Work visas with no employer sponsor — unsponsored routes compared

Name: Work visas with no employer sponsor — unsponsored routes compared
Creator: Visa Atlas
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Unsponsored routes let you establish residence without an employer. They suit experienced professionals and recent graduates searching on-the-ground. Most require a points test, qualifications screen, or reputational endorsement.

Global skilled-route ranking evidence

Cheapest, fastest, settlement and no-sponsor skilled-route methodology

No-sponsor routes remove the employer gate, but they replace it with points, qualification, funds or endorsement evidence.

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.

Route card	Sponsor flag	Decision clock	Settlement signal	Sunk cost	Caveat
United States of America - TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)	Sponsor or job offer required	1 days – 4 weeks	No direct PR route	US$80$80 order only	No tracked refundable proof-of-funds line in this cost model.
Republic of Singapore - Employment Pass (EP)	Sponsor or job offer required	10 days – 2 weeks	No direct PR route	SGD 330$255 order only	Proof of funds stays separate at SGD 67,200-SGD 74,400.
Kingdom of Sweden - Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)	Sponsor or job offer required	4 weeks – 3 months	Settlement path tracked	SEK 2,200-SEK 3,200$226-$329 order only	Proof of funds stays separate at SEK 413,640.
Federal Republic of Germany - EU Blue Card (Germany)	Sponsor or job offer required	4 weeks – 3 months	Settlement path tracked	€185-€355$211-$404 order only	No tracked refundable proof-of-funds line in this cost model.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Skilled Worker visa	Sponsor or job offer required	3 weeks	Settlement path tracked	£3,924-£4,044$5,188-$5,347 order only	Proof of funds stays separate at £1,270.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Health and Care Worker visa	Sponsor or job offer required	3 weeks	Settlement path tracked	£324-£444$428-$587 order only	Proof of funds stays separate at £1,270.
Canada - Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	No employer sponsor required	5 months – 7 months	Settlement path tracked	CA$2,075-CA$3,005$1,458-$2,111 order only	No tracked refundable proof-of-funds line in this cost model.
Canada - Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)	No employer sponsor required	5 months – 8 months	Settlement path tracked	CA$2,275-CA$3,055$1,598-$2,146 order only	Proof of funds stays separate at CA$15,263.
Canada - Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)	No employer sponsor required	5 months – 8 months	Settlement path tracked	CA$2,075-CA$4,005$1,458-$2,813 order only	Proof of funds stays separate at CA$15,263.

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 Work visas with no employer sponsor — unsponsored routes compared compare?

A directory of routes where you can apply directly without a pre-arranged employer. The page compares 585 routes using Route type and Duration; each row links to a primary-source route guide.

Verified against Government of Barbados (Welcome Stamp / Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.) on 1 June 2026.

