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  1. Home/
  2. Visas/
  3. Residence (general)

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)

  • Stamp 4 permission

    Long-term residence permission allowing unrestricted work in Ireland.

🇵🇹Portuguese Republic(1 route)

  • D7 visa (passive income / retirement)

    Residence visa for non-EU retirees and other applicants who can live from stable income of their own.

🇪🇸Kingdom of Spain(1 route)

  • Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

    Residence visa for financially self-sufficient non-EEA nationals not planning to work in Spain.

🇮🇹Italian Republic(1 route)

  • Elective Residence Visa (Residenza Elettiva)

    Visa for retirees and independently wealthy individuals who can support themselves in Italy without working.

🇨🇭Swiss Confederation(1 route)

  • C Permit — Settlement (Niederlassungsbewilligung)

    Swiss permanent residence permit — unrestricted work rights, no employer sponsorship, granted after 5–10 years of continuous B permit residence.

🇨🇾Republic of Cyprus(1 route)

  • Visitor temporary residence permit

    Cyprus temporary residence route for visitors and dependants who are not allowed to work in Cyprus.

🇲🇽United Mexican States(1 route)

  • Temporary Resident Visa

    Mexican visa for people intending to stay more than 180 days and up to 4 years, usually based on economic solvency, family or other qualifying grounds.

🇧🇷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)

  • Retired Persons' Visa

    Visa for foreigners who wish to retire in South Africa, based on proof of a minimum monthly income or net worth.

🇲🇺Republic of Mauritius(1 route)

  • Residence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens (50+)

    Long-validity residence permit for non-citizens aged 50 and over who can demonstrate a qualifying regular income transferred to Mauritius.

🇰🇪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)

  • Permanent Residence (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, APRC)

    Permanent residence for foreign nationals who have legally resided in Taiwan continuously for five years, granted by the National Immigration Agency under the Immigration Act.

🇲🇾Malaysia(1 route)

  • Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

    A long-stay social visit pass programme for foreigners meeting financial criteria, offered in Platinum, Gold, Silver and SEZ/SFZ categories.

🇹🇭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)

  • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card

    Lifelong multiple-entry status for foreign nationals of Indian origin and their eligible relatives.

🇶🇦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)

  • Second Home Visa

    Long-stay visa for self-funded foreigners and retirees who can show substantial funds or qualifying property in Indonesia.

  • KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit)

    Indonesia's permanent stay permit, available to long-term KITAS holders such as spouses of citizens, investors and retirees.

🇵🇭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)

  • Visa M (Migrante)

    The Migrant (M) visa - the establishment-intent category whose continuous holding accrues toward a Resident (R) visa in Colombia.

  • Visa R (Residente)

    The Resident (R) visa - Colombia's permanent-residence category, granting an open work permit and the right to settle.

🇨🇷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)

  • Permanent Residence (Nigeria)

    Nigeria's permanent-residence visa group for highly skilled immigrants, investors, retirees and spouses of citizens or permanent residents, granting long-term residence beyond the renewable CERPAC.

🇪🇬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)

  • Golden Residency

    Bahrain long-term renewable residence for property owners, retirees, talented individuals and long-term residents, issued by the NPRA. It is renewable residence, not permanent residence or citizenship.

🇬🇪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)

  • Long-Term Residence / Permanent Stay (Croatia)

    Croatia's settlement status for third-country nationals after generally five years of uninterrupted lawful stay.

🇭🇺Hungary(1 route)

  • National Permanent Residence / EC Long-Term Residence (Hungary)

    Hungary's settlement statuses: national permanent residence and the EU long-term residence card, generally after a qualifying period of lawful residence.

🇷🇸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)

  • St Kitts and Nevis Permanent Residence

    For people who want to settle long-term in St Kitts and Nevis through the ordinary residence rules - for example after a qualifying period of living there, or through marriage to a citizen - rather than through investment.

🇩🇲Commonwealth of Dominica(1 route)

  • Dominica Permanent Residence

    For people who want to settle long-term in Dominica through the ordinary residence rules, rather than through investment - for example after a qualifying period of lawful residence.

🇬🇩Grenada(1 route)

  • Grenada Permanent Residence

    For people who want to settle long-term in Grenada through the ordinary residence rules - for example after several years of living there, or through marriage to a citizen - rather than through investment.

🇱🇨Saint Lucia(1 route)

  • Saint Lucia Permanent Residence

    For people who want to settle long-term in Saint Lucia through the ordinary residence rules - typically after several years of continuous residence - rather than through investment.

🇧🇧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)

  • Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (Five-Star Card)

    For you if you want to settle in China long term: the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card - nicknamed the Five-Star Card - is China's actual permanent residence document, issued by the National Immigration Administration once your permanent-residence application is approved.

