General residence routes — non-lucrative and passive-income options
General residence routes suit retirees, independently wealthy applicants, and those living on passive income. Examples include Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa and Portugal's D7.
Typical characteristics
- Applicant must prove sufficient passive or private income, typically 1–4× national minimum wage.
- Active work for the destination's employers is typically prohibited.
- Physical-presence requirements apply (e.g. 183 days per year in Spain).
- Most lead to permanent residence after 5 years.
What residence (general) visa routes does Visa Atlas cover?
Visa Atlas covers 286 residence (general) routes across 167 destinations. Residence routes for financially self-sufficient applicants not actively working.
Verified against Immigration Service Delivery on 1 June 2026.
Republic of Ireland(1 route)
Portuguese Republic(1 route)
Kingdom of Spain(1 route)
Italian Republic(1 route)
Swiss Confederation(1 route)
Republic of Cyprus(1 route)
United Mexican States(1 route)
Federative Republic of Brazil(2 routes)
MERCOSUR residence agreement (VITEM XIII)
Treaty-based residence for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states, with a path from temporary to indefinite residence.
Residence for retirees and pensioners
Residence authorization for retired immigrants and recipients of a pension who can transfer a qualifying monthly income to Brazil, under CNIg Resolution 40/2019.
Argentine Republic(2 routes)
MERCOSUR Temporary Residence (by nationality)
Temporary residence for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states based on nationality alone, without needing a job offer or investment.
Rentista (Fixed-Income) Temporary Residence
Temporary residence for foreign nationals who support themselves with regular income from assets or other lawful external sources, not from personal work.
Oriental Republic of Uruguay(3 routes)
Permanent Legal Residence (Residencia Permanente)
General permanent residence for any foreign national intending to settle in Uruguay, processed by the Direccion Nacional de Migracion.
MERCOSUR Permanent Residence
Permanent residence for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states under the regional residence agreement, with reduced documentation.
Retiree and Pensioner Residence Benefit (Law 16.340)
Benefit for foreign retirees and pensioners who obtain permanent residence, tied to a minimum foreign income and a qualifying property or government-securities investment under Law 16.340.
Republic of South Africa(1 route)
Republic of Mauritius(1 route)
Republic of Kenya(2 routes)
Class K Permit (Ordinary Residents)
Residence permit for a foreign national aged 35 or over with an assured income from sources outside Kenya, who undertakes not to take up employment.
Permanent Residence
Permanent residence in Kenya under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, including a route after long lawful residence on work permits.
Taiwan (Republic of China)(1 route)
Malaysia(1 route)
Kingdom of Thailand(2 routes)
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
A 10-year BOI-administered visa for high-potential foreigners across four categories, with a digital work permit and tax and re-entry benefits.
Non-Immigrant Visa "O-A" (Retirement / Long Stay)
A long-stay retirement visa for applicants aged 50 and over with the required savings or pension income; employment of any kind is prohibited.
Republic of India(1 route)
State of Qatar(2 routes)
Real Estate Residence (Property Owner)
Residence linked to owning real estate in Qatar designated areas. Listed among Qatar official visa categories as the Real Estate Visa.
Permanent Residency (Law No. 10 of 2018)
A distinct permanent-residence status created by Law No. 10 of 2018 and granted by a dedicated Ministry of Interior committee. It is not Qatari citizenship.
Republic of Türkiye(2 routes)
Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit
Flexible residence permit covering property owners, business connections, tourism, study programmes, medical treatment and investment, issued by the Presidency of Migration Management.
Turkey Long-Term Residence Permit
Indefinite residence permit for foreigners who have lived continuously in Türkiye for at least eight years on valid residence permits.
Republic of Indonesia(2 routes)
Republic of the Philippines(2 routes)
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Special resident visa for retirees, administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority, offering indefinite multiple-entry stay.
Quota Immigrant Visa (Section 13)
The Philippines' numerically limited immigrant visa, capped per nationality each year, for applicants who can contribute to the country.
Socialist Republic of Vietnam(2 routes)
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Residence card that lets eligible visa holders live in Vietnam for a multi-year period without repeated visa renewals.
Permanent Residence Card
Vietnam's permanent residence status for qualifying long-term residents, including certain family of Vietnamese citizens and contributors.
Republic of Colombia(2 routes)
Republic of Costa Rica(3 routes)
Temporary Residence - Pensionado (Pensioner)
Temporary residence for retirees who receive a guaranteed lifetime pension from a recognised source.
Temporary Residence - Rentista (Person of Independent Means)
Temporary residence for people of independent means who can show stable monthly income for a sustained period.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)
Costa Rican permanent residence, typically reached after a qualifying period of temporary residence or directly through a first-degree tie to a Costa Rican.
