months initial (Such-Chancenkarte); one-time extension as a Folge-Chancenkarte for up to 2 further years if you hold a qualified job offer but do not yet meet the requirements of a work residence title. The Folge-Chancenkarte cannot be extended again. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Malawi | Citizenship Applications | Citizenship outcome after the relevant application category is approved; timing depends on category and file completeness. | citizenship-by-descent |
| Italian Republic | Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis) | Permanent — full citizenship. | citizenship-by-descent |
| Independent State of Samoa | Citizenship by Descent, Permanent Residence or Marriage | Citizenship status after registration or recognition; processing depends on the citizenship route and decision. | citizenship-by-descent |
| Kingdom of Eswatini | Citizenship by Registration | Processing period is determined by the Citizenship Board after each application is reviewed. | citizenship-by-descent |
| Republic of Kosovo | Citizenship for Diaspora Members | Citizenship decision process; after approval the person registers the decision and can apply for Kosovo identity documents. | citizenship-by-descent |
| Republic of Kenya | Class A Work Permit (Prospecting and Mining) | Issued and renewable in line with the licensed activity; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence. | investor |
| Republic of Kenya | Class D Work Permit (Employment) | Issued and renewable in line with the employment; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Kenya | Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy) | Issued and renewable in line with the business; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Kenya | Class K Permit (Ordinary Residents) | Issued and renewable subject to continued assured income; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence. | residence-general |
| Republic of Bulgaria | Continuous (Long-Term) Residence Permit | Generally up to one year at a time and renewable each year while your qualifying ground continues - confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ireland | Critical Skills Employment Permit | 2 years initially; leads to Stamp 4 permission and long-term residence after 2 years. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of South Africa | Critical Skills Work Visa | Up to 5 years per issue; renewable. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Korea | D-8 Corporate Investment Visa | 1–2 years; renewable as long as the business operates. | entrepreneur |
| Portuguese Republic | D2 visa (entrepreneur / self-employment) | Same 2+3 year residence permit pattern; leads to permanent residence or citizenship after 5 years. | entrepreneur |
| Portuguese Republic | D3 visa (highly qualified activity) | 2+3 year pattern leading to permanent residence or citizenship. | work-sponsored |
| Portuguese Republic | D7 visa (passive income / retirement) | Residence visa valid for the entry/residence process; temporary residence generally 2 years then a 3-year renewal. Permanent residence may be available after 5 years; naturalisation generally requires 7 years of legal residence for eligible EU/CPLP nationals and 10 years for other foreign nationals. | residence-general |
| Portuguese Republic | D8 visa (digital nomad / remote work) | Residence track: same 2+3 year pattern as D7, leading to permanent residence or citizenship. | digital-nomad |
| Republic of Vanuatu | Development Support Program (citizenship by investment) | Grants citizenship, not a time-limited residence; the underlying programme rules can change. Confirm the current rules with the Vanuatu Citizenship Office. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Republic of Kazakhstan | Digital Nomad Residency (IT specialists, via Astana Hub) | Designed as a long-horizon route for IT talent that can lead to a permanent residence permit; confirm the current validity terms on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Kingdom of Spain | Digital Nomad Visa (Spain) | Initial 1-year consular visa, extendable to 3-year residence permit, then renewable for further 2 years; counts toward permanent residence after 5 years. | digital-nomad |
| Commonwealth of Dominica | Dominica CBI - Approved Real Estate | Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Commonwealth of Dominica | Dominica CBI - Economic Diversification Fund | Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Commonwealth of Dominica | Dominica Permanent Residence | Indefinite right to reside once granted; a separate work permit may still be needed to work. | residence-general |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur | Initial 2 years, renewable for 5; leads to permanent residence. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Korea | E-7 Designated Activities Visa | 1–3 years; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| United States of America | EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant) | Permanent residence (green card). | skilled-migration |
| United States of America | EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| United States of America | EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| United States of America | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | Conditional 2-year residence leading to unconditional permanent residence. | investor |
| Montserrat (British Overseas Territory) | Economic Residence Permit | As granted under the economic residence permit and any conditions or revocation rules. | investor |
| Republic of Panama | Economic Solvency Residence (Solvencia Economica Propia) | Permanent residence subject to maintaining the qualifying investment or deposit for the required term. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page. | investor |
| Republic of San Marino | Elective Residence Permit | Long-term residence route; after 10 years, elective residence changes into registered residence with relevant rights. | investor |
| Italian Republic | Elective Residence Visa (Residenza Elettiva) | 1 year; renewable. Leads to long-term residence after 5 years. | residence-general |
| Czech Republic | Employee Card | Long-term residence permit; validity depends on the job and decision. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) | Permanent residence. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Zambia | Employment Permit | For employment exceeding 6 months; extendable for periods up to a maximum of 10 years. | work-sponsored |
| Guam (United States territory) | Employment-Based Green Card for Guam | Depends on the employment-based category, petition, labor-market steps where applicable, visa availability and processing path. | skilled-migration |
| Puerto Rico (United States territory) | Employment-Based Green Card for Puerto Rico | Depends on the employment-based category, petition, labor-market steps where applicable, visa availability and processing path. | skilled-migration |
| Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States territory) | Employment-Based Green Card for the Northern Mariana Islands | Depends on the employment-based category, petition, labor-market steps where applicable, visa availability and processing path. | skilled-migration |
| United States Virgin Islands (United States territory) | Employment-Based Green Card for the U.S. Virgin Islands | Depends on the employment-based category, petition, labor-market steps where applicable, visa availability and processing path. | skilled-migration |
| Japan | Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services | 1 or 3 years (5 years for renewals); renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Entrepreneur Resident Visa | Initial residence of 2 years; extensions of up to 2 years each subject to continuing to meet the qualification directions. | entrepreneur |
| Kingdom of Spain | Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013) | Initial 3 years; renewable. | entrepreneur |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs | Initial stay normally up to 36 months on employment (business) conditions; extensions follow the standard pattern. | entrepreneur |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Entry for Residence as Dependants | Stay normally aligned with the sponsor permitted period of stay; renewable alongside the sponsor. | family |
| Brunei Darussalam | Entry Permit (route toward permanent resident status) | The route toward permanent resident status; once granted, permanent residence is a settled status with re-entry permits issued and renewed under the rules. | residence-general |
| Republic of Burundi | Establishment Visa | 2 years according to the CGM ordinary establishment visa section. | residence-general |
| Kingdom of Belgium | EU Blue Card | Time-limited residence and work authorisation; renewable. | skilled-migration |
| Grand Duchy of Luxembourg | EU Blue Card | Time-limited permit; renewable under Luxembourg Blue Card rules. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Austria | EU Blue Card (Austria) | 2 years; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Bulgaria | EU Blue Card (Bulgaria) | Issued for a fixed validity tied to your contract and renewable; confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Italian Republic | EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) | 2 years; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| French Republic | EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) | Up to 4 years; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Croatia | EU Blue Card (Croatia) | Issued for a fixed validity that the 2025 amendments extended, and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Federal Republic of Germany | EU Blue Card (Germany) | 4 years (or duration of contract + 3 months, whichever is shorter). | work-sponsored |
| Hungary | EU Blue Card (Hungary) | Issued for a fixed validity tied to the contract and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Latvia | EU Blue Card (Latvia) | Tied to the contract and renewable while you keep qualifying employment - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Lithuania | EU Blue Card (Lithuania) | Commonly issued for up to about three years where the contract allows, and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | EU Blue Card (Netherlands) | Matches contract, up to 4 years plus 3 months; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Romania | EU Blue Card (Romania) | Issued for a fixed validity tied to your contract and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Slovak Republic | EU Blue Card (Slovakia) | Tied to the contract and renewable while you keep qualifying employment - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Slovenia | EU Blue Card (Slovenia) | Issued for a fixed validity tied to your contract and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Kingdom of Sweden | EU Blue Card (Sweden) | At least 9 months and up to 4 years; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Hellenic Republic | EU Blue Card / highly qualified worker | Residence permit validity follows Greek/EU Blue Card rules and the employment basis. | skilled-migration |
| Romania | EU Long-Term Residence (Romania) | Long validity (longer for family members of a Romanian citizen), renewable - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Canada | Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| Canada | Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| Canada | Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Korea | F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence | 3 years; renewable. | skilled-migration |
