Private Client Options in APAC: Bespoke Services and Residency Planning

Global mobility is becoming increasingly personal and purpose-driven as the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region emerges as a key destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), entrepreneurs and globally mobile families. By combining economic opportunity, lifestyle appeal and tailored immigration pathways, APAC offers diverse long-term residency options aligned with investment goals, legacy planning and quality-of-life aspirations.

In this evolving landscape, bespoke private client services play a vital role. Fragomen professionals provide strategic advice and comprehensive support to help clients navigate cross-border mobility and secure long-term residency across APAC—ensuring each move is a strategic step forward.

What are the options available across the Asia Pacific region?

Here is a snapshot of the key long-term residency and investment-linked programs currently available in the APAC region.

Indonesia

Indonesia's growing appeal to both lifestyle-focused and business-driven expats is fueled by its economic openness, with Bali and Jakarta as key destinations for regional investors.

Second Home Visa

This visa requires a deposit of IDR 2 billion (approximately USD 130,000) in a stated-owned Indonesian bank or an investment in qualifying real estate, and offers a five- or 10-year stay for retirees or passive residents. This visa does not permit employment, making it ideal for those seeking a long-term lifestyle stay without business or work commitments.

For further insights, check out our blog ‘The Second Home Visa —A $130K Move?’ 

Investor KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)

Foreign nationals who invest IDR 10 billion (approximately 650,000) in an Indonesian company can obtain the Investor KITAS. The permit remains valid for one to two years, is renewable and may lead to permanent residency after several years of compliant business operations. It is well-suited for individuals actively manage or own a business in Indonesia.

Golden Visa Program 

This Golden visa offers long-term residency to HNWIs and business entities through substantial investment. Options include establishing a company with minimum investment of USD 2.5 million for a five-year visa or USD 5 million for a 10-year visa or investing in USD 350,000–700,000 in government bonds.

More insights in our blog: ‘Golden Visa Program: A Game-Changer for Indonesia’s Immigration System?’

Japan

Known for its stability, cleanliness, safety and rich cultural heritage, Japan appeals to family-oriented HNWIs seeking quality of life and global connectivity.  Long-term residency options include:

Business Manager Visa

This visa provides a route to long-term residency and eventual Permanent Residency (PR) for foreign entrepreneurs. It requires a JPY 5 million (approximately USD 33,000) investment, setting up a company, leasing office space and hiring staff. The renewable visa suits those looking to establish a business in Japan.

Long-Term Residency and Permanent Residency (PR)

Japan typically requires five to 10 years of continuous stay for long-term residency and permanent residency. However, high-skilled professionals (HSP) and major investors may qualify for fast-track PR within just one to three years. Non-HSP visa holders may also become eligible for PR through Japan’s Immigration Point-Based System if they meet the required criteria.

For more insights on PR in Japan: ‘Understanding the Evolution of Permanent Residency in Japan’.  

The Philippines

The Philippines offers attractive long-term residency options with its English-speaking population, low cost of living and cultural blend of Western and Asian influences. Key options include:

SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa)

Designed for retirees, this visa requires a USD 20,000–50,000 deposit, with lower threshold for pensioners. It grants unlimited stay, multiple-entry privileges and allows dependents to be included, making it a flexible and affordable retirement option.

SIRV (Special Investor’s Resident Visa)

This visa requires a USD 75,000 investment in government-approved business sectors. It grants indefinite stay and working rights, as long as the investment continues.

Quota Visa (13 visa)

The Quota Visa provides permanent residency to nationals of countries with reciprocal agreements, including the right to live and work in the Philippines. It remains subject to an annual cap of 50 approvals per nationality.

Singapore

As a global financial and innovation hub, Singapore offers multiple pathways for individuals seeking long-term residency:

Permanent Residency (PR) via the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme

The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) assesses PR applications holistically and considers the applicant’s individual merit.