🇧🇬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)

  • EU Long-Term Residence (Romania)

    If you have lived in Romania continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - a long-term right to stay with EU-wide mobility benefits.

🇱🇰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)

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

    For you if you are retired and aged 55 or over: the ER is the E-class retirement sub-class that lets you live in Cambodia long term by renewing the visa - though it does not lead to permanent residence.

🇺🇿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)

  • Permanent Residence (Moldova)

    If you have lived in Moldova continuously for the qualifying period, this is your settlement status - secure, longer-term residence.

🇸🇮Republic of Slovenia(1 route)

  • Permanent Residence (Slovenia)

    If you have lived in Slovenia continuously for about five years, this is your settlement status - secure residence with EU-wide mobility benefits.

🇵🇪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)

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    For you if you have lived in Azerbaijan on temporary residence and want to settle for good: the permanent residence permit confirms your right to live there long term, generally available after about two years of qualifying temporary residence.

🇹🇹Republic of Trinidad and Tobago(1 route)

  • Residence after Five Years (Permanent Residence)

    For people who have lived in Trinidad and Tobago for five years: this is how you apply for residence under the Immigration Act - there is no investment shortcut, it is earned through time spent in the country.

🇮🇸Iceland(1 route)

  • Permanent Residence Permit (Iceland)

    If you have lived in Iceland for four continuous years on a qualifying permit, this is your settlement status - secure residence with broad work rights.

🇱🇹Republic of Lithuania(1 route)

  • Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Lithuania)

    If you have lived in Lithuania lawfully for five years, this is your settlement status - EU long-term resident rights and a stepping stone toward citizenship.

🇧🇿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)

  • Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Latvia)

    If you have lived in Latvia lawfully for five years, this is your settlement status - EU long-term resident rights and a step toward citizenship.

🇸🇰Slovak Republic(1 route)

  • Permanent Residence (Slovakia)

    If you have lived in Slovakia lawfully for five years, this is your settlement status - secure, longer-term residence and a step toward citizenship.

🇻🇺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)

  • Permanent Residence

    For you if you have built up several years of residence in Mongolia and want to settle for good: permanent residence confirms a long-term right to live there - but please read the honesty note, because it does not lead to citizenship.

🇰🇼State of Kuwait(1 route)

  • Property-Owner Residency (long-term, up to ~10 years)

    For foreign nationals who own qualifying real estate in Kuwait, who can be granted residency of up to around 10 years. As with every Kuwaiti residency, this is renewable fixed-term residence, not permanent residence.

🇧🇳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)

  • Residence Permit

    Residence route for people with a family or domestic connection to Seychelles, or a special contribution to its economic, social or cultural life.

🇲🇨Principality of Monaco(1 route)

  • Residence Permit

    Monaco residence permit for anyone aged at least 16 who wants to reside in Monaco for more than three months in a year or settle there.

🇪🇹Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia(1 route)

  • Residence Visa

    Residence visa route for foreign nationals entering Ethiopia to stay for a fixed period and build toward permanent residency.

🇺🇬Republic of Uganda(1 route)

  • Certificate of Residence

    Uganda residence certificate route for qualifying marriage, long-stay and former-citizen cases.

🇲🇻Republic of Maldives(1 route)

  • Resident Visa

    Residence route for a foreign national married to a Maldivian citizen.

🇸🇲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)

  • Temporary Residence Based on Real Estate Ownership

    Temporary residence ground for ownership of real estate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    Indefinite residence after at least five years of qualifying temporary residence and other statutory conditions.

🇲🇰Republic of North Macedonia(1 route)

  • Temporary Residence for Eligible Property Owner

    Temporary residence ground for eligible EU or OECD residents who acquire qualifying residential property in North Macedonia.

🇱🇧Republic of Lebanon(1 route)

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    Renewable three-year permanent residence for listed income, investor or long work-permit cases.

🇿🇲Republic of Zambia(1 route)

  • Residence Permit

    Permanent residence route for qualifying employment, investor, spouse, dependant, retiree and other listed cases.

🇺🇦Ukraine(2 routes)

  • Immigration Permit

    Permit route for people qualifying to immigrate to Ukraine permanently under quota or non-quota categories.

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    Permanent residence document issued after an immigration permit and arrival for permanent residence.

🇽🇰Republic of Kosovo(1 route)

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    Permanent residence route after qualifying continuous temporary residence in Kosovo.

🇻🇨Saint Vincent and the Grenadines(1 route)

  • OECS Indefinite Stay on Entry

    Entry treatment for OECS nationals, who the official visitor-permit page says are given indefinite stay on entry.

