Glossary of terms

Plain language definitions of the terms that come up most often in citizenship, residency and relocation by investment. These are general explanations to help you read a programme dossier with confidence. They are not legal or tax advice, and the precise meaning of a term can vary by country, so confirm the detail with the official authority and a licensed professional.

Approval in principle

A stage in some programmes where the authority confirms an applicant is likely to be approved, subject to completing the investment and final checks.

Biometric passport

A passport with an embedded chip holding the holder data and biometric details, built to international civil aviation standards.

Citizenship

Full legal membership of a country, normally evidenced by a passport, with rights such as voting and consular protection. It is usually the strongest and most durable status.

Citizenship by investment

A route, offered by a small number of countries, that grants citizenship in return for a qualifying economic contribution such as a donation or an approved investment, subject to due diligence.

Dependant

A family member who can be included in an application, typically a spouse or partner, dependent children and sometimes dependent parents. Definitions vary by programme.

Domicile

A legal concept describing the country a person treats as their permanent home. It can differ from tax residency and can carry inheritance and tax consequences.

Donation route

A citizenship or residency option where the qualifying contribution is a non refundable payment to a government fund, rather than an asset you keep.

Dual citizenship

Holding the citizenship of two countries at once. Some countries allow it freely, others restrict or forbid it, so the rules of both countries matter.

Due diligence

The background checks a programme runs on an applicant, covering identity, criminal record, source of funds and reputation. Strong due diligence protects the integrity of a programme.

Exit tax

A tax that some countries levy on unrealised gains or assets when a person gives up tax residency or citizenship. It is a key item to check before relocating.

Family reunification

The ability to add eligible family members to an application or to a granted status, under conditions set by the authority.

Fund route

A qualifying option based on subscribing to an approved investment fund, common in European programmes after property routes were narrowed.

Golden visa

An informal term for a residence by investment programme that offers residence in return for a qualifying investment, often with a low physical presence requirement.

Investment migration

The broad field covering residence and citizenship granted in return for a qualifying investment or contribution.

Know your customer

The identity and risk checks that regulated parties carry out, often shortened to KYC. It overlaps with the due diligence a programme runs on applicants.

Naturalisation

The process by which a foreign national acquires citizenship after meeting conditions such as a qualifying period of residence, language ability and good character. Timelines and tests vary by country.

Non domiciled status

A tax status, often shortened to non dom, available in some countries that can limit tax on foreign income for people who are resident but not domiciled there. Rules change frequently.

Official authority

The government body that runs a programme and publishes the binding rules, fees and timelines. It is the source we name on every programme page.

Passport power

An informal measure of how many destinations a passport can reach without a prior visa. It is widely used to compare the travel value of citizenships.

Permanent residence

A residence status with no fixed expiry, though it can still require renewal of the physical card and can be lost if you spend long periods outside the country. Conditions are set by the national authority.

Physical presence requirement

The minimum number of days you must spend in a country to keep a status or to qualify for the next step, such as permanent residence or citizenship.

Processing time

The period between submitting an application and receiving a decision or a card. Times move with demand and policy, so they should always be confirmed.

Real estate route

A qualifying option based on buying or holding approved property. Whether the money is recoverable depends on the programme and the property market.

Renunciation

Formally giving up a citizenship. Some countries require it before granting a new citizenship, and it can carry tax and legal consequences.

Residence by investment

A route that grants a residence permit in return for a qualifying investment, often property, a fund, a business or a capital transfer. Many of these routes are marketed as golden visas.

Residency

The legal right to live in a country, usually granted as a temporary or permanent permit. Residency is not the same as citizenship and does not by itself give a passport.

Sanctions screening

Checking applicants and their funds against international sanctions and watch lists, a standard part of due diligence in investment migration.

Schengen area

A group of mainly European countries that have removed internal border controls. A residence permit from one member can allow short stays across the area, subject to limits.

Source of funds

Evidence that shows where the specific money used for an investment came from, for example a salary, a business sale or an inheritance. Programmes require a clear and documented trail.

Source of wealth

Evidence of how an applicant built their overall wealth over time, which is broader than the source of the specific funds being invested.

Tax residency

The status that determines which country can tax you and on what basis. It is usually decided by where you live and how many days you spend there, not by your nationality.

Territorial tax

A system that taxes only income arising inside the country and generally leaves foreign income untaxed. The detail varies, so confirm with the tax authority.

Visa free travel

The ability to enter a country for a short stay without applying for a visa in advance. The number of such destinations is a common measure of passport strength.

Worldwide income

Income earned anywhere in the world. Some countries tax residents on worldwide income, while others tax only income arising locally.

Information, not advice. This page is general information and is current as of June 2026. It is not legal, immigration, financial or tax advice. Always confirm the present rules with the official government source and a licensed professional before you act.

Ready to look at specific routes? Browse the all programmes directory or get matched with a vetted advisor.