Republic of Panama(3 routes)
Friendly Nations Residence Permit (Naciones Amigas)
Residence for nationals of designated friendly nations who demonstrate economic or professional ties to Panama, now via a two-step permit.
Retiree-Pensioner Residence (Jubilado / Pensionado)
Permanent residence for retirees and pensioners receiving a guaranteed lifetime pension, a long-standing Panama route.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)
Panamanian permanent residence, reached after the qualifying period of a provisional or temporary permit.
Federal Republic of Nigeria(1 route)
Arab Republic of Egypt(2 routes)
Residence Permit via Real Estate (Egypt)
A renewable residence permit granted to foreigners who own qualifying property in Egypt, with the validity period scaling by the value of the property; renewable but never permanent.
Residence Permit via Bank Deposit (Egypt)
A renewable residence permit for foreigners who place a qualifying deposit in an Egyptian state-owned bank, with the validity period scaling by the size of the deposit; renewable but never permanent.
Republic of Ghana(2 routes)
Indefinite Residence Status (Ghana)
Ghana's permanent-residence equivalent, granting a foreign national the right to reside indefinitely after a qualifying period of lawful residence, issued by the Ghana Immigration Service.
Right of Abode (Ghana)
A residence status for the African diaspora and former Ghanaians, granting the right to live in Ghana indefinitely, enter without a visa and work without a work permit.
Kingdom of Bahrain(1 route)
Georgia(2 routes)
Short-Term Residence Permit (real-estate owners)
A short-term residence permit for foreign nationals who own Georgian real estate valued above an official threshold.
Permanent Residence Permit
Georgia's settlement permit, generally available after holding temporary residence permits for around ten years, or sooner for certain family members of Georgian citizens.
Republic of Croatia(1 route)
Hungary(1 route)
Republic of Serbia(2 routes)
Temporary Residence via Real-Estate Ownership
Temporary residence based on owning real estate in Serbia, available since the 2024 broadening of temporary-residence grounds.
Permanent Residence (Serbia)
Serbia's settlement status, available after three years of continuous temporary residence following the February 2024 reform.
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis(1 route)
Commonwealth of Dominica(1 route)
Grenada(1 route)
Saint Lucia(1 route)
Barbados(2 routes)
Barbados Immigrant Status
If you want to settle in Barbados long term, immigrant status is the route that gives you the right to live there on a lasting basis, usually after qualifying residence or through a close Barbadian connection.
Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP)
If you are a high-net-worth individual who wants the right to live in Barbados, the Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP) is the long-stay permit built around significant means or investment in the island.
Commonwealth of The Bahamas(3 routes)
Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence
If you can invest substantially in The Bahamas - typically in real estate - economic permanent residence gives you the right to live there permanently, without the right to work.
Bahamas Annual Residence Permit
If you want to live in The Bahamas without working there - for example as a retiree or person of means - the annual residence permit lets you reside for a year at a time, renewably.
Bahamas Homeowner Residence Card
If you own a home in The Bahamas, the homeowner residence card gives you and your immediate family a smoother right to come and go and reside while you keep that property.
Dominican Republic(4 routes)
Residence by Investment - Pensionado (Retiree)
If you receive a pension from abroad, the pensionado route gives you Dominican residence quickly - and it puts you on the fast track to permanent residence from your first card.
Residence by Investment - Rentista (Annuitant)
If you have steady income from abroad - including remote work - the rentista route is the Dominican Republic's practical home for you, and it leads quickly to permanent residence.
Ordinary Temporary Residence (RT-9)
If your reason for living in the Dominican Republic does not fit a work or investment category, ordinary RT-9 temporary residence is the general route - renewed yearly on the way to permanent residence.
Permanent Residence (RP-1)
Permanent residence (RP-1) is the Dominican Republic's settled-status card - reached fast through the investment classes, or after the required years of renewed temporary residence on the ordinary route.
Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)(2 routes)
Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means
If you have substantial means and want to live in the Cayman Islands without working, this long-validity certificate lets you reside there - but it does not give you permanent residence.
Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means
If you make a very large real-estate investment in the Cayman Islands, this is the one independent-means route that actually grants permanent residence - but it is rare, expensive and quota-limited.
People's Republic of China(1 route)
Republic of Bulgaria(2 routes)
Continuous (Long-Term) Residence Permit
If you have a long-stay (type D) visa and a qualifying ground to live in Bulgaria, this annually-renewable permit is the residence card you build your settlement on.
Permanent Residence (Bulgaria)
If you have lived in Bulgaria continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - secure residence and a stepping stone toward citizenship.