| Socialist Republic of Vietnam | Family / Dependent Visa (TT) | Aligned to the sponsor's status, with a temporary residence card commonly available for a multi-year period. | family |
| French Polynesia (French overseas collectivity) | Family / Private-Life Long-Stay Visa | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| New Caledonia (French sui generis collectivity) | Family / Private-Life Long-Stay Visa | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| Wallis and Futuna (French overseas collectivity) | Family / Private-Life Long-Stay Visa | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| Republic of Indonesia | Family / Spouse KITAS | Commonly issued for periods of up to about two years, renewable while the family relationship continues. | family |
| Guam (United States territory) | Family Immigration for Guam | Depends on the family category, petition, visa availability and whether the case uses consular processing or adjustment of status. | family |
| Puerto Rico (United States territory) | Family Immigration for Puerto Rico | Depends on the family category, petition, visa availability and whether the case uses consular processing or adjustment of status. | family |
| Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States territory) | Family Immigration for the Northern Mariana Islands | Depends on the family category, petition, visa availability and whether the case uses consular processing or adjustment of status. | family |
| United States Virgin Islands (United States territory) | Family Immigration for the U.S. Virgin Islands | Depends on the family category, petition, visa availability and whether the case uses consular processing or adjustment of status. | family |
| Republic of Honduras | Family Residence | Residence quality after approval and INM registration; continuity can support later inmigrado status. | family |
| Republic of Kazakhstan | Family Residence (reunification) | Issued for a defined period and renewable while the family relationship and basis continue; can lead towards permanent residence over time. | family |
| Belize | Family Residence (Spouse and Dependants) | Grants residence based on the family relationship and can lead toward permanent residence; confirm current validity and renewal on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Cameroon | Family Resident Card | Resident cards are valid for ten years where granted. | family |
| Republic of Albania | Family Reunification (Albania) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's residence and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Swiss Confederation | Family Reunification (Familiennachzug) | Tied to the sponsor's permit status. | family |
| Republic of Austria | Family Reunification (Familiennachzug) | 1 year initially; renewable. Spouses get RWR Card Plus (3 years). | family |
| Kingdom of Denmark | Family Reunification (Familiesammenfoering) | Tied to the sponsor's residence status. Leads to permanent residence on the same conditions as work-permit holders. | family |
| Principality of Liechtenstein | Family Reunification (Liechtenstein) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| French Republic | Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) | 1 year; renewable. Leads to 10-year carte de résident after 5 years. | family |
| Portuguese Republic | Family reunification (residence) | Matches sponsor's residence; leads to settlement. | family |
| Romania | Family Reunification (Romania) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's residence and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Kingdom of Spain | Family reunification (Spain) | Matches sponsor; leads to settlement. | family |
| Republic of Bulgaria | Family Reunification Residence (Bulgaria) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Georgia | Family Reunification Residence Permit | Generally aligned to the sponsor's permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Hungary | Family Reunification Residence Permit (Hungary) | Validity depends on the sponsor's status and is renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Serbia | Family Reunification Temporary Residence (Serbia) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's status, up to three years and renewable - confirm current validity on the official portal. | family |
| Federative Republic of Brazil | Family reunion residence (VITEM XI) | Residence is generally aligned to the sponsoring relationship and the sponsor status, with renewal and a pathway toward indefinite residence; confirm current terms on the official page. | family |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Family reunion residence permit | Typically 1–3 years at a time; leads to settlement. | family |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Family visa (partner/spouse) | Initial 2.5 years then extension to 5 years total; leads to settlement. | family |
| Republic of Uzbekistan | Family Visa and Residence (reunification) | Issued on the basis of the family relationship and renewable while it continues; can lead towards a longer-term residence permit. | family |
| Kingdom of Denmark | Fast-Track Scheme (Fast-Track-ordningen) | Up to 4 years. | work-sponsored |
| People's Republic of China | Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (Five-Star Card) | Permanent residence status; the physical card is issued with a validity period and is renewed while you maintain eligibility. | residence-general |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Foreign Special Professional Work Permit | Employment permit of up to five years for designated foreign professionals; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of El Salvador | Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment) | Grants Salvadoran citizenship if approved; the programme describes no physical-residence requirement to maintain it. Confirm current conditions on the official page. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Freelance / Self-employment residence permit (§21 AufenthG) | Initial 3 years typically; leads to settlement. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Panama | Friendly Nations Residence Permit (Naciones Amigas) | 2-year provisional (temporary) permit, after which the holder may apply for permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ireland | General Employment Permit | 2 years initially; renewable; longer-term residence possible after 5 years. | work-sponsored |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | General Employment Policy (GEP) | Initial stay normally up to 36 months on employment conditions; extensions typically follow a 3+3+2-year pattern. | work-sponsored |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Global Talent visa | Up to 5 years per grant; leads to settlement after 3 or 5 years depending on endorsement type. | work-unsponsored |
| Hellenic Republic | Golden Visa | Residence permit is renewable if the qualifying investment condition continues. | investor |
| Republic of Indonesia | Golden Visa (5 and 10-year) | Granted for 5 or 10 years depending on the qualifying tier, renewable. | investor |
| Republic of Uzbekistan | Golden Visa (5-year residence for investment) | A five-year residence permit under the programme, renewable in line with the rules; confirm the current terms on the official page. | investor |
| Grenada | Grenada CBI - Approved Real Estate | Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Grenada | Grenada CBI - National Transformation Fund | Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Grenada | Grenada Permanent Residence | Right to reside in Grenada once granted; a separate work permit is generally still needed to work. | residence-general |
| Hungary | Guest Investor Programme (golden visa) | A long fixed validity, renewable, for the guest investor residence permit - confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Health and Care Worker visa | Up to 5 years on initial grant; leads to settlement after 5 years continuous residence. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Spain | Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) permit | 3 years; renewable for 2 years; leads to permanent residence after 5. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) | Matches contract, up to 5 years; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Japan | Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa | 5 years; with fast-track PR after 1–3 years. | skilled-migration |
| Hungary | Hungarian Card | Up to three years, extendable for up to a further period subject to conditions - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Ireland | Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed) | Closed to new applicants. | investor |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) | Initial stay of 24 months on time limitation only; renewable subject to meeting the criteria. | work-unsponsored |
| Ukraine | Immigration Permit | The immigration permit is valid for one year from issuance. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ghana | Indefinite Residence Status (Ghana) | Indefinite residence once granted, subject to the conditions of the status. | residence-general |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Innovator Founder visa | 3 years per grant, with no fixed limit on extensions. Settlement may be available after 3 years if the route’s separate endorsement and business-growth requirements are met. | entrepreneur |
| Argentine Republic | Inversionista (Investor) Temporary Residence | Granted for up to one year, renewable for periods of up to three years; defer to the official page for current terms. | investor |
| Georgia | Investment Residence Permit | Issued for a longer fixed validity than ordinary temporary permits and renewable; can convert to permanent residence once conditions are met - confirm on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Peru | Investor (Inversionista) | Commonly granted for 365 days and renewable while the investment is maintained; counts toward permanent residence after three consecutive years. Confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Indonesia | Investor KITAS (Limited Stay Permit for Investors) | Commonly issued for periods of up to about two years, renewable while the qualifying investment and role continue. | investor |
| Republic of Zambia | Investor Permit | Permit validity and renewal are determined by the issued permit. Holding an Investor's Permit for more than 3 years is listed as a Residence Permit pathway. | investor |
| Republic of Rwanda | Investor Permit (Class A-1 / B-1) | Issued for a period tied to the investment class and renewable; can support a longer-term residence pathway. Confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Fiji | Investor Permit for Non-Citizen Investors | Tiered - a larger qualifying investment supports a longer multi-year permit and a smaller approved investment a shorter one; renewable while the business operates. Confirm current tiers on the official page. | investor |
| Mongolia | Investor Residence (foreign-invested company) | Granted for a defined period linked to your investment or role and extendable; years of qualifying residence can count toward permanent residence. | investor |
| Republic of Namibia | Investor Residence (qualifying investment) | A renewable residence permit tied to your investment and business; after operating long enough you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Zimbabwe | Investor Residence Permit | Confirm the permit validity on approval and use the official extension process where applicable. | investor |
