In an increasingly globalized world, long-stay residency visa programmes offer compelling alternatives to traditional residency by investment schemes. These visas, including digital nomad visas, retirement visas, and visas for financially independent persons, cater to individuals seeking extended stays abroad or a second residency without significant upfront investments. They provide flexible pathways to explore new cultures, benefit from favourable tax policies, or establish a long-term lifestyle in desirable locations. These can be an excellent addition to any Escape Plan or Offshore Plan. Whether you’re a remote worker, retiree, or self-funded traveller, these programmes open doors to global mobility, often with simpler requirements than investment visas.
Global Flexibility and Freedom
Long-stay visas offer the freedom to reside in desirable destinations without the need for significant investments. Whether you’re a digital nomad working remotely, a retiree seeking a relaxed lifestyle, or financially independent, these visas unlock global opportunities for extended stays.
Affordable Alternatives to Golden Visas
Unlike golden visa programs, which require substantial financial investments, long-stay residency visas often have manageable financial requirements based on income or savings, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
Diverse Options for Every Lifestyle
These visas cater to various needs, from thriving professional hubs for digital nomads to tranquil coastal retreats for retirees. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Thailand provide tailored solutions to match your personal preferences and lifestyle goals.
Pathways to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Many programs, such as Portugal’s D7 and Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, offer routes to permanent residency and citizenship. These opportunities enable you to establish long-term roots in your new home while enjoying its benefits for years to come.
Favourable Tax Policies
Certain countries offer tax incentives to long-stay residents, such as non-habitual resident status in Portugal or Thailand’s favorable tax rates for retirees. This can lead to significant savings and financial stability.
Cultural Enrichment and Networking
Residing abroad allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture, build international connections, and enjoy unique experiences that enhance personal growth and global understanding.
Access to High-Quality Living Standards
Many of the countries offering these visas, such as Spain and Thailand, boast exceptional quality of life, including world-class healthcare, affordable living costs, and safe, welcoming communities.
Ease of Process for Many Applicants
While requirements vary, many long-stay residency visas have straightforward application processes, especially for retirees and remote workers, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Family Inclusion
Most long-stay visa programs allow applicants to include their dependents, providing opportunities for families to relocate together. Programs like Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa and Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa extend residency benefits to family members.
Tailored Support and Expertise
By working with trusted advisors, such as Offshore Zen, applicants receive personalized guidance to navigate the complexities of these visas, ensuring a smooth and stress-free application process.
Each program offers unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your personal goals. Schedule your free consultation to find the perfect match for your global aspirations.
Long-stay visas cater to various individuals based on lifestyle, financial situation, and personal goals. Here’s a breakdown of the primary types of long-stay visas, along with examples and suggestions for who might benefit most from each.
Selecting the best visa depends on your financial situation, career, and long-term goals. Digital nomads might prioritize tax advantages and vibrant coworking communities, retirees may seek affordable healthcare and scenic locations, while financially independent individuals often value flexibility and luxury.
Not sure which visa suits you best? Offshore Zen provides personalized guidance and a free consultation to match you with the ideal program. Contact us today to explore your options!
While the specific requirements vary depending on the country and visa type, most long-stay residency visas share common criteria that applicants must meet. Below is an overview of typical requirements:
Financial Proof of Self-Sufficiency
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to support themselves (and their dependents, if applicable) without requiring local employment. This is usually proven through:
Health Insurance Coverage
Many countries require applicants to have comprehensive health insurance that is valid in the destination country. This ensures access to healthcare services without burdening the public system.
Accommodation Proof
Applicants must provide documentation showing they have secured a place to live, such as a rental agreement, property ownership deed, or a letter from a host.
Clean Criminal Record
A background check from the applicant’s home country (or any country where they have resided recently) is typically required. This confirms the absence of serious criminal convictions.
Valid Passport
Passports should have validity extending several months beyond the visa’s term, often a minimum of six months to one year.