Romania(1 route)
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka(2 routes)
My Dream Home Visa Programme (retirement / long-stay residence)
For you if you are an older applicant who wants to retire or live long term in Sri Lanka: the My Dream Home programme grants a renewable residence visa to people who can support themselves from abroad.
Residence Visa (Approved-Project / BOI Professional)
For you if you are a professional whose services are needed on a government-approved or Board of Investment project: this residence visa lets you (and your dependents) live in Sri Lanka for the life of the project.
Republic of Ecuador(3 routes)
Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Jubilado)
For retirees with a foreign pension: this is the popular route to settle in Ecuador - and because Ecuador uses the US dollar, US-pension retirees carry no currency-exchange risk.
Temporary Residence - Rentista (Independent Income)
For people with steady passive income: this route lets you settle in Ecuador on recurring income from lawful sources such as rentals or investments, without needing an Ecuadorian job.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)
For temporary residents ready to settle: after roughly 21 months of temporary residence you can apply for Ecuadorian permanent residence - but be careful about long absences once you hold it.
Republic of Armenia(2 routes)
Residence for Ethnic Armenians (by descent)
If you are of Armenian descent, you can qualify for residence on the basis of your ancestry, with a faster path toward permanent residence and citizenship.
Permanent Residence (Armenia)
If you have held temporary residence in Armenia for the qualifying period, the five-year permanent residence card is your settlement status.
Republic of Albania(2 routes)
Residence by Real-Estate Ownership
If you own qualifying property in Albania, you can obtain residence on the basis of that ownership while you keep the property.
Permanent Residence (Albania)
If you have lived in Albania continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - a long-validity permanent residence permit.
Republic of Paraguay(4 routes)
Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporal, Law 6984/2022)
For most people moving to Paraguay: under the 2022 migration law this is now the usual first step - temporary residence for up to two years, which later converts to permanent residence.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, 10-year card)
For people already settled in Paraguay: this is the indefinite permanent residence you reach by converting from temporary residence, with a resident card renewed every 10 years.
Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Pensionado / Jubilado)
For retirees: this category lets you settle in Paraguay on a certified pension or retirement income, starting as temporary residence and later converting to permanent residence.
Temporary Residence - Independent Means (Renta Propia)
For people with stable passive income: this category lets you settle in Paraguay on your own recurring foreign income, beginning as temporary residence and converting to permanent residence later.
Kingdom of Morocco(3 routes)
Long-stay Visa (Visa D)
For anyone planning to live in Morocco for more than 90 days: the long-stay Visa D is the entry visa you obtain before travelling, and it is the step that comes before you register for a residence card once you arrive.
Self-funded Residence Card (retirees and people of independent means)
For retirees and people who can support themselves without working in Morocco: this residence card (carte de sejour) lets you live in the country on the strength of your own income or savings, without needing a local employer.
Permanent Residence Card (carte de residence, 10-year)
For long-term foreign residents of Morocco: the carte de residence is the longer, typically ten-year card you can apply for after years of continuous, regular residence, giving you a far more settled status than the renewable carte de sejour.
Republic of Rwanda(2 routes)
Temporary Resident Permit
For foreign nationals living in Rwanda on a basis such as assured income, family or another approved reason: the temporary resident permit is the general, renewable residence permit, applied for online through IremboGov.
Permanent Residence Permit
For foreign nationals who have built a long, lawful stay in Rwanda: the permanent residence permit gives durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable temporary permits, applied for through the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
Republic of Botswana(2 routes)
Residence Permit
For non-citizens who want to live in Botswana beyond a visit: the residence permit is the general permit that lets immigrants, and certain other categories, reside in the country, applied for through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on gov.bw.
Permanent Residence
For non-citizens with a long, lawful stay in Botswana: permanent residence is the discretionary, durable status you can apply for after years in the country, going beyond the renewable work and residence permits.
Republic of Kazakhstan(2 routes)
Temporary Residence Permit
For you if you are staying in Kazakhstan for more than the short visa-free window: the temporary residence permit is the document that lets you live there for a defined purpose such as work, study, family or business.
Permanent Residence Permit
For you if you want to settle in Kazakhstan long term: the permanent residence permit confirms your right to live there indefinitely, and a central requirement is showing that you can financially support yourself.
Kingdom of Cambodia(1 route)
Republic of Uzbekistan(2 routes)
Residence through Qualifying Property Purchase
For you if you are buying qualifying property in Uzbekistan: this route ties a residence permit to a property purchase at or above a set value, which varies by region.
Residence Permit (long-term, vid na zhitelstvo)
For you if you want to live in Uzbekistan long term: the residence permit (vid na zhitelstvo) gives you a settled legal basis with rights close to those of a citizen, short of voting.
