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Wealthy Indians Seek Second Residency as 'Mobility Insurance' Amidst Changing Global Rules
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News18•28-09-2026, 13:24
Wealthy Indians Seek Second Residency as 'Mobility Insurance' Amidst Changing Global Rules
- •High-net-worth Indians are increasingly seeking second residency as a 'Plan B' for mobility, family security, and long-term planning, without necessarily abandoning India as their primary home.
- •Enquiries for second-residency programs from India have risen 25-30% year-on-year, with completed applications up 10-15%, according to Garant IN.
- •Second residency offers benefits like a base for children studying abroad, business expansion, and flexibility amidst changing political or economic circumstances, functioning as an 'insurance policy'.
- •Greece has emerged as a top destination for Indian applicants, surpassing Portugal, due to its European access, lifestyle appeal, and established residency route, with enquiries rising 4% between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.
- •Indian HNIs are diversifying beyond property-led residency, exploring funds, bonds, and business-investment routes, while also considering tax residency and foreign asset reporting obligations from the outset.
Key Questions Answered
Wealthy Indians are pursuing second residencies as a form of mobility insurance or Plan B for family security, children's education, business expansion, and lifestyle flexibility, while keeping India as their primary home and wealth base.
Greece has become a leading choice due to its Golden Visa program, which allows Indian investors to secure European access and lifestyle benefits through tangible property ownership without a mandatory stay requirement.
Portugal's position among Indian applicants has weakened because its Golden Visa program removed real estate as an eligible investment route, pushing families toward alternative options.
