Load shedding, crumbling service delivery, and political uncertainty have rocked South Africa’s economy in 2023, and the reality is that many South Africans – especially those who can afford it – are looking elsewhere to live and raise a family.

According to Sable International, there are over 100 countries where South Africans can get a second passport or residency by investing in them, and this adventure is very attractive for South Africa’s thriving community of high net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

Residence by investment programmes offers HNWIs the chance to gain residency or citizenship by making significant financial investments.

This not only provides a safety net in uncertain times but also unlocks access to international business networks and diverse investment landscapes.

While the costs involved and the types of programmes vary considerably, Sable International notes that price is one factor, and the country that is ultimately right for you also depends on the size of your family, whether you want to leave South Africa permanently, the period required to stay in the applied country, and application turnaround time.

Citizenship by investment often requires the most amount of investment than other avenues and, therefore, we looked at the cheapest way to live in another country – which is through residence by investment.

Some of the most popular destinations through residence by investment for many HNWIs, as outlined by Henley & Partners and Sable International, are listed below with the various requirements needed.

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Grenada

Factors
Relocation required	No
Family that may be included	Spouse, children, financially dependent adult children up to the age of 29, financially dependent parents and grandparents, and single siblings with no children.
Timeline	6 to 8 months
Minimum investment amount	$150,000 NTF government donation or $220,000 real estate investment and $50,000 government contribution
Minimum stay requirements	None
Total	Between R2.84 million to R5.1 million

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Portugal

Factors
Relocation required	No
Family that may be included	Spouse, children, unmarried financially dependant adult children who are enrolled in full-time education, and dependent parents/parents-in-law
Timeline	18 months until first temporary residency visa is granted, seven to eight years until citizenship
Minimum investment amount	€280,000, €350,000 and €500,000 real estate investment categories or €500,000 private equity fund
Minimum stay requirements	18 months until the first temporary residency visa is granted, seven to eight years until citizenship
Total	Between R5.7 million to R10.2 million

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Ireland

Factors
Relocation required	Not required to maintain Stamp 4 permanent residency. Yes, if you wish to apply for citizenship.
Family that may be included	Spouse, children, unmarried financially dependent adult children up to the age of 24 who are enrolled in full-time education
Timeline	One day per year to maintain residency. For citizenship, at least half of the minimum five-year period must be spent living in Ireland, and the 12 months prior to a citizenship application must be spent in Ireland.
Minimum investment amount	€500,000 endowment, or €1 million enterprise investment, or €1 million investment fund, or €2 million real estate investment trust (REIT).
Minimum stay requirements	One day per year to maintain residency. For citizenship, at least half of the minimum five-year period must be spent living in Ireland and the 12 months prior to a citizenship application must be spent in Ireland.
Total:	Between R10.2 million and R40.8 million

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Malta

Factors
Relocation required	No
Family that may be included	Spouse, children, unmarried financially dependent adult children under the age of 29, and financially dependent parents and grandparents above 55 years of age
Timeline	2 months
Minimum investment amount	Only €100,000 and real estate purchase or five-year property lease. However, the main applicant is required to possess capital/assets of not less than €500,000, of which €150,000 must be in financial assets.
Minimum stay requirements	None
Total	R12.6 million

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Mauritius

Factors
Relocation required	No
Family that may be included	Spouses or partners, parents, and unmarried, financially dependent children (including stepchildren and adopted children) of any age who are not gainfully occupied.
Timeline	6 to 8 months
Minimum investment amount	Minimum real estate investment of $375,000.
Minimum stay requirements	At least 183 days in that income year.
Total	R7.1 million

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United Arab Emirates

Factors
Relocation required	No
Family that may be included	Spouse and children under the age of 18
Timeline	6 to 8 months
Minimum investment amount	Minimum investment of AED 2 million (approximately $550,000)
Minimum stay requirements	one day every 180 days
Total	R10.4 million

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