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal(2 routes)
Residential Visa (long-stay, proof of income)
For you if you want to live in Nepal long term without doing business: the Residential Visa is a long-stay route that requires proof of income - but please read the honesty note, because it is not a settled-status or citizenship pathway.
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa
For you if you are of Nepali origin and hold an NRN identity card: the NRN Visa is a long-stay route for the Nepali diaspora, and recent law changes have made it more generous - including free issuance.
Montenegro(2 routes)
Residence by Property Ownership (Montenegro)
If you own real estate in Montenegro, this route can grant you temporary residence based on that property.
Permanent Residence (Montenegro)
If you have lived in Montenegro continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - secure residence and a stepping stone toward citizenship.
Republic of Moldova(1 route)
Republic of Slovenia(1 route)
Republic of Peru(2 routes)
Rentista (Independent Means / Passive Income)
For people with a pension or steady passive income: this category lets you settle in Peru on a permanent pension or recurring income, without needing a Peruvian job.
Permanent Resident (Residente Permanente)
For residents ready to settle: after three consecutive years of legal residence in a qualifying category you can change to permanent resident in Peru, with settled status.
Republic of El Salvador(3 routes)
Rentista Temporary Residence (Stable Foreign Income)
For people with steady foreign income: this temporary residence lets you live in El Salvador on stable income from abroad, declaring that you will not take paid work in the country.
Pensionado Temporary Residence (Retiree)
For retirees: this temporary residence lets you settle in El Salvador on a certified pension - and because the country uses the US dollar, a US pension carries no exchange-rate risk.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Definitiva)
For people settling in El Salvador: residencia definitiva is the permanent residence that lets you live and work without a permit - and you can be absent for up to two years without losing it.
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan(2 routes)
Annual Residence for Five Years (Renewable)
For long-settled foreigners and property owners: this renewable five-year residence permit gives a longer, more stable stay than the annual permit - but it is renewable, not a permanent-residence card.
Self-Funded ("Workless") Residency with Bank Deposit
For people who can support themselves in Jordan without working: this residency is based on your own funds (a bank deposit), with the deposit rules recently eased for long-term property owners.
Republic of Fiji(2 routes)
Residence Permit on Assured Income
For retirees and people with steady passive income aged 45 and over: this lets you live in Fiji on assured income from outside the country, without taking a Fiji job.
Permanent Residence
For people putting down long-term roots in Fiji: this is the settled residence status that, under reforms now underway, is becoming the key stepping-stone toward Fiji citizenship.
Jamaica(3 routes)
Permanent Residence via Employment
For people who have worked in Jamaica for several years: this PICA route lets long-term workers settle permanently rather than keep renewing temporary status.
Permanent Residence for Retirees
For retirees settling in Jamaica: this PICA route lets retired foreign nationals live in Jamaica permanently on pension or other independent income.
Unconditional Landing
For people with a Jamaican connection: this PICA stamp lets you live, work and study in Jamaica without a work permit or student visa - by descent, naturalisation or as a CARICOM skilled national.
United Republic of Tanzania(2 routes)
Residence Permit Class C (students, retirees, researchers, missionaries)
For foreigners living in Tanzania for a reason other than local employment or running a business - students, retirees, researchers, missionaries, volunteers and similar - the Class C residence permit is the catch-all residence route for your situation.
Long-tenure Residence (high-value investors, discretionary)
For investors whose contribution to Tanzania is of great economic value: there is no standard permanent-residence category, but the Commissioner General of Immigration can, at discretion, grant much longer-tenure residence than the usual short renewable permits.
Republic of Azerbaijan(1 route)
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago(1 route)
Iceland(1 route)
Republic of Lithuania(1 route)
Belize(3 routes)
Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)
For retirees aged 40 and over with steady foreign retirement income: the QRP, run by the Belize Tourism Board, gives you residency in Belize - but heads-up, it is residency, not citizenship, and it does not normally count toward permanent residence.
Temporary Residence
For people building a life in Belize: temporary residence is the status you hold while you live in the country and work toward permanent residence through the Immigration and Nationality Department.
Permanent Residence
For people settling in Belize: permanent residence can be reached after about a year of legal residence in the country - but only if you keep your absences within strict limits during that year.
Republic of Guatemala(2 routes)
Temporary Residence - Rentista or Pensionado
For people with steady income or a pension: this residence lets you live in Guatemala on a stable foreign income (rentista) or a retirement pension (pensionado), without needing a local job.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)
For residents ready to settle: after about five years of legal residence in Guatemala you can apply for permanent residence, the settled-status category issued by the IGM.