Destination	Route	Route type	Duration
Barbados	12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp	digital-nomad	Up to 12 months, with the option to reapply; it is a temporary remote-work visa and does not lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Socialist Republic of Vietnam	5-year Talent Visa	skilled-migration	A five-year multiple-entry facility, with a capped stay per entry under the scheme terms.
New Zealand	Active Investor Plus Visa	investor	Resident visa; permanent residence after meeting conditions over 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced).
Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)	Adult Student Permit	study	Study permission as granted for the approved course or study period.
State of Israel	Aliyah - Immigration under the Law of Return	citizenship-by-descent	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.
Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China	Amendments to the Authorization to Stay granted upon entry	residence-general	During the validity of the authorization to stay granted on entry.
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan	Annual Residence for Five Years (Renewable)	residence-general	Granted as a renewable five-year residence permit; it is not permanent residence. Confirm current validity and renewal conditions on the official page.
Antigua and Barbuda	Antigua and Barbuda CBI - Approved Real Estate	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme.
Antigua and Barbuda	Antigua and Barbuda CBI - Business Investment	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship once the qualifying business investment is made and the application is approved; the early-years physical-presence step applies.
Antigua and Barbuda	Antigua and Barbuda CBI - National Development Fund	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved; a short physical-presence step applies in the early years (see FAQ).
Antigua and Barbuda	Antigua and Barbuda CBI - University of the West Indies Fund	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved; the early-years physical-presence step applies.
Curacao (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)	Application Status and Permit Collection	residence-general	Post-submission status and appointment handling after the residence permit or declaration application is filed.
Republic of Tunisia	Attestation of Non-Submission to Work-Contract Visa	work-unsponsored	The cited page does not publish a standard validity period; it publishes establishment and renewal documents by category.
Republic of San Marino	Atypical Residence under Facilitated Tax Regime	residence-general	Long-term residence route; after 10 years, holders are entitled to registered residence and related rights.
Commonwealth of The Bahamas	Bahamas Annual Residence Permit	residence-general	Granted for a year at a time and renewable; it is a non-working residence permit and does not by itself lead to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page.
Commonwealth of The Bahamas	Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence	residence-general	Permanent residence once granted, conditional on maintaining the qualifying investment for the required period; confirm current conditions on the official page.
Commonwealth of The Bahamas	Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)	digital-nomad	Up to one year, renewable; this is a temporary remote-work permit and does not lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity and renewal on the official page.
Commonwealth of The Bahamas	Bahamas Homeowner Residence Card	residence-general	Valid while the qualifying property is owned and the card is kept current; it is tied to home ownership and does not by itself lead to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page.
Barbados	Barbados Immigrant Status	residence-general	A long-term, settled status once granted; subject to the conditions the Immigration Department attaches. Confirm current validity and conditions on the official page.
Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Belonger Status	citizenship-by-descent	The reviewed page lists 6-8 months, but applicants should reconfirm because the service is under review.
Turkmenistan	Border Registration and Migration Control	residence-general	Not a standalone stay permission; the timing follows the underlying visa, residence permit or registration rule.
Republic of Rwanda	Business / Entrepreneur Permit	entrepreneur	Issued for a renewable period tied to the business; confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of The Gambia	Business Establishment / Investor Residence	investor	Business establishment permission is tied to the approved business/residence basis; confirm the residence permit and quota validity with GID.
Islamic Republic of Pakistan	Business Investor Visa	investor	Short-term entry can be 1 year or 3 years multiple-entry; long-term entry can be 5 years multiple-entry; investor extension can be 2 years multiple-entry.
Japan	Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)	entrepreneur	1 year initially; renewable for 1, 3, or 5 years.
Federal Republic of Nigeria	Business Permit (foreign-owned company)	entrepreneur	A company-level authorisation that remains valid for the operating entity; confirm current validity and renewal terms on the official page.
Tuvalu	Business Permit to Enter and Reside	entrepreneur	Permit validity is set by the authority and tied to the approved business basis.
Republic of Malawi	Business Residence Permit	entrepreneur	Valid for 5 years from approval and renewable for successive 5-year periods.
Republic of South Africa	Business Visa	investor	Issued for the period of the business activity, subject to conditions.
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste	Business Visa	entrepreneur	Class I: up to 60 days, multiple entries. Confirm Class II duration and conditions with the Immigration Service.
Republic of Nauru	Business Visa	entrepreneur	Not exceeding 2 years, with single or multiple entry according to the visa granted.
Republic of the Marshall Islands	Business Visa (B-1)	investor	Business visa stay; confirm validity, entries, business conditions and any separate work or residence permission with RMI authorities.
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal	Business Visa (foreign investors and representatives)	investor	Issued for periods from around a month up to a year, and in some cases for several years at a time, renewable while the business continues.
Swiss Confederation	C Permit — Settlement (Niederlassungsbewilligung)	residence-general	Indefinite — valid as long as you remain resident in Switzerland.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China	Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)	investor	Initial stay granted under the scheme, renewable while the investment and asset requirements continue to be met.
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago	CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement)	work-unsponsored	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.
Republic of Cameroon	Carte de Resident	residence-general	Ten years.
Republic of Cameroon	Carte de Sejour	residence-general	Two years, renewable twice.
Republic of Cameroon	Carte de Sejour Renewal or Replacement	residence-general	A stay card is valid for two years and renewable twice; renewal should be handled while the old card is valid at least one month before expiry.
Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means	residence-general	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.
Republic of Uganda	Certificate of Residence	residence-general	The official page lists 5-year, 10-year and life durations for marriage-based certificates.
Federal Republic of Germany	Chancenkarte (Germany Opportunity Card)	work-unsponsored	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.
Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China	Change of Entry Purpose	residence-general	Within the current limit of stay granted after entry.
Republic of Malawi	Citizenship Applications	citizenship-by-descent	Citizenship outcome after the relevant application category is approved; timing depends on category and file completeness.
Italian Republic	Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)	citizenship-by-descent	Permanent — full citizenship.
Independent State of Samoa	Citizenship by Descent, Permanent Residence or Marriage	citizenship-by-descent	Citizenship status after registration or recognition; processing depends on the citizenship route and decision.
Arab Republic of Egypt	Citizenship by Investment (Egypt, Law 190 of 2019)	investor	Leads to Egyptian citizenship rather than a residence permit; processing typically runs several months. Confirm current routes on the official page.
Kingdom of Eswatini	Citizenship by Registration	citizenship-by-descent	Processing period is determined by the Citizenship Board after each application is reviewed.
Republic of Kosovo	Citizenship for Diaspora Members	citizenship-by-descent	Citizenship decision process; after approval the person registers the decision and can apply for Kosovo identity documents.
Federated States of Micronesia	Citizenship Naturalization	citizenship-by-descent	Authority-dependent; confirm current petition, evidence and decision timing with the President or designee.
Tuvalu	Citizenship Registration or Naturalisation	citizenship-by-descent	Citizenship decision timing is authority-dependent; confirm current filing and committee practice before applying.
Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory)	Civilian Registration Card / Gibraltar ID Card	residence-general	Card processing depends on the selected route; an emergency 24-hour identity-card service is listed, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Republic of Kenya	Class A Work Permit (Prospecting and Mining)	investor	Issued and renewable in line with the licensed activity; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.
Republic of Kenya	Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy)	entrepreneur	Issued and renewable in line with the business; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.
Republic of Kenya	Class K Permit (Ordinary Residents)	residence-general	Issued and renewable subject to continued assured income; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.
Republic of Madagascar	Company Creation for Foreign Investors	entrepreneur	EDBM states documents are delivered 2 days after payment if the file is complete.
Republic of Bulgaria	Continuous (Long-Term) Residence Permit	residence-general	Generally up to one year at a time and renewable each year while your qualifying ground continues - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of South Africa	Critical Skills Work Visa	skilled-migration	Up to 5 years per issue; renewable.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	CSME Certificate Work Access	work-unsponsored	Six months of work access pending issuance of the upgraded CSME certificate by the Ministry of National Security.
Jersey (British Crown Dependency)	Customs and Immigration Arrival	residence-general	Arrival and import compliance applies at or before the move to Jersey.
Republic of Cyprus	Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa	digital-nomad	First permit 1 year; renewal can be up to 2 years under the current scheme.
Republic of Korea	D-8 Corporate Investment Visa	entrepreneur	1–2 years; renewable as long as the business operates.
Portuguese Republic	D2 visa (entrepreneur / self-employment)	entrepreneur	Same 2+3 year residence permit pattern; leads to permanent residence or citizenship after 5 years.
Portuguese Republic	D7 visa (passive income / retirement)	residence-general	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.
Portuguese Republic	D8 visa (digital nomad / remote work)	digital-nomad	Residence track: same 2+3 year pattern as D7, leading to permanent residence or citizenship.
Malaysia	DE Rantau Nomad Pass	digital-nomad	3 to 12 months, renewable for up to a further 12 months.
Republic of Singapore	Dependant's Pass (DP)	family	Tied to sponsor's work pass validity.
Kingdom of Thailand	Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)	digital-nomad	Five-year multiple-entry visa; up to 180 days per entry, extendable once at an immigration office.
Republic of Vanuatu	Development Support Program (citizenship by investment)	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.
Republic of Peru	Digital Nomad (Nomada Digital)	digital-nomad	Designed around a stay of up to 365 days with possible extension, but not yet available in practice. Confirm whether it is implementable on the official page.
Republic of Serbia	Digital Nomad Pathway	digital-nomad	Tied to the underlying basis, commonly up to three years via the single permit and renewable - confirm current rules on the official portal.
Principality of Andorra	Digital Nomad Residence (D.3)	digital-nomad	Initial residence authorisation for 2 years, first renewal for 2 years, second renewal for 3 years and later renewals generally for 10 years, subject to treaty exceptions.
Federative Republic of Brazil	Digital nomad residence (VITEM XIV)	digital-nomad	Granted as a temporary residence for a defined period with the possibility of renewal; this route is not in itself a settlement track. Confirm current terms on the official page.
Montenegro	Digital Nomad Temporary Residence (Montenegro)	digital-nomad	Issued for up to two years and extendable for up to two more, within the life of the programme - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Slovenia	Digital Nomad Temporary Residence Permit (Slovenia)	digital-nomad	Up to one year and non-renewable; you may reapply six months after it expires - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Croatia	Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia)	digital-nomad	Up to 18 months, with limited extension; it does not count toward permanent residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Argentine Republic	Digital Nomad Transitory Residence	digital-nomad	Granted for up to 180 days, renewable for the same period; defer to the official page for current terms.
Republic of Estonia	Digital Nomad Visa	digital-nomad	Up to 1 year.
Hellenic Republic	Digital Nomad Visa	digital-nomad	Short initial visa with possible residence-permit route depending on stay plan.
Republic of the Philippines	Digital Nomad Visa	digital-nomad	Up to one year initially, renewable once for a two-year maximum.
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka	Digital Nomad Visa	digital-nomad	Up to one year, renewable annually while you continue to meet the eligibility and compliance conditions; later renewals may require proof of Sri Lankan tax registration.
Republic of Latvia	Digital Nomad Visa (Latvia)	digital-nomad	Issued for up to one year and renewable once for a further year - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Moldova	Digital Nomad Visa (Moldova)	digital-nomad	Allows you to live in Moldova for up to two years, with renewal possible while you still qualify - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Namibia	Digital Nomad Visa (NIPDB)	digital-nomad	A short stay of around six months; the current official position is that it is non-renewable, with reapplication only after a waiting period. It does not lead to permanent residence - confirm the latest rules on the official page.
Romania	Digital Nomad Visa (Romania)	digital-nomad	A long-stay visa with a matching residence permit, renewable while you still qualify - confirm current validity on the official page.
Kingdom of Spain	Digital Nomad Visa (Spain)	digital-nomad	Initial 1-year consular visa, extendable to 3-year residence permit, then renewable for further 2 years; counts toward permanent residence after 5 years.
Italian Republic	Digital Nomad Visa (Visto per Nomadi Digitali)	digital-nomad	1 year; renewable.
Republic of Palau	Digital Residency Program	residence-general	Confirm digital-residency validity, renewal and card or identity handling with the Digital Residency Office.
Sint Maarten (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)	Director or Investor Permit	investor	First-time temporary residence permission as granted for the approved director or investor purpose.
Commonwealth of Dominica	Dominica CBI - Approved Real Estate	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme.
Commonwealth of Dominica	Dominica CBI - Economic Diversification Fund	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved.
Commonwealth of Dominica	Dominica Permanent Residence	residence-general	Indefinite right to reside once granted; a separate work permit may still be needed to work.
Kingdom of the Netherlands	Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur	entrepreneur	Initial 2 years, renewable for 5; leads to permanent residence.
United States of America	E-2 Treaty Investor	investor	Initial up to 2 years at port of entry (5-year visa stamp for many nationalities); renewable indefinitely.
Republic of Burundi	EAC Visitor and Student Visa	residence-general	Up to 6 months for the EAC stay note; the reviewed EAC student section states 12 months.
United States of America	EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)	skilled-migration	Permanent residence (green card).
United States of America	EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)	skilled-migration	Permanent residence.
United States of America	EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program	investor	Conditional 2-year residence leading to unconditional permanent residence.
Bermuda (British Overseas Territory)	Economic Investment Certificate and Residential Certificate	investor	Residential Certificate treatment follows the approved certificate; confirm current policy and renewal or expiry treatment before investing.
Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)	Economic Residence Permit	investor	As granted under the economic residence permit and any conditions or revocation rules.
Republic of Panama	Economic Solvency Residence (Solvencia Economica Propia)	investor	Permanent residence subject to maintaining the qualifying investment or deposit for the required term. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page.
Kingdom of Cambodia	EG Job-Seeking Visa (E-class job-seeking sub-class)	work-unsponsored	Extensions are typically issued in shorter periods such as 1, 3 or 6 months while you are getting established; renewable, with no settled status to reach.
Republic of San Marino	Elective Residence Permit	investor	Long-term residence route; after 10 years, elective residence changes into registered residence with relevant rights.
Italian Republic	Elective Residence Visa (Residenza Elettiva)	residence-general	1 year; renewable. Leads to long-term residence after 5 years.
Republic of Singapore	EntrePass	entrepreneur	1 year initially; renewable for 2 years subject to meeting business milestones.
Taiwan (Republic of China)	Entrepreneur Resident Visa	entrepreneur	Initial residence of 2 years; extensions of up to 2 years each subject to continuing to meet the qualification directions.
Kingdom of Spain	Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)	entrepreneur	Initial 3 years; renewable.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China	Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs	entrepreneur	Initial stay normally up to 36 months on employment (business) conditions; extensions follow the standard pattern.
Brunei Darussalam	Entry Permit (route toward permanent resident status)	residence-general	The route toward permanent resident status; once granted, permanent residence is a settled status with re-entry permits issued and renewed under the rules.
Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Entry Permit Stamp for Re-entry	residence-general	Tied to the validity of the entry permit and passport stamp.
Kingdom of Cambodia	ER Retirement Visa (E-class retirement sub-class)	residence-general	Extensions are typically issued in periods such as 6 or 12 months and renewed to stay long term; there is no permanent-residence status to reach.
Kingdom of Cambodia	ES Student Visa (E-class student sub-class)	study	Renewable for the length of your studies as long as you stay enrolled at a registered school; no permanent-residence status to reach.
Republic of Costa Rica	Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008)	digital-nomad	Granted for one year, renewable once for an additional year; this is a stay (estancia), not a settlement track, and does not lead to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page.
Romania	EU Long-Term Residence (Romania)	residence-general	Long validity (longer for family members of a Romanian citizen), renewable - confirm current rules on the official page.
Russian Federation	eVisa Emergency Extension	residence-general	Emergency-only extension of eVisa validity or stay, implemented through an ordinary non-electronic visa.
Gabonese Republic	eVisa Extension	residence-general	A one-month visa may be extended for two months; a two-month visa may be extended for one month. Three-month and six-month visas are not extended.
Republic of Chad	eVisa Extension Direction	residence-general	Extension length is set by the Direction of Emigration and Immigration case decision.
Canada	Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	skilled-migration	Permanent residence.
Canada	Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)	skilled-migration	Permanent residence.
Canada	Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)	skilled-migration	Permanent residence.
Republic of Korea	F-1 Family Visitation / F-3 Dependent Family	family	Tied to the sponsoring family member's visa status.
United States of America	F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)	study	Duration of study (D/S); OPT up to 12 months; STEM OPT extension up to 24 additional months.
Republic of Korea	F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence	skilled-migration	3 years; renewable.
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan	Family / Follower Residency	family	Generally valid for one year and renewed annually, tied to the primary resident's status. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Cameroon	Family Resident Card	family	Resident cards are valid for ten years where granted.
Swiss Confederation	Family Reunification (Familiennachzug)	family	Tied to the sponsor's permit status.
Republic of Austria	Family Reunification (Familiennachzug)	family	1 year initially; renewable. Spouses get RWR Card Plus (3 years).
Kingdom of Denmark	Family Reunification (Familiesammenfoering)	family	Tied to the sponsor's residence status. Leads to permanent residence on the same conditions as work-permit holders.
French Republic	Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial)	family	1 year; renewable. Leads to 10-year carte de résident after 5 years.
Portuguese Republic	Family reunification (residence)	family	Matches sponsor's residence; leads to settlement.
Kingdom of Spain	Family reunification (Spain)	family	Matches sponsor; leads to settlement.
Federative Republic of Brazil	Family reunion residence (VITEM XI)	family	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.
Federal Republic of Germany	Family reunion residence permit	family	Typically 1–3 years at a time; leads to settlement.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Family visa (partner/spouse)	family	Initial 2.5 years then extension to 5 years total; leads to settlement.
Republic of Cuba	Family Visa A-2	family	Confirm validity and permitted stay with the Cuban consulate that issues the A-2 visa.
Republic of Djibouti	Foreign Identity Card Guidance	residence-general	Not published on the reviewed eGov service page.
Tuvalu	Foreign Investment Certificate	investor	Investment-certificate duration and conditions are set under the Foreign Direct Investment Act and any approval issued.
Federated States of Micronesia	Foreign Investor's Entry Permit	investor	Specified duration; renewal follows renewal or extension of the foreign investor business permit.
Republic of Senegal	Foreigner Identity Card	residence-general	Interior does not publish a fixed validity period or decision time on the reviewed procedure page.
Republic of Senegal	Foreigner Identity Card Renewal or Duplicate	residence-general	Interior does not publish a fixed renewal or duplicate processing time on the reviewed page.
Republic of El Salvador	Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment)	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.
Sultanate of Oman	Freelance / Self-Employed Permit	work-unsponsored	Renewable residence linked to active registration; confirm the current term on the official page.
Federal Republic of Germany	Freelance / Self-employment residence permit (§21 AufenthG)	work-unsponsored	Initial 3 years typically; leads to settlement.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia	Freelance Permit (Tashrih al-Amal al-Hurr)	work-unsponsored	1 year from the date of issue; renewable.
