Countries around the world are adjusting their residency-by-investment (RBI) programs to better match their economic goals and regulatory needs. Recent updates from Abu Dhabi, Cyprus, and Hungary highlight key shifts in investor residency options, and reflect a broader trend of nations adapting their strategies to attract high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and entrepreneurs.
Gulf Region’s Expanding Appeal: Abu Dhabi Strengthens Long-Term Residency Options
Abu Dhabi continues to increase in attractiveness for investors and HNWIs with its expanded long-term visa program. The emirate has introduced the Golden Quay Program, a strategic initiative that specifically caters to superyacht owners and executives in the maritime industry.
Superyacht owners with vessels over 40 meters in length, along with CEOs, major shareholders, and key players in the yachting sector, are now eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa. This initiative shows Abu Dhabi’s commitment to boosting its tourism and maritime economy, reinforcing its position as a premier luxury destination.
As part of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, this initiative aims to cement the emirate’s reputation as a hub for ultra-high-net-worth individuals while creating growth in its maritime and luxury travel industries.
Key benefits of the Golden Quay Program:
- Direct access to Abu Dhabi’s high-end marinas.
- Inclusion of family members in the visa application.
- Strengthened support for the tourism and leisure sector.
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Cyprus: A Rising Hub for Startups and International Entrepreneurs
Cyprus is making significant strides toward improving its global position through two key developments: its plans to join the Schengen Zone in 2025 and the expansion of its Startup Visa Program.
On January 10 2025, President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that Cyprus is on track to join the Schengen Zone. The final hurdles – meeting technical requirements – are actively being addressed, with a dedicated government task force overseeing the process.
Cyprus is also in advanced negotiations for visa-free travel to the United States, which, if finalized, will further increase its appeal to investors and global entrepreneurs.
Cyprus Expands its Startup Visa Program
In a move to position itself as a technology and innovation hub, Cyprus has revamped its Startup Visa Program as of January 1 2025. This updated program facilitates the entry and residence of non-EU entrepreneurs and executives, offering a streamlined pathway to launch or relocate innovative businesses. Since the program’s relaunch, 21 startups have already been established in Cyprus, highlighting its potential as an emerging innovation hub within the European Union.
Key updates to the program:
- Extended residence permit validity, now valid for three years (previously two), with renewals extended to two years (previously one).
- Lower shareholding requirement, as entrepreneurs now need to hold 25% of company shares (down from 50%).
- Higher foreign workforce allowance, as startups can employ up to 50% of their workforce from abroad (previously 30%).
- Enhanced investor incentives for companies investing at least €150,000 in Cyprus now qualifying for additional hiring benefits.
- Performance-based renewal criteria for startups, who must demonstrate business growth, job creation, or R&D investment to extend their residence permits.
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Hungary Shifts Away from Real Estate Investment
Hungary has made a significant policy shift by eliminating the real estate investment option from its Golden Visa Program. Initially scheduled to take effect in January 2025, the real estate option, which requires a minimum investment of €500,000, was officially removed in December 2024.
Under the revised structure, investors can now obtain residency by contributing €250,000 to approved, licensed real estate investment funds. Currently, only one fund, Sprint, has been licensed under the new framework, reflecting a move toward a more regulated investment environment.
This policy shift aligns Hungary with other European nations that are moving toward fund-based residency options, prioritizing financial market stability over direct real estate transactions.
Key changes:
- Elimination of direct real estate investment from the program.
- Lower capital entry point of €250,000 for residency eligibility.
- Increased oversight through licensed investment fund structures.
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The Future of Residency-by-Investment for Investors
As 2025 unfolds, Abu Dhabi, Cyprus, and Hungary are prime examples of the evolving nature of global residency-by-investment programs. While Abu Dhabi strengthens its long-term residency options to attract luxury and maritime investors, Cyprus is creating a startup-friendly ecosystem with improved visa pathways. Meanwhile, Hungary’s step away from real estate signals a broader regulatory shift in investment migration in Europe.
For investors, entrepreneurs, and HNWIs, understanding these changes is essential for making informed decisions about residency and international investment opportunities. JamesEdition is a key resource for navigating these developments, offering expert insights into luxury real estate and global investment trends.
