Residence permit

Foreign nationals can obtain two main types of visas for Malta. Those staying for fewer than 90 days apply for a Schengen C visa, while stays exceeding 90 days require a National D visa. The D visa usually allows the holder to apply for a residence permit and is often issued for purposes such as employment, study, or family reunification. Wealthy individuals may obtain residency directly, without a D visa, by investing at least €30,000 for a temporary residence permit or €169,000 for permanent residency.

Julia Loko

The Greece Golden Visa is a state investment programme that grants a renewable 5-year residence permit to investors and their families. Residence can be obtained by investing at least €250,000 in real estate, Greek businesses, public securities, or a bank deposit. The programme offers flexible conditions — there is no requirement to live in Greece or pass a language test to maintain residence.

Priscila Carvalho

If you are looking for a residence by investment programme that will allow you to travel to Europe visa-free, provide tax optimisation opportunities, and the prospect of obtaining EU citizenship at a relatively low price, then the Greece Golden Visa Program might be the perfect fit for you. Here is a full list of the Greek Golden Visa advantages.

Eymi Castro

Mediterranean living and an English-speaking setting make Malta a natural base for remote work. The Nomad Residence Permit lets third-country nationals live there while working for foreign employers or clients. This residency route is designed more as a change of scenery than a long-term settlement option. Issued for 1 year, renewable up to 3 times, and not leading to permanent residence, it suits remote professionals seeking flexibility.  Learn how the Malta Nomad Residence Permit works in practice, who it suits, and what to consider before applying.

Vladlena Baranova

Remote workers can apply for a Hungary White Card, which is equivalent to a residence permit\[1\]. It is issued to individuals earning at least €3,000 per month, less than the requirement for Digital Nomad Visas to Portugal or Malta. The residence permit is issued for 12 months and can be extended once for an additional similar period. It grants the right to live in one of the most affordable European Union countries and travel to Schengen countries without a visa.

Zlata Erlach

Turkish investors are increasingly turning to Greece’s Golden Visa, with applications from Türkiye rising by 46% between March 2024 and March 2025. In 2024 alone, 1356 Turkish nationals obtained Greek residency by investment, making Türkiye the second‑largest beneficiary country.  In this article, we explain why Greek residency is becoming a popular choice for Turkish nationals, how the Golden Visa works, what real estate options are available, and what benefits — including EU citizenship — applicants can expect.

Anna Semenyuk

Portugal offers 14 legal pathways to residency — from employment, entrepreneurship, and education to family reunification, volunteering, and humanitarian grounds.  For investors, the Golden Visa remains a standout route, with options starting at €250,000. Digital nomads and financially independent individuals can also secure legal residency. This guide breaks down all available residency options and highlights the key advantages of making Portugal home.

Pedro Barata

Residence permit cards under the Portugal Golden Visa programme must be renewed every 2 years. To apply for a new card, the programme participants must keep the investment and spend at least 7 days per year in the country. Let’s discuss the procedure, timing, and fees for the Portugal Golden Visa renewal.

Eymi Castro

The Portugal Golden Visa is obtained by investing at least €250,000, allowing holders to travel within the Schengen Area visa-free, move to Portugal, and claim EU citizenship. This guide discloses the Portugal Golden Visa’s cost, benefits, investment options, and application process.

Eymi Castro

The Italian Golden Visa is a ticket to enjoying la dolce vita — the sweet life that Italy is renowned for. A pleasant climate, 542 Blue Flag beaches and marinas, rich cultural heritage, delicious Italian cuisine, visa-free travel to Schengen countries, and a special tax regime — it is all at your service.

Robert Outerbridge

Since its inception in 2014, Greece has issued nearly 50,000 residence permits by investment. Whether diving into real estate or opting for a hands-off fund, it suits both active and laid-back investors. While fund structures promise streamlined management and built-in diversification, property investments offer the appeal of tangible assets and rental potential. Yet beneath the surface lie nuances that merit a closer look.

Albert Ioffe

More and more Americans are considering moving to Greece. US citizens are in the top 20 of nationalities for initial residence permits obtained in Greece\{{source: Source: [The data on initial residence permits is according to Eurostat](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/migr_resfirst/default/table?lang=en). The latest available dataset is for 2024.}}. Americans choose Greece for its affordable cost of living, pleasant Mediterranean climate, and laid-back lifestyle. The growing expat communities and remote work opportunities further enhance Greece’s appeal for US citizens. Discover what fuels the Golden Visa’s popularity in Greece and how US citizens can apply.

