Investor & Private Client Mobility
Guidance for individuals and families exploring residency-by-investment options, international access & the long-term flexibility they can provide.
Investment linked residencies provide value beyond relocation. It is knowing the option already exists if they ever choose or need to use it later on. That means greater long-term optionality, international flexibility, and an established pathway - while still allowing clients to maintain their existing lifestyle, business interests, and home-country ties.
At Vela Global Mobility, we assist clients throughout the entire residency-by-investment journey: from programme selection and investment structuring to property sourcing, due diligence, legal coordination, application preparation, and post-approval support.
Our investment-linked residency programmes currently include:
Greece Golden Visa
UAE Golden Visa
GREECE GOLDEN VISA
The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme that allows non-EU citizens and their families to obtain a five-year residency in Greece through a qualifying investment, while benefiting from visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and greater long-term flexibility for the future. The visa is renewable every five years, provided the investment is maintained.
Primary Investment Routes
€250,000 Tier — Restoration & Conversion Properties
Commercial Spaces converted into Residential homes or historic buildings undergoing restoration. Remains the lowest investment threshold under the programme, although the available inventory is more specialised and subject to stricter project requirements. Often attractive to investors looking for a lower entry point into the programme.
€400,000 Tier — Standard Residential Property
Standard residential property in all regions outside the high-demand zones listed in the €800,000 Tier. Currently one of the most balanced routes within the programme. Particularly suitable for families, long-term investors, and clients considering future relocation or lifestyle flexibility.
€800,000 Tier — Prime Location Property
Applies to premium markets and high-demand areas such as parts of Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini & islands with population over 3,100. Typically chosen by clients prioritising internationally recognised locations, stronger lifestyle positioning, or premium real estate exposure while still securing the residency benefits of the programme for themselves and eligible family members.
Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa
Key benefits for EA investors
Covers spouse, children under 21 (extendable to 24), and parents of both applicant and spouse. A key advantage over Hungary (minor children only) and Malta (costly per person). One fee covers the whole extended family.
Visa-free access across all 29 Schengen countries — up to 90 days per 180-day period per country.
Tangible real estate ownership — property held in Euros, generating rental income and capital appreciation. Unlike funds (Portugal, Hungary), you own a physical asset.
Permit starts from issuance date (new 2026 law) — you get the full 5 years even if processing was slow.
Greek passport ranks 5th globally — access to US E-2 treaty investor visa.
Unlimited entries into Greece — no cap on how long you stay. The visa-free travel limits apply to other Schengen countries, not Greece itself
Property can be transferred or sold — as long as you reinvest in another qualifying property before permit renewal.
Application journey
What East African Investors Should Know
Source of funds scrutiny
Applicants should expect detailed KYC and source-of-funds checks, including bank statements, business documentation, and tax records. It is advisable to begin organising these documents early in the process.
Currency transfers
Qualifying investments are made in Euros, so exchange rate fluctuations between KES and EUR should be factored into planning. Specialist foreign exchange providers are more preferable than standard local bank transfers.
Embassy & biometrics process
For Kenyan applicants, the Greek Embassy in Nairobi handles visa and biometric appointments. Scheduling timelines can vary, so early planning is important.
Renewal travel advantage
Once residency is granted, permit holders can travel to Greece for renewals without applying for a separate Schengen visa each time.
UAE GOLDEN VISA
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term renewable residency programme that allows foreign nationals and their families to live, work, study, and operate businesses in the United Arab Emirates without requiring a local sponsor. Depending on the qualifying category, residence permits are typically issued for five or ten years and remain renewable as long as the eligibility requirements continue to be met.
Primary Investment Routes
AED 2,000,000 Tier — Real Estate Investment
The real estate route is currently the most widely used pathway under the programme. Applicants may qualify through completed or off-plan property investments with a total value of at least AED 2 million, either through a single property or a portfolio of qualifying properties purchased from approved UAE developers.
Financing is permitted under approved mortgage structures, with some lenders allowing financing of up to 50% of the qualifying investment amount. This route is particularly attractive to investors seeking residency alongside ownership of income-generating or lifestyle-oriented property assets within the UAE.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
Key benefits for East African investors
Long-term renewable residency (10 years) with no requirement for a national sponsor or employer sponsorship.
Fast processing timelines compared to most residency-by-investment programmes globally, with investment-linked approvals often completed within weeks.
Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and domestic staff under the same residency structure.
No personal income tax, capital gains tax, net worth tax, or withholding tax within the UAE tax framework.
Access to one of the world’s strongest international business and aviation hubs connecting Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Real estate investors may qualify through completed or off-plan property investments, including financed property under approved mortgage structures.
The UAE remains highly attractive for internationally mobile entrepreneurs, consultants, remote business owners, and families seeking long-term regional flexibility.
Application Journey
What East African Investors Should Know
Document attestation is critical
Police clearance certificates, business documents, financial records, and civil documents issued in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, or Ethiopia must undergo formal legalisation and attestation before they can be accepted within the UAE process. This should ideally begin several weeks before travel.
Source of funds checks are becoming stricter
Enhanced anti-money laundering reviews, beneficial ownership verification, and financial background checks now form a central part of the approval process rather than a simple administrative step. Clear documentation and transparent fund trails are increasingly important.
Processing is fast, but applicants may need to remain in the UAE
Golden Visa processing timelines are generally much faster than most European residency programmes, although applicants are commonly required to remain within the UAE while the application is being finalised.
Cryptocurrency investments do not qualify
As clarified under current UAE guidance, digital currency and cryptocurrency investments do not qualify under the Golden Visa investment categories.
Why choose us?
Strong understanding of global mobility frameworks from an East African perspective
We understand the practical realities, challenges, and opportunities individuals and businesses from East Africa face when navigating international mobility. Through our experience working with trusted partners across different jurisdictions, we understand which processes, service providers, and pathways tend to work effectively — and which ones may not be suitable.
Trusted partner ecosystem for regulated services
We work with a carefully selected network of third-party professionals and regulated service providers. Partners are internally assessed based on reliability, professionalism, compliance standards, and service quality. Relevant licenses, permits, and compliance requirements are reviewed, with accountability measures maintained throughout our working relationships.
Coordination-focused approach
We coordinate communication and processes between relevant legal, tax, investment, and relocation partners, allowing clients to manage key aspects of their journey through a more streamlined process.
Discreet and professional handling of client matters
International mobility decisions involve sensitive personal, financial, or business information. Client matters are handled with discretion, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality throughout & after the engagement process.