Top 10 countries where it will be easy to legalize without investment in 2024

There are many options for non-investment immigration. There are many countries with affordable residence permits, and most of them are located in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. European countries are less likely to offer affordable programs for obtaining long-term residence visas, but our ranking includes countries from around the world, including Europe, where it is relatively easy to obtain a residence permit (RP) for citizens of many countries without significant investment.

The conditions for obtaining a residence permit may vary, and each country has its own requirements and procedures. Usually, to obtain a residence permit without investment, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• have a stable income from abroad;
• have a long-term property lease;
• start a small business;
• find a job in the country;
• enroll in an educational institution in the country;
• retire with sufficient pension income.

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Top 10 countries for easy immigration

1. Georgia

Georgia is open to citizens of many countries, even without a visa or residence permit. For those who need legalization, there are several options for obtaining a residence permit:

• Digital Nomad Visa program: you must have an income of at least $2,000 per month and work for a foreign employer or have a business abroad. This residence permit is valid for 1 year with the possibility of extension.
• Work visa: you must have an employment contract with a Georgian company and obtain a work permit.
• Student visa: enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Georgia and confirmation of sufficient funds for living and studying.
• Family reunification: possible if you have a close relative who is a Georgian citizen or a residence permit holder, and requires proof of family ties. The residence permit is issued for up to 6 years.
• Rental of accommodation costing $35,000 per year and confirmation of financial solvency. Valid for 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Submitting documents for a residence permit in Georgia usually takes about 30 days. The residence permit is issued for a period of up to 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence in Georgia, you can apply for citizenship.

2. Argentina

Argentina does not require renunciation of previous citizenship upon naturalization, which makes it attractive to many immigrants. Popular programs:

• The "rentista" program: proof of monthly income of approximately $2,000. This income can come from a pension, rental property, or other sources outside Argentina.
• Employment: a job offer from an Argentine company.
• A student visa is available upon enrollment in an Argentine educational institution.
• Family reunification requires a close relative who is an Argentine citizen or a permanent resident.
• A program for freelancers and digital nomads, requiring proof of stable income from abroad.

The process of obtaining a residence permit usually takes 3 to 6 months, and after living in the country for 2 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit, then 3 years after that — for citizenship.

3. Paraguay

Paraguay is attractive due to its low taxes and relatively simple legalization procedure. The simplest legalization programs in Paraguay are:

• The "rentista" program: proof of a stable income of approximately $1,500 per month from foreign sources is required. It is also necessary to make a deposit of approximately $5,000 in a local bank.
• Starting a small business with a minimum capital of $3,500-5,000.
• Employment: to do this, you need to receive a job offer from a Paraguayan company.
• Student visa: available upon enrollment in a Paraguayan educational institution.
• Pensioners only need to confirm that they receive a pension from abroad.

The process of obtaining a residence permit usually takes 3-6 months. After 3 years of residence in the country, you can apply for citizenship.

4. Panama

Panama attracts expats with its stable economy, high standard of living, and geographical location. Easy ways to legalize your status in Panama:

• Friendly Nations Program: for citizens of more than 50 countries. You must open a Panamanian company and deposit $5,000 into a bank account. No minimum investment is required.
• Rentista visa: proof of stable income of $2,000 per month from sources outside Panama is required.
• Work visa: you must receive a job offer from a Panamanian company.
• Student visa: available upon enrollment in a Panamanian educational institution.

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Panama usually takes 3 to 6 months. After 5 years of residence in the country, you can apply for permanent residence, and after another 5 years, for citizenship.

5. Mexico

Expatriates choose Mexico as a relocation destination due to its rich culture, warm climate, low cost of living, diverse natural beauty, and relatively straightforward immigration system. Ways to legalize your status in Mexico:

• Temporary residence with the right to work: you must obtain a job offer from a Mexican company. The company must submit an application to the National Institute of Migration.
• Temporary residence for financially independent individuals: proof of monthly income of $1,500 or a bank account with a balance of $25,000 for the last 12 months is required.
• Student visa: available upon enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Mexico. Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses is required.
• Family reunification visa: available to immediate relatives of Mexican citizens or permanent residents.
• Retirement visa: for persons over 60 years of age with a monthly income of $1,000 or a bank account with a balance of $20,000.

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Mexico usually takes 1 to 3 months. After 4 years of living on a temporary residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence, and 5 years after that, for citizenship.