Vladlena Baranova

A 401(k) is often the biggest nest egg a US worker ever builds and for many, it becomes the backbone of life after work. When the plan includes relocating to the EU with a Golden Visa or a retirement residence permit, that same 401(k) may need to do more: cover daily expenses and meet complex visa and tax rules abroad.

Vladlena Baranova

Over the past decade, EU countries have collectively garnered approximately 25 billion euros in foreign direct investment through residence-by-investment programmes. With an EU residence permit, investors are able to travel to the Schengen countries visa-free, establish a business, and, in some cases, receive tax benefits. Let’s discuss how investors can move abroad and the best places to do so.

Mohamed Zakaria

A residence permit in an EU country allows visa-free travel across 29 Schengen states. It also provides access to high-quality education and healthcare. To get EU residence, an applicant must meet the requirements set by the migration policy of the chosen country. Here is an overview of the grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Europe, the required documents, and the costs involved.

Mohamed Zakaria

Latvia introduced its Golden Visa programme in 2010 to attract foreign investment and boost the national economy. Since its launch, the initiative has generated approximately €1.5 billion in revenue for the country and attracted over 20,000 applicants. In the article, we outline the key requirements for obtaining a Latvian residence permit by investment and explain the steps to acquire Latvian citizenship.

Elena Ruda

The Greece Golden Visa offers a residence permit in exchange for a minimum investment of €250,000 in the country’s economy. The permit is valid for 5 years, renewable indefinitely, and may lead to Greek citizenship after 7 years of residence. Greece appeals to investors with its resilient property market, the freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, and low cost of living in a region with a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Below are real-life stories of investors who have successfully obtained residence permits through the Golden Visa.

Anna Semenyuk

A residence permit by investment in Europe opens up opportunities for visa-free travel, a comfortable life, and business development.  Many investors seeking residence abroad choose real estate as their investment option. Property can serve a dual purpose: it helps qualify for residence status while providing a home for personal use or an asset that can generate rental income. Although several EU states have restricted or closed real estate options in their residence by investment programmes in recent years, this route still remains available in some countries, such as Malta, Greece, and Cyprus. These countries offer residence opportunities linked to property purchase, with investment thresholds starting at €250,000 depending on the country. Let’s compare the current conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Europe by real estate investment.

Elena Ruda

At a time when mobility, tax exposure, and long-term security are increasingly uncertain, European Golden Visa programs offer a lawful way to secure residence abroad through investment, without giving up US citizenship. Countries such as Portugal, Greece, and Italy offer residence-by-investment pathways starting at €250,000. With a residence permit, you get legal stability, access to healthcare and education systems, and, in some cases, a route to permanent residence or citizenship.  This article explains how Golden Visas work for Americans, which EU programs remain open, what investment routes are available, and which legal and financial factors should be carefully assessed before applying.

Mohamed Zakaria

Around 90,000 people currently hold temporary residence in Latvia, most of whom have obtained their permits by employment, study, or family reunification. Wealthy individuals often choose the Golden Visa, which requires a minimum investment of €50,000. Latvia appeals to foreigners with its lower cost of living compared to much of Western and Northern Europe, high quality of life, modern healthcare system, and one of the EU’s most business-friendly tax regimes.

Anna Semenyuk

In 2024, EU countries issued 3.5 million first residence permits to non-EU nationals — a clear signal of Europe’s global pull. For Saudi citizens, the EU’s Golden Visa programmes offer a unique entry point. An investment secures residence, visa-free Schengen access, and the long-term prospect of EU citizenship. Explore which EU countries offer these visas — and how they differ in cost, benefits, and family coverage.

Mohamed Zakaria

Securing a residence permit in Europe no longer demands years of waiting, rigid job contracts, or family sponsorship. For those ready to invest, Golden Visa programmes open a faster, more flexible route to EU residence — without compromising business or lifestyle. Latvia, Greece, and Italy lead the way with some of the fastest investment routes in the EU, granting residence permits in as little as 3—4 months.

Mohamed Zakaria

Around 26.5 million foreigners live in EU countries with residence permits, according to Eurostat{{source: Source: Eurostat — [Residence permit statistics 2025](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/SEPDF/cache/74584.pdf)}}. For non-EU citizens, European residence enables them to live and work legally within the EU, travel visa-free across the Schengen Area, and have access to medical treatments and education. Countries like Italy, Portugal, and others offer residence by investment to non-EU wealthy foreigners, providing them with certain benefits in their host country.

Mohamed Zakaria

European countries offer residence permits by investment that do not require relocation. Investors can maintain their existing lifestyle while securing plan B and access to the Schengen Area. This article explains how zero-days and low-stay Golden Visa options work, and what benefits and risks US applicants should consider before applying.

