They both offer distinct advantages and privileges, but while permanent residency allows for long-term residence in a country, citizenship grants additional rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote and hold public office.

Permanent Residency

- Permanent residency allows foreign nationals to legally reside in a country for an extended period.

- It provides rights and benefits similar to citizens, such as access to healthcare and education.

- Renewal of the residency permit is usually required to maintain permanent resident status.

- It does not grant voting rights or the ability to hold public office.

- Permanent residents may have limitations on travelling to other countries without additional visas.

Citizenship

- Citizenship grants full membership and rights in a country.

- Citizens have the right to vote, hold public office, and enjoy all privileges and responsibilities.

- Citizenship is typically obtained through birth, descent, marriage, or naturalisation.

- Citizens enjoy unrestricted travel with a passport from their country.

- Citizenship is usually irrevocable, unless voluntarily renounced or revoked due to exceptional circumstances.

In summary, permanent residency offers long-term residence and certain benefits, while citizenship provides complete rights and responsibilities as a member of the country.

Permanent residency permit

A permanent residence permit is a document or card that grants a foreign national the right to reside in a country for an indefinite period, offering benefits such as unrestricted entry, investment opportunities, access to healthcare, and educational enrollment, although it requires regular renewal to remain valid, as exemplified by the possibility to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days every six months with a residence permit from an EU country, and in the United States, a Green Card provides indefinite legal residence despite being a foreign national, distinguishing it from temporary residence based on the duration of permitted residency and the need for periodic card renewal to maintain permanent resident status.

Permanent Legal Status

Permanent residency status allows individuals to bypass immigration restrictions and enjoy the freedom to work and live in a country without limitations, as exemplified by the requirement for lawful permanent residents to present both their home country's passport and Green Card for re-entry into the United States, where the Green Card serves as proof of permanent residency; in the United Kingdom, indefinite leave to remain (ILR) holders have no specific time limit for staying outside the country, but an absence exceeding two years may jeopardise their ILR status.

To establish their identity as indefinite residents in the United States, all permanent residents must possess a Green Card, which serves as an identification card.

However, if a lawful permanent resident leaves the United States for a period exceeding one year, their permanent residency status will be invalidated, while in the UK, an absence of over two years may be considered abandonment of ILR.

Permanent residents enjoy various benefits, including eligibility for social security benefits, educational grants, and the ability to apply for government aid, with the duration of lawful residency typically required to apply for a permanent residence permit, which can be shortened in cases like marriage or family reunification.

Key points about being a permanent resident:

- Permanent residency provides access to most privileges and benefits enjoyed by citizens.

- It allows for living, working, investing, and conducting business.

- Permanent residents can sponsor family members for permanent residency.

- Free education for children of permanent residents is often available.

Drawbacks of permanent residency compared to citizenship:

- Ineligibility for government jobs and public office.

- Inability to vote in federal elections.

- Limited number of immigrant visas for immediate relatives.

- Re-entry permits may be required for extended periods of absence.

Definition of a citizen

A citizen is an individual who holds a legally recognized membership in a country, and the specific requirements for acquiring citizenship can vary depending on the country's policies, such as being born in the country, having parents who are citizens, residing for a certain number of years, or being granted refugee status by the government.

Citizenship entails fulfilling legal requirements set by the nation, state, or government and comes with the rights, privileges, and benefits provided by the country. Unlike permanent residency, citizenship grants the ability to vote in both federal and local elections.

Citizens of the UK and US have the additional advantage of being able to sponsor eligible family members, including spouses, parents, and unmarried children, for immigration. Furthermore, UK and US citizens are not subject to deportation and do not require a re-entry permit from immigration authorities when travelling outside the country.

The comparison of Residency and Citizenship

Citizenship grants individuals a wide range of privileges, rights, and legal protections within a nation or ethnic background, ensuring long-term membership, while residency refers to the permission to live in a specific country under certain terms and conditions, either on a temporary or permanent basis.

