What Rights Do Tourists and Long-Term Foreign Residents Have?

This is the first of a two part series. In the second post, we will explore the privacy implications of traveler rights at the border across various countries.

For many people considering international travel, retirement abroad, or long-term residency in another country, an important question often goes unasked…

What legal rights do foreigners actually have once they arrive?

The answer varies considerably from country to country. While tourists and long-term foreign residents generally enjoy many of the same legal protections as citizens, there are often important exceptions involving employment, voting, property ownership, government benefits, and immigration status.

This article provides a high-level overview of the rights commonly available to foreign visitors and long-term residents across the G20 nations and the Philippines.

A Universal Principle: Foreigners Have Rights, But Not All Citizen Rights

Nearly every G20 country and the Philippines (probably others as well, just like previous blog posts, I’m really focused on places I’ve traveled to and lived) recognize that foreigners are entitled to basic legal protections while within their borders. These protections generally include:

• Protection under criminal law
• Access to courts and legal representation
• Protection against arbitrary detention
• Ownership of personal property
• Access to emergency services
• Contract and business rights (subject to local laws)
• Freedom of religion and private expression

However, countries commonly reserve certain rights exclusively for citizens, including:

• Voting in national elections
• Holding most public offices
• Certain government jobs
• Unrestricted property ownership
• Access to some social welfare programs
• Automatic right to remain in the country

As a result, a foreigner’s rights are often best described as a combination of constitutional protections, immigration permissions, and local regulations.

Rights Typically Available to Tourists

Tourists generally enjoy the most limited set of rights because their presence is temporary.

In most G20 countries and the Philippines, tourists may:

• Stay for the duration of their visa or visa-free entry period
• Rent accommodations
• Open certain bank accounts (depending on local regulations)
• Access emergency healthcare
• Purchase goods and services
• Seek legal protection through courts and police

Tourists generally may not:

• Work without authorization
• Vote
• Access public welfare benefits
• Remain beyond authorized stay periods
• Engage in regulated professions

Violating visa conditions can result in fines, deportation, future entry bans, or immigration complications. Or, my personal favorite, caning (go read the visa application forms for Singapore).

Rights of Long-Term Foreign Residents

Long-term residents typically enjoy significantly broader rights.

Examples include holders of:

• Permanent residency permits
• Retirement visas
• Investment visas
• Family reunification visas
• Work permits and employment-based residence permits

Across much of the G20, long-term residents often gain rights such as:

• Legal employment
• Business ownership
• Access to public education
• Ability to lease or purchase certain property
• Access to healthcare systems
• Ability to sponsor family members
• Long-term housing rights

Many countries also provide a pathway from permanent residency to citizenship after a qualifying period of residence.

Property Ownership Differences

One of the largest differences among countries concerns property ownership.

Countries with Broad Property Rights

Many G20 nations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and several European countries, generally permit foreigners to own residential property, although restrictions may apply in specific regions or circumstances.

Countries with Restrictions

Some countries impose limitations on foreign ownership of land or strategic assets.

Examples include:

• Indonesia
• China
• India
• Saudi Arabia
• The Philippines

Restrictions may include leasehold arrangements, ownership caps, government approvals, or limitations on agricultural land.

Employment Rights

Employment rights vary significantly depending on immigration status.

Most countries require:

• A work visa
• Work authorization
• Employer sponsorship

Working without authorization can result in penalties for both the foreign worker and the employer.

Once properly authorized, foreign workers in most G20 nations generally receive the same labor law protections as citizens, including:

• Minimum wage protections
• Workplace safety protections
• Anti-discrimination protections
• Access to labor courts

Healthcare Access

Healthcare rights vary considerably.

Universal Access Models

Countries such as:

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Australia

often provide some level of public healthcare access to qualifying long-term residents.

Insurance-Based Models

Countries such as:

• United States
• Saudi Arabia
• Indonesia
• Philippines

often require private insurance, employer-sponsored coverage, or direct payment for many services.

Tourists should never assume healthcare coverage exists simply because they are physically present in a country.

Voting and Political Participation

One of the most consistent restrictions worldwide is voting.

In nearly all G20 countries and the Philippines:

• National voting rights are reserved for citizens.
• Most elected offices require citizenship.
• Political participation by foreigners may be restricted.

A few jurisdictions permit limited local voting rights for certain categories of permanent residents, but these are exceptions rather than the rule.

