Passive Income Visas

Permanent residency in Mexico with no renewal required. Two paths: (1) After 4 consecutive years as temporary resident, or (2) Direct qualification for retirees/pensioners with higher income (~$7,100 USD/month) or substantial savings (~$280,000 USD). Also available to spouses of Mexican nationals, parents of Mexican-born children, and those with family ties. Permanent residents can work without additional permit. Card must be replaced every 10 years. Provides nearly all rights of citizens except voting.

Primary residency option for expats, digital nomads, and those exploring life in Mexico long-term. Valid for 1 year initially, renewable annually for up to 4 years total. After 4 years, can apply for permanent residency. 2026 financial requirements significantly increased: must prove ~$3,700 USD monthly income OR ~$62,000 USD in savings/investments (varies by consulate). Application begins at Mexican consulate abroad, then finalize at INM office in Mexico within 30 days of arrival. Allows multiple entries and exits. Work permitted only with separate work permit from INM.

Migrant (M) category visa for foreigners with passive income from investments, rental properties, or other stable sources. Requires proven monthly income of 10 SMMLV (COP 17,509,050 or ~$4,000 USD in 2026). Income must be stable and verifiable - dividends, rental income, investment returns. Higher threshold than retirement visa but doesn't require formal pension. Valid for 3 years. Path to permanent residency after 5 years. Good option for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community members.

Migrant (M-11) category visa for foreign nationals receiving lifetime pension income. One of Colombia's most accessible retirement visas with no age requirement. Requires monthly pension of 3 SMMLV (COP 5,252,715 or ~$1,200 USD in 2026). Valid for up to 3 years, renewable. Must remain in Colombia 180+ days annually or visa may be cancelled. After 5 years on M visa, eligible for permanent Resident (R) visa. Pension income up to 1,000 UVT (~$12,100/month) is tax-exempt in Colombia. Can include spouse and minor children as beneficiaries.

The D7 visa (also known as the Passive Income or Retirement Visa) is designed for individuals with stable passive income sources such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or investment returns. No need to work or invest in Portugal. Requires proof of at least €920/month passive income (Portugal's minimum wage as of January 2026) plus €11,040 in savings. Must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first two years. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship eligibility. Family members can be included with additional income requirements (+50% for spouse, +30% per child).

Residence visa for those with passive income who do not intend to work in Spain. Ideal for retirees, people with investment income, or those living off savings. Requires €27,115/year for individual (€6,778 additional per family member). Cannot work on this visa - must show passive income from pensions, investments, savings, or rental income. Initial permit 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods. After 5 years, eligible for permanent residence. No age requirement. Popular retirement destination with excellent healthcare.

Residence permit option for individuals with sufficient passive income or pension who wish to reside in Moldova without working locally. While no specific "retirement visa" exists, residence permit available based on proof of financial means. Requires valid health insurance, proof of residence (rental or property ownership), and clean criminal record. Initially valid 12 months, renewable. Offers affordable European living with extremely low cost of living (€800-1,200/month comfortable lifestyle).

Vanuatu offers residence visas for those wishing to live long-term without working locally. Categories include retirees, investors, and those with independent means. Requires proof of sufficient income or assets to support yourself without local employment. Vanuatu's zero income tax makes it attractive for retirees and those with passive income. Can be a stepping stone to citizenship for those who prefer gradual integration.

High net worth individual pathway requiring $300,000 investment in Panama. Investment options: real estate ($300K+ property), bank fixed deposit (3-year CD at Panama bank), or combination. Shows economic self-sufficiency without needing employment. Grants 2-year provisional residency, then eligible for permanent residency. Must maintain minimum $10,000 in Panama bank account. Additional $2,000 per dependent. Property must be mortgage-free and registered in applicant's name. Bank deposits must be 3+ year term. After provisional period and maintaining investment, converts to permanent residency. Appeals to retirees and investors who don't qualify for Pensionado but want passive residency. After 5 years permanent residency, eligible for citizenship. Full work rights though typically used by those not seeking employment.