Republic of Panama	Friendly Nations Residence Permit (Naciones Amigas)	residence-general	2-year provisional (temporary) permit, after which the holder may apply for permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page.
Republic of Ghana	GIPC Automatic Immigrant Quota	investor	An enterprise-level quota linked to registered capital; the resulting individual permits are renewable rather than permanent.
Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Global Citizen Concierge Programme (GCCP)	digital-nomad	When open, granted for up to a defined period (reported as up to two years); it is a temporary remote-work certificate and does not lead to permanent residence. Verify the live status before relying on it.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Global Talent visa	work-unsponsored	Up to 5 years per grant; leads to settlement after 3 or 5 years depending on endorsement type.
Kingdom of Bahrain	Golden Residency	residence-general	Long-term renewable residency (renewable on a multi-year cycle); confirm the current term on the official NPRA page.
Hellenic Republic	Golden Visa	investor	Residence permit is renewable if the qualifying investment condition continues.
Republic of Indonesia	Golden Visa (5 and 10-year)	investor	Granted for 5 or 10 years depending on the qualifying tier, renewable.
Republic of Uzbekistan	Golden Visa (5-year residence for investment)	investor	A five-year residence permit under the programme, renewable in line with the rules; confirm the current terms on the official page.
Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago)	Governor Services for Mainland Norway Permits and Citizenship	residence-general	Depends on the Norwegian mainland permit, visa or citizenship process handled by the Governor and UDI.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Graduate visa	work-unsponsored	2 years (3 years for doctoral graduates); non-extendable.
Grenada	Grenada CBI - Approved Real Estate	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme.
Grenada	Grenada CBI - National Transformation Fund	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved.
Grenada	Grenada Permanent Residence	residence-general	Right to reside in Grenada once granted; a separate work permit is generally still needed to work.
Hungary	Guest Investor Programme (golden visa)	investor	A long fixed validity, renewable, for the guest investor residence permit - confirm current validity on the official page.
Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)	Health Certificate Requirement	residence-general	Certificate timing is tied to the application; the regulation references certificates issued not more than three months before application.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	High Potential Individual visa	work-unsponsored	2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). Non-extendable.
Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)	High Value Resident Tax Residency	residence-general	Ongoing residence/tax-residency status while programme conditions continue to be met.
Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Homeowner or Residence Permit	residence-general	Homeowner permits are described as typically valid for five years and extendable or renewable; other residence permits depend on the Ministry route granted.
Republic of Ireland	Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed)	investor	Closed to new applicants.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China	Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)	work-unsponsored	Initial stay of 24 months on time limitation only; renewable subject to meeting the criteria.
Ukraine	Immigration Permit	residence-general	The immigration permit is valid for one year from issuance.
Isle of Man (British Crown Dependency)	Immigration Rules and Associated Policy	residence-general	Depends on the immigration route and the permission granted under current Isle of Man rules or policy.
Togolese Republic	Immigration Visa	residence-general	Maximum 90 days, renewable once; holders must start residence-card formalities after arrival.
Republic of Ghana	Indefinite Residence Status (Ghana)	residence-general	Indefinite residence once granted, subject to the conditions of the status.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Innovator Founder visa	entrepreneur	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.
Argentine Republic	Inversionista (Investor) Temporary Residence	investor	Granted for up to one year, renewable for periods of up to three years; defer to the official page for current terms.
Georgia	Investment Residence Permit	investor	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.
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia	Investment Visa	investor	The official fee table lists 30-day single-entry, 90-day multiple-entry, 6-month multiple-entry and 12-month multiple-entry options.
Republic of Mozambique	Investment Visa	investor	90, 180, 365 or 730 days, with total stay capped at 730 days or less on the cited page.
Republic of Kiribati	Investment Visa	investor	Temporary investment-related stay; confirm the approved validity and any business conditions on the visa issued by Kiribati Immigration.
Republic of Peru	Investor (Inversionista)	investor	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.
Aruba (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)	Investor and Shareholder Residence	investor	Residence permission as granted by DIMAS for the approved investor or shareholder basis.
Republic of Indonesia	Investor KITAS (Limited Stay Permit for Investors)	investor	Commonly issued for periods of up to about two years, renewable while the qualifying investment and role continue.
Republic of Zambia	Investor Permit	investor	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.
Republic of Rwanda	Investor Permit (Class A-1 / B-1)	investor	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.
Republic of Fiji	Investor Permit for Non-Citizen Investors	investor	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.
Mongolia	Investor Residence (foreign-invested company)	investor	Granted for a defined period linked to your investment or role and extendable; years of qualifying residence can count toward permanent residence.
Republic of Namibia	Investor Residence (qualifying investment)	investor	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.
Republic of Zimbabwe	Investor Residence Permit	investor	Confirm the permit validity on approval and use the official extension process where applicable.
Republic of Sierra Leone	Investor Residence Permit	investor	Residence permit for investor stays over 90 days; exact validity is selected in the live permit application.
Republic of Latvia	Investor Residence Permit / Golden Visa (Latvia)	investor	Tied to maintaining the qualifying investment and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page.
State of Qatar	Investor Residence Visa	investor	Renewable residence visa; confirm the current validity period on Hukoomi / MOI.
Sultanate of Oman	Investor Residency (Golden Visa)	investor	Renewable residence in 5-year or 10-year tiers depending on the investment; confirm the current terms on the official page.
State of Kuwait	Investor Residency (long-term, up to ~15 years)	investor	Long-term renewable residency of up to around 15 years for qualifying licensed investors; still fixed-term, not permanent. Confirm the current term on the official Ministry of Interior page.
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan	Investor Residency (Qualifying Real-Estate Purchase)	investor	A renewable residence permit tied to continued ownership of the qualifying property; it is a residence route, not citizenship. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of El Salvador	Investor Temporary Residence	investor	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.
Socialist Republic of Vietnam	Investor Visa (DT1-DT4)	investor	Validity rises with the tier - the highest tiers run for several years, while the lowest tier is shorter; residence cards align to the tier.
Federal Republic of Nigeria	Investor Visa (multiple-entry)	investor	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.
Republic of Botswana	Investor Work Permit	investor	Issued for a fixed period tied to the investment and renewable; confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Uzbekistan	IT Visa (IT Park founders and specialists)	skilled-migration	A multiple-entry route issued for an extended period (commonly up to a few years) and renewable; confirm the current validity on the official page.
Federal Republic of Germany	Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG)	work-unsponsored	Post-study/post-training job search: up to 18 months. The from-abroad 6-month route is closed to new applicants.
Kingdom of Norway	Job-Seeker Visa (Oppholdstillatelse for aa soeke arbeid som faglart)	work-unsponsored	Up to 1 year (previously 6 months — extended to support recruitment); non-renewable.
Republic of Ireland	Join Family (Irish national or EEA national)	family	Variable — usually 1–3 years at a time; leads to Stamp 4.
People's Republic of China	K Visa (young science and technology talent)	work-unsponsored	Indicative only. The K visa is described as offering more flexibility on entries, validity and length of stay than the existing ordinary categories; confirm the current terms on the official page.
Republic of Nauru	Long Term Stay Visa	residence-general	Set by the 2025 regulations and the visa granted; confirm current duration and conditions before relying on the route.
Republic of Guinea	Long Term Visa - Business or Professional Activity	entrepreneur	The reviewed official long term visa tab states 1 year from the date of issuance.
Republic of North Macedonia	Long-Stay D Visa for Study Temporary Residence	study	The D visa follows the Ministry of Interior temporary residence decision; confirm the approved period in that decision.
Republic of Cameroon	Long-Stay eVisa	residence-general	Up to twelve months for the long-stay visa, according to MINREX.
Republic of Madagascar	Long-Stay Investor Visa	investor	EDBM fee bands cover stay periods from more than 3 months to 1 year through 5-10 years, definitive and duplicate categories.
Reunion (French overseas department and region)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	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.
Mayotte (French overseas department and region)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	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.
French Guiana (French overseas department and region)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	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.
Guadeloupe (French overseas department and region)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	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.
Martinique (French overseas department and region)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	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.
Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	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.
Saint Barthelemy (French overseas collectivity)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	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.
French Polynesia (French overseas collectivity)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need validation or local residence follow-up after arrival, depending on the category.
New Caledonia (French sui generis collectivity)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need validation or local residence follow-up after arrival, depending on the category.
Wallis and Futuna (French overseas collectivity)	Long-Stay Overseas Visa	residence-general	Long-stay visas commonly support stays beyond 90 days and may need validation or local residence follow-up after arrival, depending on the category.
Kingdom of Morocco	Long-stay Visa (Visa D)	residence-general	A long-stay entry visa used to enter Morocco and then register for a residence card; confirm validity and conditions on the official page.
United Republic of Tanzania	Long-tenure Residence (high-value investors, discretionary)	residence-general	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.
Saint Helena (British Overseas Territory)	Long-term Entry Permit	residence-general	For stays in excess of 183 days, as issued by St Helena authorities.
Brunei Darussalam	Long-Term Pass (social, business or professional)	residence-general	A multi-year pass (reported as up to several years) with multiple entry; it is a long-stay route rather than a settlement status.
Republic of Croatia	Long-Term Residence / Permanent Stay (Croatia)	residence-general	Permanent status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Czech Republic	Long-term residence for business	entrepreneur	Long-term residence permit; renewable if the business purpose continues.
Kingdom of Thailand	Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa	residence-general	Long-term visa issued for up to 10 years (commonly in 5-year tranches); renewable subject to continued eligibility.
Iceland	Long-Term Visa for Remote Work (Iceland)	digital-nomad	A single stay of 90 to 180 days, generally not repeatable within twelve months - confirm current validity on the official page.
Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)	Long-Term Visitor Permit	residence-general	Longer visitor stay as granted under current MFAI criteria.
Pitcairn Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Long-term Visitor Visa	residence-general	Issued for six months, with extension possible before expiry.
Islamic Republic of Mauritania	Long-validity e-Visa	residence-general	The official fee table includes multi-month and multi-year bands; confirm the current allowed duration before selecting one.
Niue (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)	Longer Than 30 Days Visitor Visa	residence-general	Longer visitor stay as requested and granted by Niue Immigration.
Malaysia	Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)	residence-general	Multiple-entry Social Visit Pass; validity varies by category - confirm on the official MM2H portal.
Islamic Republic of Iran	Marital Visa	family	Validity and stay conditions are shown on the issued marital visa.
Jamaica	Marriage Exemption Certificate (spouse of a Jamaican)	family	Held while the certificate is valid; PICA endorses the matching stay in your passport. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Panama	Married to a Panamanian (Casado con Panameno/a)	family	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.
Gabonese Republic	Medical eVisa	residence-general	Use the selected eVisa category: one to three months single entry, or six months multiple entry where eligible.
Oriental Republic of Uruguay	MERCOSUR Permanent Residence	residence-general	Permanent on grant; cedula renewed periodically. Leads to naturalisation under separate rules.
Federative Republic of Brazil	MERCOSUR residence agreement (VITEM XIII)	residence-general	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.
Argentine Republic	MERCOSUR Temporary Residence (by nationality)	residence-general	Granted for two years, renewable; defer to the official page for current terms.
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela	Migration Records and Corrections	residence-general	Administrative certificate or correction process; timing depends on SAIME office handling.
Plurinational State of Bolivia	Multiple Visa for Business and Investment	investor	Granted for one year and renewable for similar periods, according to the cited regulation.
Republic of Guinea-Bissau	Multiple-Entry or Long-Stay Biometric Visa	residence-general	Fee table classes include 3 months, 6 months and 1 year multiple-entry visas.
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka	My Dream Home Visa Programme (retirement / long-stay residence)	residence-general	Issued in two-year blocks and renewable while you continue to meet the conditions.
Commonwealth of Australia	National Innovation visa (formerly Global Talent)	work-unsponsored	Permanent residence.
Hungary	National Permanent Residence / EC Long-Term Residence (Hungary)	residence-general	Indefinite settlement status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Kazakhstan	Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1)	digital-nomad	Issued for up to around a year with the possibility of in-country extension; it is a stay route, not a settlement route.
Niue (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)	Niuean Return or Exemption Status	residence-general	Status-based travel or residence treatment as confirmed by Niue Immigration or evidenced in the passport.
Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago)	No Svalbard Visa, Work Permit or Residence Permit Needed	work-unsponsored	No ordinary Svalbard residence permit is issued; the practical stay depends on meeting local requirements and travel-document/transit rules.
People's Republic of Bangladesh	No Visa Required (NVR)	family	The London page lists delivery time of 5-7 working days for in-person applications and 21 days for postal applications; NVR is not treated as an urgent service.
Republic of Malta	Nomad Residence Permit	digital-nomad	Time-limited residence permit; renewability depends on current programme rules.
Republic of The Gambia	Non-Gambian ID Card	residence-general	Confirm current validity and renewal period with GID when applying.
Kingdom of Thailand	Non-Immigrant Visa "O-A" (Retirement / Long Stay)	residence-general	One-year stay; renewable annually if the financial and other conditions continue to be met.
Kingdom of Thailand	Non-Immigrant Visa "O" (Family / Spouse of Thai National)	family	Initial single-entry 90-day stay; extendable one year at a time at an immigration office.
Kingdom of Spain	Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)	residence-general	Initial 1 year; renewable for 2-year periods; leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal	Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa	residence-general	A long-stay route - the amended law allows issuance for up to ten years while your NRN card remains valid, and free of charge for eligible holders.
Republic of Iraq	Normal Visa	residence-general	One entry during three months from grant, with residence in Iraq not exceeding three months, according to the MOFA page.
Republic of Mauritius	Occupation Permit (Investor)	investor	Issued for up to 10 years and renewable, subject to meeting ongoing turnover conditions.
Republic of Mauritius	Occupation Permit (Self-Employed)	entrepreneur	Issued for up to 10 years and renewable, subject to meeting ongoing business income conditions.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	OECS Indefinite Stay on Entry	residence-general	Indefinite stay on entry for OECS nationals, as described by the official visitor-permit page.
Togolese Republic	Ordinary Residence Card	residence-general	Three years, renewable on the same conditions.
Dominican Republic	Ordinary Temporary Residence (RT-9)	residence-general	Generally granted for one year and renewed annually; the standard path is to renew RT-9 for the required period before changing to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page.
Kingdom of the Netherlands	Orientation year (Zoekjaar)	work-unsponsored	1 year, non-renewable as Zoekjaar.
Republic of Cuba	Other Consular Visas	study	Depends on the visa purpose and consular authorisation; confirm with the relevant Cuban consulate.
Republic of India	Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card	residence-general	Lifelong, subject to re-issue conditions for cards issued before age 20 and after age 50.
Republic of Singapore	Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)	work-unsponsored	5 years; renewable.
New Zealand	Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa	family	Permanent residence.
Kingdom of the Netherlands	Partner residence (Dutch national or resident sponsor)	family	Initial 5 years; leads to permanent residence.
Commonwealth of Australia	Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)	family	Initial provisional to permanent residence.
Republic of El Salvador	Pensionado Temporary Residence (Retiree)	residence-general	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.
Republic of San Marino	Pensioners' Atypical Residence	residence-general	Long-term residence route; after 10 years, holders are entitled to registered residence and related rights.
Oriental Republic of Uruguay	Permanent Legal Residence (Residencia Permanente)	residence-general	Permanent on grant; cedula renewed periodically. Leads to naturalisation under separate citizenship rules.
Republic of Kenya	Permanent Residence	residence-general	Permanent on grant, subject to the conditions of the Act.
Republic of Botswana	Permanent Residence	residence-general	Durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable permits, granted at the authorities' discretion; confirm the current validity and qualifying period on the official page.
Republic of Fiji	Permanent Residence	residence-general	Settled status held long term once granted, normally after a qualifying period on other permits. Confirm current validity and conditions on the official page.
Mongolia	Permanent Residence	residence-general	Confirms long-term residence and is renewed in line with the rules; it is a settlement status but does not lead to citizenship.
Belize	Permanent Residence	residence-general	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.
Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)	Permanent Residence	residence-general	Permanent residence status, subject to the conditions and maintenance rules set by Cook Islands law and MFAI.
Independent State of Papua New Guinea	Permanent Residence	residence-general	Permanent residence is a status route; ICA class eligibility depends on documented facts and current permanent-residence rules.
Pitcairn Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Permanent Residence	residence-general	Indefinite residence and work entitlement once permanent residence is granted.
Republic of Nicaragua	Permanent Residence	residence-general	Long-term residence status; card validity and renewal requirements should be confirmed with the official migration source.
Republic of Albania	Permanent Residence (Albania)	residence-general	Long validity after five continuous years of lawful residence, renewable - confirm current rules on the official page.
Taiwan (Republic of China)	Permanent Residence (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, APRC)	residence-general	Permanent, subject to maintaining the rolling presence requirement; re-entry and the certificate are maintained per NIA rules.
Republic of Armenia	Permanent Residence (Armenia)	residence-general	A five-year card with renewal options under the 2026 reform - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Bulgaria	Permanent Residence (Bulgaria)	residence-general	Indefinite status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Brunei Darussalam	Permanent Residence (discretionary, long-term)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Moldova	Permanent Residence (Moldova)	residence-general	Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Montenegro	Permanent Residence (Montenegro)	residence-general	Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Federal Republic of Nigeria	Permanent Residence (Nigeria)	residence-general	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.
Plurinational State of Bolivia	Permanent Residence (Permanencia Definitiva)	residence-general	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.
Republic of El Salvador	Permanent Residence (Residencia Definitiva)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Paraguay	Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, 10-year card)	residence-general	Indefinite settled status; the permanent resident card is renewed every 10 years. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page.
Republic of Costa Rica	Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)	residence-general	Settled status, with the DIMEX card renewed periodically; permanent residents may generally work freely. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page.
Republic of Panama	Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Ecuador	Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)	residence-general	Settled status, renewed periodically; permanent residents may generally live and work freely. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page.
Republic of Guatemala	Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)	residence-general	Grants settled permanent residence, renewed periodically; reachable after about five years of legal residence. Confirm current validity and renewal on the official page.
Dominican Republic	Permanent Residence (RP-1)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Serbia	Permanent Residence (Serbia)	residence-general	Permanent status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official portal.