6. Costa Rica

Expatriates choose Costa Rica as a relocation destination due to its stable democracy, high standard of living, excellent climate, rich natural environment, and friendly attitude toward foreigners. Ways to legalize your status in Costa Rica:

• The Rentista program for financially independent individuals: you must prove a stable income of at least $2,500 per month for two years or deposit $60,000 into a Costa Rican bank account.
• Work visa: you need to receive a job offer from a Costa Rican company. The employer must prove that no local specialist can be found for this position.
• Student visa: available upon enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Costa Rica.
• Family reunification visa: available to immediate relatives of Costa Rican citizens or permanent residence permit holders.
• Pensionado retirement program: proof of a monthly lifetime income of $1,000 from a public or private pension fund is required.

You can obtain a residence permit in Costa Rica in 3-6 months. After 3 years of living on a temporary residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence, and 7 years after receiving your first residence permit, you can apply for citizenship.

7. Ecuador

Ecuador attracts expats with its low cost of living, mild climate, diverse nature, and relatively simple immigration system. Ways to obtain a residence permit in Ecuador:

• Retirement visa: proof of monthly income of $400 from a pension fund or other stable sources is required.
• Rentista visa: proof of stable income of $400 per month from sources outside Ecuador is required.
• Professional visa: for individuals with higher education. An apostilled diploma and proof of income of $400 per month are required.
• Work visa: you must obtain a job offer from an Ecuadorian company.
• Student visa: available upon enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Ecuador.
• Volunteer visa: for work in non-profit organizations in Ecuador.

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Ecuador usually takes 2 to 4 months. After 21 months of residence in the country, you can apply for permanent residence, and citizenship can be obtained 3 years after obtaining a permanent residence permit.

8. Montenegro

People come to Montenegro for its beautiful nature, mild Mediterranean climate, low cost of living, and the prospect of joining the EU. Ways to obtain a residence permit in Montenegro:

• Employment: you must obtain a job offer from a Montenegrin company and a work permit.
• Starting a business: you need to register a company in Montenegro and obtain a work permit as a director.
• Family reunification: available to close relatives of Montenegrin citizens or residence permit holders.
• Education: you must enroll in an accredited educational institution in Montenegro.
• Scientific activity: for scientists and researchers working under contract with Montenegrin institutions.
• Medical treatment: if long-term treatment in Montenegro is necessary.

Obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro usually takes 1 to 3 months and is issued for a period of up to 1 year with the possibility of extension. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residence, and after 10 years, for citizenship.

9. Malaysia

Malaysia attracts expats with its cultural diversity, modern infrastructure, low cost of living, and stable economy. Easy ways to legalize your stay in Malaysia:

• Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program: individuals over 50 years of age are required to provide proof of monthly income of $2,400 or have approximately $84,000 in their bank account. Requirements are higher for individuals under 50 years of age.
• Work visa: you must receive a job offer from a Malaysian company. The company must justify the need to hire a foreign specialist.
• Student visa: available upon enrollment in an accredited Malaysian educational institution.
• Visa for freelancers and digital nomads: a new program that requires proof of income of $24,000 per year.
• Retiree visa: part of the MM2H program, but with lower financial requirements for people over 50.

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Malaysia usually takes 2 to 4 months. A residence permit under the MM2H program is issued for 10 years with the possibility of renewal. A permanent residence permit can be obtained after 5 years of residence in the country, and citizenship after 10-12 years, but this is a complex process with many requirements.

10. Thailand

Thailand is attractive for its tropical climate, low cost of living, and rich culture. The simplest legalization programs in Thailand are:

• Retirement visa: for persons over 50 years of age. Proof of monthly income of $1,900 or approximately $23,500 in a Thai bank account is required.
• Non-Immigrant O-A Visa (long-term stay): proof of monthly income of $1,900 or a deposit of $23,500 in a Thai bank is required.
• Work visa: you need to get a job offer from a Thai company. The employer must justify the need to hire a foreigner.
• Student visa: available upon enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Thailand.
• Volunteer visa: for work in non-profit organizations in Thailand.

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Thailand usually takes 2 to 3 months. Visas are issued for one year with the possibility of extension. Permanent residence can be obtained after 3 years of living in the country, but this is a complicated process. Citizenship can be obtained after 5 years of living with a permanent residence permit, but in practice this is rare.

Requirements for obtaining a residence permit may vary from country to country, and it is important to check the latest information before making a decision. Most countries also have additional requirements, such as no criminal record, medical insurance, and proof of residence.