| Republic of Latvia | Investor Residence Permit / Golden Visa (Latvia) | Tied to maintaining the qualifying investment and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of El Salvador | Investor Temporary Residence | Generally granted for up to two years and renewable for an equal period; can lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| Socialist Republic of Vietnam | Investor Visa (DT1-DT4) | Validity rises with the tier - the highest tiers run for several years, while the lowest tier is shorter; residence cards align to the tier. | investor |
| Federal Republic of Nigeria | Investor Visa (multiple-entry) | Multiple-entry validity that scales with the investment tier (the small-scale tier commonly carries a multi-year stay); confirm current durations on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Moldova | IT Specialist Residence (Moldova IT Park) | Commonly granted for up to two years and extendable while you keep the qualifying IT Park role - confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Ireland | Join Family (Irish national or EEA national) | Variable — usually 1–3 years at a time; leads to Stamp 4. | family |
| United States of America | K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen | Single-entry 6 months; must marry within 90 days of entry. | family |
| Republic of Indonesia | KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) | Issued for a multi-year period and renewable, with provisions for extended validity. | residence-general |
| Republic of Madagascar | Long-Stay Family Reunification Visa | EDBM fee bands cover stay periods from more than 3 months to 1 year through 5-10 years, definitive and duplicate categories. | family |
| Republic of Madagascar | Long-Stay Investor Visa | EDBM fee bands cover stay periods from more than 3 months to 1 year through 5-10 years, definitive and duplicate categories. | investor |
| Reunion (French overseas department and region) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need online validation or residence-card follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| Mayotte (French overseas department and region) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need online validation or residence-card follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| French Guiana (French overseas department and region) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need online validation or residence-card follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| Guadeloupe (French overseas department and region) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need online validation or residence-card follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| Martinique (French overseas department and region) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need online validation or residence-card follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need online validation or residence-card follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| Saint Barthelemy (French overseas collectivity) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need online validation or residence-card follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| French Polynesia (French overseas collectivity) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need validation or local residence follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| New Caledonia (French sui generis collectivity) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need validation or local residence follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| Wallis and Futuna (French overseas collectivity) | Long-Stay Overseas Visa | Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need validation or local residence follow-up after arrival, depending on the category. | residence-general |
| French Republic | Long-Stay Visa — Salaried Worker (VLS-TS Salarié) | 1 year; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Madagascar | Long-Stay Worker Visa | EDBM fee bands cover stay periods from more than 3 months to 1 year through 5-10 years, definitive and duplicate categories. | work-sponsored |
| United Republic of Tanzania | Long-tenure Residence (high-value investors, discretionary) | Discretionary long-tenure residence for high-value investors; the official position notes total validity may exceed ten years in such cases. Confirm the current position on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Croatia | Long-Term Residence / Permanent Stay (Croatia) | Permanent status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Czech Republic | Long-term residence for business | Long-term residence permit; renewable if the business purpose continues. | entrepreneur |
| Jamaica | Marriage Exemption Certificate (spouse of a Jamaican) | Held while the certificate is valid; PICA endorses the matching stay in your passport. Confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Panama | Married to a Panamanian (Casado con Panameno/a) | Leads to permanent residence, generally via an initial provisional period and a genuineness review while the marriage subsists. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page. | family |
| Oriental Republic of Uruguay | MERCOSUR Permanent Residence | Permanent on grant; cedula renewed periodically. Leads to naturalisation under separate rules. | residence-general |
| Federative Republic of Brazil | MERCOSUR residence agreement (VITEM XIII) | Temporary residence is typically granted for up to two years and can be converted to indefinite residence on meeting the decree requirements; confirm current terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Argentine Republic | MERCOSUR Temporary Residence (by nationality) | Granted for two years, renewable; defer to the official page for current terms. | residence-general |
| Commonwealth of Australia | National Innovation visa (formerly Global Talent) | Permanent residence. | work-unsponsored |
| Hungary | National Permanent Residence / EC Long-Term Residence (Hungary) | Indefinite settlement status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Kingdom of Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) | Initial 1 year; renewable for 2-year periods; leads to permanent residence after 5 years. | residence-general |
| Republic of Mauritius | Occupation Permit (Investor) | Issued for up to 10 years and renewable, subject to meeting ongoing turnover conditions. | investor |
| Republic of Mauritius | Occupation Permit (Professional) | Issued for up to 10 years and renewable, subject to a continuing qualifying employment contract. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Mauritius | Occupation Permit (Self-Employed) | Issued for up to 10 years and renewable, subject to meeting ongoing business income conditions. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of India | Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card | Lifelong, subject to re-issue conditions for cards issued before age 20 and after age 50. | residence-general |
| New Zealand | Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | Permanent residence. | family |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | Partner residence (Dutch national or resident sponsor) | Initial 5 years; leads to permanent residence. | family |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) | Initial provisional to permanent residence. | family |
| Kingdom of Denmark | Pay Limit Scheme (Beloebsordningen) | Up to 4 years; renewable if employment continues. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of El Salvador | Pensionado Temporary Residence (Retiree) | Generally granted for up to two years and renewable for an equal period; can lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of San Marino | Pensioners' Atypical Residence | Long-term residence route; after 10 years, holders are entitled to registered residence and related rights. | residence-general |
| Oriental Republic of Uruguay | Permanent Legal Residence (Residencia Permanente) | Permanent on grant; cedula renewed periodically. Leads to naturalisation under separate citizenship rules. | residence-general |
| Republic of Kenya | Permanent Residence | Permanent on grant, subject to the conditions of the Act. | residence-general |
| Republic of Botswana | Permanent Residence | Durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable permits, granted at the authorities' discretion; confirm the current validity and qualifying period on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Fiji | Permanent Residence | Settled status held long term once granted, normally after a qualifying period on other permits. Confirm current validity and conditions on the official page. | residence-general |
| Mongolia | Permanent Residence | Confirms long-term residence and is renewed in line with the rules; it is a settlement status but does not lead to citizenship. | residence-general |
| Belize | Permanent Residence | Grants settled permanent residence; reachable after about a year of legal residence with strict absence limits. Confirm current validity and renewal on the official page. | residence-general |
| Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand) | Permanent Residence | Permanent residence status, subject to the conditions and maintenance rules set by Cook Islands law and MFAI. | residence-general |
| Independent State of Papua New Guinea | Permanent Residence | Permanent residence is a status route; ICA class eligibility depends on documented facts and current permanent-residence rules. | residence-general |
| Pitcairn Islands (British Overseas Territory) | Permanent Residence | Indefinite residence and work entitlement once permanent residence is granted. | residence-general |
| Republic of Nicaragua | Permanent Residence | Long-term residence status; card validity and renewal requirements should be confirmed with the official migration source. | residence-general |
| Republic of Albania | Permanent Residence (Albania) | Long validity after five continuous years of lawful residence, renewable - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Permanent Residence (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, APRC) | Permanent, subject to maintaining the rolling presence requirement; re-entry and the certificate are maintained per NIA rules. | residence-general |
| Republic of Armenia | Permanent Residence (Armenia) | A five-year card with renewal options under the 2026 reform - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Bulgaria | Permanent Residence (Bulgaria) | Indefinite status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Brunei Darussalam | Permanent Residence (discretionary, long-term) | A long-term settled status; in practice it is typically reached only after many years (often around fifteen) and is granted at the authorities' discretion. | residence-general |
| Republic of Moldova | Permanent Residence (Moldova) | Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Montenegro | Permanent Residence (Montenegro) | Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Federal Republic of Nigeria | Permanent Residence (Nigeria) | Long-term, multi-year residence depending on the category (the Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa carries a multi-year multiple-entry stay); confirm current terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Plurinational State of Bolivia | Permanent Residence (Permanencia Definitiva) | Definitive residence or stay. The later decree text says foreign identity cards for definitive permanence are renewed every five years with SEGIP, with indefinite cards possible for qualifying older residents. | residence-general |
