Back to top

Citizenship or Residence Permit: What’s the Difference?

Overlapping sheets of colored paper in various shades including blue, red, orange, and green.

Being a “citizen” and “resident” is at first similar, but in fact, completely different concepts. If you are planning to move to another country and have not yet decided what status you would like to receive more, then let’s look at the differences.

Temporary Residency

You can live in the country for one to five years with a temporary residence permit (depends on the country’s rules). With this visa, you have the opportunity to live and move around the country. You keep your passport and citizenship. Some countries allow getting a permanent residence permit after five years.

Permanent Residence

With a permanent residence visa, you still have the opportunity to live and travel around the country, the opportunity to live in the selected country for up to seven years, and then apply for citizenship is added in this option.

Residency programs are generally more affordable and cheaper than citizenship programs.

Find out here which Residence Programs are now available

Citizenship by Investment

The fastest and most proven way to become a citizen is to invest in a country. To do this, a foreign investor needs to make a donation to a government fund or purchase government-approved real estate. After successfully passing all due diligence checks, you will receive a passport and citizenship. The biggest advantage is that you can enjoy the same benefits as naturalized citizens

Find out which countries offer Citizenship by Investment Programs here

Share to:

Most popular articles

Motorcyclist rides along a coastal road with sailboats docked in the harbor beyond.

Malta Established Residency Malta Agency

Baby's feet cradled gently in an adult's hand, with a soft focus in the background.

The Best Life Insurance for Newborns is a Second Citizenship

A silhouetted adult and child walk hand in hand on railroad tracks at sunset.

Understanding Family Offices: Tailored Wealth Management Across the World

Tropical beach with turquoise water, palm trees, and two people walking along the shoreline under a clear blue sky.

Caribbean Nations Agree to Increase Citizenship Investment: 2026 Update

A group of people in formal attire and colorful costumes posing in an ornately decorated room.

London recap – Antigua and Barbuda event

Categories

Follow us on social media platforms