🇹🇳Republic of Tunisia(1 route)

  • Residence Card for Retirees

    Interior Ministry residence-card route for retirees who are not exercising salaried professional activity.

🇧🇴Plurinational State of Bolivia(1 route)

  • Permanent Residence (Permanencia Definitiva)

    Bolivia settled-status route for foreign nationals with at least three years of permanence, with extension rules for close dependants.

🇦🇴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)

  • Normal Visa

    MOFA normal visa category allowing one entry within three months and residence in Iraq for up to three months, with arrival reporting to the Directorate of Residence.

🇨🇮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)

  • Medical eVisa

    Gabon eVisa purpose route for medical travel, with medical-documentation evidence in the official eVisa flow.

  • eVisa Extension

    DGDI Libreville extension route for eligible Gabon eVisas, with strict limits on which initial visa durations can be extended.

🇭🇳Republic of Honduras(1 route)

  • Stay Extension

    INM extension for non-residents to extend Honduras/CA-4 stay time up to 120 days, with a USD 20 per month fee.

🇬🇲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)

  • Permanent Residence Application

    Consular permanent-residence application route for foreigners applying for residence in Cuba with medical, police and relationship or purpose evidence.

🇻🇦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)

  • Permanent Residence Entry Visa

    Belarus entry-visa route for people who already have the regional Citizenship and Migration Department decision for permanent residence.

🇲🇬Republic of Madagascar(1 route)

  • Transformable Visa

    Madagascar immigrant 30-day transformable visa route that can be converted into long-stay status after entry, including worker, investor, family and other long-stay bases.

🇲🇼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)

  • Residence Permit

    Official Sierra Leone residence permit route for foreign nationals residing, studying or investing in Sierra Leone for more than 90 days.

  • Permit Extension and Re-entry

    Sierra Leone Unified Permit route for extensions and re-entry linked to existing work or residence permits.

🇻🇪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)

  • eVisa Emergency Extension

    Emergency extension handling for Russian eVisa validity or permitted stay when departure is impossible.

🇧🇮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)

  • Visitor Pass

    Eswatini visitor pass checklist for hosted temporary stay.

  • Special Pass

    Eswatini special pass checklist for cases involving recent appeal or application letter.

🇧🇹Kingdom of Bhutan(1 route)

  • Residence Permit

    General Bhutan residence permission for foreign nationals whose stay is approved beyond a short visit.

🇹🇱Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste(2 routes)

  • Resident Stay Authorization Visa

    Visa to establish residence in Timor-Leste for professional activity or family reunification.

  • Residence Permit

    Timor-Leste temporary and permanent residence permit framework.

🇸🇧Solomon Islands(1 route)

  • Permanent Resident Visa

    Solomon Islands long-term resident category for applicants with prior continuous stay.

🇱🇦Lao People's Democratic Republic(1 route)

  • Stay Permit Card for Investors and Family

    Stay Permit Card route for foreign investors and qualifying family after entry on the correct Lao business visa.

🇲🇴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)

  • Civilian Registration Card / Gibraltar ID Card

    Gibraltar registration-card route for eligible residents applying for an identity card or civilian registration card.

🇯🇪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)

  • Population Management Permit or Certificate

    Guernsey paperless permit or certificate route confirming the right to live and work in Guernsey and any conditions that apply.

🇨🇼Curacao (country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands)(1 route)

  • Application Status and Permit Collection

    Curacao post-submission service for checking application status and booking permit collection after a positive decision.

🇸🇽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)

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    Official Faroe Islands route for eligible long-term residents applying for permanent residence.

🇬🇱Greenland (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)(2 routes)

  • Au Pair in Greenland

    SIRI route for applicants who want to stay as an au pair with a host family in Greenland.

  • Permanent Residence Permit in Greenland

    SIRI route for eligible long-term residents applying for permanent residence in Greenland.

🇨🇰Cook Islands (self-governing country in free association with New Zealand)(2 routes)

  • Long-Term Visitor Permit

    Cook Islands long-stay visitor status for people remaining beyond ordinary short visitor entry without working.

  • Permanent Residence

    Cook Islands permanent residence route published by MFAI for people seeking long-term permanent status.

🇳🇺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)

  • Permanent Resident Status

    American Samoa permanent resident status for people who meet the statutory and board-administered residence criteria.

🇳🇴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)

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    Montserrat permanent residence permit route under the Immigration Act and Permanent Residence Permits Regulations.

  • Health Certificate Requirement

    Montserrat health certificate requirement for certain work, student and long-stay visa applications.

🇸🇭Saint Helena (British Overseas Territory)(1 route)

  • Long-term Entry Permit

    St Helena long-term entry permit for stays in excess of 183 days.