Slovak Republic	Permanent Residence (Slovakia)	residence-general	A first permanent-residence permit followed by longer or unlimited status, subject to conditions - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Slovenia	Permanent Residence (Slovenia)	residence-general	Long-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Latvia	Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Latvia)	residence-general	Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Lithuania	Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Lithuania)	residence-general	Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Cuba	Permanent Residence Application	residence-general	Permanent-residence application; timing and status terms must be confirmed with the Cuban consulate and migration authorities.
Oriental Republic of Uruguay	Permanent Residence by Uruguayan Family Link	family	Permanent on grant; cedula renewed periodically. Leads to naturalisation under separate rules.
Socialist Republic of Vietnam	Permanent Residence Card	residence-general	Long-term permanent residence, with the card periodically renewed as an identity document.
Republic of Angola	Permanent Residence Card	residence-general	The reviewed public source set does not publish a standard permanent-card validity period; confirm grant and renewal timing through SME.
Kingdom of Morocco	Permanent Residence Card (carte de residence, 10-year)	residence-general	A longer-term residence card, typically valid for ten years and renewable; confirm the current validity and qualifying period on the official page.
Republic of Paraguay	Permanent Residence for Investors (SUACE)	investor	Permanent residence granted directly; the resident card is renewed every 10 years. Confirm current validity and renewal terms on the official page.
Jamaica	Permanent Residence for Retirees	residence-general	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.
Georgia	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Permanent status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Rwanda	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Long-term, durable residence beyond the renewable temporary permits; confirm the current validity and qualifying period on the official page.
Republic of Azerbaijan	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Confirms permanent residence; the permit is generally issued for a multi-year period (often around five years) and renewable while you keep your status.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Indefinite permanent residence, once approved.
Republic of Lebanon	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Permanent residency is described by General Security as a 3-year residence, possibly renewable.
Ukraine	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	The official page says a permanent residence permit is issued for 10 years.
Republic of Kosovo	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Permanent residence status; ID card renewal and replacement use separate evidence lines.
Republic of Malawi	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Permanent residence status after approval.
Faroe Islands (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Permanent residence if approved under the current Faroe Islands rules.
Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	As granted under the permanent residence permit and any conditions or revocation provisions.
Independent State of Samoa	Permanent Residence Permit	residence-general	Permanent residence status, subject to approval and any endorsement or reissue conditions.
Iceland	Permanent Residence Permit (Iceland)	residence-general	Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Namibia	Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)	residence-general	Durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable temporary permits; confirm the current qualifying basis on the official page.
Greenland (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)	Permanent Residence Permit in Greenland	residence-general	Permanent residence if approved under the current Greenland rules.
Jamaica	Permanent Residence via Employment	residence-general	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.
State of Qatar	Permanent Residency (Law No. 10 of 2018)	residence-general	Permanent status (subject to the law and committee conditions); a distinct status, not citizenship.
Republic of Peru	Permanent Resident (Residente Permanente)	residence-general	Settled status, renewed periodically; permanent residents may generally live and work freely. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page.
Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Permanent Resident Certificate, Islander Status and BOTC Status	residence-general	Status and certificate timing depends on the Ministry route and document applied for.
Republic of Vanuatu	Permanent Resident Visa	residence-general	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.
Solomon Islands	Permanent Resident Visa	residence-general	Five years; extendable.
Republic of Sierra Leone	Permit Extension and Re-entry	residence-general	Extension or re-entry validity depends on the existing permit and the process selected in the Unified Permit portal.
Tuvalu	Permit to Enter and Reside	residence-general	Permit validity is set by the authority; extensions use the prescribed extension form and are limited by the regulations.
Bailiwick of Guernsey (British Crown Dependency)	Personal Circumstances Certificate or Permit	family	As issued through the Population Management Portal for the approved personal basis.
Republic of Singapore	Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)	work-unsponsored	3 years; non-renewable.
Bailiwick of Guernsey (British Crown Dependency)	Population Management Permit or Certificate	residence-general	Processing times vary; the page says applications are taking longer than desired and suggests waiting around 8-12 weeks before querying pending applications.
Portuguese Republic	Portugal Golden Visa (residence by investment)	investor	Initial 2-year residence renewable; very low physical-presence requirement (7 days in year 1, 14 in years 2 and 3).
Canada	Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)	work-unsponsored	Up to 3 years.
New Zealand	Post-Study Work Visa	work-unsponsored	1–3 years depending on qualification level and study location.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia	Premium Residency	investor	Permanent (one-time fee option) or 1 year renewable (annual fee option).
Republic of Mauritius	Premium Visa	digital-nomad	Valid for a period exceeding six months up to one year, with an option to renew.
Togolese Republic	Privileged Residence Card	skilled-migration	Five years, renewable according to the conditions applicable to the case.
Republic of Angola	Privileged Visa	investor	The reviewed public SME pages do not publish a standard privileged-visa validity period; confirm the grant period and extension route through SME before filing.
Kingdom of Belgium	Professional Card for self-employment	entrepreneur	Time-limited and renewable under regional rules.
State of Kuwait	Property-Owner Residency (long-term, up to ~10 years)	residence-general	Long-term renewable residency of up to around 10 years for qualifying property owners; still fixed-term, not permanent. Confirm the current term on the official Ministry of Interior page.
Canada	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	skilled-migration	Permanent residence.
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire	Provisional Stay Title	residence-general	Service Public does not publish a fixed validity period or decision time on the reviewed procedure page.
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire	Provisional Stay Title Renewal	residence-general	Service Public does not publish a fixed decision time on the reviewed renewal page.
Republic of Suriname	PSA Document for People of Surinamese Origin	residence-general	Digital PSA document validity is five years; the page says holders may stay six months continuously, extendable by up to another six months for a total of twelve months.
Republic of Panama	Qualified Investor Permanent Residence (Inversionista Calificado)	investor	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.
Belize	Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)	residence-general	Grants a QRP resident card renewed annually for as long as you keep qualifying; it is residency, not citizenship, and generally does not count toward permanent residence. Confirm current conditions on the official page.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China	Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)	skilled-migration	Initial stay normally up to 36 months under the General Points Test (or a longer initial period for Achievement-based applicants); renewable.
Republic of the Philippines	Quota Immigrant Visa (Section 13)	residence-general	Permanent residence once granted, subject to maintaining status.
Republic of Liberia	Re-entry Permit Card	residence-general	The LIS re-entry page says cards are valid for either 6 months or 1 year, depending on the type issued.
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela	Re-entry Visa	residence-general	Six months, single entry, with the Venezuelan identity-card number stamped on the visa where the holder has one.
State of Qatar	Real Estate Residence (Property Owner)	residence-general	Residence linked to qualifying property ownership; confirm the current term on the official portals.
Republic of Austria	Red-White-Red Card — Startup Founder	entrepreneur	2 years; then RWR Card Plus progression.
Jersey (British Crown Dependency)	Register as a Jersey Resident	residence-general	Registration should be completed after arrival before starting work or relying on Jersey residential/employment status.
Republic of San Marino	Registered Residence Permit	residence-general	Long-term residence route. The public English guidance does not state a single fixed validity period for registered residence permits.
Togolese Republic	Reintegration into Togolese Nationality	citizenship-by-descent	Confirm the citizenship effect, decree timing and any residence requirement with the Ministry of Justice or Service Public before filing.
Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China	Reissue of Slip of Authorization to Stay / Residence Authorization	residence-general	Service request tied to an existing authorization to stay or residence authorization.
Jamaica	Remote Work Stay (oriented to US passport holders)	digital-nomad	Arranged through PICA extension of stay; commonly described as an initial period that can be extended. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of South Africa	Remote Work Visa	digital-nomad	Issued as a visitor visa for the period set by the DHA.
Republic of Honduras	Rentist, Pensioner or Investor Residence	investor	Residence quality granted after approval and registration; long-term continuity can support inmigrado status after qualifying residence.
Argentine Republic	Rentista (Fixed-Income) Temporary Residence	residence-general	Granted for one year, renewable; defer to the official page for current terms.
Republic of Peru	Rentista (Independent Means / Passive Income)	residence-general	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.
Republic of El Salvador	Rentista Temporary Residence (Stable Foreign Income)	residence-general	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.
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela	Rentista Visa	residence-general	Confirm validity in the issued visa and any SAIME renewal.
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago	Residence after Five Years (Permanent Residence)	residence-general	Grants resident status under the Immigration Act; confirm current validity, renewal and the right to remain on the official page.
Federative Republic of Brazil	Residence authorization for investment	investor	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.
Republic of Bulgaria	Residence by Investment	investor	A continuous residence card is generally issued first and can convert to permanent residence at higher tiers; confirm current rules on the official page.
Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)	Residence by Investment	investor	Permanent residence route; citizenship pathway timing depends on meeting the applicable requirements.
Dominican Republic	Residence by Investment - Investor	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.
Dominican Republic	Residence by Investment - Pensionado (Retiree)	residence-general	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.
Dominican Republic	Residence by Investment - Rentista (Annuitant)	residence-general	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.
Montenegro	Residence by Property Ownership (Montenegro)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Albania	Residence by Real-Estate Ownership	residence-general	Renewable while you own the qualifying property; not a direct settlement route on its own - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Tunisia	Residence Card for Investors	investor	The cited procedure does not publish a standard residence-card validity period for investors.
Republic of Tunisia	Residence Card for Marriage	family	The cited procedure does not publish a standard residence-card validity period for marriage cases.
Republic of Tunisia	Residence Card for Retirees	residence-general	The cited procedure does not publish a standard residence-card validity period for retirees.
Republic of Tunisia	Residence Card for Study	study	The cited procedure does not publish a standard residence-card validity period for study.
Republic of Angola	Residence Fixation Visa	residence-general	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.
Republic of Armenia	Residence for Ethnic Armenians (by descent)	residence-general	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.
Federative Republic of Brazil	Residence for retirees and pensioners	residence-general	Initial residence is granted for up to two years and is renewable; confirm current terms on the official page.
Malaysia	Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)	skilled-migration	Ten years, renewable.
Republic of Botswana	Residence Permit	residence-general	A renewable permit issued for a set period that depends on the category; confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Seychelles	Residence Permit	residence-general	The official fee page describes the main Residence Permit fee for a 5-year permit; conditions apply throughout the permit term.
Principality of Monaco	Residence Permit	residence-general	A temporary card valid for 1 year may be issued after a residence-permit application is submitted; later card type and validity depend on status and renewals.
Republic of Zambia	Residence Permit	residence-general	Permanent residence status; document validity and card renewal follow Department rules.
Republic of Sierra Leone	Residence Permit	residence-general	Residence permit for long-term stay beyond 90 days; exact validity is selected in the live permit application.
Bermuda (British Overseas Territory)	Residence Permit	residence-general	Annual permission and longer residence-permission fee bands are published; exact validity depends on the permission granted.
Turkmenistan	Residence Permit	residence-general	The official service says the residence permit is issued for up to 5 years.
Curacao (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)	Residence Permit - Investor, Retired Person or Pensioner	investor	As granted for the approved investor, rentier, retired-person or pensioner purpose.
Republic of Uzbekistan	Residence Permit (long-term, vid na zhitelstvo)	residence-general	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.
Principality of Liechtenstein	Residence Permit B without Gainful Employment (Liechtenstein)	residence-general	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.
United Republic of Tanzania	Residence Permit Class A (self-employed and investors)	investor	A renewable residence permit tied to your business or investment; standard validity is fairly short and renewed, though high-value investors may secure longer validity. Confirm current validity on the official page.
United Republic of Tanzania	Residence Permit Class C (students, retirees, researchers, missionaries)	residence-general	A renewable residence permit tied to your purpose of stay; any single residence permit class has a fairly short maximum validity and is renewed. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Suriname	Residence Permit Extension	residence-general	Extension must be requested no later than three months before the current residence permit expires.
Republic of Suriname	Residence Permit for Other Foreigners and MKV Cases	residence-general	The reviewed page does not publish a universal grant period for all other-foreigner residence permits; MKV is required before travel for visa-required foreigners intending to stay longer than three months.
Republic of Suriname	Residence Permit for People of Surinamese Origin	family	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.
Republic of Mauritius	Residence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens (50+)	residence-general	Initial residence permit valid for up to 10 years and renewable.
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg	Residence permit for self-employed workers	entrepreneur	Up to 3 years for the first residence permit in many cases; renewable.
Iceland	Residence Permit for Students (Iceland)	study	Granted for up to one year at a time and renewable while you stay enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Albania	Residence Permit for Studies (Albania)	study	Tied to your course and renewable while enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Romania	Residence Permit for Studies (Romania)	study	Tied to your course and renewable while you remain enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Bulgaria	Residence Permit for Study (Bulgaria)	study	Tied to your course and renewable while you remain enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Fiji	Residence Permit on Assured Income	residence-general	Granted as a renewable residence permit while the assured income and deposit conditions continue. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Arab Republic of Egypt	Residence Permit via Bank Deposit (Egypt)	residence-general	Renewable validity that scales with the deposit size (commonly one or three years); never permanent.
Arab Republic of Egypt	Residence Permit via Real Estate (Egypt)	residence-general	Renewable validity that scales with the property value (commonly one, three or five years); never permanent.
Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Residence Status	residence-general	The reviewed page lists a 2-3 business month turnaround, but applicants should reconfirm because the service is under review.
Republic of Uzbekistan	Residence through Qualifying Property Purchase	residence-general	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.
Republic of Serbia	Residence via Company Founding / Self-Employment	entrepreneur	Up to three years via the single permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official portal.
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia	Residence Visa	residence-general	The official route page lists a multiple-entry 90-day Residence Visa.
Republic of Vanuatu	Residence Visa (Foreign Investor ground)	investor	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.
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka	Residence Visa (Investor Category)	investor	Tied to the approved investment; generally issued for a defined period and renewable while the investment and your involvement continue.
Republic of Vanuatu	Residence Visa (Leasehold Holder ground)	residence-general	Issued for set periods and renewable while you maintain the qualifying leasehold and income. Confirm the current bands on the official Department of Immigration page.
Republic of Vanuatu	Residence Visa (Self-funded ground)	residence-general	Issued for set periods and renewable while you keep meeting the income condition. Confirm the current bands on the official Department of Immigration page.
Republic of Cabo Verde	Residence Visa for Investment	investor	The residence visa allows 6 months, extendable until the residence permit application receives a final decision.
Republic of Cabo Verde	Residence Visa for Study Over One Year	study	The residence visa allows 6 months, extendable until a final residence permit decision.
Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe	Residence-Fixation Authorization - Company or Business	entrepreneur	Residence-fixation authorization timing depends on SMF decision; the e-Cidadao endpoint indicates a 60-day response parameter after submission.
Romania	Residency by Investment / Business Activities (Romania)	investor	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.
Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means	residence-general	Issued for a long term (commonly 25 years) and renewable, but it does NOT confer permanent residence; it carries no right to work. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Sint Maarten (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)	Residency, Landing, Re-Entry and Definitive Leave Permits	residence-general	As granted for the approved residence, landing, re-entry or definitive-leave handling.
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire	Resident Card	residence-general	Service Public lists the delay as not determined for the general resident-card page.
Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)	Resident Investor Permit	investor	Residence permission as granted under current resident-investor criteria.
Jersey (British Crown Dependency)	Residential and Employment Status	residence-general	Status depends on residence history, employment permission, relationship basis or business permission; some Entitled status can become permanent after qualifying residence.
Republic of The Gambia	Residential Permit A	residence-general	Biometric resident permit; confirm validity and renewal period with GID when applying.
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal	Residential Visa (long-stay, proof of income)	residence-general	A renewable long-stay residential status (commonly issued annually); it is not a permanent-residence or citizenship route for ordinary foreigners.
Republic of South Africa	Retired Persons' Visa	residence-general	Issued for an extended period subject to continued financial qualification.
Oriental Republic of Uruguay	Retiree and Pensioner Residence Benefit (Law 16.340)	residence-general	Tied to permanent residence (permanent on grant). The imported vehicle cannot be sold for 4 years; qualifying property cannot be sold for 10 years.
Togolese Republic	Retiree Residence Card	residence-general	Residence-card duration depends on the card type selected; DGDN lists one-year, three-year and five-year card options.
Republic of Panama	Retiree-Pensioner Residence (Jubilado / Pensionado)	residence-general	Generally an indefinite permit while the qualifying pension is maintained. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page.
Republic of Namibia	Retirement Permanent Residence (substantial means)	residence-general	A permanent residence basis for retirees of substantial means; confirm the current qualifying basis on the official page.
Republic of Ghana	Right of Abode (Ghana)	residence-general	Indefinite residence once granted, subject to the conditions of the status.
Saint Lucia	Saint Lucia CBI - Approved Real Estate	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme.
Saint Lucia	Saint Lucia CBI - Enterprise Project	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship once the qualifying enterprise investment is made and the application is approved.
Saint Lucia	Saint Lucia CBI - Government Bonds	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship; the bonds are held for a fixed period (historically five years) before the capital is returned.
Saint Lucia	Saint Lucia CBI - National Economic Fund	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved.
Saint Lucia	Saint Lucia Permanent Residence	residence-general	Indefinite right to reside once granted; a separate work permit may still be needed to work.
Pitcairn Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Seasonal Resident Visa	residence-general	Issued for five years, with extension possible before expiry.
Republic of Indonesia	Second Home Visa	residence-general	Issued for multi-year periods (commonly a 5 or 10-year track), renewable subject to conditions.
Principality of Andorra	Self-Employed Residence and Work Authorisation (J.1)	entrepreneur	Initial authorisation for 1 year, then three renewals for 2 years each; after 7 years, renewals are generally issued for 10-year periods, subject to treaty exceptions.
