Compare jurisdictions, side by side.

Saint Lucia routes:

• Citizenship by Investment (CBI) via fund contribution or approved real-estate investment
• Standard work permits
• Family routes

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.

Greek residency routes:

• Golden Visa - property investment (thresholds vary by region, recently raised)
• Digital Nomad Visa - remote workers
• Financially Independent Person (FIP) - passive-income individuals
• Employment routes

Each route has different residency-day and renewal requirements.

Cyprus residency routes:

• Permanent residency by investment (Cat F / Cat 6.2)
• Digital Nomad Visa
• Employment routes (including the international headquartering route)
• Family reunification

The investor citizenship programme is closed.

Domestic companies and IBCs are common in international structures.

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.

IKE (Private Company), EPE (LLC), and AE (Joint Stock Company) are common structures. Greek tax residency triggers worldwide income reporting; the non-dom regime may apply to eligible high-net-worth relocators.

Cyprus Limited companies are widely used by international groups for IP, holding, and trading structures. Substance, local director, and accounting requirements have tightened in recent years and must be planned at setup.

Banking is selective. Bordercase coordinates banking introductions through current partners.

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.

Personal banking for residents is well established; corporate banking depends on activity. Bordercase coordinates introductions for non-standard structures.

Cypriot banks have strict KYC and source-of-funds processes following past compliance episodes. EMIs are widely used as supplements. Personal and corporate banking introductions go through vetted partners.

CBI can include qualifying dependents.

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

Family reunification is supported on most routes. Schools (public, private, international, English-language) are available in major cities.

Family reunification is available on most routes. English-language schools (public and private) and healthcare options are widely accessible to legal residents.

Risks Bordercase watches for in Saint Lucia:

• Programme parameters change
• Due diligence has tightened
• Reputational and revocation risks if information is misrepresented

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 Greece:

• Property due diligence - especially older buildings
• Tax residency triggers
• Non-dom regime conditions
• Registration timing across municipalities
• Some routes do not permit employment in Greece without additional permits

Common pitfalls in Cyprus cases:

• Post-reform substance requirements underestimated
• Banking timelines longer than expected
• Permanent residency confused with citizenship (different programmes)
• Some sectors face additional KYC scrutiny

Typical CBI documents:

• Passport
• Due diligence questionnaires
• Source-of-funds evidence (extensive)
• Family certificates with apostille and translation

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 Greek residency documents:

• Passport
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of income / assets
• Health insurance valid in Greece
• Accommodation evidence (deed, lease)
• AFM (tax number)

Apostille and certified Greek translation where required.

Typical document pack for Cyprus residency:

• Passport
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled)
• Proof of income / investment
• Health insurance valid in Cyprus
• Accommodation evidence
• Education certificates (for relevant routes)
• Marriage / birth certificates for family routes

For company formation: business plan, ownership-chain documents, and KYC for all ultimate beneficial owners.