Staying, for now
A plan B you can act on
Secure a backup plan for an uncertain world. A second residency today, and a path to a second passport, means that if you ever need to move, the door is already open.
Residency is not tax residency
Hold the permit without moving your taxes
A residence permit is a legal right to live in a country. Tax residency is where you are taxed. They are not the same thing, and that difference is what makes a plan B practical: you can hold a permanent residence permit in Latin America while continuing to live and pay tax where you are today, as long as you follow the rules of each country.
The smartest global entrepreneurs hold multiple residence permits while maintaining a single, tax-friendly residency. When the day comes to move, the paperwork is already done. Read more in Tax Residency Versus Residence Permit: Avoid Mistakes.
A caution for Americans and Canadians: some permits require time in the country each year to keep them, and some residency rules can pull you into a tax system. We check both before you apply.
Residency Acquisition Service
Three primary routes to residency
We handle every step of your residency permit application—from determining eligibility to obtaining the permit.
Residency by Birthright
In several countries, the birth of a child on national soil grants the child citizenship and entitles the parents to a residency permit. In Costa Rica, for example, a child born in the country becomes a Costa Rican citizen, and both parents may immediately apply for permanent residency.
Residency by Investment
Several jurisdictions grant residency to individuals who invest in local businesses or real estate. Applicants must meet the minimum investment thresholds established by law, which vary depending on the type of investment and the country’s regulations.
Residency by Fee or Income
In many countries, residency can be obtained either by paying a fixed government fee (donation) or by demonstrating stable, ongoing income. This income may take the form of pensions for retirees, or foreign earnings for digital nomads living abroad.
Residency now, passport later
How a plan B is usually built
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Choose the country
Match the route to your family, your income and how much time you can actually spend there.
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Secure residency
Apply for temporary or permanent residency, with the documents prepared and filed for you.
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Keep it valid
Meet renewal and presence requirements without creating an unwanted tax residency.
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Path to citizenship
Where the country allows it, apply for naturalization after the required years of legal residence. Eligibility to apply is one period; processing the application and issuing the passport is another.
2-minute plan check
Leave, stay with a plan B, or protect first?
Five questions to see where to start. No email needed to see your result.
This check points you to the right pages and the right first conversation. It is not a substitute for an analysis of your situation.
Next step
Build the backup before you need it
The Global Strategy Service picks the right country and route for your family. General information only, not tax or legal advice. Your options depend on facts we have not reviewed yet.