Application Fees and Documentation
Applicants must pay visa fees and submit a complete application package, including:
Specific Criteria Based on Visa Type
Local Restrictions and Conditions
Some visas include conditions such as:
Tips for Applicants
Navigating the requirements can be complex, and criteria may change frequently. Working with visa experts or legal professionals ensures that all conditions are met and documents are prepared correctly. Offshore Zen provides a free consultation to guide you through the options and requirements tailored to your needs.
This list highlights a range of countries to suit different priorities, from access to top-tier healthcare and education to strategic locations for business and travel. There are more than 50 programmes across the globe.
Requirements change from time to time. Contact us for a Free non-committal meeting. WhatsApp
Visa Type: D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements: Monthly income of €3,040, proof of remote work, health insurance, and tax residency proof.
Visa Type: Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements: Income of €2,334/month, proof of remote work or business ownership, and private health insurance.
Visa Type: Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements: Monthly income of €2,300 or €27,600 in savings, proof of remote work, and no local employment.
Visa Type: Remote Work Visa
Requirements: Monthly salary of $5,000, proof of employment, and health insurance.
Visa Type: Remote Work Visa
Requirements: Monthly salary of $5,000, proof of employment, and health insurance.
Visa Type: Temporary Resident Visa (for nomads)
Requirements: $2,595/month or a bank balance of $43,000 over 12 months.
Visa Type: Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements: Remote income of $3,000/month ($4,000 with dependents).
Visa Type: Freelance Visa
Requirements: Proof of freelance work, accommodation, health insurance, and financial means (~€800/month).
Visa Type: Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements: Income of €2,700/month, proof of remote work or business ownership, and private health insurance.
Visa Type: White Card
Requirements: Remote income of $3,000/month.
Visa Type: Nomad Residence permit.
Requirements: Income of €3,500/month, proof of remote work or business ownership, and private health insurance.
Visa Type: Financially Independent Person Visa
Requirements: Significant savings and health insurance.
Visa Type: Visitor Visa (VLS-TS)
Requirements: Proof of €1,329/month income and accommodation.
Visa Type: D7 Visa
Requirements: Passive income of €860/month, proof of accommodation, and health insurance.
Visa Type: Non-Lucrative Visa
Requirements: €2,400/month, €600 per dependent, and no employment allowed
Visa Type: Non-Immigrant O-A Visa
Requirements: Age 50+, 800,000 THB in savings or 65,000 THB/month in income.
Visa Type: Pensionado Visa
Requirements: Retirement income of $800/month (+$100 per dependent).
Visa Type: Retirement Programme
Requirements: Proof of stable passive income, health insurance, and residence purchase or lease.
Visa Type: Elective Residency Visa
Requirements: Income of €31,000/year from passive sources.
Visa Type: Financially Independent Person Visa
Requirements: Annual income of €24,000 plus €6,000 per dependent.
Visa Type: Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
Requirements: Age 50+, $20,000 deposit or pension proof.
Visa Type: Pensionado Visa
Requirements: Proof of monthly retirement income of $1,000 ($750 if property purchased).
Visa Type: Category F Visa
Requirements: Passive income of €10,000/year, plus €5,000 per dependent.
Visa Type: Rentista Visa
Requirements: $2,500/month income or $60,000 in savings.
Visa Type: Temporary Resident Visa
Requirements: $2,595/month income or $43,000 in savings.
Visa Type: Temporary Residency for Private Means
Requirements: Proof of €2,000/month income or bank deposits.
Visa Name: Retirement Visa
Requirements: Applicants must be over 55, have a monthly income of $1,500, and secure accommodation.
The examples provided above represent just a fraction of the residency visas available worldwide, each tailored to specific lifestyles, professions, and financial circumstances. From digital nomad visas to retirement and financially independent person visas, these programs enable individuals to enjoy global mobility and establish temporary or long-term residency in countries with desirable climates, cultures, and tax benefits.
Top 3 Most Popular Visa Programs
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Our Support Services
At Offshore Zen, we understand the complexity of choosing the right visa for your circumstances. Our team offers a free consultation meeting to explore your goals, preferences, and eligibility for different programs. With so many options, our expertise ensures you make an informed decision tailored to your needs. Let us help you embark on your next global adventure.
For more detailed information on any of the programs mentioned, contact us to schedule your free session!
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