There’s still a lot of confusion when it comes to residency and citizenship. So let’s set things straight — and replace outdated assumptions with real strategy. One of the most common misconceptions is that getting a residence permit means you must live in that country. Or that once you become a citizen somewhere, you’re required to live there permanently. In reality, that’s often not the case.
Residency can be strategic. It doesn’t always mean relocation — sometimes, it’s simply a backup plan. A foothold. A legal foundation you activate only if or when you need it. In some countries, that residency can evolve into citizenship, even with minimal physical presence. Yes, you might need to learn the language or understand the culture, but it’s still a far more affordable and sustainable route than making a large donation.
Take Honduras, for example. It’s not on most people’s radar as a place to live full-time. But it offers beautiful areas like Roatán, where expats choose to settle — and its residency program doesn’t require you to stay year-round. It gives you flexibility.
Each country plays by different rules. In the U.S., a green card generally implies that you live there. In places like Nicaragua, you may not be required to stay full-time at first but later on, renewal or citizenship may come with conditions.
Not all residence permits lead to citizenship, but the ones that do can be valuable transition tools what some call “paper residence.” Minimal time on the ground, steady compliance, and long-term results.
Now let’s talk about citizenship itself.
St. Kitts & Nevis offers citizenship entirely remotely — no need to set foot in the country at all. If you're interested in tax residency, yes, you’ll need to spend some time there. But the passport? That’s yours, relocation not required.
Grenada offers a similar path. You can gain citizenship through investment without ever visiting. What sets it apart is its broad family inclusion — you can add your spouse, children, parents, even siblings under one application. And thanks to Grenada’s E-2 visa treaty with the U.S., this passport is more than symbolic — it opens doors.
The bottom line? This isn’t just about owning a passport. It’s about creating legal flexibility, building real optionality, and designing a system that lets you move or stay on your terms. If you’ve been relying on myths or outdated advice, now’s the time to recalibrate.