Compare jurisdictions, side by side.

Estonian residency routes:

• Start-up visa - for founders of qualifying start-ups
• Digital nomad visa - for eligible remote workers
• Work permit - employer-sponsored
• Family routes - spouse / dependants

Note: e-Residency is NOT a residence permit - it is a digital identity for managing an Estonian company remotely.

Mauritius residency routes:

• Premium Visa - remote work
• Occupation Permit - investor / professional / self-employed
• Residence Permit by property purchase - within approved schemes
• Family routes

Hong Kong residency routes:

• General Employment Policy (GEP)
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
• Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
• Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) - recently revived
• Dependant routes

Common Portuguese residency routes:

• D7 - passive income / pension
• D8 - digital nomad / remote work
• D2 - entrepreneur / self-employed
• D3 - highly qualified workers
• Tech Visa - eligible tech roles via accredited companies
• Golden Visa - restricted in scope after recent reforms
• Family reunification on most permits

Each has different income, residency-day, and renewal requirements.

OÜ (private limited) is the standard structure, formed online via e-Residency or in person. Reporting obligations are real but proportionate; accounting partners are widely available.

GBC (Global Business Company) and Domestic Companies are the standard structures. Substance requirements following OECD reforms must be considered; the GBC framework has evolved materially.

Hong Kong Limited companies are widely used for trading and holding structures. Annual filings, audited accounts, and a company secretary are required. Substance expectations and BEPS-driven changes affect ongoing planning.

Portugal supports Lda (private limited) and SA (public limited) structures. Tax registration, social security registration, and a Portuguese tax representative are typically required. Substance, accounting, and reporting obligations are real.

Estonian banks have tightened KYC for non-resident e-residents; many international founders rely on EMIs (Wise, Revolut Business, Payoneer, etc.) for day-to-day banking. Local bank accounts typically require strong substance evidence.

Local banks support resident and corporate accounts; KYC and source-of-funds requirements are real. Bordercase coordinates banking introductions.

Local banking has tightened materially; some non-resident structures face long onboarding or rejection. EMIs and Singapore / Dubai banking are common alternatives. Bordercase coordinates introductions through current partners.

Personal accounts are accessible to residents and many non-residents; documentation is structured and predictable. Corporate banking depends on company structure and intended activity; Bordercase coordinates with banking partners for introductions.

Family relocation is supported on the work and start-up visa routes; schooling and healthcare access follow the main applicant's residency.

Family inclusion is supported. International schools are available in major regions.

Family relocation is supported on most residency routes. Schools (local, private, ESF, international) are competitive; international school waitlists are real.

Family reunification is supported on most residency routes. Schools (public, private, and international) are widely available; the public system is generally accessible to legal residents.

Common pitfalls Bordercase watches for:

• Confusing e-Residency with physical residency
• Banking-only setups without substance - likely flagged
• Crypto, gambling, and other regulated industries face additional friction
• Tax residence triggered by 183 days even without a residence permit

Risks Bordercase watches for in Mauritius:

• Substance reform impacts on Global Business Companies
• FATCA / CRS reporting on related accounts
• Mauritian residency vs physical-presence-based tax residence elsewhere
• Banking introductions vary by activity

Risks Bordercase watches for in Hong Kong:

• Company-only setups without substance face banking and audit friction
• Banking has tightened materially
• Political / policy shifts must be factored into long-horizon planning
• Annual audit and filing discipline is real

Risks Bordercase watches for in Portuguese cases:

• AIMA processing delays (formerly SEF)
• Misalignment between visa type and actual activity
• Tax residence triggered by accident - NHR window timing matters
• Past EU Schengen overstays must be disclosed
• Real estate vs investment routes have changed materially

For e-Residency:

• Passport
• Application form
• Biometric collection at the chosen Estonian embassy or pickup point

For physical residency:

• Passport
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of income
• Accommodation evidence
• Health insurance
• Business plan (start-up visa)

Typical Mauritius documents:

• Passport
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of income / investment
• Health insurance
• Accommodation evidence
• Marriage / birth certificates for family

Apostille where required.

Typical Hong Kong documents:

• Passport
• CV
• Education certificates
• Employment history
• Company documents (where applicable)
• Family certificates with notarisation

Typical document pack for Portuguese residency:

• Passport
• NIF (Portuguese tax number)
• Proof of accommodation (lease, deed, or invitation)
• Proof of income or assets (varies by route)
• Criminal record certificate with apostille
• Health insurance valid in Portugal
• Marriage / birth certificates for family routes
• Certified translations where required