If this is your first move abroad, the headline investment figure is rarely the full story. The cheapest route on paper can become the most expensive once fees, family members and time in country are counted.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
For a first time applicant the lowest entry price is only one part of the budget. Government charges, professional support, due diligence checks, translation and the cost of staying long enough to keep the permit all add up.
A route with a small upfront figure but heavy renewal duties or a high stay requirement can cost more over five years than a larger one off investment. Read the total, not the advert.
Income based and passive income permits, where you show steady earnings rather than make an investment, often carry the lowest entry cost. Remote work and digital nomad permits sit in a similar band in many countries.
Smaller business and company routes can also open residence below the level of the large investor programmes. Figures move often, so treat any number you read as something to confirm with the official authority before you plan around it.
Per person fees are the usual surprise. Adding a spouse and children multiplies several charges at once, and some programmes price dependants separately at each renewal.
Other common extras include health cover, proof of accommodation, apostilled and translated documents, and the travel needed to meet a minimum stay. None of these show up in a single advertised price.
Start from what you need, a base, work rights, a path to permanence or simply easier travel, then test each route against the full five year cost rather than the entry figure alone. Match the stay requirement to how much time you can realistically spend in the country.
Confirm every figure with the named authority, because thresholds and fees change. When you want a second view tailored to your nationality and budget, use Get Matched to reach a vetted, independent advisor.
It depends on the country and your profile. Income based, passive income and remote work permits often have the lowest entry cost, but the real total includes fees, family charges and the cost of meeting the stay rule. Confirm current figures with the official authority.
Sometimes, but not always, and the wait varies widely. A cheap permit can still lead to citizenship if you meet residence, language and time in country rules. Check the specific programme with its authority.
It can. Many programmes charge separately for each dependant and repeat some fees at renewal, so a family application can cost several times a single one.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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