Countries Offering Residency or Citizenship for $100,000 & Below
Securing elite residency abroad doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. However, it’s important to note that countries with the most affordable residency visas often come with certain conditions, such as nonrefundable fees and “donations” instead of returnable investments.
Before making any commitments, it’s advisable to visit the chosen country at least once to ensure it suits your preferences. Spending a few weeks exploring various regions and cities, and a month living in your selected city as a trial, can provide a comprehensive understanding.
- Thailand
- Visa-Free Travel for Citizens: 80 countries
- Language: Thai
- Currency: Thai baht
- Capital: Bangkok
- Reasons to Move to Thailand: Renowned for its cuisine and warm hospitality, Thailand offers a low cost of living and convenient travel across Asia and Oceania. Residency visas can be obtained for as low as 600,000 Thai baht (approximately $19,000) for a five-year period.
- Montenegro
- Visa-Free Travel for Citizens: 126 countries
- Language: Montenegrin
- Currency: Euro
- Capital: Podgorica
- Reasons to Move to Montenegro: With beaches, mountains, and historical charm, Montenegro allows residency through local business operation. While annual renewal is required, permanent residency becomes an option after five years. Citizenship, available at a higher cost, involves investments in government-approved projects.
- Latvia
- Visa-Free Travel for Citizens: 181 countries
- Language: Latvian
- Currency: Euro
- Capital: Riga
- Reasons to Move to Latvia: Known for its rich history and natural beauty, Latvia offers residency through a minimum €50,000 investment in a Latvian business paying at least €40,000 in annual taxes. This option includes visa-free access to all Schengen Area countries.
- Dominica
- Visa-Free Travel for Citizens: 144 countries
- Language: Caribbean Creole French
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
- Capital: Roseau
- Reasons to Move to Dominica: A health and wellness destination, Dominica offers affordable citizenship for as low as $100,000 through a government-operated National Transformation Fund donation.
- Saint Lucia
- Visa-Free Travel for Citizens: 146 countries
- Language: Caribbean Creole French
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
- Capital: Castries
- Reasons to Move to Saint Lucia: Featuring beaches, rainforests, and live volcanoes, Saint Lucia offers citizenship through various options, including a nonrefundable donation, real estate investment, enterprise projects, or non-interest-bearing government bonds.
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Visa-Free Travel for Citizens: 150 countries
- Language: Caribbean Creole French, English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
- Capital: Saint John’s
- Reasons to Move to Antigua & Barbuda: Renowned for its beaches and sailing, this nation offers citizenship through options like a donation to the National Development Fund, investment in real estate, or contributions to local businesses.