The General Directorate of General Security in Lebanon announced on Thursday a significant update to its residency application process. Effective immediately, individuals seeking annual or permanent residency in the country under the sponsorship of a bank guarantee will now be required to replace the previously required bank statement with a cash deposit. This deposit must be made directly into the Treasury's fund, either in cash or via a certified bank check (FRESH), at the Ministry of Finance's Directorate of Treasury, Accounting, and Funds Department. Along with their residency application, applicants will receive a deposit receipt that must be submitted to obtain either an annual or permanent residency exclusively based on a cash security.
This residency policy extends benefits not only to the primary applicant but also to their spouse, minor children, and dependents over the age of 64. The cash securities required for these applications are set as follows: 1.5 billion Lebanese pounds for a one-year residency card, and 4.5 billion Lebanese pounds for a three-year residency card. Fortunately for applicants, once granted, the residency can be renewed under the same cash security without the need for posting a new deposit.
The policy outlines specific conditions under which the cash deposit can be released, including the rejection or non-renewal of the residency application, the death of the applicant with the refund rights transferring to the heirs or their legal representatives, or if the residency is canceled and the applicant leaves Lebanon. To initiate the deposit release, the applicant or their legal representative must submit a request along with the original residency card to the General Security's regional offices or the General Secretariat, provided the residency card has not already been retracted.
This move introduces a transparent and streamlined process for those navigating Lebanon's residency application system, offering a clear financial framework for both applicants and the government.