Republic of Namibia(2 routes)
Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
For foreign nationals who have built a long, lawful connection to Namibia: the Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) gives durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable temporary permits, applied for directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
Retirement Permanent Residence (substantial means)
For retirees who can support themselves from their own means: this route lets you settle in Namibia on the strength of a stable income or assets, applied for through the Ministry of Home Affairs as a permanent residence basis.
Republic of Latvia(1 route)
Slovak Republic(1 route)
Republic of Vanuatu(3 routes)
Residence Visa (Self-funded ground)
For people who can support themselves in Vanuatu from certified offshore income, without local employment. You show a regular income certified by a bank operating in Vanuatu.
Residence Visa (Leasehold Holder ground)
For people who hold a qualifying property leasehold in Vanuatu and can show a certified income. Land in Vanuatu is held by lease, so this route is built around leasehold ownership rather than freehold.
Permanent Resident Visa
Vanuatu's longer-term residence status, for people of Ni-Vanuatu descent, people who have been residing in Vanuatu for the last 12 months, or serious investors intending to invest in Vanuatu. It is residence, not citizenship - the citizenship route is the separate Development Support Program.
Mongolia(1 route)
State of Kuwait(1 route)
Brunei Darussalam(3 routes)
Long-Term Pass (social, business or professional)
For you if you want a multi-year basis to stay in Brunei: the Long-Term Pass is a newer route with social, business and professional sub-categories - but please read the dated note, because it only took effect at the end of 2024.
Entry Permit (route toward permanent resident status)
For you if you are working toward settling in Brunei: the Entry Permit is the document the immigration department processes for permanent resident status, so this is the formal route toward becoming a permanent resident.
Permanent Residence (discretionary, long-term)
For you if you intend to settle in Brunei for life: permanent residence confirms a long-term right to live there - but please read the honesty note, because it is discretionary and typically takes around fifteen years.
Principality of Liechtenstein(2 routes)
Residence Permit B without Gainful Employment (Liechtenstein)
If you are an economically inactive EEA national who can support yourself, this lets you live in Liechtenstein - but, like the work permit, it is rationed and half is decided by lottery.
Settlement Permit C (Liechtenstein)
If you have lived in Liechtenstein on a Permit B for around five years, this is your settlement status - more secure, longer-term residence.
Republic of Seychelles(1 route)
Principality of Monaco(1 route)
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia(1 route)
Republic of Uganda(1 route)
Republic of Maldives(1 route)
Republic of San Marino(3 routes)
Registered Residence Permit
Long-term San Marino residence for family reunification with a citizen, business establishment or management positions.
Atypical Residence under Facilitated Tax Regime
Residence route for foreign citizens taking up abode in San Marino while generating income abroad under the facilitated tax regime.
Pensioners' Atypical Residence
Atypical residence route for eligible pensioners from the EU, Switzerland or countries set by San Marino regulation who generate income abroad.
Bosnia and Herzegovina(2 routes)
Republic of North Macedonia(1 route)
Republic of Lebanon(1 route)
Republic of Zambia(1 route)
Ukraine(2 routes)
Republic of Kosovo(1 route)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines(1 route)
Republic of Tunisia(1 route)
Plurinational State of Bolivia(1 route)
Republic of Angola(3 routes)
Temporary Stay Visa
Angola temporary-stay visa category for longer but time-limited stays, with official SME legal and fee sources.
Residence Fixation Visa
Angola residence-fixation visa category for applicants whose purpose is to establish residence, subject to SME confirmation of the current basis.
Permanent Residence Card
Angola permanent resident-card fee category for people who have reached a qualifying residence basis and need SME resident-card processing.
Republic of Suriname(3 routes)
Residence Permit for Other Foreigners and MKV Cases
General residence-permit framework for non-Surinamese-origin foreigners, including MKV rules for visa-required long stays over three months.
Residence Permit Extension
Extension route for people already holding a Suriname residence permit, filed before expiry with separate document lists for Surinamese-origin and other foreign nationals.
PSA Document for People of Surinamese Origin
Diaspora status document for eligible people of Surinamese origin, giving visa and entry-fee exemption, longer stays and work access without a foreign-worker work permit.
Republic of Iraq(1 route)
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire(3 routes)
Provisional Stay Title
Service Public procedure for a first provisional stay title, used by foreign nationals in Cote d'Ivoire for civil-life acts and supported by worker, student, trader, religious, retired or no-profession evidence.
Provisional Stay Title Renewal
Renewal procedure for a provisional stay title in Cote d'Ivoire, using the Service Public checklist for documented foreign residents.