| Republic of El Salvador | Permanent Residence (Residencia Definitiva) | Permanent settled status; the card is renewed (refrenda) for periods set by the rules, and absence of up to two years is generally permitted. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Paraguay | Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, 10-year card) | Indefinite settled status; the permanent resident card is renewed every 10 years. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Costa Rica | Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente) | Settled status, with the DIMEX card renewed periodically; permanent residents may generally work freely. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Panama | Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente) | Settled status, subject to periodic renewal of the residence card; prolonged absence from Panama can affect it. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ecuador | Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente) | Settled status, renewed periodically; permanent residents may generally live and work freely. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Guatemala | Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente) | Grants settled permanent residence, renewed periodically; reachable after about five years of legal residence. Confirm current validity and renewal on the official page. | residence-general |
| Dominican Republic | Permanent Residence (RP-1) | Settled status: a permanent-residence card is issued (commonly for one year initially, then renewed for several years at a time). Confirm current validity and renewal on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Serbia | Permanent Residence (Serbia) | Permanent status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official portal. | residence-general |
| Slovak Republic | Permanent Residence (Slovakia) | A first permanent-residence permit followed by longer or unlimited status, subject to conditions - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Slovenia | Permanent Residence (Slovenia) | Long-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Latvia | Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Latvia) | Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Lithuania | Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Lithuania) | Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Cuba | Permanent Residence Application | Permanent-residence application; timing and status terms must be confirmed with the Cuban consulate and migration authorities. | residence-general |
| Oriental Republic of Uruguay | Permanent Residence by Uruguayan Family Link | Permanent on grant; cedula renewed periodically. Leads to naturalisation under separate rules. | family |
| Socialist Republic of Vietnam | Permanent Residence Card | Long-term permanent residence, with the card periodically renewed as an identity document. | residence-general |
| Republic of Angola | Permanent Residence Card | The reviewed public source set does not publish a standard permanent-card validity period; confirm grant and renewal timing through SME. | residence-general |
| Kingdom of Morocco | Permanent Residence Card (carte de residence, 10-year) | A longer-term residence card, typically valid for ten years and renewable; confirm the current validity and qualifying period on the official page. | residence-general |
| Niue (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand) | Permanent Residence Certificate | Permanent residence status if Cabinet grants a permanent residence certificate. | residence-general |
| Republic of Belarus | Permanent Residence Entry Visa | Entry-visa validity is set by the visa issued; the permanent-residence basis depends on the separate Citizenship and Migration Department decision. | residence-general |
| Republic of Paraguay | Permanent Residence for Investors (SUACE) | Permanent residence granted directly; the resident card is renewed every 10 years. Confirm current validity and renewal terms on the official page. | investor |
| Jamaica | Permanent Residence for Retirees | Settled residence status once granted; applications are commonly described as taking around three to six months to process. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Georgia | Permanent Residence Permit | Permanent status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Rwanda | Permanent Residence Permit | Long-term, durable residence beyond the renewable temporary permits; confirm the current validity and qualifying period on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Kazakhstan | Permanent Residence Permit | Confirms permanent residence; the physical permit is issued with a validity period and renewed while you keep your status. | residence-general |
| Republic of Azerbaijan | Permanent Residence Permit | Confirms permanent residence; the permit is generally issued for a multi-year period (often around five years) and renewable while you keep your status. | residence-general |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Permanent Residence Permit | Indefinite permanent residence, once approved. | residence-general |
| Republic of Lebanon | Permanent Residence Permit | Permanent residency is described by General Security as a 3-year residence, possibly renewable. | residence-general |
| Ukraine | Permanent Residence Permit | The official page says a permanent residence permit is issued for 10 years. | residence-general |
| Republic of Kosovo | Permanent Residence Permit | Permanent residence status; ID card renewal and replacement use separate evidence lines. | residence-general |
| Republic of Malawi | Permanent Residence Permit | Permanent residence status after approval. | residence-general |
| Faroe Islands (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark) | Permanent Residence Permit | Permanent residence if approved under the current Faroe Islands rules. | residence-general |
| Montserrat (British Overseas Territory) | Permanent Residence Permit | As granted under the permanent residence permit and any conditions or revocation provisions. | residence-general |
| Independent State of Samoa | Permanent Residence Permit | Permanent residence status, subject to approval and any endorsement or reissue conditions. | residence-general |
| Iceland | Permanent Residence Permit (Iceland) | Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Namibia | Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) | Durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable temporary permits; confirm the current qualifying basis on the official page. | residence-general |
| Greenland (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark) | Permanent Residence Permit in Greenland | Permanent residence if approved under the current Greenland rules. | residence-general |
| Jamaica | Permanent Residence via Employment | Settled residence status once granted; applications are commonly described as taking around three to six months to process. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| State of Qatar | Permanent Residency (Law No. 10 of 2018) | Permanent status (subject to the law and committee conditions); a distinct status, not citizenship. | residence-general |
| Republic of Peru | Permanent Resident (Residente Permanente) | Settled status, renewed periodically; permanent residents may generally live and work freely. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory) | Permanent Resident Certificate, Islander Status and BOTC Status | Status and certificate timing depends on the Ministry route and document applied for. | residence-general |
| American Samoa (United States territory) | Permanent Resident Status | Permanent residence status if granted under American Samoa immigration law and current board procedures. | residence-general |
| Republic of Vanuatu | Permanent Resident Visa | Longer-term permanent residence status, subject to the conditions and any renewal or reporting requirements set by the Department. Confirm the current terms on the official Department of Immigration page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Burundi | Permanent Resident Visa | Indefinite period according to the CGM permanent resident visa text. | residence-general |
| Solomon Islands | Permanent Resident Visa | Five years; extendable. | residence-general |
| Portuguese Republic | Portugal Golden Visa (residence by investment) | Initial 2-year residence renewable; very low physical-presence requirement (7 days in year 1, 14 in years 2 and 3). | investor |
| Kingdom of Denmark | Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten) | Up to 4 years; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Premium Residency | Permanent (one-time fee option) or 1 year renewable (annual fee option). | investor |
| Reunion (French overseas department and region) | Private and Family Life Residence | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| Mayotte (French overseas department and region) | Private and Family Life Residence | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| French Guiana (French overseas department and region) | Private and Family Life Residence | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| Guadeloupe (French overseas department and region) | Private and Family Life Residence | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| Martinique (French overseas department and region) | Private and Family Life Residence | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity) | Private and Family Life Residence | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| Saint Barthelemy (French overseas collectivity) | Private and Family Life Residence | Duration and renewal depend on the French family/private-life category and the applicant relationship; confirm the current card or visa duration on Service-Public and France-Visas. | family |
| Mongolia | Private and Family Residence (H-series) | Granted for a defined period and renewable while the family or private basis continues; years of qualifying residence can count toward permanent residence. | family |
| Kingdom of Belgium | Professional Card for self-employment | Time-limited and renewable under regional rules. | entrepreneur |
| Canada | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| People's Republic of China | Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2) | Q1 is a long-stay route: after entry you obtain a family-type residence permit, often issued for up to several years and renewable. Q2 is for short visits only. | family |
| Republic of Panama | Qualified Investor Permanent Residence (Inversionista Calificado) | Permanent residence, granted on a direct basis subject to maintaining the qualifying investment for the required term. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page. | investor |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) | Initial stay normally up to 36 months under the General Points Test (or a longer initial period for Achievement-based applicants); renewable. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of the Philippines | Quota Immigrant Visa (Section 13) | Permanent residence once granted, subject to maintaining status. | residence-general |