• Citizenship provides comprehensive entitlements and enduring ties, whereas residency offers more limited benefits and obligations determined by the host country. UK and US citizens, for instance, can access government grants and hold certain government positions.
• Residency status imposes restrictions and specific conditions to maintain legal status. Permanent residents can have their permits revoked for committing certain crimes or prolonged periods spent outside the country.
• A significant difference between citizenship and permanent residency lies in the ability to obtain a passport. Citizens can apply for a passport, whereas permanent residents do not have this right.
• When it comes to mobility, citizens can travel freely to visa-free countries with a passport, while permanent residents may face limitations.
• In terms of working and studying abroad, citizens have more options and opportunities, while permanent residents may encounter more restrictions.
• Citizenship grants the right to consular assistance when travelling abroad, while permanent residents do not have this benefit.
• Regarding voting rights, citizens have the right to vote, while residency does not provide voting privileges.

A shift to Citizenship

In most countries, individuals can apply for citizenship through naturalisation after fulfilling the required period of legal residency. The duration of residency varies depending on each country's specific policies.

Key differences between citizenship and residency: Residency Requirements

Permanent residency permits may be invalidated if the holder remains outside the country for an extended period, whereas residency requirements do not apply to citizenship. For example, in the UK, Indefinite Leave to Remain can be revoked if the holder spends more than two years outside the country.

Citizen versus Resident

Countries that offer residency to foreigners in exchange for investment.

Residency by investment programs offer foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain residency in a second country. While some of these programs may not directly lead to citizenship, they often provide a pathway to citizenship once certain eligibility criteria for naturalisation are met.

Italy

The Italy Golden Visa program offers a range of investment options and provides residency in the European Union.

Italy offers the Investor Visa Program, also known as the Italy Golden Visa. Foreign investors can obtain a residence permit by making significant investments in various sectors, including business capital, government bonds, innovative startups, or philanthropic initiatives.

Greece

The Greece Golden Visa program is known for its attractive investment options, beautiful coastline, and rich history.

Greece offers the Golden Visa Program, allowing foreign investors to obtain residency by investing in Greek real estate. The minimum investment threshold is set, and applicants can choose between residential or commercial property investments.

Cyprus

The Cyprus Investor Immigration Permit allows investors to gain permanent residency in addition to enjoying the country's scenic beauty and high quality of life.

Cyprus offers the Cyprus Investment Program, which grants Cypriot citizenship to foreign investors who meet specific criteria. The program requires a significant investment in real estate, businesses, government bonds, or a combination of these, along with other requirements.

Malta

Malta's permanent residence program (MPRP) offers residency opportunities through investments in real estate, non-refundable charitable donations, and government contributions. 

Malta offers the Malta Residence and Visa Program (MRVP) that provides residency to individuals who make qualifying investments. Applicants must contribute to the National Development and Social Fund, purchase or lease property, and meet other requirements to obtain residency.

Spain

 The Spain Golden Visa program is highly sought-after, offering excellent investment opportunities and attracting many investors and expats. The country grants residency to individuals who invest a certain amount in Spanish real estate, businesses, or public debt.

These residency by investment programs provide individuals with the chance to secure residency in a new country and benefit from the advantages and opportunities it offers.

Countries that offer citizenship  to foreigners in exchange for investment.

Several countries offer citizenship by investment programs, allowing individuals to obtain citizenship and a second passport through investments. Here are some examples:

Malta

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program (CES) provides a pathway to EU citizenship and a European passport within one to three years.

Malta's Individual Investor Program provides citizenship to individuals who contribute to the country's economic development through investments in real estate, government bonds, or a National Development Fund.

Antigua and Barbuda

The citizenship by investment program in Antigua and Barbuda offers the opportunity for dual citizenship through investments in the country's economy.

The Citizenship by Investment Program in Antigua and Barbuda provides citizenship to individuals who make a qualifying investment, including contributions to the National Development Fund or investments in real estate.

St. Kitts and Nevis

The citizenship by investment program in St. Kitts and Nevis allows investors to acquire citizenship and a second passport by making a foreign direct investment.

The Citizenship by Investment Program in St. Kitts and Nevis offers citizenship to individuals who make a qualifying investment in the country, such as a donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund or the purchase of real estate.

St. Lucia

The St. Lucia investment program grants citizenship in exchange for economic contributions, starting from $100,000.

St. Lucia offers the Citizenship by Investment Program, allowing foreign individuals and their families to obtain citizenship through a qualifying investment. The program offers various investment options, including contributions to the National Economic Fund, investments in approved real estate projects, or investing in an approved enterprise project.

