A New Report Says You Can Get Residency Abroad for as Little as $5,000—Here’s Where

A new report highlights 11 countries offering lower-cost paths to residency, though the long-term benefits vary quite a bit.

A growing number of Americans are thinking about what it would take to have a backup plan abroad. Not necessarily to pack up and leave tomorrow, but to have options.

A new report from InternationalLiving.com identifies 11 countries where long-term residency can be obtained for under $100,000, often through investment-based programs that do not require people to relocate full-time.

Why More People Are Looking at Second Residency

The appeal is not just affordability. According to the report, more people are thinking about second residency as a way to build flexibility into their lives rather than make an immediate move.

“More people are thinking about internationalizing their lives in a measured, strategic way,” said Ted Baumann, the report’s author.

For some, that means retirement planning. For others, it is about lifestyle, travel flexibility, or simply having a backup option in place. Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, described it as a way to “expand” your life rather than leave it behind.

Of course, the sticker price is only part of the story. Some of these programs lead to permanent residency or citizenship, while others are more limited and come with stricter conditions.

Thailand Offers a Lower-Commitment Route

Thailand’s Privilege Residence program starts at about $26,000 for a five-year visa, with an even cheaper option available through March 31, 2026.

That makes it one of the easier ways to establish a legal foothold abroad without much hassle. The tradeoff is that it does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, so this is more of a flexibility play than a true long-term immigration path.

Plus, there are so many amazing things to do in Thailand! You can get a good overview in the video above.

Armenia Starts at Just $5,000

Armenia is the cheapest option in the report by a wide margin. According to International Living, applicants can qualify for permanent residency for about $5,000 by declaring business activity, without needing to submit a formal business plan.

There is no physical presence requirement, and residents may apply for citizenship after three years. Armenia also allows dual citizenship, which gives it a little more long-term appeal than some of the other low-cost options on this list.

Nicaragua and Ecuador Offer More Permanent Paths

Nicaragua grants immediate permanent residency with a $30,000 investment in real estate, business, or approved agricultural projects. Citizenship may be available after roughly four years.

That said, Nicaragua no longer permits dual citizenship, which is a pretty major catch for anyone who does not want to give up their original nationality. Ecuador may be more appealing on that front. Its investor visa starts at $48,200, can convert to permanent residency after two years, and allows dual citizenship, though applicants do have to limit how much time they spend outside the country in order to qualify.

Some Programs Are Flexible, but Limited

A few of the countries on the list are more about access than permanence.

Egypt offers renewable residency permits starting at $50,000 through either real estate or a bank deposit, and there is no requirement to live there full-time. But the program does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

Azerbaijan is somewhat similar. Residency starts at roughly $58,800 through qualifying investments, but citizenship is only available after five years of continuous residence, and dual citizenship is not permitted.

Latvia Is One of the Cheaper EU Options

For readers who like the idea of European Union residency, Latvia stands out as one of the lower-cost routes. The report says a €50,000 business investment, plus a €10,000 government fee, brings the total to about $64,500.

Still, this one comes with more strings attached than the headline number might suggest. The business must stay active, and permit holders need to visit Latvia at least once a year. Permanent residency becomes possible after five years, with citizenship after ten.

Several Countries Fall in the $75,000 to $100,000 Range

The Philippines offers two investor visa options at the $75,000 level, both of which grant permanent residency. Citizenship is available after ten years, and dual citizenship is permitted.

Sri Lanka also starts at $75,000 for a five-year visa, though permanent residency and citizenship require a higher investment path beginning at $200,000. Cambodia’s “My 2nd Home” program comes in at $100,000 for a 10-year renewable visa and a potential path to citizenship after five years. Cape Verde, meanwhile, offers permanent residency starting around $94,000 in certain regions.

The Fine Print

The basic idea here is simple enough: getting a second residency abroad may be more financially realistic than many people assume.

But not all residency programs are equal. Some offer a genuine path to citizenship. Some are essentially long-term visas. Some require annual visits, higher follow-on investments, or restrictions on dual citizenship. The report itself notes that costs, rules, and regulations can change, which is not a small detail when real money is involved.

So yes, in some places, residency abroad really can start at $5,000. That just does not mean every option offers the same level of security or freedom.

And if the idea of relocating, whether abroad or closer to home, is on your radar, there are also places actively trying to attract new residents, from regions in Italy offering financial incentives to certain U.S. cities paying people to move.

Read more: 10 States and Cities in the U.S. that Pay You to Move to Them

Read more: This Italian Region Will Pay You €100,000 to Move There — But There’s a Catch

Read more: These Are the States Americans Are Leaving in Droves Right Now, According to New Data