| People's Republic of China | R Talent Visa (high-level and urgently needed talent) | The R visa is for entry; the work-type residence permit obtained after arrival is typically issued for one or more years and is renewable. | skilled-migration |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) | Up to 3 years. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Austria | Red-White-Red Card — Startup Founder | 2 years; then RWR Card Plus progression. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Austria | Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) | 24 months; then RWR Card Plus after at least 21 months of qualifying employment during the preceding 24 months. | skilled-migration |
| Ukraine | Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection | Recognition as a refugee or person in need of subsidiary protection is legal residence without time limits; the certificate for recognized people aged 16 or over is issued for a five-year term. | humanitarian |
| Republic of San Marino | Registered Residence Permit | Long-term residence route. The public English guidance does not state a single fixed validity period for registered residence permits. | residence-general |
| Togolese Republic | Reintegration into Togolese Nationality | Confirm the citizenship effect, decree timing and any residence requirement with the Ministry of Justice or Service Public before filing. | citizenship-by-descent |
| Republic of Honduras | Rentist, Pensioner or Investor Residence | Residence quality granted after approval and registration; long-term continuity can support inmigrado status after qualifying residence. | investor |
| Argentine Republic | Rentista (Fixed-Income) Temporary Residence | Granted for one year, renewable; defer to the official page for current terms. | residence-general |
| Republic of Peru | Rentista (Independent Means / Passive Income) | Granted as a resident category for people of permanent income; the rentista category is associated with indefinite permanence. Confirm current validity and renewal terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of El Salvador | Rentista Temporary Residence (Stable Foreign Income) | Generally granted for up to two years and renewable for an equal period; can lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Trinidad and Tobago | Residence after Five Years (Permanent Residence) | Grants resident status under the Immigration Act; confirm current validity, renewal and the right to remain on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Trinidad and Tobago | Residence as a Sponsored Parent or Grandparent | Grants resident status based on the sponsored family relationship; confirm current validity, renewal and conditions on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Trinidad and Tobago | Residence as Spouse of a Citizen or Resident | Grants resident status based on the marriage; confirm current validity, renewal and conditions on the official page. | family |
| Federative Republic of Brazil | Residence authorization for investment | The real-estate investment authorization is initially granted for four years and is renewable for an indefinite period; confirm current terms on the official page. | investor |
| Federative Republic of Brazil | Residence authorization for work (VITEM V) | Commonly granted as a temporary residence aligned to the employment, with renewal and a pathway toward indefinite residence; confirm current terms on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Bulgaria | Residence by Investment | A continuous residence card is generally issued first and can convert to permanent residence at higher tiers; confirm current rules on the official page. | investor |
| Anguilla (British Overseas Territory) | Residence by Investment | Permanent residence route; citizenship pathway timing depends on meeting the applicable requirements. | investor |
| Dominican Republic | Residence by Investment - Investor | A fast-track residence route: investors are typically granted a permanent-residence card from the first card rather than a long temporary period. Confirm current terms on the official page. | investor |
| Dominican Republic | Residence by Investment - Pensionado (Retiree) | A fast-track residence route: pensioners are typically granted a permanent-residence card from the first card rather than a long temporary period. Confirm current terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Dominican Republic | Residence by Investment - Rentista (Annuitant) | A fast-track residence route: rentistas are typically granted a permanent-residence card from the first card rather than a long temporary period. Confirm current terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Montenegro | Residence by Property Ownership (Montenegro) | Commonly issued for up to one year at a time and renewable while you own the qualifying property - confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Angola | Residence Fixation Visa | The reviewed public source set does not publish a standard validity period for the residence-fixation visa; confirm the grant period and resident-card follow-up before filing. | residence-general |
| Montenegro | Residence for Company Founders and the Self-Employed (Montenegro) | Commonly issued for up to one year at a time and renewable while the business stays active - confirm current validity on the official page. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Armenia | Residence for Ethnic Armenians (by descent) | Issued as temporary or permanent residence on the basis of descent; the long-validity special status closes to new applicants after July 2026 - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Federative Republic of Brazil | Residence for retirees and pensioners | Initial residence is granted for up to two years and is renewable; confirm current terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Zambia | Residence Permit | Permanent residence status; document validity and card renewal follow Department rules. | residence-general |
| Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste | Residence Permit | Temporary residence permit: two years, extendable for the same period. Permanent residence exists as a separate permit type. | residence-general |
| Republic of Botswana | Residence Permit - Spouse of a Botswana Citizen | A renewable residence permit tied to the marriage that can support longer-term settlement; confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Uzbekistan | Residence Permit (long-term, vid na zhitelstvo) | Typically issued for a multi-year period (commonly around five years) and renewable, with longer validity possible for older applicants; confirm on the official page. | residence-general |
| Principality of Liechtenstein | Residence Permit B for Gainful Employment (Liechtenstein) | Commonly issued for an initial period and renewable while you keep qualifying; the annual quota is very small - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Principality of Liechtenstein | Residence Permit B without Gainful Employment (Liechtenstein) | Commonly issued for an initial period and renewable while you keep qualifying; the annual quota is very small - confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Finland | Residence permit for a specialist | Up to 2 years for the first permit; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Finland | Residence permit for an employed person | Usually tied to the job and permit decision; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Iceland | Residence Permit for Family Reunification (Iceland) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's status and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Latvia | Residence Permit for Family Reunification (Latvia) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Suriname | Residence Permit for People of Surinamese Origin | Definite-period residence for people of Surinamese origin has a maximum duration of two years; the same page also names indefinite residence for this category. | family |
| Iceland | Residence Permit for Qualified Professionals (Iceland) | Commonly issued for up to one year first and renewable for longer periods while you keep the qualifying job - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Mauritius | Residence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens (50+) | Initial residence permit valid for up to 10 years and renewable. | residence-general |
| Grand Duchy of Luxembourg | Residence permit for salaried workers | Permit validity is tied to the authorised employment and renewal rules. | work-sponsored |
| Grand Duchy of Luxembourg | Residence permit for self-employed workers | Up to 3 years for the first residence permit in many cases; renewable. | entrepreneur |
| Iceland | Residence Permit for the Self-Employed (Iceland) | Commonly issued for up to one year first and renewable while the business stays genuine and active - confirm current validity on the official page. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Fiji | Residence Permit on Assured Income | Granted as a renewable residence permit while the assured income and deposit conditions continue. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory) | Residence Status | The reviewed page lists a 2-3 business month turnaround, but applicants should reconfirm because the service is under review. | residence-general |
| Republic of Uzbekistan | Residence through Qualifying Property Purchase | A residence permit linked to your qualifying property, typically issued for a multi-year period and renewable; confirm the current terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Serbia | Residence via Company Founding / Self-Employment | Up to three years via the single permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official portal. | entrepreneur |
| Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia | Residence Visa | The official route page lists a multiple-entry 90-day Residence Visa. | residence-general |
| Republic of Vanuatu | Residence Visa (Foreign Investor ground) | Issued for set periods and renewable while you hold a valid VIPA certificate and the investment continues. Confirm the current bands on the official Department of Immigration page. | investor |
| Republic of Vanuatu | Residence Visa (Partner / Child ground) | Issued for set periods and renewable while the qualifying relationship continues. Confirm the current bands on the official Department of Immigration page. | family |
| Republic of Cabo Verde | Residence Visa for Family Reunification | The residence visa allows 6 months, extendable until a final residence permit decision. | family |
| Republic of Cabo Verde | Residence Visa for Investment | The residence visa allows 6 months, extendable until the residence permit application receives a final decision. | investor |
| Republic of Cabo Verde | Residence Visa for Professional Activity | The residence visa allows a 6-month stay, extendable until a final decision on the residence permit application. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Cabo Verde | Residence Visa for Study Over One Year | The residence visa allows 6 months, extendable until a final residence permit decision. | study |
| Romania | Residency by Investment / Business Activities (Romania) | Residence is tied to the business activity and renewable; a longer right to stay can follow at higher investment or job-creation levels - confirm current rules on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Peru | Resident Family Member (Familiar Residente) | Commonly granted for 365 days and renewable while the family relationship continues; can count toward permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of South Africa | Retired Persons' Visa | Issued for an extended period subject to continued financial qualification. | residence-general |
