- In Paraguay and Uruguay, applicants need not have spent any time in the country before applying for Permanent residency
- Panama is one of the easiest countries to get Permanent residency and has many routes to acquiring this.
- Purchasing property worth EUR 250,000 makes an individual eligible for Greek Permanent residency.
There are many reasons why people may choose to apply for Permanent residency in countries other than the one they are citizens of. For Indians, it is easier to get permanent residency in some countries as compared to others. Read on to find out more about where you can get Permanent residency easily.
Read: Reissuing Of OCI Cards – Process Simplified By The Indian Government

Read: Indian Entrepreneurs Have New Foreign Destinations In Sight
Why Permanent Residency?
With the world becoming smaller each day, job prospects are no longer limited by political boundaries. Many people choose to study and work abroad. For this, the individual needs to apply for a student or work visa. This visa is valid for a limited time and needs to be renewed after that. Renewing a visa can be a painful process especially if you intend on settling down in that country.
In such cases, it makes more sense to apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency allows an individual to retain his or her citizenship while legally staying in another country. Permanent residents share a number of rights available to citizens but do not have the right to vote or apply for government positions. In some cases, acquiring permanent residency may have tax benefits.
Read: 10 Countries To Get PR Visa Easily
Getting Permanent Residency in These 9 Countries is Easy
The USA’s Green Card Program is probably the best known permanent residency program. It is not easy for Indians to get a Green Card. However, there are a number of other countries where Indians can get permanent resident status quite easily. In
some of these countries, all you need to be eligible for permanent residency is a minimum bank balance while in others, you will need to spend a certain amount of time in the country. Here are some of the countries where getting permanent residency is easy.
1. Belize

For Indians to apply for permanent residency in Belize, the applicant must have spent a minimum of 1 year in the country without having left for more than 14 consecutive days. The applicant must pass a health exam and must be able to prove financial sustainability. Indians can also get Permanent residency by getting married to a Belizean citizen.
2. Ecuador

To qualify for permanent residency in Ecuador, one must first live in the country with a valid Temporary Residence Visa for at least 21 months. The applicant must have a clean criminal record where he or she resided previously and must be able to prove financial sustainability. For the first two years after getting Permanent residency, the applicant must spend at least 180 days in Ecuador. After this, they are free to come and go as they like as long as they visit the country at least once every 5 years.
3. Panama

There are many ways for Indians to apply for Permanent residency in Panama. Depending on the way you choose to apply for Permanent residency, you may not even have to stay in the country or maintain a home here. Some of the easiest ways to apply for Permanent residency here include getting married to a Panama citizen, living in the country for at least 5 years and investing a certain amount of money in Panama. Retirees are eligible for PR if they have a minimum pension of $1,000 for their lifetime.
4. Paraguay

An applicant need not have visited staying in Paraguay to apply for Permanent residency. All the applicant needs is a valid passport, clean criminal record, good health, and financial stability. The application takes a few weeks to be processed. During this time an investment of around $4,500 needs to be made in a centralized bank. Once residency is granted, the amount may be withdrawn.
5. Uruguay

It can take 1-2 years for a Permanent residency application to be processed here. During this time, the applicant must reside in Uruguay. However, he need not have resided here earlier. There is no financial investment needed but the person should be able to prove that he can sustain himself. The applicant must also have good health and a clean criminal record. To maintain Permanent residency the individual must visit Uruguay at least once every three years.
6. South Africa

An Indian is eligible for Permanent residency in South Africa after living in the country for 5 consecutive years as long as he has a clean criminal record and is of sound health. He must also not be an ‘undesirable person’ according to South African immigration rules.
7. Dominican Republic
After living in the Dominican Republic for 5 years, an individual is eligible for permanent residency. During this time, he must have good health and conduct himself well. Bank deposits, property titles, work contracts etc. may be needed to prove solvency. A Permanent Resident Card is valid for 2 years and may then be renewed for another two years or converted to citizenship.
8. Greece
Purchasing property worth at least EUR 250,000 makes an individual and his family eligible for PR in Greece. This residence permit is valid for 5 years and maybe renewed as long as the property is maintained in Greece. It is not essential for the individual to spend any time in Greece after getting Permanent residency. With a permanent residency status in Greece, the individual and his family can travel to other Schengen countries freely.
9. Hungary
Anyone who has lived in Hungary for at least 3 years continuously can apply for Permanent residency. During this time, he should not have left the country for more than 90 days. In the case of individuals married to Hungarian citizens, the time period is reduced to 1 year.
Also See
- How to Apply For Australian Permanent Residency
- Top 10 Countries Where You Can Immigrate and Settle Easily
- 4 Lesser Known Facts About Migration
- 4 Commonly Asked Questions About Immigration
- 6 Best Governed Countries in the World to Immigrate and Settle
- Changing Trends Of Citizenship – Where are Indians Migrating To?
- 18 Most Popular Golden Visa Programs
- How to Migrate to Italy – All You Need to Know
- How to Migrate to Brazil – 6 Categories of Brazilian Permanent Visa