Kingdom of Sweden	Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag)	entrepreneur	Up to 2 years initially, limited by passport validity; at the extension stage, permanent residence can be requested after at least 2 qualifying years.
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan	Self-Funded ("Workless") Residency with Bank Deposit	residence-general	A renewable residence permit while the deposit (or property) condition is maintained. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Kingdom of Morocco	Self-funded Residence Card (retirees and people of independent means)	residence-general	A renewable residence card in a non-working category, commonly issued for one to several years; confirm current validity on the official page.
Kingdom of Bahrain	Self-Sponsorship / Registered Worker Permit	work-unsponsored	Renewable self-sponsorship permit; confirm the current term on the official LMRA page.
Principality of Liechtenstein	Settlement Permit C (Liechtenstein)	residence-general	Longer-term settlement status with fewer conditions than Permit B, subject to continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
Pitcairn Islands (British Overseas Territory)	Settlement Visa	residence-general	Settlement visa valid for two years.
Georgia	Short-Term Residence Permit (real-estate owners)	residence-general	Short-term and renewable, commonly issued for up to a year at a time - confirm current validity on the official page.
Plurinational State of Bolivia	Short-Term Work Stay (Permanencia Transitoria)	work-unsponsored	Up to 180 calendar days for the work object-purpose transitory permanence.
Commonwealth of Australia	Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)	skilled-migration	Permanent residence.
New Zealand	Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa	skilled-migration	Permanent residence.
Commonwealth of Australia	Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)	skilled-migration	Permanent residence.
Commonwealth of Australia	Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)	skilled-migration	5 years provisional, with pathway to permanent residence.
Kingdom of Thailand	SMART Visa	skilled-migration	Maximum four-year permission to stay, depending on the SMART type; renewable subject to continued eligibility.
Kingdom of Spain	Spain Golden Visa (ending April 2025)	investor	Closed to new property-based applications from 3 April 2025.
Barbados	Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP)	residence-general	Long-stay, with validity that varies by category (some categories are granted on an indefinite basis); confirm the current terms for your category on the official page.
Republic of the Philippines	Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)	investor	Probationary on issue, then indefinite stay for as long as the qualifying investment is maintained.
Kingdom of Eswatini	Special Pass	residence-general	Special-pass duration is not stated in the reviewed checklist; confirm with Home Affairs.
Republic of Honduras	Special Permanence Permit for Business Owners	entrepreneur	Annual permit fee; validity and renewal should be confirmed with INM for the specific business case.
Republic of Honduras	Special Permanence Permit for University Profession Practice	work-unsponsored	Annual permit fee; validity and renewal should be confirmed with INM for the professional case.
Republic of Fiji	Special Purpose / Co-Extensive Permit to Reside with a Family Member	family	Tied to the principal permit holder's permit and renewed alongside it; family members of citizens are usually granted under a separate exemption. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Nauru	Special Purpose Visa	residence-general	Any period specified in the visa, with single or multiple entry according to the grant.
Republic of the Philippines	Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)	residence-general	Indefinite stay with multiple-entry privileges while the qualifying deposit and conditions are maintained.
Republic of San Marino	Special Stay Permit for Education	study	Temporary stay permit for 3 months to 1 year; maximum validity 12 months, renewable at the holder's request.
Republic of the Philippines	Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)	investor	Resident status with multiple-entry privileges while the qualifying enterprise and employment continue.
Canada	Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada)	family	Permanent residence.
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis	St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Approved Real Estate	citizenship-by-investment	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.
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis	St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Public Benefit Option	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship, granted for life and transmissible to future generations, once the qualifying investment is made and the application is approved.
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis	St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Sustainable Island State Contribution	citizenship-by-investment	Full citizenship, granted for life and transmissible to future generations, once the contribution is made and the application is approved.
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis	St Kitts and Nevis Permanent Residence	residence-general	Indefinite right to reside once granted; a separate work permit may still be needed to work.
Republic of Ireland	Stamp 4 permission	residence-general	Typically issued for 1–5 years at a time; renewable.
Republic of Ireland	Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)	entrepreneur	Initial 2-year permission; renewable; leads to Stamp 4 after 5 years.
Republic of Finland	Start-up entrepreneur residence permit	entrepreneur	Initial permit is time-limited and renewable if the startup basis continues.
Canada	Start-Up Visa (Canada)	entrepreneur	Permanent residence.
Republic of Latvia	Startup Residence Permit (Latvia)	entrepreneur	Commonly issued for an initial period and extendable while you actively develop the product - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Estonia	Startup Visa	entrepreneur	Visa or temporary residence route depending on stay length and case type.
Republic of Lithuania	Startup Visa (Lithuania)	entrepreneur	Commonly issued for one year first and extendable while the startup progresses - confirm current validity on the official page.
Kingdom of the Netherlands	Startup Visa (Netherlands)	entrepreneur	1 year, non-renewable as Startup Visa; transitions to self-employment route.
Republic of Honduras	Stay Extension	residence-general	Extension can complete stay time up to 120 days in Honduras or the CA-4 region.
Republic of Burundi	Stay Visa Extension	residence-general	5 days to 1 month, renewable according to CGM guidance.
Republic of Senegal	Student Foreigner Identity Card	study	Interior does not publish a fixed student-card processing time on the reviewed procedure page.
Republic of Uganda	Student Pass	study	3 months, 6 months or 12 months.
Brunei Darussalam	Student Pass (foreign students)	study	Linked to the length of your course and renewable while you remain enrolled; it is a study route rather than a settlement route.
Republic of Fiji	Student Permit	study	Granted to cover your period of study and renewed as the course continues. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago	Student Permit	study	Granted to cover your course or academic period and renewable while you remain enrolled; a student permit does not lead to settlement. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Belize	Student Permit	study	Issued for a school year at primary and secondary level, or a semester at tertiary level, and renewed while you remain enrolled; it does not lead to settlement. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Seychelles	Student Permit	study	Annual permit basis, tied to the course and institution; confirm renewal timing with ICS.
Republic of Zimbabwe	Student Permit	study	Confirm the permit validity on approval. Extensions require evidence of continued study and prior results or progress.
Republic of Rwanda	Student Permit (Study and Research)	study	A renewable permit tied to your period of study or research; confirm current validity on the official page.
Mongolia	Student Residence (foreign students)	study	Linked to the length of your course and renewable while you remain enrolled; it is a study route rather than a settlement route.
Kingdom of Morocco	Student Residence Card (carte de sejour, etudiant)	study	A renewable residence card tied to your period of study; confirm current validity on the official page.
Georgia	Student Residence Permit	study	Tied to the duration of the study programme and renewable while enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Arab Republic of Egypt	Student Residence Permit (Egypt)	study	Tied to the period of study and renewable while enrolled; never permanent.
Republic of Ghana	Student Residence Permit (Ghana)	study	Tied to the period of study and renewable while enrolled.
Jamaica	Student Stay (Extension of Stay for Students)	study	Granted to cover the duration of your programme of study, or up to your passport's expiry. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Serbia	Student Temporary Residence (Serbia)	study	Tied to the study or research programme and renewable while enrolled - confirm current validity on the official portal.
Islamic Republic of Pakistan	Student Visa	study	The official page says a study visa is granted for 2 years.
People's Republic of Bangladesh	Student Visa	study	A student visa may be issued for up to 1 year with multiple entries. Extension up to the course tenure can be obtained from DIP in Bangladesh.
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia	Student Visa	study	The official route page lists a single-entry 30-day Student Visa.
Republic of Kiribati	Student Visa	study	Temporary study stay tied to the approved programme dates; confirm the visa validity and any work or guardian condition on approval.
Republic of Uzbekistan	Student Visa and Residence	study	Typically issued for around a year at a time at the institution's request and renewable for the length of your course.
Republic of Namibia	Study Permit	study	A renewable study permit tied to your period of study; confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Kazakhstan	Study Residence (foreign students)	study	Linked to the length of your course and renewable while you remain enrolled.
Hungary	Study Residence Permit (Hungary)	study	At least one year, or aligned to a shorter course, up to a maximum, renewable while enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan	Study Residency	study	Generally valid for one year and renewed annually as your studies continue. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of South Africa	Study Visa	study	Duration of the registered course of study.
Republic of Angola	Study Visa	study	The reviewed public SME pages do not publish a standard study-visa duration; confirm validity and extension timing against the course length before filing.
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal	Study Visa (foreign students)	study	Typically issued for up to a year at a time, in line with the recommendation or length of study, and renewable while you remain enrolled.
Isle of Man (British Crown Dependency)	Study, Business or Settle Authority Check	residence-general	Purpose and permission dependent; check the current Isle of Man Government route for the exact grant and conditions.
Principality of Andorra	Study, Training, Elite Sport or Research Authorisation (F)	study	For studies, the authorisation follows the school-year duration; for training, high-level sport or research, it follows the duration of the approved activity.
Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago)	Support and Housing Requirement for Staying in Svalbard	residence-general	As long as the person continues to meet Svalbard stay requirements and travel-document/transit conditions.
Taiwan (Republic of China)	Taiwan Employment Gold Card	work-unsponsored	Valid for 1 to 3 years; renewable.
French Republic	Talent Passport — Researcher (Passeport Talent Chercheur)	work-unsponsored	Up to 4 years; renewable.
Oriental Republic of Uruguay	Temporary Legal Residence (Residencia Temporaria)	work-unsponsored	6 months to 2 years, renewable. Holders often transition to permanent residence.
Belize	Temporary Residence	residence-general	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.
Republic of Nicaragua	Temporary Residence	residence-general	Temporary residence period is category-specific; confirm the duration on the official migration source before filing.
Republic of Guatemala	Temporary Residence - Digital Nomad (Residencia Nomada Digital)	digital-nomad	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.
Republic of Ecuador	Temporary Residence - Digital Nomad (Visa Nomada)	digital-nomad	Granted for a defined temporary period as a remote-work route; confirm current validity and whether it counts toward permanent residence on the official page.
Republic of Costa Rica	Temporary Residence - Family Tie (Vinculo)	family	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.
Republic of Paraguay	Temporary Residence - Independent Means (Renta Propia)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Costa Rica	Temporary Residence - Inversionista (Investor)	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.
Republic of Ecuador	Temporary Residence - Investor (Inversionista)	investor	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.
Republic of Guatemala	Temporary Residence - Investor (Residencia Inversionista)	investor	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.
Republic of Chile	Temporary Residence - Investors and Related Personnel	investor	Temporary residence (up to 2 years per the Residencia Temporal framework); counts toward Residencia Definitiva.
Republic of Costa Rica	Temporary Residence - Pensionado (Pensioner)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Ecuador	Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Jubilado)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Paraguay	Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Pensionado / Jubilado)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Ecuador	Temporary Residence - Professional (Profesional)	skilled-migration	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.
Republic of Ecuador	Temporary Residence - Rentista (Independent Income)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Costa Rica	Temporary Residence - Rentista (Person of Independent Means)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Guatemala	Temporary Residence - Rentista or Pensionado	residence-general	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.
Republic of Chile	Temporary Residence - Students	study	Temporary residence aligned to the study programme; extensions require continued enrolment and financial capacity.
Republic of Paraguay	Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporal, Law 6984/2022)	residence-general	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.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Temporary Residence Based on Real Estate Ownership	residence-general	Temporary residence may be issued for up to 1 year unless otherwise determined by the residence permit.
Togolese Republic	Temporary Residence Card	residence-general	One year.
Republic of Armenia	Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment	entrepreneur	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.
Slovak Republic	Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment (Slovakia)	entrepreneur	Fixed at three years under the 2025 reform and subject to the annual quota - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Poland	Temporary residence for business activity	entrepreneur	Temporary residence permit; usually up to the statutory temporary-residence maximum.
Independent State of Samoa	Temporary Residence for Business or Investment	investor	Temporary residence; confirm the approved validity period and any renewal conditions on the permit issued by Samoa Immigration.
Republic of Lithuania	Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania)	entrepreneur	Commonly issued for up to two years and renewable while the business stays genuine and active - confirm current validity on the official page.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Temporary Residence for Education	study	Temporary residence may be issued for up to 1 year unless otherwise determined by the residence permit.
Republic of North Macedonia	Temporary Residence for Eligible Property Owner	residence-general	The D visa follows the Ministry of Interior temporary residence decision; confirm the approved residence period in that decision.
Republic of Moldova	Temporary Residence for Investors (Moldova)	investor	Can be granted for periods that scale with the investment or jobs created, and is renewable - confirm current rules on the official page.
Republic of Armenia	Temporary Residence for Study (Armenia)	study	Tied to your course and renewable while enrolled; biometric cards from 1 August 2026 - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Latvia	Temporary Residence for Study (Latvia)	study	Tied to your course and renewable while you stay enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Lithuania	Temporary Residence for Study (Lithuania)	study	Tied to your course and renewable while you stay enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Moldova	Temporary Residence for Study (Moldova)	study	Tied to your study contract and renewable while you remain enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Montenegro	Temporary Residence for Study (Montenegro)	study	Tied to your course and renewable while you remain enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Slovak Republic	Temporary Residence for Study (Slovakia)	study	Can be granted for up to six years for study, tied to your course and renewable while you stay enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Slovenia	Temporary Residence for Study (Slovenia)	study	Tied to your course and renewable while you remain enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Temporary Residence for Work without Work Permit	work-unsponsored	Temporary residence may be issued for up to 1 year unless otherwise determined by the residence permit.
Republic of Kazakhstan	Temporary Residence Permit	residence-general	Issued for a defined period linked to your purpose of stay and renewable while that purpose continues.
Republic of Malawi	Temporary Residence Permit	residence-general	Used after the visitor/business-visit maximum of 90 days or for short-term consultancy/work-related activity; the public page does not state a fixed validity period.
Kingdom of Eswatini	Temporary Residence Permit - Business Person	entrepreneur	Temporary residence; confirm permit duration with Home Affairs for the business basis.
Republic of Azerbaijan	Temporary Residence Permit (investment, real estate or deposit)	investor	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.
Republic of Azerbaijan	Temporary Residence Permit (students)	study	Linked to the length of your course and renewable while you remain enrolled; it is a study route rather than a settlement route.
Ukraine	Temporary Residence Permit for Founder or Beneficial Owner	investor	The official page says this temporary residence permit is issued for two years.
Republic of Serbia	Temporary Residence via Real-Estate Ownership	residence-general	Temporary residence up to three years and renewable while you own the property - confirm current validity on the official portal.
Sint Maarten (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)	Temporary Residency Permit	residence-general	Temporary residence as granted for the approved model and purpose.
Republic of Rwanda	Temporary Resident Permit	residence-general	A renewable residence permit issued for a period set by the class; confirm current validity on the official page.
United Mexican States	Temporary Resident Visa	residence-general	Visa supports residence longer than 180 days and up to 4 years after INM card exchange/renewal.
Republic of Croatia	Temporary Stay for Study (Croatia)	study	Generally granted for up to a year at a time and renewable for the duration of studies - confirm current validity on the official page.
Republic of Angola	Temporary Stay Visa	residence-general	The reviewed public SME pages do not publish a standard validity period for all temporary-stay cases; confirm the grant period and extension position before filing.
Plurinational State of Bolivia	Temporary Student Residence (Permanencia Temporal)	study	Up to three years, prorogable for periods of up to three years until completion of studies.
Plurinational State of Bolivia	Temporary Work Residence (Permanencia Temporal)	work-unsponsored	Issued for one, two or three years, depending on the time of the activity in Bolivia.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China	Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)	work-unsponsored	Initial stay of 36 months (Category A) or 24 months (Categories B and C); renewable on meeting the criteria.
Republic of Türkiye	Turkey Citizenship by Investment	investor	Citizenship, subject to a three-year no-sale restriction on the qualifying property.
Republic of Türkiye	Turkey Digital Nomad Visa	digital-nomad	Temporary; tied to the visa and short-term residence period granted on entry.
Republic of Türkiye	Turkey Long-Term Residence Permit	residence-general	Indefinite, subject to the conditions of the permit.
Republic of Türkiye	Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit	residence-general	Up to one or two years per issuance, renewable.
Republic of Türkiye	Turkey Student Residence Permit	study	Tied to the period of study; renewable while enrolled.
Republic of Türkiye	Turkey Turquoise Card	skilled-migration	Provisional three-year transition period, then indefinite on successful conversion.
United Arab Emirates	UAE freelance permit with residence	work-unsponsored	2–5 years depending on scheme.
United Arab Emirates	UAE Golden Visa	investor	5 or 10 years depending on category, renewable while the category conditions continue to be met.
United Arab Emirates	UAE Green Residence — investor / business partner	investor	5 years, renewable while the investment and activity conditions remain met.
United Arab Emirates	UAE Green Visa	work-unsponsored	5 years, renewable.
United Arab Emirates	UAE Virtual Working Programme	digital-nomad	1 year, renewable.
Jamaica	Unconditional Landing	residence-general	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.
Republic of Albania	Unique Permit for Investors	investor	Tied to the investment and renewable; permanent residence follows after five continuous years - confirm current validity on the official page.
United Mexican States	Visa by family unit	family	Temporary or permanent residence outcome depends on the family relationship and sponsor status.
Republic of Djibouti	Visa Extension	residence-general	Extension length is selected or confirmed through the official extension process; no public duration table was found in the reviewed pages.
Republic of Colombia	Visa M (Migrante)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Colombia	Visa M Conyuge o Companero de Nacional	family	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.
Republic of Colombia	Visa M Inversionista / Socio o Propietario	investor	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.
Republic of Colombia	Visa R (Residente)	residence-general	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.
Republic of Colombia	Visa V Nomadas Digitales	digital-nomad	Granted for up to a defined maximum period as a Visitor subcategory; it is not a settlement track and time held does not count toward residence. Confirm current validity on the official page.
Georgia	Visa-Free 365-Day Stay (remote workers)	digital-nomad	Up to 365 days from the date of entry for eligible nationalities; it is an entry status, not a renewable permit.
Republic of Cyprus	Visitor temporary residence permit	residence-general	First visitor permit commonly 1 year, with category-specific limits.
Taiwan (Republic of China)	Visitor Visa for Employment-Seeking Purpose	work-unsponsored	Short-stay visitor visa for job-seeking; the holder must convert to a work-permit-based resident visa to stay and work.
Hungary	White Card (digital nomad residence permit)	digital-nomad	Up to one year, extendable once for a further year - confirm current validity on the official page.
Commonwealth of Australia	Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462)	youth-mobility	12 months per grant; up to 3 visas with qualifying specified work.
New Zealand	Working Holiday Visa	youth-mobility	Usually 12 months; some schemes allow longer stays, including up to 23 months for Canadians and 36 months for UK citizens.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Youth Mobility Scheme visa	youth-mobility	2 years (3 years for specified partners such as New Zealand). Non-extendable.

