Residence by Investment | Shift by MLegal
Residence by Investment (RBI)
Permanent residency in a foreign country isn’t just about relocation — it’s a strategic life choice that opens doors to better education, healthcare, business opportunities, global mobility, and long-term wealth planning.
At Shift by MLegal, we help individuals and families obtain legal residence in countries like Portugal, Greece, UAE, Malta, Canada, and more through government-approved investment routes. Our multidisciplinary team ensures your RBI journey is aligned with your immigration, tax, and financial goals — from start to finish
Key Advantages of Residence by Investment
- Legal residency rights in developed, high-standard countries
- Banking and investment access in global financial centres
- World-class education and healthcare for your family
- Asset diversification through real estate in safe markets
- Mobility and lifestyle upgrades without losing home citizenship
- Pathway to full citizenship in many countries after a minimum stay
RBI vs. Citizenship by Investment
| Feature | Residence by Investment | Citizenship by Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Granted | Yes | Yes (with full citizenship rights) |
| Passport Issued | No (Residency ID card only) | Yes (Full second passport issued) |
| Physical Stay Requirement | Usually required (varies) | Usually not required |
| Path to Citizenship | Yes (after 5–7 years typically) | Immediate or within 12 months |
| Cost | Often lower than full citizenship | Higher donation/investment required |
Most Popular RBI Programs We Advise On
| Country | Investment Route | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €280K–€500K real estate, fund, or donation | Schengen access, path to EU citizenship |
| Greece | €250K real estate | Lowest-cost Golden Visa in EU |
| Malta | €150K+ investment/real estate | Schengen rights, efficient residency process |
| UAE | AED 2M real estate, AED 1M business setup | Tax-free living, no minimum stay |
| Canada | Entrepreneur programs, investment visas | Access to North America, PR → Citizenship |
| Spain | €500K real estate | Residency with low stay requirements |
Our End-to-End Services
| Stage | What We Do |
|---|---|
| Program Selection | Compare countries and routes based on your needs, taxes, and long-term plans |
| Eligibility Assessment | Background checks, source of funds evaluation, family coverage advice |
| Legal Documentation | Real estate contracts, bank accounts, notarised documents, affidavits |
| Government Filing | Application submission, follow-up with immigration and residency units |
| Renewal & Compliance | Maintain residency status with annual reporting and revalidation support |
| Integration Planning | Local bank setup, schooling, healthcare, tax registration, lifestyle relocation |
Ideal Clients for RBI
- Global citizens seeking access to Europe, UAE, or Canada
- Families planning overseas education and future-proofing residency
- Entrepreneurs setting up foreign operations or moving headquarters
- Real estate investors diversifying into high-yield global markets
- Individuals seeking a legal Plan B in times of uncertainty
Why Choose Shift by MLegal?
- Law + Tax + Investment Advisory under one roof
- Experts in multijurisdictional RBI regulations
- Personalised residency solutions for families and businesses
- Trusted real estate, fund, and program partner networks
- Confidential, compliant, and conflict-free guidance
Real Client Success Stories
| Profile | Route Chosen | Outcome Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Tech Founder | Portugal Golden Visa | €280K fund investment, family relocation to Lisbon |
| NRI Business Family | UAE Property Visa | AED 2M investment, tax-free global hub access |
| European Banker | Malta Permanent Residency | Full EU rights, access to Schengen and healthcare |
| Startup Entrepreneur | Canadian Startup Visa | PR + access to North American markets and funding |
FAQs: Residence by Investment
Q1: Do I need to live in the country to keep my residency?
A: It depends on the country. For example, Portugal requires 7 days per year, while UAE has no stay requirement.
Q2: Can I work or run a business on an RBI visa?
A: Yes, most RBI programs allow economic activity — especially UAE, Canada, and Malta.
Q3: How long before I can apply for citizenship?
A: Most programs offer a path to citizenship after 5–7 years of legal residency.
Q4: Will this affect my current citizenship or tax residency?
A: RBI programs generally do not impact your existing citizenship. Tax residency depends on physical presence and your global structure.
Q5: Can I include my spouse and children?
A: Yes. Most countries allow full family inclusion under one application.
Residency is the First Step to Global Freedom
Whether you're planning a future abroad, building a global family structure, or seeking optionality in uncertain times — residency by investment can change your life. At Shift by MLegal, we ensure that this change is secure, seamless, and strategic.