🇦🇮Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)(1 route)

  • High Value Resident Tax Residency

    Anguilla High Value Resident programme for qualifying tax residents paying a fixed annual worldwide-income tax amount.

🇹🇩Republic of Chad(1 route)

  • eVisa Extension Direction

    Official Chad direction for travellers whose eVisa expires during their stay to approach immigration for an extension.

🇬🇼Republic of Guinea-Bissau(1 route)

  • Multiple-Entry or Long-Stay Biometric Visa

    Guinea-Bissau multiple-entry and long-stay visa handling for frequent travellers needing longer or repeated entry.

🇵🇬Independent State of Papua New Guinea(1 route)

  • Permanent Residence

    Papua New Guinea permanent residence classes for specified executives, investors, professionals, religious workers, retirees and PNG family cases.

🇹🇲Turkmenistan(2 routes)

  • Residence Permit

    Turkmenistan residence permit route for qualifying foreign citizens and stateless persons.

  • Border Registration and Migration Control

    Official Turkmenistan migration-control guidance for border crossings, stay registration fee and foreigner registration.

🇷🇪Reunion (French overseas department and region)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to Reunion for more than a short visit.

🇾🇹Mayotte (French overseas department and region)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to Mayotte for more than a short visit.

🇬🇫French Guiana (French overseas department and region)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to French Guiana for more than a short visit.

🇬🇵Guadeloupe (French overseas department and region)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to Guadeloupe for more than a short visit.

🇲🇶Martinique (French overseas department and region)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to Martinique for more than a short visit.

🇲🇫Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to Saint Martin for more than a short visit.

🇧🇱Saint Barthelemy (French overseas collectivity)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to Saint Barthelemy for more than a short visit.

🇵🇫French Polynesia (French overseas collectivity)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to French Polynesia for more than a short visit.

🇳🇨New Caledonia (French sui generis collectivity)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to New Caledonia for more than a short visit.

🇼🇫Wallis and Futuna (French overseas collectivity)(1 route)

  • Long-Stay Overseas Visa

    Long-stay visa and residence-entry route for people moving to Wallis and Futuna for more than a short visit.

🇵🇳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)

  • Temporary Residence

    Nicaragua temporary residence handling for foreign nationals who need to stay beyond short-visit entry.

  • Permanent Residence

    Nicaragua permanent residence handling for applicants moving from temporary or qualifying residence into longer-term status.

🇲🇷Islamic Republic of Mauritania(1 route)

  • Long-validity e-Visa

    Mauritania longer-validity e-visa option for applicants choosing one of the official multi-month or multi-year duration bands.

🇧🇫Burkina Faso(1 route)

  • Family, Study or Long-stay Authority Check

    Burkina Faso lite authority-check route for family, study or longer stays where public route-level checklists are not stable.

🇨🇫Central African Republic(1 route)

  • Family, Study or Long-stay Authority Check

    Central African Republic lite authority-check route for family, study or longer stays where public checklists are not stable.

🇰🇲Union of the Comoros(1 route)

  • Family, Study or Long-stay Authority Check

    Comoros authority-check route for family, study, research beyond short stay or longer stays where route-level public checklists are not stable.

🇨🇬Republic of Congo(1 route)

  • Family, Study or Long-stay Authority Check

    Republic of Congo authority-check route for family, study or longer stays where stable public checklists were not found.

🇬🇶Republic of Equatorial Guinea(1 route)

  • Family, Study or Long-stay Authority Check

    Equatorial Guinea authority-check route for family, study or longer stays where stable public checklists were not found.

🇱🇷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)

  • Permit to Enter and Reside

    Tuvalu permit to enter and reside route for non-visitor stays, with health, character, outward-ticket or bond, and extension controls.

🇫🇲Federated States of Micronesia(2 routes)

  • Researcher's Entry Permit

    FSM researcher entry permit for research considered in the best interest and well-being of FSM citizens.

  • Missionary's Entry Permit

    FSM missionary permit for duly ordained, licensed and certified ministers or clergymen.

🇳🇷Republic of Nauru(2 routes)

  • Long Term Stay Visa

    Nauru long term stay visa route established by the Immigration (Long Term Stay Visa) Regulations 2025.

  • Special Purpose Visa

    Nauru special purpose visa for specified official, crew, legal, humanitarian, emergency or residual purposes.

🇬🇳Republic of Guinea(1 route)

  • Diplomatic, Service and Courtesy Visa

    Guinea official-purpose visa route for diplomatic, service and courtesy cases using security-code approval.

🇮🇲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.

This is not legal advice

We publish neutral, sourced information about immigration routes. Rules and thresholds change often — always verify details on the official government source linked on this page and consult a regulated immigration advisor before applying.