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 18 April 2026

Primary sources

Barbados Welcome Stamp - Official
Government of Barbados (Welcome Stamp / Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.) - verified 1 June 2026
Vietnam Immigration Department - National portal on Immigration
Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) - verified 1 June 2026
Immigration New Zealand — Active Investor Plus
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) - verified 22 June 2026
MFAI - Visa and Permit Criteria
Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) - verified 30 June 2026
Apply for a Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 under the Right of Return - PIBA
Population and Immigration Authority - verified 1 June 2026
Macao SAR Government Portal - Amendments to the Authorization to Stay granted upon entry
Public Security Police Force, Macao SAR Government - verified 29 June 2026
Granting a Five-Year Residence Permit - Ministry of Interior (Jordan e-Government)
Ministry of Interior (Jordan) - verified 1 June 2026
Real Estate - Antigua and Barbuda CIP
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit - verified 1 June 2026

432 more source records are available through the linked route pages.

Frequently asked questions

Which work visas do not require an employer sponsor?+

Points-based skilled migration (Canada Express Entry, Australia 189), opportunity and job-seeker permits (Germany's Chancenkarte, the Netherlands Orientation Year), self-employment and freelance routes, and digital-nomad visas all let you apply without a pre-arranged employer.

Is it easier to get a visa without a sponsor?+

Not necessarily. Removing the employer requirement usually shifts the burden onto you directly: a passing points score, recognised qualifications, savings, or reputational endorsement. No-sponsor routes are best when you cannot line up an employer in advance, not because they are a lower bar.

Cheapest, fastest, settlement and no-sponsor skilled-route methodology

No-sponsor routes remove the employer gate, but they replace it with points, qualification, funds or endorsement evidence.

No universal best route

Route card

Sponsor flag

Decision clock

Settlement signal

Sunk cost

Caveat

United States of America - TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)

Sponsor or job offer required

1 days – 4 weeks

No direct PR route

US$80$80 order only

No tracked refundable proof-of-funds line in this cost model.

Republic of Singapore - Employment Pass (EP)

Sponsor or job offer required

10 days – 2 weeks

No direct PR route

SGD 330$255 order only

Proof of funds stays separate at SGD 67,200-SGD 74,400.

Kingdom of Sweden - Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)

Sponsor or job offer required

4 weeks – 3 months

Settlement path tracked

SEK 2,200-SEK 3,200$226-$329 order only

Proof of funds stays separate at SEK 413,640.

Federal Republic of Germany - EU Blue Card (Germany)

Sponsor or job offer required

4 weeks – 3 months

Settlement path tracked

€185-€355$211-$404 order only

No tracked refundable proof-of-funds line in this cost model.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Skilled Worker visa

Sponsor or job offer required

3 weeks

Settlement path tracked

£3,924-£4,044$5,188-$5,347 order only

Proof of funds stays separate at £1,270.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Health and Care Worker visa

Sponsor or job offer required

3 weeks

Settlement path tracked

£324-£444$428-$587 order only

Proof of funds stays separate at £1,270.

Canada - Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

No employer sponsor required

5 months – 7 months

Settlement path tracked

CA$2,075-CA$3,005$1,458-$2,111 order only

No tracked refundable proof-of-funds line in this cost model.

Canada - Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

No employer sponsor required

5 months – 8 months

Settlement path tracked

CA$2,275-CA$3,055$1,598-$2,146 order only

Proof of funds stays separate at CA$15,263.

Canada - Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

No employer sponsor required

5 months – 8 months

Settlement path tracked

CA$2,075-CA$4,005$1,458-$2,813 order only

Proof of funds stays separate at CA$15,263.