Consular Protection Matters

Regardless of destination, foreign nationals retain an important safeguard, The right to seek assistance from their home country’s embassy or consulate.

Consular officials may assist with:

• Lost passports
• Arrests or detention
• Medical emergencies
• Evacuations during crises
• Communication with family members

While consular assistance does not exempt a person from local laws, it often serves as an important support mechanism for travelers and expatriates.

The Philippines: A Special Case for Long-Term Foreigners

The Philippines has become a popular destination for retirees, remote workers, and expatriates due to its English proficiency, relatively low cost of living, and welcoming culture.

Foreigners in the Philippines generally enjoy:

• Equal protection under Philippine law
• Access to courts and legal remedies
• Ability to lease property
• Ownership of condominium units subject to legal limits
• Business ownership through approved structures
• Long-term stay options through retirement, spousal, and investment visas

However, significant restrictions remain.

Foreigners generally cannot:

• Vote
• Hold elective office
• Own land directly (except through limited legal mechanisms)
• Participate in certain restricted industries reserved for Filipino citizens

Long-term foreign residents are also expected to comply with immigration registration requirements and visa conditions.

Panama: One of the Most Foreigner-Friendly Countries in the Americas

Although Panama is not a member of the G20, it is frequently considered by retirees, investors, and expatriates alongside popular relocation destinations because of its favorable residency options, territorial tax system, and well-developed infrastructure.

Foreigners in Panama generally enjoy extensive legal protections and many of the same civil rights as Panamanian citizens. The country’s constitution recognizes the rights of foreigners while also reserving certain political rights exclusively for citizens.

Rights Available to Foreigners

Tourists and long-term foreign residents in Panama generally have the right to:

• Own personal property
• Open bank accounts (subject to banking requirements)
• Lease or purchase residential property
• Operate businesses in permitted industries
• Access healthcare services
• Enter into contracts
• Seek protection through the courts
• Travel freely throughout most of the country

Panama is particularly notable because foreigners can generally own real estate under the same legal framework as Panamanian citizens, making property ownership more straightforward than in countries that restrict foreign ownership of land.

Residency Programs

Panama has historically attracted foreign residents through several residency pathways, including:

• Pensionado (Retiree) programs
• Investor residency programs
• Employment-based residency
• Family reunification programs

Long-term residents often enjoy a high degree of legal stability and may eventually qualify for naturalization if they meet applicable requirements.

Business and Investment Rights

Panama has long positioned itself as an international business hub. Foreigners may establish companies, hold shares in Panamanian corporations, and engage in many commercial activities.

However, certain professions and economic sectors remain reserved for Panamanian citizens or require specific licensing and regulatory approvals.

Political Rights and Restrictions

Like most countries, Panama reserves certain rights exclusively for citizens.

Foreigners generally may not:

• Vote in national elections
• Hold elected office
• Serve in certain government positions
• Participate in certain protected professions without meeting local licensing requirements

Why Panama Appeals to Expats

Panama’s popularity among expatriates stems from several factors:

• Relatively straightforward residency options
• Strong property rights
• Use of the U.S. dollar as legal tender
• Modern banking and telecommunications infrastructure
• Established expatriate communities
• Geographic proximity to North America

For foreigners seeking a long-term residence destination, Panama is often viewed as one of the more accessible and legally accommodating countries in Latin America.

Summary

Foreigners enjoy substantial legal protections in virtually every G20 nation, Panama, and in the Philippines. However, those protections are not identical to the rights enjoyed by citizens.

Tourists generally receive basic legal and civil protections but have limited political and economic rights. Long-term residents often gain access to employment, healthcare, education, and business opportunities, while still remaining subject to immigration requirements and restrictions on political participation.

Before relocating, retiring abroad, or pursuing a long-term visa, it is important to understand not only what rights you gain, but also which rights remain reserved exclusively for citizens.

Understanding these distinctions can help avoid legal misunderstandings and make your international move smoother, safer, and more successful.

Notes

• AI / GenAI / ChatGPT / etc were not used to generate the text of this article.
• ChatGPT was used to generate the images.
• I used em dashes in my writing before the current GenAI wave was a thing. Not planning on changing now.
• Names have been changed to protect the guilty.
• None of the hostnames or users used in examples actually exist.
• Feel free to post any comments or suggestions below.