| Oriental Republic of Uruguay | Retiree and Pensioner Residence Benefit (Law 16.340) | Tied to permanent residence (permanent on grant). The imported vehicle cannot be sold for 4 years; qualifying property cannot be sold for 10 years. | residence-general |
| Republic of Panama | Retiree-Pensioner Residence (Jubilado / Pensionado) | Generally an indefinite permit while the qualifying pension is maintained. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Namibia | Retirement Permanent Residence (substantial means) | A permanent residence basis for retirees of substantial means; confirm the current qualifying basis on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ghana | Right of Abode (Ghana) | Indefinite residence once granted, subject to the conditions of the status. | residence-general |
| Saint Lucia | Saint Lucia CBI - Approved Real Estate | Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Saint Lucia | Saint Lucia CBI - Enterprise Project | Full citizenship once the qualifying enterprise investment is made and the application is approved. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Saint Lucia | Saint Lucia CBI - Government Bonds | Full citizenship; the bonds are held for a fixed period (historically five years) before the capital is returned. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Saint Lucia | Saint Lucia CBI - National Economic Fund | Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Saint Lucia | Saint Lucia Permanent Residence | Indefinite right to reside once granted; a separate work permit may still be needed to work. | residence-general |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Scale-up visa | 2 years; extendable; leads to settlement after 5 years. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Sweden | Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) | Up to 2 years initially, limited by passport validity; at the extension stage, permanent residence can be requested after at least 2 qualifying years. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Slovenia | Self-Employment Residence (Slovenia) | Tied to your self-employment activity and renewable while it stays genuine and active - confirm current validity on the official page. | entrepreneur |
| Principality of Liechtenstein | Settlement Permit C (Liechtenstein) | Longer-term settlement status with fewer conditions than Permit B, subject to continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page. | residence-general |
| Pitcairn Islands (British Overseas Territory) | Settlement Visa | Settlement visa valid for two years. | residence-general |
| Kingdom of Belgium | Single Permit | Usually tied to the employment authorisation and residence decision; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Malta | Single Permit | Usually 1 year, with some permits issued longer where eligible. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Serbia | Single Permit (residence and work) | Up to three years and renewable for the single permit - confirm current validity on the official portal. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Bulgaria | Single Permit for Residence and Work | Usually granted for one to three years and renewable while you keep the qualifying job - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Romania | Single Permit for Work and Residence | Tied to your employment and typically renewable; renew at least 30 days before it expires - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Slovenia | Single Residence and Work Permit (Slovenia) | Tied to your employment and renewable while you keep the qualifying job - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| New Zealand | Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) | Permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) | 5 years provisional, with pathway to permanent residence. | skilled-migration |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG) | Usually up to 4 years or contract length plus 3 months. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Norway | Skilled Worker Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som faglaert) | 1–3 years initially; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Skilled Worker visa | Up to 5 years on initial grant, extendable; leads to settlement after continuous residence. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) | Up to 4 years; Hong Kong passport holders may be granted up to 5 years. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Spain | Spain Golden Visa (ending April 2025) | Closed to new property-based applications from 3 April 2025. | investor |
| Republic of the Philippines | Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) | Probationary on issue, then indefinite stay for as long as the qualifying investment is maintained. | investor |
| Republic of Honduras | Special Permanence Permit for Business Owners | Annual permit fee; validity and renewal should be confirmed with INM for the specific business case. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Honduras | Special Permanence Permit for Contract Employees | Annual permit fee; renewal and validity should be confirmed with INM for the specific employment case. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Honduras | Special Permanence Permit for University Profession Practice | Annual permit fee; validity and renewal should be confirmed with INM for the professional case. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of the Philippines | Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) | Indefinite stay with multiple-entry privileges while the qualifying deposit and conditions are maintained. | residence-general |
| Republic of the Philippines | Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) | Resident status with multiple-entry privileges while the qualifying enterprise and employment continue. | investor |
| Republic of Malta | Specialist Employee Initiative | Issued through the employment residence framework; renewable if conditions continue. | work-sponsored |
| Canada | Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada) | Permanent residence. | family |
| United States of America | Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A) | Permanent residence (conditional 2-year CR1 converts to 10-year card via I-751). | family |
| Republic of Zambia | Spouse Permit | Permit validity and renewal are determined by the issued permit. A Spouse Permit held for at least 5 years is listed as a Residence Permit pathway. | family |
| Republic of Zimbabwe | Spouse Residence Permit | Initial, extension and permanent spouse residence cases are handled under separate evidence lines on the official page. | family |
| Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis | St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Approved Real Estate | Full citizenship for life; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period (historically several years) before it can be resold under the programme. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis | St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Public Benefit Option | Full citizenship, granted for life and transmissible to future generations, once the qualifying investment is made and the application is approved. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis | St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Sustainable Island State Contribution | Full citizenship, granted for life and transmissible to future generations, once the contribution is made and the application is approved. | citizenship-by-investment |
| Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis | St Kitts and Nevis Permanent Residence | Indefinite right to reside once granted; a separate work permit may still be needed to work. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ireland | Stamp 4 permission | Typically issued for 1–5 years at a time; renewable. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ireland | Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) | Initial 2-year permission; renewable; leads to Stamp 4 after 5 years. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Finland | Start-up entrepreneur residence permit | Initial permit is time-limited and renewable if the startup basis continues. | entrepreneur |
| Canada | Start-Up Visa (Canada) | Permanent residence. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Latvia | Startup Residence Permit (Latvia) | Commonly issued for an initial period and extendable while you actively develop the product - confirm current validity on the official page. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Estonia | Startup Visa | Visa or temporary residence route depending on stay length and case type. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Lithuania | Startup Visa (Lithuania) | Commonly issued for one year first and extendable while the startup progresses - confirm current validity on the official page. | entrepreneur |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | Startup Visa (Netherlands) | 1 year, non-renewable as Startup Visa; transitions to self-employment route. | entrepreneur |
| State of Israel | Status through Marriage to an Israeli Citizen or Permanent Resident | A graduated, multi-year process leading over time toward permanent residence or citizenship; exact duration depends on circumstances. Verify on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Croatia | Stay-and-Work Permit (single permit) | Tied to the employment and typically issued for up to a year or more, renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Taiwan Employment Gold Card | Valid for 1 to 3 years; renewable. | work-unsponsored |
| French Republic | Talent Passport — Researcher (Passeport Talent Chercheur) | Up to 4 years; renewable. | work-unsponsored |
| French Republic | Talent Passport — Salaried Employee (Passeport Talent Salarié) | Up to 4 years; renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Reunion (French overseas department and region) | Talent Passport / Qualified Work | French Talent Passport cards can be multi-year where the category applies; confirm the Reunion-specific visa/residence result before relying on duration. | work-sponsored |
| Mayotte (French overseas department and region) | Talent Passport / Qualified Work | French Talent Passport cards can be multi-year where the category applies; confirm the Mayotte-specific visa/residence result before relying on duration. | work-sponsored |
| French Guiana (French overseas department and region) | Talent Passport / Qualified Work | French Talent Passport cards can be multi-year where the category applies; confirm the French Guiana-specific visa/residence result before relying on duration. | work-sponsored |
| Guadeloupe (French overseas department and region) | Talent Passport / Qualified Work | French Talent Passport cards can be multi-year where the category applies; confirm the Guadeloupe-specific visa/residence result before relying on duration. | work-sponsored |
| Martinique (French overseas department and region) | Talent Passport / Qualified Work | French Talent Passport cards can be multi-year where the category applies; confirm the Martinique-specific visa/residence result before relying on duration. | work-sponsored |
| Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity) | Talent Passport / Qualified Work | French Talent Passport cards can be multi-year where the category applies; confirm the Saint Martin-specific visa/residence result before relying on duration. | work-sponsored |