Resident Card
ONECI resident-card procedure for foreign nationals living in Cote d'Ivoire, with Service Public fee and evidence guidance.
Republic of Senegal(2 routes)
Foreigner Identity Card
Interior procedure for Senegal's carte d'identite d'etranger, the core public residence/identity document route for foreign nationals.
Foreigner Identity Card Renewal or Duplicate
Maintenance path for Senegal foreigner identity-card renewals or duplicates, using the Interior workflow that distinguishes first requests from renewal or duplicate card production.
Republic of Cameroon(4 routes)
Long-Stay eVisa
Cameroon online long-stay entry visa, valid up to twelve months and normally used before applying for residence documentation where the stay continues in Cameroon.
Carte de Sejour
Cameroon's stay card for foreign nationals regularly admitted to stay in Cameroon, valid for two years and renewable twice.
Carte de Sejour Renewal or Replacement
Renewal, loss, theft or deterioration handling for the Cameroon stay card, using DGSN evidence rules and the one-month-before-expiry renewal condition.
Carte de Resident
Cameroon's ten-year resident card for foreign nationals admitted as residents, including people moving from a twice-renewed stay card.
Republic of Djibouti(3 routes)
Traditional Work or Study Visa
Embassy or consulate visa route for work, study and other purposes that Djibouti eGov says cannot use the eVisa.
Visa Extension
Djibouti eVisa-platform extension path for eligible visa holders, with remaining visa validity and immigration-office contact checks before filing.
Foreign Identity Card Guidance
Djibouti eGov signpost for foreign identity-card requests, directing applicants to the consulate or embassy of their country of origin.
Gabonese Republic(2 routes)
Republic of Honduras(1 route)
Republic of The Gambia(2 routes)
Residential Permit A
Gambia biometric residence permit for people residing without gainful employment, including students, retirees and short business or mission visitors.
Non-Gambian ID Card
Gambia ID-card route for named regional nationals, allowing legal residence and work after payment of agreed prescribed fees.
Republic of Cuba(1 route)
Holy See (Vatican City State)(2 routes)
Authorised Residence
Residence authorisation in Vatican City State for tightly defined family, domestic-collaborator or other appropriate cases under the Governorate law.
Office or Service-Linked Citizenship
Highly limited Vatican City State citizenship linked to cardinals, Holy See diplomats, office or service residence, papal authorisation and defined family cases.
Republic of Belarus(1 route)
Republic of Madagascar(1 route)
Republic of Malawi(2 routes)
Temporary Residence Permit
Malawi temporary residence route for visitors or business visitors who have reached the 90-day maximum but have legitimate reasons for continued residence, including some short consultancy or work-related activity.
Permanent Residence Permit
Malawi permanent residence route for qualifying foreign nationals, including people seeking permanent residence, foreign wives of Malawians, retirees of assured income and certain dependants.
Togolese Republic(4 routes)
Immigration Visa
Togo entry visa for people establishing themselves in Togo for study, internship, family reunification or professional purposes before completing residence-card formalities.
Temporary Residence Card
One-year Togo residence card for non-student foreigners who want to stay or establish residence in Togo.
Ordinary Residence Card
Three-year Togo residence card for foreign nationals staying for longer periods, renewable on the same conditions.
Retiree Residence Card
Togo residence-card pathway for retirees, using DGDN retiree-specific document conditions.
Republic of Sierra Leone(2 routes)
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela(4 routes)
Rentista Visa
Venezuelan rentista visa for non-migrants living from lawful foreign income or pension.
Religious Visa
Venezuelan religious visa for religious activity supported by the relevant institution.
Re-entry Visa
Venezuelan re-entry visa for residents or transeunte holders whose status expired abroad within specific absence limits.
Migration Records and Corrections
SAIME procedure set for migration movements, entry/exit stamp certification and migration-error handling.
Russian Federation(1 route)
Republic of Burundi(4 routes)
Stay Visa Extension
CGM stay visa route for extending a stay in Burundi after entry.
EAC Visitor and Student Visa
CGM treatment for eligible East African Community nationals visiting or studying in Burundi.
Establishment Visa
Two-year Burundi long-stay establishment visa for foreign residents and dependants.
Permanent Resident Visa
Burundi permanent-resident visa for qualifying long-term residents, investors and family cases.
Kingdom of Eswatini(2 routes)
Kingdom of Bhutan(1 route)
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste(2 routes)
Solomon Islands(1 route)
Lao People's Democratic Republic(1 route)
Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China(3 routes)
Change of Entry Purpose
Public Security Police Force service for a non-resident who needs to request a change to the purpose recorded after entering Macao.