S Pass, Employment Pass (EP) and above

Mid-skilled professionals on S Passes, as well as professionals on Employment Passes (EP) and above, may apply for PR under the PTS Scheme.  This scheme is designed for individuals who have worked in Singapore for a period and have demonstrated economic contributions, societal integration and a long-term commitment to Singapore.

Global Investor Programme (GIP)

The GIP grants PR status to eligible global investors who invest at least SGD 10 million (depending on the selected option) into a new or existing business, a GIP-approved venture capital fund or a Singapore-based single-family office. It suits next-generation business owners, founders of fast-growing companies and ultra-high-net-worth individuals establishing a base in Asia.

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

This personalized, renewable five-year work visa targets top global talent in business, arts, sports, academia and research. It offers flexibility, exempts holders from COMPASS and advertising requirements and allows work across multiple companies. Holders may apply for PR via the PTS Scheme after establishing roots and notable achievements.

EntrePass

This visa supports serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators or experienced investors running venture-backed tech-driven businesses in Singapore.  It facilitates startup growth and can lead to PR via the PTS scheme over time with proven business development and local engagement.

South Korea

South Korea’s strong economy, world-class education and healthcare, and tech-savvy infrastructure make it a prime destination for business-focused private clients. Long-term residency options include:

F-2-7 Points-Based Residency Visa

This renewable visa targets skilled professionals, awarding points based on age, education, income and Korean proficiency. This visa is renewable for one to three years and can lead to permanent residency (F-5) after five years.

D-8 Business Investment Visa

Entrepreneurs and corporate investors who invest KRW 100 million+ (approximately USD 75,000) and actively run a Korean business can apply for this visa. It provides eligibility for permanent residency after several years of successful business operation and continuous stay. 

F-5 Visa

South Korea’s F-5 visa grants permanent residency and full work rights. Through the investment route, applicants must invest approximately KRW 600 million (approximately USD 500,000) and employ Korean nationals.

Thailand

Thailand remains a top choice in Asia for long-term living, offering a mix of tropical luxury, affordability and investor-friendly visa options. Popular pathways include:

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

Thailand’s 10-year Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa caters to global wealthy citizens, pensioners, highly skilled professionals and remote workers. It offers tax incentives, unlimited re-entry permits, inclusion of dependents and simplified annual reporting. Eligibility criteria vary by category.

For more insights on Thailand’s LTR visa: ‘Thailand’s Push to Becoming a Second Home to Foreigners | The Immigration Conversation’ & 'Thailand: Long-Term Resident Visa and SMART Visa Program Requirements to Be Relaxed.'

Retirement Visa (O-A / O-X)

Individuals aged 50 or older can apply for Thailand’s O-A Visa (valid for one year, with a required deposit of THB 800,000 — approximately USD 21,800 or monthly income of THB 65,000) or the O-X Visa (valid for 10 years, with a THB 3 million deposit — around USD 82,000) or 1.8 million baht with an annual income of at least 1.2 million). These options appeal to retirees seeking a more relaxed, long-term lifestyle in Thailand.

For more insights on retirement visa on Thailand: 'Discover Why Retiring in the ‘Land of Smiles’ is a Great Option.' 

Smart Visa

Most SMART Visa categories have been phased out in favor of LTR Visas, except SMART-S. This remains available for tech startup founders in targeted sectors. Applicants must hold 25% equity or serve as company director and keep a THB 600,000 (approximately USD 18,000) bank deposit for at least three months.

Thailand Elite Visa

The elite visa offers customizable long-term residency packages for HNWIs, with durations from five to 20 years. It includes Elite personal assistance, fast track immigration, VIP airport access, personalized concierge support and exclusive lifestyle perks.

In summary, APAC offers a wide range of long-term residency options, making it an attractive region for private clients to diversify their lifestyle, family footprint and investment plans across some of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Need to Know More?

If you are considering long-term residency options in the APAC region, connect with us today at [email protected] to take the first step toward realizing your goals in this dynamic and thriving region.

This blog was published on 8 July 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.