Destination

Route

Route type

Duration

Barbados

12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp

digital-nomad

Up to 12 months, with the option to reapply; it is a temporary remote-work visa and does not lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page.

Socialist Republic of Vietnam

5-year Talent Visa

skilled-migration

A five-year multiple-entry facility, with a capped stay per entry under the scheme terms.

New Zealand

Active Investor Plus Visa

investor

Resident visa; permanent residence after meeting conditions over 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced).

Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)

Adult Student Permit

study

Study permission as granted for the approved course or study period.

State of Israel

Aliyah - Immigration under the Law of Return

citizenship-by-descent

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.

Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

Amendments to the Authorization to Stay granted upon entry

residence-general

During the validity of the authorization to stay granted on entry.

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Annual Residence for Five Years (Renewable)

residence-general

Granted as a renewable five-year residence permit; it is not permanent residence. Confirm current validity and renewal conditions on the official page.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda CBI - Approved Real Estate

citizenship-by-investment

Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda CBI - Business Investment

citizenship-by-investment

Full citizenship once the qualifying business investment is made and the application is approved; the early-years physical-presence step applies.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda CBI - National Development Fund

citizenship-by-investment

Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved; a short physical-presence step applies in the early years (see FAQ).

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda CBI - University of the West Indies Fund

citizenship-by-investment

Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved; the early-years physical-presence step applies.

Curacao (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Application Status and Permit Collection

residence-general

Post-submission status and appointment handling after the residence permit or declaration application is filed.

Republic of Tunisia

Attestation of Non-Submission to Work-Contract Visa

work-unsponsored

The cited page does not publish a standard validity period; it publishes establishment and renewal documents by category.

Republic of San Marino

Atypical Residence under Facilitated Tax Regime

residence-general

Long-term residence route; after 10 years, holders are entitled to registered residence and related rights.

Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Bahamas Annual Residence Permit

residence-general

Granted for a year at a time and renewable; it is a non-working residence permit and does not by itself lead to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page.

Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence

residence-general

Permanent residence once granted, conditional on maintaining the qualifying investment for the required period; confirm current conditions on the official page.

Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)

digital-nomad

Up to one year, renewable; this is a temporary remote-work permit and does not lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity and renewal on the official page.

Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Bahamas Homeowner Residence Card

residence-general

Valid while the qualifying property is owned and the card is kept current; it is tied to home ownership and does not by itself lead to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page.

Barbados

Barbados Immigrant Status

residence-general

A long-term, settled status once granted; subject to the conditions the Immigration Department attaches. Confirm current validity and conditions on the official page.

Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Belonger Status

citizenship-by-descent

The reviewed page lists 6-8 months, but applicants should reconfirm because the service is under review.

Turkmenistan

Border Registration and Migration Control

residence-general

Not a standalone stay permission; the timing follows the underlying visa, residence permit or registration rule.

Republic of Rwanda

Business / Entrepreneur Permit

entrepreneur

Issued for a renewable period tied to the business; confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of The Gambia

Business Establishment / Investor Residence

investor

Business establishment permission is tied to the approved business/residence basis; confirm the residence permit and quota validity with GID.

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Business Investor Visa

investor

Short-term entry can be 1 year or 3 years multiple-entry; long-term entry can be 5 years multiple-entry; investor extension can be 2 years multiple-entry.

Japan

Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)

entrepreneur

1 year initially; renewable for 1, 3, or 5 years.

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Business Permit (foreign-owned company)

entrepreneur

A company-level authorisation that remains valid for the operating entity; confirm current validity and renewal terms on the official page.

Tuvalu

Business Permit to Enter and Reside

entrepreneur

Permit validity is set by the authority and tied to the approved business basis.

Republic of Malawi

Business Residence Permit

entrepreneur

Valid for 5 years from approval and renewable for successive 5-year periods.

Republic of South Africa

Business Visa

investor

Issued for the period of the business activity, subject to conditions.

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Business Visa

entrepreneur

Class I: up to 60 days, multiple entries. Confirm Class II duration and conditions with the Immigration Service.

Republic of Nauru

Business Visa

entrepreneur

Not exceeding 2 years, with single or multiple entry according to the visa granted.

Republic of the Marshall Islands

Business Visa (B-1)

investor

Business visa stay; confirm validity, entries, business conditions and any separate work or residence permission with RMI authorities.

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

Business Visa (foreign investors and representatives)

investor

Issued for periods from around a month up to a year, and in some cases for several years at a time, renewable while the business continues.

Swiss Confederation

C Permit — Settlement (Niederlassungsbewilligung)

residence-general

Indefinite — valid as long as you remain resident in Switzerland.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

investor

Initial stay granted under the scheme, renewable while the investment and asset requirements continue to be met.

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement)

work-unsponsored

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.

Republic of Cameroon

Carte de Resident

residence-general

Ten years.

Republic of Cameroon

Carte de Sejour

residence-general

Two years, renewable twice.

Republic of Cameroon

Carte de Sejour Renewal or Replacement

residence-general

A stay card is valid for two years and renewable twice; renewal should be handled while the old card is valid at least one month before expiry.

Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means

residence-general

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.

Republic of Uganda

Certificate of Residence

residence-general

The official page lists 5-year, 10-year and life durations for marriage-based certificates.

Federal Republic of Germany

Chancenkarte (Germany Opportunity Card)

work-unsponsored

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.

Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

Change of Entry Purpose

residence-general

Within the current limit of stay granted after entry.

Republic of Malawi

Citizenship Applications

citizenship-by-descent

Citizenship outcome after the relevant application category is approved; timing depends on category and file completeness.

Italian Republic

Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

citizenship-by-descent

Permanent — full citizenship.

Independent State of Samoa

Citizenship by Descent, Permanent Residence or Marriage

citizenship-by-descent

Citizenship status after registration or recognition; processing depends on the citizenship route and decision.

Arab Republic of Egypt

Citizenship by Investment (Egypt, Law 190 of 2019)

investor

Leads to Egyptian citizenship rather than a residence permit; processing typically runs several months. Confirm current routes on the official page.

Kingdom of Eswatini

Citizenship by Registration

citizenship-by-descent

Processing period is determined by the Citizenship Board after each application is reviewed.

Republic of Kosovo

Citizenship for Diaspora Members

citizenship-by-descent

Citizenship decision process; after approval the person registers the decision and can apply for Kosovo identity documents.

Federated States of Micronesia

Citizenship Naturalization

citizenship-by-descent

Authority-dependent; confirm current petition, evidence and decision timing with the President or designee.

Tuvalu

Citizenship Registration or Naturalisation

citizenship-by-descent

Citizenship decision timing is authority-dependent; confirm current filing and committee practice before applying.

Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory)

Civilian Registration Card / Gibraltar ID Card

residence-general

Card processing depends on the selected route; an emergency 24-hour identity-card service is listed, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Republic of Kenya

Class A Work Permit (Prospecting and Mining)

investor

Issued and renewable in line with the licensed activity; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.

Republic of Kenya

Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy)

entrepreneur

Issued and renewable in line with the business; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.

Republic of Kenya

Class K Permit (Ordinary Residents)

residence-general

Issued and renewable subject to continued assured income; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.

Republic of Madagascar

Company Creation for Foreign Investors

entrepreneur

EDBM states documents are delivered 2 days after payment if the file is complete.

Republic of Bulgaria

Continuous (Long-Term) Residence Permit

residence-general

Generally up to one year at a time and renewable each year while your qualifying ground continues - confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of South Africa

Critical Skills Work Visa

skilled-migration

Up to 5 years per issue; renewable.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

CSME Certificate Work Access

work-unsponsored

Six months of work access pending issuance of the upgraded CSME certificate by the Ministry of National Security.

Jersey (British Crown Dependency)

Customs and Immigration Arrival

residence-general

Arrival and import compliance applies at or before the move to Jersey.

Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa

digital-nomad

First permit 1 year; renewal can be up to 2 years under the current scheme.

Republic of Korea

D-8 Corporate Investment Visa

entrepreneur

1–2 years; renewable as long as the business operates.

Portuguese Republic

D2 visa (entrepreneur / self-employment)

entrepreneur

Same 2+3 year residence permit pattern; leads to permanent residence or citizenship after 5 years.

Portuguese Republic

D7 visa (passive income / retirement)

residence-general

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.

Portuguese Republic

D8 visa (digital nomad / remote work)

digital-nomad

Residence track: same 2+3 year pattern as D7, leading to permanent residence or citizenship.

Malaysia

DE Rantau Nomad Pass

digital-nomad

3 to 12 months, renewable for up to a further 12 months.

Republic of Singapore

Dependant's Pass (DP)

family

Tied to sponsor's work pass validity.

Kingdom of Thailand

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

digital-nomad

Five-year multiple-entry visa; up to 180 days per entry, extendable once at an immigration office.

Republic of Vanuatu

Development Support Program (citizenship by investment)

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.

Republic of Peru

Digital Nomad (Nomada Digital)

digital-nomad

Designed around a stay of up to 365 days with possible extension, but not yet available in practice. Confirm whether it is implementable on the official page.

Republic of Serbia

Digital Nomad Pathway

digital-nomad

Tied to the underlying basis, commonly up to three years via the single permit and renewable - confirm current rules on the official portal.

Principality of Andorra

Digital Nomad Residence (D.3)

digital-nomad

Initial residence authorisation for 2 years, first renewal for 2 years, second renewal for 3 years and later renewals generally for 10 years, subject to treaty exceptions.

Federative Republic of Brazil

Digital nomad residence (VITEM XIV)

digital-nomad

Granted as a temporary residence for a defined period with the possibility of renewal; this route is not in itself a settlement track. Confirm current terms on the official page.

Montenegro

Digital Nomad Temporary Residence (Montenegro)

digital-nomad

Issued for up to two years and extendable for up to two more, within the life of the programme - confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of Slovenia

Digital Nomad Temporary Residence Permit (Slovenia)

digital-nomad

Up to one year and non-renewable; you may reapply six months after it expires - confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of Croatia

Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia)

digital-nomad

Up to 18 months, with limited extension; it does not count toward permanent residence - confirm current rules on the official page.

Argentine Republic

Digital Nomad Transitory Residence

digital-nomad

Granted for up to 180 days, renewable for the same period; defer to the official page for current terms.

Republic of Estonia

Digital Nomad Visa

digital-nomad

Up to 1 year.

Hellenic Republic

Digital Nomad Visa

digital-nomad

Short initial visa with possible residence-permit route depending on stay plan.

Republic of the Philippines

Digital Nomad Visa

digital-nomad

Up to one year initially, renewable once for a two-year maximum.

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Digital Nomad Visa

digital-nomad

Up to one year, renewable annually while you continue to meet the eligibility and compliance conditions; later renewals may require proof of Sri Lankan tax registration.

Republic of Latvia

Digital Nomad Visa (Latvia)

digital-nomad

Issued for up to one year and renewable once for a further year - confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of Moldova

Digital Nomad Visa (Moldova)

digital-nomad

Allows you to live in Moldova for up to two years, with renewal possible while you still qualify - confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of Namibia

Digital Nomad Visa (NIPDB)

digital-nomad

A short stay of around six months; the current official position is that it is non-renewable, with reapplication only after a waiting period. It does not lead to permanent residence - confirm the latest rules on the official page.

Romania

Digital Nomad Visa (Romania)

digital-nomad

A long-stay visa with a matching residence permit, renewable while you still qualify - confirm current validity on the official page.

Kingdom of Spain

Digital Nomad Visa (Spain)

digital-nomad

Initial 1-year consular visa, extendable to 3-year residence permit, then renewable for further 2 years; counts toward permanent residence after 5 years.

Italian Republic

Digital Nomad Visa (Visto per Nomadi Digitali)

digital-nomad

1 year; renewable.

Republic of Palau

Digital Residency Program

residence-general

Confirm digital-residency validity, renewal and card or identity handling with the Digital Residency Office.

Sint Maarten (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Director or Investor Permit

investor

First-time temporary residence permission as granted for the approved director or investor purpose.

Commonwealth of Dominica

Dominica CBI - Approved Real Estate

citizenship-by-investment

Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme.

Commonwealth of Dominica

Dominica CBI - Economic Diversification Fund

citizenship-by-investment

Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved.

Commonwealth of Dominica

Dominica Permanent Residence

residence-general

Indefinite right to reside once granted; a separate work permit may still be needed to work.

Kingdom of the Netherlands

Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur

entrepreneur

Initial 2 years, renewable for 5; leads to permanent residence.

United States of America

E-2 Treaty Investor

investor

Initial up to 2 years at port of entry (5-year visa stamp for many nationalities); renewable indefinitely.

Republic of Burundi

EAC Visitor and Student Visa

residence-general

Up to 6 months for the EAC stay note; the reviewed EAC student section states 12 months.

United States of America

EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)

skilled-migration

Permanent residence (green card).

United States of America

EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

skilled-migration

Permanent residence.

United States of America

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

investor

Conditional 2-year residence leading to unconditional permanent residence.

Bermuda (British Overseas Territory)

Economic Investment Certificate and Residential Certificate

investor

Residential Certificate treatment follows the approved certificate; confirm current policy and renewal or expiry treatment before investing.

Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)

Economic Residence Permit

investor

As granted under the economic residence permit and any conditions or revocation rules.

Republic of Panama

Economic Solvency Residence (Solvencia Economica Propia)

investor

Permanent residence subject to maintaining the qualifying investment or deposit for the required term. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page.

