What residence gives you
A residence permit lets you live, and often work and study, in a country. It can support a change of tax residence, school places for your children and access to local banking. It usually depends on keeping an investment, a home or a minimum number of days in the country.
What citizenship gives you
Citizenship is permanent. It brings a passport, the right to return at any time, consular protection and, in most cases, the ability to pass status to your children. It is also harder to acquire, and some countries do not allow their citizens to hold another nationality.
How to decide
- Where will your family actually live in five years?
- What will your children need at eighteen: a university, a place to work, a second passport?
- Which banks and institutions will need to accept your position?
- Does your current country allow dual citizenship?
The common mistake
Families often pursue a citizenship they will rarely use to solve a problem a residence would have solved better. The reverse also happens: a residence is chosen with no path to citizenship, and the option expires with the investment. Decide the outcome first, then choose the route.