| Saint Barthelemy (French overseas collectivity) | Talent Passport / Qualified Work | French Talent Passport cards can be multi-year where the category applies; confirm the Saint Barthelemy-specific visa/residence result before relying on duration. | work-sponsored |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) | Employment-based stay aligned with the company quota and the applicant contract; renewable subject to continued eligibility. | work-sponsored |
| Plurinational State of Bolivia | Temporary Family Residence (Permanencia Temporal) | Granted according to the duly founded request; confirm the current duration and renewal treatment with Migration. | family |
| Belize | Temporary Residence | Held during your legal residence in Belize and renewed as required; it leads toward permanent residence once the qualifying period is completed. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Nicaragua | Temporary Residence | Temporary residence period is category-specific; confirm the duration on the official migration source before filing. | residence-general |
| Republic of Guatemala | Temporary Residence - Digital Nomad (Residencia Nomada Digital) | Typically granted for a year and renewed annually; time held counts toward permanent residence after about five years. Confirm current validity on the official page. | digital-nomad |
| Republic of Costa Rica | Temporary Residence - Employed Worker | Commonly granted for a defined period (often around one to two years) and renewable, leading to permanent residence after the qualifying period. Confirm current terms on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Guatemala | Temporary Residence - Family (Residencia por motivos Familiares) | Granted as a renewable temporary residence while the family relationship continues; counts toward permanent residence after about five years. Confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Chile | Temporary Residence - Family Reunification | Temporary residence (up to 2 years under the Residencia Temporal framework); renewable and counts toward Residencia Definitiva. | family |
| Republic of Costa Rica | Temporary Residence - Family Tie (Vinculo) | Granted for a defined period and renewable; the spouse or parent of a Costa Rican can typically reach permanent residence after a shorter qualifying period. Confirm current terms on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Paraguay | Temporary Residence - Independent Means (Renta Propia) | Granted as temporary residence for up to two years and renewable; converts to permanent residence after the temporary-residence period. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Costa Rica | Temporary Residence - Inversionista (Investor) | Granted for a defined period (commonly two years) and renewable while the investment is maintained, leading to permanent residence after the qualifying period. Confirm current terms on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Ecuador | Temporary Residence - Investor (Inversionista) | Granted for up to two years and renewable while the investment is maintained; allows multiple entries with no limit on time abroad while held. Confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Guatemala | Temporary Residence - Investor (Residencia Inversionista) | Granted as a renewable temporary residence while the investment is maintained; counts toward permanent residence after about five years. Confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Chile | Temporary Residence - Investors and Related Personnel | Temporary residence (up to 2 years per the Residencia Temporal framework); counts toward Residencia Definitiva. | investor |
| Republic of Chile | Temporary Residence - Job Offer Pathway | 90 calendar days on approval via the job-offer pathway; after entry, the contract must be filed within 45 days to support a 1-year extension. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Chile | Temporary Residence - Lawful Remunerated Activities | Temporary residence valid up to 2 years; counts toward Residencia Definitiva after roughly 24 months. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Costa Rica | Temporary Residence - Pensionado (Pensioner) | Granted for a defined period (commonly two years) and renewable while the pension is maintained, leading to permanent residence after the qualifying period. Confirm current terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ecuador | Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Jubilado) | Granted for up to two years and renewable while the pension continues; leads to permanent residence after the qualifying period. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Paraguay | Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Pensionado / Jubilado) | Granted as temporary residence for up to two years and renewable; converts to permanent residence after the temporary-residence period. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ecuador | Temporary Residence - Professional (Profesional) | Granted for up to two years and renewable; leads to permanent residence after the qualifying period of temporary residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Ecuador | Temporary Residence - Rentista (Independent Income) | Granted for up to two years and renewable while the income continues; leads to permanent residence after the qualifying period. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Costa Rica | Temporary Residence - Rentista (Person of Independent Means) | Granted for a defined period (commonly two years) and renewable while the income is maintained, leading to permanent residence after the qualifying period. Confirm current terms on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Guatemala | Temporary Residence - Rentista or Pensionado | Granted as a renewable temporary residence; income is typically re-evidenced periodically and time counts toward permanent residence after about five years. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Ecuador | Temporary Residence - Work (Relacion de Dependencia) | Granted for up to two years and renewable; counts toward permanent residence after the qualifying period of temporary residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Guatemala | Temporary Residence - Worker (Residencia Temporal Trabajador) | Granted following the job offer up to a maximum period and renewable; counts toward permanent residence after about five years of legal residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Paraguay | Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporal, Law 6984/2022) | Granted for up to two years and renewable for an equal period; it is a prerequisite for changing category to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Cyprus | Temporary residence and employment permit | Temporary permit; validity depends on employment category and approval. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Poland | Temporary residence and work permit | More than 3 months and up to 3 years. | work-sponsored |
| Montenegro | Temporary Residence and Work Permit | Commonly issued for up to one year at a time and renewable while you keep the qualifying job - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Argentine Republic | Temporary Residence as a Migrant Worker | Granted for one year, renewable; defer to the official page for current terms. | work-sponsored |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Temporary Residence Based on Real Estate Ownership | Temporary residence may be issued for up to 1 year unless otherwise determined by the residence permit. | residence-general |
| Argentine Republic | Temporary Residence by Family Reunification | Defer to the official page; terms depend on the relationship and the sponsor status. | family |
| Socialist Republic of Vietnam | Temporary Residence Card (TRC) | Issued for a multi-year period aligned to the underlying status (commonly up to two or three years), renewable. | residence-general |
| Republic of Armenia | Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment | Temporary status, commonly granted for one year at a time and renewable; biometric cards from 1 August 2026 - confirm current validity on the official page. | entrepreneur |
| Slovak Republic | Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment (Slovakia) | Fixed at three years under the 2025 reform and subject to the annual quota - confirm current validity on the official page. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Poland | Temporary residence for business activity | Temporary residence permit; usually up to the statutory temporary-residence maximum. | entrepreneur |
| Republic of Lithuania | Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania) | Commonly issued for up to two years and renewable while the business stays genuine and active - confirm current validity on the official page. | entrepreneur |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Temporary Residence for Education | Temporary residence may be issued for up to 1 year unless otherwise determined by the residence permit. | study |
| Republic of Armenia | Temporary Residence for Employment | Temporary status, commonly granted for one year at a time and renewable; from 1 August 2026 the system moves online with biometric cards - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Moldova | Temporary Residence for Employment (Moldova) | Tied to your employment and renewable; the migration authority reviews complete applications within a published period - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Slovak Republic | Temporary Residence for Employment / Single Permit (Slovakia) | Can be granted for up to five years for employment, tied to the contract and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Temporary Residence for Employment with Work Permit | Temporary residence may be issued for up to 1 year unless otherwise determined by the residence permit. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Armenia | Temporary Residence for Family (Armenia) | Temporary status, commonly granted for one year at a time and renewable; biometric cards from 1 August 2026 - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Temporary Residence for Family Reunification | Temporary residence may be issued for up to 1 year unless otherwise determined by the residence permit. | family |
| Republic of Lithuania | Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Lithuania) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Moldova | Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Moldova) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's status and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Montenegro | Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Montenegro) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Slovak Republic | Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia) | Can be granted for up to five years, generally aligned to the sponsor, and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Slovenia | Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovenia) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Poland | Temporary residence for highly skilled work (EU Blue Card) | Temporary residence permit; validity depends on the job and decision. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Moldova | Temporary Residence for Investors (Moldova) | Can be granted for periods that scale with the investment or jobs created, and is renewable - confirm current rules on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Azerbaijan | Temporary Residence Permit (family ties) | A temporary residence permit issued for a defined period (often up to a year) and renewable while the family relationship and basis continue; it can lead toward permanent residence. | family |
