Key points
- Lebanon is considering a residency-by-investment program that would grant residency to foreign nationals who invest at least US$1 million.
- Applicants would need to spend at least 90 days a year in Lebanon; investment options include bank deposits, real estate, or other approved assets.
- The proposal passed the Finance and Budget Committee but is still under parliamentary review and has not become law.
- Finance Minister Yassine Jaber cited programs in Italy and the UAE; current visa requirements remain unchanged.
Lebanon weighs residency for major investors
Lebanon is considering a residency-by-investment program that would let wealthy foreign nationals obtain residency through qualifying investments. The proposal is still under parliamentary review after clearing the Finance and Budget Committee, and it has not yet become law.
What the proposal would require
If approved, eligible foreign investors could secure Lebanese residency by investing a minimum of US$1 million. Investment options would include deposits with Lebanese banks, real estate purchases, or other approved investments. Applicants would have to spend at least 90 days each year in Lebanon.
Qualifying residents would receive residency status and special tax treatment for certain income and assets held outside Lebanon, while remaining subject to Lebanese taxation on domestic income and assets. A separate provision exists for members of the Lebanese diaspora.
The reasoning, and the doubts
The government wants to attract foreign investment to support economic recovery. Finance Minister Yassine Jaber said the plan draws inspiration from programs in Italy and the United Arab Emirates. Skeptics question whether investors will commit substantial capital before Lebanon completes its financial reforms.
Jaber himself framed it as a longer-term measure. “The law could be something for the future… when we solve our problems,” he said.
Nothing changes for now
The proposal cannot currently be used for applications. Standard visa requirements for Lebanon remain unchanged unless and until Parliament gives official approval.
Read next: UAE travel ban for Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq visits