Kingdom of Cambodia

EG Job-Seeking Visa (E-class job-seeking sub-class)

work-unsponsored

Extensions are typically issued in shorter periods such as 1, 3 or 6 months while you are getting established; renewable, with no settled status to reach.

Republic of San Marino

Elective Residence Permit

investor

Long-term residence route; after 10 years, elective residence changes into registered residence with relevant rights.

Italian Republic

Elective Residence Visa (Residenza Elettiva)

residence-general

1 year; renewable. Leads to long-term residence after 5 years.

Republic of Singapore

EntrePass

entrepreneur

1 year initially; renewable for 2 years subject to meeting business milestones.

Taiwan (Republic of China)

Entrepreneur Resident Visa

entrepreneur

Initial residence of 2 years; extensions of up to 2 years each subject to continuing to meet the qualification directions.

Kingdom of Spain

Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)

entrepreneur

Initial 3 years; renewable.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs

entrepreneur

Initial stay normally up to 36 months on employment (business) conditions; extensions follow the standard pattern.

Brunei Darussalam

Entry Permit (route toward permanent resident status)

residence-general

The route toward permanent resident status; once granted, permanent residence is a settled status with re-entry permits issued and renewed under the rules.

Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Entry Permit Stamp for Re-entry

residence-general

Tied to the validity of the entry permit and passport stamp.

Kingdom of Cambodia

ER Retirement Visa (E-class retirement sub-class)

residence-general

Extensions are typically issued in periods such as 6 or 12 months and renewed to stay long term; there is no permanent-residence status to reach.

Kingdom of Cambodia

ES Student Visa (E-class student sub-class)

study

Renewable for the length of your studies as long as you stay enrolled at a registered school; no permanent-residence status to reach.

Republic of Costa Rica

Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008)

digital-nomad

Granted for one year, renewable once for an additional year; this is a stay (estancia), not a settlement track, and does not lead to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page.

Romania

EU Long-Term Residence (Romania)

residence-general

Long validity (longer for family members of a Romanian citizen), renewable - confirm current rules on the official page.

Russian Federation

eVisa Emergency Extension

residence-general

Emergency-only extension of eVisa validity or stay, implemented through an ordinary non-electronic visa.

Gabonese Republic

eVisa Extension

residence-general

A one-month visa may be extended for two months; a two-month visa may be extended for one month. Three-month and six-month visas are not extended.

Republic of Chad

eVisa Extension Direction

residence-general

Extension length is set by the Direction of Emigration and Immigration case decision.

Canada

Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

skilled-migration

Permanent residence.

Canada

Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

skilled-migration

Permanent residence.

Canada

Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

skilled-migration

Permanent residence.

Republic of Korea

F-1 Family Visitation / F-3 Dependent Family

family

Tied to the sponsoring family member's visa status.

United States of America

F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)

study

Duration of study (D/S); OPT up to 12 months; STEM OPT extension up to 24 additional months.

Republic of Korea

F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence

skilled-migration

3 years; renewable.

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Family / Follower Residency

family

Generally valid for one year and renewed annually, tied to the primary resident's status. Confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of Cameroon

Family Resident Card

family

Resident cards are valid for ten years where granted.

Swiss Confederation

Family Reunification (Familiennachzug)

family

Tied to the sponsor's permit status.

Republic of Austria

Family Reunification (Familiennachzug)

family

1 year initially; renewable. Spouses get RWR Card Plus (3 years).

Kingdom of Denmark

Family Reunification (Familiesammenfoering)

family

Tied to the sponsor's residence status. Leads to permanent residence on the same conditions as work-permit holders.

French Republic

Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial)

family

1 year; renewable. Leads to 10-year carte de résident after 5 years.

Portuguese Republic

Family reunification (residence)

family

Matches sponsor's residence; leads to settlement.

Kingdom of Spain

Family reunification (Spain)

family

Matches sponsor; leads to settlement.

Federative Republic of Brazil

Family reunion residence (VITEM XI)

family

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.

Federal Republic of Germany

Family reunion residence permit

family

Typically 1–3 years at a time; leads to settlement.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Family visa (partner/spouse)

family

Initial 2.5 years then extension to 5 years total; leads to settlement.

Republic of Cuba

Family Visa A-2

family

Confirm validity and permitted stay with the Cuban consulate that issues the A-2 visa.

Republic of Djibouti

Foreign Identity Card Guidance

residence-general

Not published on the reviewed eGov service page.

Tuvalu

Foreign Investment Certificate

investor

Investment-certificate duration and conditions are set under the Foreign Direct Investment Act and any approval issued.

Federated States of Micronesia

Foreign Investor's Entry Permit

investor

Specified duration; renewal follows renewal or extension of the foreign investor business permit.

Republic of Senegal

Foreigner Identity Card

residence-general

Interior does not publish a fixed validity period or decision time on the reviewed procedure page.

Republic of Senegal

Foreigner Identity Card Renewal or Duplicate

residence-general

Interior does not publish a fixed renewal or duplicate processing time on the reviewed page.

Republic of El Salvador

Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment)

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.

Sultanate of Oman

Freelance / Self-Employed Permit

work-unsponsored

Renewable residence linked to active registration; confirm the current term on the official page.

Federal Republic of Germany

Freelance / Self-employment residence permit (§21 AufenthG)

work-unsponsored

Initial 3 years typically; leads to settlement.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Freelance Permit (Tashrih al-Amal al-Hurr)

work-unsponsored

1 year from the date of issue; renewable.

Republic of Panama

Friendly Nations Residence Permit (Naciones Amigas)

residence-general

2-year provisional (temporary) permit, after which the holder may apply for permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official SNM page.

Republic of Ghana

GIPC Automatic Immigrant Quota

investor

An enterprise-level quota linked to registered capital; the resulting individual permits are renewable rather than permanent.

Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Global Citizen Concierge Programme (GCCP)

digital-nomad

When open, granted for up to a defined period (reported as up to two years); it is a temporary remote-work certificate and does not lead to permanent residence. Verify the live status before relying on it.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Global Talent visa

work-unsponsored

Up to 5 years per grant; leads to settlement after 3 or 5 years depending on endorsement type.

Kingdom of Bahrain

Golden Residency

residence-general

Long-term renewable residency (renewable on a multi-year cycle); confirm the current term on the official NPRA page.

Hellenic Republic

Golden Visa

investor

Residence permit is renewable if the qualifying investment condition continues.

Republic of Indonesia

Golden Visa (5 and 10-year)

investor

Granted for 5 or 10 years depending on the qualifying tier, renewable.

Republic of Uzbekistan

Golden Visa (5-year residence for investment)

investor

A five-year residence permit under the programme, renewable in line with the rules; confirm the current terms on the official page.

Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago)

Governor Services for Mainland Norway Permits and Citizenship

residence-general

Depends on the Norwegian mainland permit, visa or citizenship process handled by the Governor and UDI.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Graduate visa

work-unsponsored

2 years (3 years for doctoral graduates); non-extendable.

Grenada

Grenada CBI - Approved Real Estate

citizenship-by-investment

Full citizenship; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period before it can be resold under the programme.

Grenada

Grenada CBI - National Transformation Fund

citizenship-by-investment

Full citizenship once the contribution is made and the application is approved.

Grenada

Grenada Permanent Residence

residence-general

Right to reside in Grenada once granted; a separate work permit is generally still needed to work.

Hungary

Guest Investor Programme (golden visa)

investor

A long fixed validity, renewable, for the guest investor residence permit - confirm current validity on the official page.

Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)

Health Certificate Requirement

residence-general

Certificate timing is tied to the application; the regulation references certificates issued not more than three months before application.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

High Potential Individual visa

work-unsponsored

2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). Non-extendable.

Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)

High Value Resident Tax Residency

residence-general

Ongoing residence/tax-residency status while programme conditions continue to be met.

Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Homeowner or Residence Permit

residence-general

Homeowner permits are described as typically valid for five years and extendable or renewable; other residence permits depend on the Ministry route granted.

Republic of Ireland

Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed)

investor

Closed to new applicants.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

work-unsponsored

Initial stay of 24 months on time limitation only; renewable subject to meeting the criteria.

Ukraine

Immigration Permit

residence-general

The immigration permit is valid for one year from issuance.

Isle of Man (British Crown Dependency)

Immigration Rules and Associated Policy

residence-general

Depends on the immigration route and the permission granted under current Isle of Man rules or policy.

Togolese Republic

Immigration Visa

residence-general

Maximum 90 days, renewable once; holders must start residence-card formalities after arrival.

Republic of Ghana

Indefinite Residence Status (Ghana)

residence-general

Indefinite residence once granted, subject to the conditions of the status.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Innovator Founder visa

entrepreneur

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.

Argentine Republic

Inversionista (Investor) Temporary Residence

investor

Granted for up to one year, renewable for periods of up to three years; defer to the official page for current terms.

Georgia

Investment Residence Permit

investor

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.

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Investment Visa

investor

The official fee table lists 30-day single-entry, 90-day multiple-entry, 6-month multiple-entry and 12-month multiple-entry options.

Republic of Mozambique

Investment Visa

investor

90, 180, 365 or 730 days, with total stay capped at 730 days or less on the cited page.

Republic of Kiribati

Investment Visa

investor

Temporary investment-related stay; confirm the approved validity and any business conditions on the visa issued by Kiribati Immigration.

Republic of Peru

Investor (Inversionista)

investor

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.

Aruba (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Investor and Shareholder Residence

investor

Residence permission as granted by DIMAS for the approved investor or shareholder basis.

Republic of Indonesia

Investor KITAS (Limited Stay Permit for Investors)

investor

Commonly issued for periods of up to about two years, renewable while the qualifying investment and role continue.

Republic of Zambia

Investor Permit

investor

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.

Republic of Rwanda

Investor Permit (Class A-1 / B-1)

investor

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.

Republic of Fiji

Investor Permit for Non-Citizen Investors

investor

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.

Mongolia

Investor Residence (foreign-invested company)

investor

Granted for a defined period linked to your investment or role and extendable; years of qualifying residence can count toward permanent residence.

Republic of Namibia

Investor Residence (qualifying investment)

investor

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.

Republic of Zimbabwe

Investor Residence Permit

investor

Confirm the permit validity on approval and use the official extension process where applicable.

Republic of Sierra Leone

Investor Residence Permit

investor

Residence permit for investor stays over 90 days; exact validity is selected in the live permit application.

Republic of Latvia

Investor Residence Permit / Golden Visa (Latvia)

investor

Tied to maintaining the qualifying investment and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page.

State of Qatar

Investor Residence Visa

investor

Renewable residence visa; confirm the current validity period on Hukoomi / MOI.

Sultanate of Oman

Investor Residency (Golden Visa)

investor

Renewable residence in 5-year or 10-year tiers depending on the investment; confirm the current terms on the official page.

State of Kuwait

Investor Residency (long-term, up to ~15 years)

investor

Long-term renewable residency of up to around 15 years for qualifying licensed investors; still fixed-term, not permanent. Confirm the current term on the official Ministry of Interior page.

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Investor Residency (Qualifying Real-Estate Purchase)

investor

A renewable residence permit tied to continued ownership of the qualifying property; it is a residence route, not citizenship. Confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of El Salvador

Investor Temporary Residence

investor

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.

Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Investor Visa (DT1-DT4)

investor

Validity rises with the tier - the highest tiers run for several years, while the lowest tier is shorter; residence cards align to the tier.

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Investor Visa (multiple-entry)

investor

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.

Republic of Botswana

Investor Work Permit

investor

Issued for a fixed period tied to the investment and renewable; confirm current validity on the official page.

Republic of Uzbekistan

IT Visa (IT Park founders and specialists)

skilled-migration

A multiple-entry route issued for an extended period (commonly up to a few years) and renewable; confirm the current validity on the official page.

Federal Republic of Germany

Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG)

work-unsponsored

Post-study/post-training job search: up to 18 months. The from-abroad 6-month route is closed to new applicants.

Kingdom of Norway

Job-Seeker Visa (Oppholdstillatelse for aa soeke arbeid som faglart)

work-unsponsored

Up to 1 year (previously 6 months — extended to support recruitment); non-renewable.

Republic of Ireland

Join Family (Irish national or EEA national)

family

Variable — usually 1–3 years at a time; leads to Stamp 4.

People's Republic of China

K Visa (young science and technology talent)

work-unsponsored

Indicative only. The K visa is described as offering more flexibility on entries, validity and length of stay than the existing ordinary categories; confirm the current terms on the official page.

Republic of Nauru

Long Term Stay Visa

residence-general

Set by the 2025 regulations and the visa granted; confirm current duration and conditions before relying on the route.

Republic of Guinea

Long Term Visa - Business or Professional Activity

entrepreneur

The reviewed official long term visa tab states 1 year from the date of issuance.

Republic of North Macedonia

Long-Stay D Visa for Study Temporary Residence

study

The D visa follows the Ministry of Interior temporary residence decision; confirm the approved period in that decision.

Republic of Cameroon

Long-Stay eVisa

residence-general

Up to twelve months for the long-stay visa, according to MINREX.

Republic of Madagascar

Long-Stay Investor Visa

investor

EDBM fee bands cover stay periods from more than 3 months to 1 year through 5-10 years, definitive and duplicate categories.

Reunion (French overseas department and region)

Long-Stay Overseas Visa

residence-general