Reissue of Slip of Authorization to Stay / Residence Authorization
Macao service to reissue a stay or residence authorization slip for inbound visitors, non-resident workers, non-resident students and persons with residence authorization.
Amendments to the Authorization to Stay granted upon entry
Macao service for amending an authorization to stay that was granted upon entry.
Bermuda (British Overseas Territory)(2 routes)
Residence Permit
Bermuda residence-permission route covering annual residence, residence and seeking employment, school or college attendance, renewals and spouse or PRC-holder letters.
Landing Permit for Work Permit Holders
Bermuda landing permit for work-permit holders who need to travel while a new Standard Work Permit application is pending.
Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)(2 routes)
Entry Permit Stamp for Re-entry
Compliance route for BVI entry-permit holders who must have a valid entry-permit stamp to re-enter the territory.
Residence Status
BVI residence-status application for a person seeking certification as a permanent resident not subject to Immigration Department monitoring.
Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory)(1 route)
Jersey (British Crown Dependency)(3 routes)
Register as a Jersey Resident
Arrival registration route for people moving to Jersey who need a registration card showing residential and employment status.
Residential and Employment Status
Jersey status framework determining where a person can live and work through Entitled, Licensed, Entitled for Work and Registered categories.
Customs and Immigration Arrival
Jersey arrival compliance route for people moving with belongings, vehicles, pets or work plans.
Bailiwick of Guernsey (British Crown Dependency)(1 route)
Curacao (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)(1 route)
Sint Maarten (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)(2 routes)
Temporary Residency Permit
Sint Maarten temporary-residency permit handling for first-time applications, extensions and changes of conditions.
Residency, Landing, Re-Entry and Definitive Leave Permits
Sint Maarten official handling for residency permits plus landing, re-entry and definitive-leave permit services.
Faroe Islands (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)(1 route)
Greenland (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)(2 routes)
Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)(2 routes)
Niue (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)(3 routes)
Longer Than 30 Days Visitor Visa
Niue longer-stay visitor handling for people who plan to stay beyond the 30-day visitor-permit window.
Permanent Residence Certificate
Niue permanent residence certificate framework for people already in Niue with valid temporary status and long residence.
Niuean Return or Exemption Status
Niue-specific return and exemption handling for New Zealand citizens born in Niue, qualifying descendants and permanent residents.
American Samoa (United States territory)(1 route)
Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago)(2 routes)
Support and Housing Requirement for Staying in Svalbard
Practical Svalbard stay requirement: people must have means to reside and are advised to arrange work and housing before arrival.
Governor Services for Mainland Norway Permits and Citizenship
Governor of Svalbard service point for Norwegian immigration forms, visa matters, residence-permit applications and citizenship applications forwarded to UDI.
Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)(2 routes)
Saint Helena (British Overseas Territory)(1 route)
Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)(1 route)
Republic of Chad(1 route)
Republic of Guinea-Bissau(1 route)
Independent State of Papua New Guinea(1 route)
Turkmenistan(2 routes)
Reunion (French overseas department and region)(1 route)
Mayotte (French overseas department and region)(1 route)
French Guiana (French overseas department and region)(1 route)
Guadeloupe (French overseas department and region)(1 route)
Martinique (French overseas department and region)(1 route)
Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity)(1 route)
Saint Barthelemy (French overseas collectivity)(1 route)
French Polynesia (French overseas collectivity)(1 route)
New Caledonia (French sui generis collectivity)(1 route)
Wallis and Futuna (French overseas collectivity)(1 route)
Pitcairn Islands (British Overseas Territory)(4 routes)
Long-term Visitor Visa
Pitcairn long-term visitor visa for people who need permission before travelling for a longer stay.
Settlement Visa
Pitcairn two-year settlement visa for applicants seeking to settle permanently.
Permanent Residence
Pitcairn permanent residence route for settlement visa holders who qualify for indefinite residence and work rights.
Seasonal Resident Visa
Pitcairn seasonal resident visa for people who want to spend part of the year on Pitcairn without becoming permanent residents.
Republic of Nicaragua(2 routes)
Islamic Republic of Mauritania(1 route)
Burkina Faso(1 route)
Central African Republic(1 route)
Union of the Comoros(1 route)
Republic of Congo(1 route)
Republic of Equatorial Guinea(1 route)
Republic of Liberia(3 routes)
Re-entry Permit Card
Liberia Immigration Service re-entry permit card for non-citizens who need multiple entries during an approved stay.
Resident Permit Authority Check
Liberia resident-permit authority-check route based on LIS resident-permit service links and related permit guidance.
Family, Study or Long-stay Authority Check
Liberia authority-check route for family, study or longer stays where public route-level checklists are incomplete.