| Republic of Azerbaijan | Temporary Residence Permit (investment, real estate or deposit) | A temporary residence permit issued for a defined period (often up to a year) and renewable while the qualifying basis continues; it can lead toward permanent residence after about two years. | investor |
| Republic of Estonia | Temporary residence permit for employment | Temporary residence permit; renewable if the employment basis continues. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Latvia | Temporary Residence Permit for Employment (Latvia) | Commonly issued for up to one or more years tied to the contract and renewable while you keep the job - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Lithuania | Temporary Residence Permit for Employment (Lithuania) | Commonly issued for up to two years, and up to three years for highly qualified workers, renewable while you keep the job - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Kosovo | Temporary Residence Permit for Family Reunification | Temporary residence; family reunification can support permanent residence after qualifying continuous residence where official conditions are met. | family |
| Republic of Kosovo | Temporary Residence Permit for Work | Temporary residence; extension requests are filed within 30 days before the current temporary residence expires. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Serbia | Temporary Residence via Real-Estate Ownership | Temporary residence up to three years and renewable while you own the property - confirm current validity on the official portal. | residence-general |
| Republic of El Salvador | Temporary Residence with Work Authorisation | Generally granted for up to two years and renewable for an equal period; can lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| United Mexican States | Temporary Resident Visa | Visa supports residence longer than 180 days and up to 4 years after INM card exchange/renewal. | residence-general |
| Republic of Croatia | Temporary Stay for Family Reunification (Croatia) | Generally aligned to the sponsor's stay and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Plurinational State of Bolivia | Temporary Work Residence (Permanencia Temporal) | Issued for one, two or three years, depending on the time of the activity in Bolivia. | work-unsponsored |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) | Initial stay of 36 months (Category A) or 24 months (Categories B and C); renewable on meeting the criteria. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Madagascar | Transformable Visa | One-month transformable visa, used as a bridge to long-stay status. | residence-general |
| Republic of Türkiye | Turkey Citizenship by Investment | Citizenship, subject to a three-year no-sale restriction on the qualifying property. | investor |
| Republic of Türkiye | Turkey Family Residence Permit | Up to two years per issuance, not exceeding the sponsor permit duration; renewable. | family |
| Republic of Türkiye | Turkey Long-Term Residence Permit | Indefinite, subject to the conditions of the permit. | residence-general |
| Republic of Türkiye | Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit | Up to one or two years per issuance, renewable. | residence-general |
| Republic of Türkiye | Turkey Turquoise Card | Provisional three-year transition period, then indefinite on successful conversion. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Türkiye | Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored) | Definite permit up to one year initially, extendable; permanent work permit available after eight years legal work. | work-sponsored |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Golden Visa | 5 or 10 years depending on category, renewable while the category conditions continue to be met. | investor |
| Jamaica | Unconditional Landing | Valid for the life of the foreign passport it is stamped in, then transferred to a new passport. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Albania | Unique Permit (Leje Unike) | Initially valid for one year and renewable each year; permanent residence follows after five continuous years - confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Albania | Unique Permit for Investors | Tied to the investment and renewable; permanent residence follows after five continuous years - confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| United Mexican States | Visa by family unit | Temporary or permanent residence outcome depends on the family relationship and sponsor status. | family |
| United Mexican States | Visa by job offer / temporary resident with work authorisation | Depends on job length and residence status; temporary residence can be renewed within statutory limits. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Colombia | Visa M (Migrante) | Granted for up to three years depending on the subcategory and renewable; continuous holding accrues toward the Resident (R) visa. Confirm current validity on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Colombia | Visa M Conyuge o Companero de Nacional | Granted for up to three years and renewable while the relationship subsists; M time accrues toward the Resident (R) visa. Confirm current validity on the official page. | family |
| Republic of Colombia | Visa M Inversionista / Socio o Propietario | Granted for up to three years and renewable while the investment or business is maintained; M time accrues toward the Resident (R) visa. Confirm current validity on the official page. | investor |
| Republic of Colombia | Visa R (Residente) | A permanent-residence visa, subject to periodic renewal and the rule that prolonged absence from Colombia can cause it to lapse. Confirm current validity and absence limits on the official page. | residence-general |
| Republic of Indonesia | Work KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) | Commonly issued for periods of up to about two years, renewable while employment continues. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Sweden | Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd) | Up to 2 years initially, limited by the employment contract and passport validity; extendable for up to 2 years at a time. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Kazakhstan | Work Permit and Residence (employer-sponsored) | Work permits are tied to your employment and renewed while you keep the job; the residence permit is issued for a defined period and renewed alongside it. | work-sponsored |
| Mongolia | Work Permit and Residence (HG employment) | The residence permit is granted for the same duration as your work permit (often up to a year) and renewed alongside it while you keep the job. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Azerbaijan | Work Permit and Temporary Residence Permit | The work permit is tied to your employment, and the temporary residence permit is issued for a defined period (often up to a year) and renewed alongside it while you keep the job. | work-sponsored |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Work Permit for Specialized or Technical Work + ARC | Work permit and resident visa run with the employment contract (which must have more than six months remaining at application); renewable. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Nicaragua | Work Residence | Work-linked residence duration is category-specific and should be confirmed with the official migration source. | work-sponsored |
| Georgia | Work Residence Permit | Issued as a temporary residence permit, commonly for up to a year at a time and renewable; longer initial validity can apply - confirm on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Socialist Republic of Vietnam | Work Visa (LD) and Work Permit | Work permits are commonly issued for up to about two years, with the LD visa and any residence card aligned to the permit. | work-sponsored |
| French Polynesia (French overseas collectivity) | Work-Authorised Long-Stay Visa | Duration depends on the France-Visas result and any local work or residence authorisation attached to the French Polynesia role. | work-sponsored |
| New Caledonia (French sui generis collectivity) | Work-Authorised Long-Stay Visa | Duration depends on the France-Visas result and any local work or residence authorisation attached to the New Caledonia role. | work-sponsored |
| Wallis and Futuna (French overseas collectivity) | Work-Authorised Long-Stay Visa | Duration depends on the France-Visas result and any local work or residence authorisation attached to the Wallis and Futuna role. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Peru | Worker Resident (Trabajador Residente) | Commonly granted for 365 days and renewable while the employment continues; counts toward permanent residence after three consecutive years. Confirm current validity on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| People's Republic of China | Z Work Visa (with Foreigner Work Permit and Residence Permit) | The Z visa itself is short-validity for entry; the work-type residence permit you obtain after arrival is typically issued for one year and renewable. | work-sponsored |
Every row links to a visa page where the underlying primary source and last-reviewed date are shown.
Source basis
This ranking is compiled from Visa Atlas route records. Each row links to a visa guide with its exact primary government source and last-reviewed date.
Reviewed
Primary sources
- Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A) - Bureau of Immigration
Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) - verified
- Immigration New Zealand — Active Investor Plus
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) - verified
- Apply for a Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 under the Right of Return - PIBA
Population and Immigration Authority - verified
- Real Estate - Antigua and Barbuda CIP
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit - verified
- Business Investment - Antigua and Barbuda CIP
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit - verified
- National Development Fund (NDF) - Antigua and Barbuda CIP
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit - verified
- University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund - Antigua and Barbuda CIP
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit - verified
- Stay permits, residence and citizenship - San Marino Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of San Marino - verified
334 more source records are available through the linked route pages.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa leads to permanent residence fastest?+
Germany's EU Blue Card is one of the quickest — a settlement permit in as little as 21 months with B1 German. Points-based routes such as Canada Express Entry and Australia's subclass 189 grant permanent residence on approval but take longer to reach the invitation stage, and most other work routes need three to five years of qualifying residence.
Does the listed time to settlement include physical-presence rules?+
No. The figure is the minimum qualifying-residence period under current rules. Absence limits, continuous-residence requirements, and good-character or language tests apply on top, so a real-world timeline can run longer than the headline minimum.