Independent visas are becoming an increasingly popular way to obtain a residence permit in another country, as they allow you to avoid large financial costs. Find out what independent visas are, how to get them, what the requirements are, which countries offer this type of visa, and what benefits they provide

Many people believe that in order to obtain a residence permit or citizenship in another country, you need to make a large investment: buy real estate, open a company or marry a citizen of that state. However, in fact, there is a much simpler way, which is available in at least 40 countries around the world. To do this, you only need to fulfill one condition - to prove that you can support yourself.

This way of obtaining a visa is known as “independent visas”. Although this type of visa has different names depending on the country (for example, rentista, pensionado, non-profit or financially independent person), the principle remains the same. It involves two main steps:

1. Proof of passive income or existing savings.

2. Obtaining a residence permit.

In a world where more and more governments are imposing stricter requirements for participating in investment migration programs, independent visas are becoming an underrated but affordable option for those who want to live abroad without significant financial costs. Read on to learn what this permit is, the procedure for obtaining it, and a list of countries that offer this visa.

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What is an independent visa?

Independent visas are special temporary or permanent residence permits for individuals who:

- Want to obtain legal status in another country, but do not want to make large financial investments or risk significant amounts.

- Have stable income from sources outside the target country (for example, pensions, dividends, real estate rentals, or other passive income).

- Seek residency without having to become a tax resident.

- Do not plan to work in the target country or have no need to do so.

Who is an independent visa suitable for?

This type of visa is ideal for the following categories of individuals:

- Retirees who receive a stable pension from another country.

- Investors who earn passive income from stocks, bonds, or real estate.

- Digital nomads and crypto investors who earn money online or are involved in cryptocurrencies.

- Entrepreneurs whose income is generated from foreign sources, for example, through online businesses.

Regardless of whether you want to take advantage of these visas, you do not need to have huge amounts of money or know the language of the country. The main thing is to prove that you are able to support yourself.

How do independent visas differ from investment programs?

The main difference between the programs is the financial requirements. Investment-oriented programs require large amounts of money to participate (from $ 50,000 to several million), while for independent visas, documentary evidence of a stable income or savings is sufficient.

What are the requirements for obtaining an independent visa?

The requirements for an independent visa vary by country, but generally include the following:

1. Monthly income – between $1,000 and $5,000 (this can be a pension, dividends, rental payments or other stable sources of income).

2. Savings – between $25,000 and $150,000 (if you have bank deposits, annuities or other stable financial assets).

In countries such as Spain and France, it is necessary to demonstrate the presence of significant amounts in a bank account (both local and international), while in Panama and Paraguay it is sufficient to confirm the presence of regular income coming from outside the country.

3. Proof of housing – this can be renting or buying real estate.

4. Clean criminal record – you must provide a certificate confirming the absence of criminal cases or convictions.

5. Health insurance – usually private insurance, sometimes with international coverage.

Which countries in the world offer independent visas?

An applicant can obtain an independent visa in one of the following 40 countries:

- North America: USA, Canada, Mexico.

- Europe: UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Norway.

- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.

- Asia: Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel.

- Latin America: Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Panama.

- Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Kenya, Ghana.

Most European countries that offer independent visas usually require a significant physical presence in their territory. This means that in order to maintain the visa, the applicant must become a tax resident of that country. However, there are a few jurisdictions, such as Cyprus, Malta, and Ireland, that offer favorable tax regimes. These regimes can be beneficial to visa holders even if they become tax residents.

Entry barriers for independent countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are generally much lower than in Europe. For example, to obtain a Pensionado Visa in Colombia, it is enough to have a monthly income of only $ 900. Most programs in this region, such as the Rentista Visa in Argentina, allow citizenship after only two years of residence in the country, making them very attractive to those who want to become a full citizen faster.

Interestingly, while programs in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa rarely offer the option of citizenship, many of them provide territorial taxation. This means that foreign income is not taxed (0% tax on profits earned outside the country), which is a significant tax benefit for investors, entrepreneurs and those with stable passive income from abroad.

Advantages of independent visas

One of the main advantages of independent visas is the ability for holders of these visas in some countries to obtain citizenship after just 2 years. This is beneficial because it allows you to quickly change your status from temporary resident to full-fledged citizen without making a large financial investment.

What to keep in mind before obtaining an independent visa?

Independent visas may seem like a simple and affordable option for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship, and for the most part they are. However, there are several important aspects that potential applicants should be aware of:

1. Tax traps

The rules for tax residency can vary significantly depending on the country. Some countries automatically recognize you as a tax resident from the moment you obtain a residence permit. This means that you will be required to pay taxes on your income in those countries, even if this income is earned outside the country.

Other countries, on the other hand, may allow you to avoid tax residency or not tax foreign income if your finances are structured correctly.

Before moving, be sure to familiarize yourself with the country's tax requirements to avoid unpleasant surprises.

2. Without citizenship

Some countries that grant independent visas (such as Thailand or the United Arab Emirates) do not allow citizenship. This means that the visas only grant the right to temporary or permanent residence, but not naturalization.

If your goal is to obtain citizenship, you should pay attention to other countries where programs provide the possibility of naturalization.

3. Minimum period of stay

Some jurisdictions require holders to be physically present in the country for a minimum of six months per year to maintain their independent visa. This required period of physical presence may also be linked to tax residency.

This is an important point for those who plan to travel or work in other countries frequently. If you are not prepared to leave the country for such a long period of time, consider other options.

Top Countries With Independent Visas That Lead to Faster Citizenship

In Latin America, some countries offer a much faster path to citizenship for independent visa holders. Here are a few examples:

- Argentina – citizenship after two years.

- Dominican Republic – citizenship after two years.

- Peru – citizenship after two years.

- Armenia – citizenship after three years.

- Uruguay – citizenship after three years.

These countries offer great opportunities for those looking to gain citizenship without a large investment. Unlike citizenship-by-investment programs that can cost hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, independent visa programs allow you to gain citizenship in a short period of time and virtually for free.

Top Countries With Independent Visas That Provide Tax Benefits

Several countries offer independent visas with favorable tax conditions. This can be especially important for those who have a stable passive income or business outside the country. Here are some examples:

- Cyprus – 17-year tax holiday for non-residents.

- Mauritius – territorial tax system.

- Panama – territorial tax system.

- United Arab Emirates – 0% personal income tax.

- These countries either do not tax foreign income at all or offer the opportunity to avoid taxes through the right financial structures. This creates excellent opportunities for tax optimization.

For those who meet the requirements, independent visas can be a real key to freedom. They open up access to legal residence, rapid citizenship (sometimes even faster than under citizenship by investment programs), as well as the opportunity to globally diversify your assets.

If you are ready to take this step and are considering options for obtaining an independent visa, remember that your options are much wider than they seem at first glance.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to choose the best program and successfully move abroad.

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Reminder! In 2025, more and more countries will offer tax-free digital nomad visas, allowing remote workers to work in exotic countries without tax obligations. We have already told you which countries offer the best options for those who want to combine work with travel, while maintaining an income.

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