For many Indians, the ultimate holiday dream is to find a country that fits into their idea of a perfect ‘vacation destination’. However, for many others, the ultimate dream is not discovering the ideal ‘vacation destination’ but turning that destination into a ‘forever destination’. And luckily, there are many such countries that not only welcome Indian tourists but also offer them lucrative permanent residency (PR) opportunities. From scenic escapes to economic powerhouses, here are 5 countries where securing permanent residency is actually a feasible task!
5 Countries Where Indians Can Secure Permanent Residency
Japan
Japan recently made Indians eligible for its PR program, opening doors for Indians living in Japan, both ordinary people as well as highly skilled professionals to apply for the same. Getting a Japanese PR only takes about 4 to 8 months and has a nominal fee. For more information about the Japan Permanent Residency program, you can refer to our website article.
Permanent Residency Cost:
8,000 Japanese Yen (around INR 4,789)
Eligibility:
General Applicants must be living continuously in Japan for at least 10 years, including 5 years under a valid work or family visa.
Highly skilled professionals must have a score of 70 to apply for a Japanese PR, whereas Indians married to Japanese nationals or permanent residents for a minimum of 3 years can also apply for a PR. Children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents may also apply for a PR after 1 year of residence in the country.
Why Choose Japan PR?
- Unrestricted employment rights
- Easier banking and loan access
- Great public infrastructure
- One of the world’s safest countries to live in
- High standard of living
Greece
Pristine white sand beaches, a calming, laidback Mediterranean culture, and a great standard of living – what else do you need to settle in Greece? As one of the world’s most preferred tourist destinations, Greece enjoys its fair share of reputation. However, the country also allows Indians to settle here permanently. Through the Greece Golden Visa, a residence-by-investment program (residence permit in exchange of an investment), you can easily fulfill your dreams of living in Greece!
Residence Permit Investment Options:
- EUR 500,000 (INR 5,11,47,000 approx.) in specialized real estate investments in high-demand areas such as Athens and Santorini.
- EUR 250,000 (INR 2,55,73,500 approx.) in real estate investmentS, either residential or commercial.
- EUR 400,000 (INR 4,09,17,600 approx.) for properties in all other regions of Greece.
- A capital contribution of at least EUR 500,000 (INR 5,15,49,500) to a Greek company or a fixed-term deposit in a Greek bank.
- Purchase of at least EUR 500,000 (INR 5,15,49,500) in Greek government bonds or a minimum of EUR 800,000 (INR 8,24,79,200) in shares or corporate bonds traded on Greek markets.
Eligibility:
All non-European citizens and their families can apply for a Greek Golden Visa. This will allow them a renewable 5-year residence permit in the country, in exchange for an investment, either in real investment or shares and bonds.
The Greece Golden Visa allows the applicant and their family to live, work, study, and do business in Greece. Along with that, it grants visa-free access across the Schengen Zone till the validity of the residence permit.
Why Choose Greece Golden Visa?
- Affordable cost of living
- Accessible public healthcare
- Laidback way of living
- Visa-free access in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, till the validity of the residence permit
- Living in Greece to maintain Greece Golden Visa is not mandatory
Poland
Another country that recently opened its doors for Indians to apply for a Permanent Residency is a scenic country in Europe. We’re talking about none other than Poland! It offers Polish PR permit within 6 to 12 months of your application. Plus, a Polish PR permit will also grant you visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, allowing you to explore other European countries.
Permanent Residency Cost:
Total of PLN 740 (INR 18,011). This includes a stamp duty of about INR 15,577 and a residence card fee of about INR 2,434.
Eligibility:
- Applicant must have lived in Poland for a minimum of five years on a temporary residence permit.
- He/she is married to a Polish citizen for at least three years and has lived in Poland on a temporary permit for at least two years.
- Applicant is a child of parents who already have a permanent or long-term EU residence permit in Poland.
- Applicant can provide proof of stable income, accommodation, and the ability to self-sustain without government aid.
- Applicant holds a B1-level Polish language proficiency certificate.
Why Choose Poland PR?
- Great public infrastructure.
- Rich culture, heritage, cuisine, and standard of living.
- Permit to live in Poland without worrying about visa renewals.
- Freedom to work for any company in Poland and even set up your own business.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day time period.
Brazil
Brazil as a country in the Global South is one of the most visited countries in the world, mainly for its tropical climate, rich culture and heritage, great food, and plenty of tourist attractions. However, now you can also become a permanent resident in this beautiful country. It offers a PR option, allowing you to work and live in the country. There are different ways of obtaining a Brazilian PR, making it flexible and convenient for Indians to settle in Brazil.
Permanent Residency Cost:
USD 100 to USD 300 (INR 8809 to INR 26,427
Eligibility:
- Individuals who’ve made an investment of BRL 700,000 (about Rs 1,14,18,426) in real estate or BRL 500,000 (about Rs 81,56,019) in a Brazilian business.
- Skilled worker, such as a scientist, professor, healthcare professional, or more.
- Individuals who have a job offer or an employment contract with a Brazilian company and maintain that legal status for at least 2 to 4 years.
- You are married to a Brazilian national or have a child with them.
Why Choose Brazil Permanent Residency?
- Access to almost all rights as Brazilian nationals, good public education and healthcare.
- Ability to work and live indefinitely in Brazil, subject to the revision of the PR after the third year of its issuance.
- Laidback lifestyle yet a great culture and heritage.
- Affordable cost of living.
Singapore
Singapore as a country in Southeast Asia is known for its high standard of living and a great tourist infrastructure. However, apart from visiting the country for tourism purposes, applicants can also avail of permanent residency here. Once granted, a Singapore PR grants many exciting opportunities and perks to beneficiaries. Plus, Singapore has a decent population of Indians already, making it a great country to work and settle in the long run.
Permanent Residency Cost:
A cumulative cost of about INR 15,000 which is inclusive of application form fees, entry permit fees, five-year re-entry permit, and a Singapore ID card.
Eligibility:
- Employment Pass or S Pass holders.
- Students enrolled in national programs residing here for at least two years.
- Spouses and children of Singaporean citizens.
- Children under 21 who are born to someone who is a Singapore citizen or a PR holder.
- Investors who have invested about INR 68,32,54,700 in Singapore
Why Choose Singapore PR?
- World-renowned public housing and infrastructure, including education and healthcare.
- Ability to live and work in Singapore without re-applying for new visas.
- Access to the Central Provident Fund (CPF)
- Ability to purchase resale Housing and Development Board flats
Summing Up
Living abroad is no more just a distant dream – with the right investments and qualifications, you too can convert your dreams into a reality. We’ve listed 5 countries where Indians can secure permanent residency quite easily, but there are other countries like Malta, Canada, and Portugal that also offer opportunities for permanent residency. Which one of these countries are you the most interested in to settle in the future?