Grenada

Grenada's citizenship by investment program provides the opportunity to obtain a passport and visa-free travel to 147 countries, including the option to establish residency in the USA through the US E2 Non-immigrant Visa.

Grenada's Citizenship by Investment Program offers citizenship to individuals who make a qualifying investment. Options include making a contribution to the National Transformation Fund, investing in government-approved real estate, or starting an approved business.

Vanuatu

Through the Vanuatu citizenship program, individuals can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 112 destinations by investing in the Vanuatu local fund.

Vanuatu offers the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program. Through this program, foreign individuals can obtain citizenship by making a financial contribution to the government's Development Support Program. Applicants can choose between a single or family contribution, and the funds are used for development projects in the country.

Dominica

Dominica offers citizenship through investment options, including government-approved real estate projects.The program allows applicants to obtain Dominican citizenship by making a qualifying investment in the country.

These citizenship by investment programs provide individuals with the chance to acquire citizenship, a second passport, and the associated benefits and privileges that come with it.

FAQ

What distinguishes a citizen from a resident?

The fundamental difference between being a citizen and a resident is as follows:

Citizenship: As a citizen, you enjoy lifelong benefits and have permanent ties to a country. Your children, whether born inside or outside the country, can inherit the advantages of citizenship. It represents a formal affiliation with a nation, providing exclusive rights and protections.

Residency: Being a resident grants you temporary permission to live in a country. To maintain your residency, you must continue to meet eligibility requirements, but it does not provide the same level of permanence or rights as citizenship.

How does citizenship differ from permanent residency?

While the concept of permanent residency can vary across countries, it generally refers to individuals authorized to live permanently in a country. Citizenship goes beyond permanent residency and is the highest immigration status one can obtain. It signifies a formal affiliation with a country, granting citizens exclusive rights and protections that residents do not possess.

Is permanent residency the same as citizenship?

No, permanent residency and citizenship are not the same. Permanent residency refers to foreign nationals granted the right to live, work, and study permanently in a foreign country. Citizenship, on the other hand, represents a formal affiliation with a country and offers exclusive rights and protections that are not available to permanent residents.

Which comes first, residency or citizenship?

When moving to a new country, the first step for foreign nationals is usually obtaining a residency permit. By adhering to the host nation's residency requirements for an extended period, individuals can eventually apply for permanent residency. Once permanent residency is granted and the eligibility requirements are met, such as a specified minimum period of residency, language proficiency, and good moral character, one can then apply for citizenship.

What is a non-resident citizen?

A non-resident citizen is an individual who holds citizenship in a country but resides outside the country's territorial boundaries. They are citizens of their home country but choose to live elsewhere.

How does a resident citizen differ from a non-resident citizen?

A resident citizen is someone who chooses to live in the country where they hold citizenship. They reside within the territorial boundaries of their home country. In contrast, a non-resident citizen is a person who decides to live outside their home country's borders, residing in a different nation or location.

Is residency better than citizenship?

Whether residency is considered better than citizenship or vice versa depends on individual circumstances, goals, and personal preferences. Factors such as long-term plans, enhanced mobility, desired rights and privileges, and the level of commitment to a particular country should be taken into account when evaluating which status aligns best with one's needs.

Does permanent residency guarantee citizenship?

Permanent residency is typically the step before obtaining citizenship. In many countries, such as Italy and Spain, permanent residency is a prerequisite for becoming eligible to acquire citizenship. It signifies a closer path to citizenship but does not guarantee it.

Is a Green Card a form of citizenship or residency?

A Green Card is a form of lawful permanent residence in the United States. It grants the holder the right to live in the country indefinitely. While Green Card holders enjoy many benefits and privileges similar to US citizens, such as the ability to work and study in the United States, they do not possess the full rights and freedoms of US citizenship. Green Card holders maintain citizenship in their home country but can pursue naturalization to become US citizens by fulfilling specific eligibility requirements.

Does being a resident make you a US citizen?

No, residency in the United States does not automatically confer US citizenship. Residency and citizenship are distinct legal statuses. Residency refers to the permission to live and stay in a country, whereas citizenship represents full membership in a nation, including all the associated rights, privileges, and responsibilities.