Republic of Palau(2 routes)
Digital Residency Program
Official Palau Digital Residency Office route for digital-residency programme checks, not physical immigration residence.
Residence, Family or Study Authority Check
Palau authority-check route for residence, family or study cases where public route-level checklists are incomplete.
Independent State of Samoa(2 routes)
Temporary Residence for Research, Cultural or Religious Purposes
Samoa temporary resident permit for academic research, scientific research, cultural activity or religious purposes.
Permanent Residence Permit
Samoa permanent residence permit route, using Samoa Immigration permanent-residence form and fee-table authority.
Tuvalu(1 route)
Federated States of Micronesia(2 routes)
Republic of Nauru(2 routes)
Republic of Guinea(1 route)
Isle of Man (British Crown Dependency)(2 routes)
Immigration Rules and Associated Policy
Isle of Man rules-and-policy check for applicants who need the legal basis behind visit, work, settlement, study, business or family permission.
Study, Business or Settle Authority Check
Isle of Man authority-check route for study, business and settlement cases where the applicant needs current official direction before filing.
Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory)(2 routes)
Homeowner or Residence Permit
TCI residence route covering homeowner permits and Ministry residence permits for investor, homeowner, independent means or spousal cases.
Permanent Resident Certificate, Islander Status and BOTC Status
TCI status route for Permanent Resident Certificates, Turks and Caicos Islander Status, BOTC naturalisation/registration and related status documents.
Frequently asked questions
How many residence (general) visa routes are there across these destinations?+
We cover 286 residence (general) routes across 167 of our 233 destinations. Residence routes for financially self-sufficient applicants not actively working.
Which countries offer residence (general) visas?+
Among our destinations, Republic of Ireland, Portuguese Republic, Kingdom of Spain, Italian Republic, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Cyprus, United Mexican States, Federative Republic of Brazil, Argentine Republic, Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Republic of South Africa, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Kenya, Taiwan (Republic of China), Malaysia, Kingdom of Thailand, Republic of India, State of Qatar, Republic of Türkiye, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of the Philippines, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Republic of Colombia, Republic of Costa Rica, Republic of Panama, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Ghana, Kingdom of Bahrain, Georgia, Republic of Croatia, Hungary, Republic of Serbia, Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory), People's Republic of China, Republic of Bulgaria, Romania, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Republic of Ecuador, Republic of Armenia, Republic of Albania, Republic of Paraguay, Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Botswana, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of Uzbekistan, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Montenegro, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Slovenia, Republic of Peru, Republic of El Salvador, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Fiji, Jamaica, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Iceland, Republic of Lithuania, Belize, Republic of Guatemala, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Latvia, Slovak Republic, Republic of Vanuatu, Mongolia, State of Kuwait, Brunei Darussalam, Principality of Liechtenstein, Republic of Seychelles, Principality of Monaco, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Republic of Uganda, Republic of Maldives, Republic of San Marino, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Lebanon, Republic of Zambia, Ukraine, Republic of Kosovo, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Republic of Tunisia, Plurinational State of Bolivia, Republic of Angola, Republic of Suriname, Republic of Iraq, Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, Republic of Senegal, Republic of Cameroon, Republic of Djibouti, Gabonese Republic, Republic of Honduras, Republic of The Gambia, Republic of Cuba, Holy See (Vatican City State), Republic of Belarus, Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Togolese Republic, Republic of Sierra Leone, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Russian Federation, Republic of Burundi, Kingdom of Eswatini, Kingdom of Bhutan, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Bermuda (British Overseas Territory), Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory), Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory), Jersey (British Crown Dependency), Bailiwick of Guernsey (British Crown Dependency), Curacao (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Sint Maarten (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Faroe Islands (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark), Greenland (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark), Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand), Niue (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand), American Samoa (United States territory), Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago), Montserrat (British Overseas Territory), Saint Helena (British Overseas Territory), Anguilla (British Overseas Territory), Republic of Chad, Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Turkmenistan, Reunion (French overseas department and region), Mayotte (French overseas department and region), French Guiana (French overseas department and region), Guadeloupe (French overseas department and region), Martinique (French overseas department and region), Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity), Saint Barthelemy (French overseas collectivity), French Polynesia (French overseas collectivity), New Caledonia (French sui generis collectivity), Wallis and Futuna (French overseas collectivity), Pitcairn Islands (British Overseas Territory), Republic of Nicaragua, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Union of the Comoros, Republic of Congo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Palau, Independent State of Samoa, Tuvalu, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Guinea, Isle of Man (British Crown Dependency), Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory) have residence (general) routes. Open any country group above for its specific routes and official sources.