Mohamed Zakaria

Golden Visas are often presented as investment vehicles, but for families, they function as long-term lifestyle frameworks. The programme chosen shapes children’s education, healthcare access, work and business rights, travel flexibility, and the route to future citizenship. This guide compares the most family-oriented options and highlights where each country stands out.

Mohamed Zakaria

Higher education and years of experience can open the door to a new professional setting and even long-term settlement in Portugal. The Global Talent Programme offers both career mobility and long-term residence in the EU. Learn all the nuances and benefits of residency for highly-qualified workers.

Pedro Barata

The Portugal D7 Visa offers a legal residence route for financially independent individuals who wish to live in Portugal without the need for employment or significant capital investment. Applicants may rely on passive income such as pensions, rental earnings, or dividends. The D7 Visa allows visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and provides a clear pathway to permanent residence and eventual Portuguese citizenship after 5 years. Below are the main advantages that make the D7 Visa one of the most attractive residency options in Europe.

Pedro Barata

Spain offers multiple legal pathways for non-EU nationals wishing to live in the country long-term. For US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens — who can enter Spain visa-free under the Schengen Agreement but are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period — a residence permit is required for any longer stay. This guide explains every current route to residence available and covers the Spain immigration process step by step, the tax implications, and the route to Spanish citizenship.

Vladlena Baranova

Portugal’s Golden Visa programme allows investors to relocate to the EU. However, living in Portugal permanently is not required for investors, nor is proficiency in Portuguese. Cosmopolitans holding Portuguese residence permits can travel without visas to other Schengen countries and open accounts in EU banks. Let’s explore the main benefits of Portugal Golden Visa participation and how much it costs to become a Portuguese resident as an investor.

Eymi Castro

Financially independent non-EU citizens looking to live in Europe have a compelling option in the Portugal D7 Visa — also known as the Passive Income Visa. This visa allows individuals with a stable income from abroad to apply for legal residency in Portugal, starting with a visa and leading to a residence permit. To qualify, applicants must show an annual income of at least €11,040, along with proof of accommodation and other supporting documents. Is this the right path for you? In this article, you'll learn how the D7 Visa works, what it takes to qualify, and why it’s become a popular choice for high-net-worth individuals and retirees.

Pedro Barata

Entrepreneurs may apply for a Portugal D2 Visa if they start or buy a business there. The visa allows one to get a residence permit and all its benefits, such as the right to live in Portugal and the opportunity to travel visa‑free to other Schengen countries. The usual obtaining period for the D2 Visa is about 6 months, plus 6—8 months are required to get a residence permit.  Requirements for businesses are quite soft: applicants may open companies in any sector and don’t have to get approval from Portuguese business incubators. These facts make the D2 Visa one of the most attractive ways to immigrate to Portugal.

Eymi Castro

A Malta residence permit may be granted on various grounds, the most common being employment, studies, family reunification, and investment of €30,000. The requirements and procedures depend on the type of permit. A residence permit holder has the right to relocate to Malta and travel visa-free within the Schengen Area. Investors may also obtain Maltese permanent residence. This is a lifelong status, although the residence card must be renewed every five years.

Julia Loko

The Italy Golden Visa program allows US citizens to live in Italy by contributing to the country’s economy. It is the fastest way for wealthy American families to become legal residents of Italy. The program allows Americans to obtain an Italian residency by investment, guaranteeing the right to live, work, study, and receive medical care there. US citizens and their families can get residence permit cards by investing at least €250,000.

Vladlena Baranova

The Latvia Golden Visa is a 2- or 5-year residence permit available through an investment starting from €50,000, making it one of the lowest entry points in the EU. It covers the main applicant and eligible family members, with no requirement to relocate to Latvia. For Indian citizens, the permit removes the need for a Schengen visa and provides visa-free access across the Schengen Area. Many Indian investors use it as a long-term EU mobility solution while keeping their business and tax base in India.

Lyle Julien

Wealthy individuals can get a Portugal Golden Visa if they purchase units of investment funds worth a minimum of €500,000. The holding period is at least 5 years.  The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence permit granted in exchange for contributing to the country's economy. It allows the applicant's entire family to live and work in the EU and, after 5 years, to apply for permanent residence.   But how does investing in funds under the Golden Visa programme actually work? What are the key benefits, and how can you choose the right fund? Let’s explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Pedro Barata

Portugal is a very attractive country for relocation, with a lot of options to obtain a residence permit. Among them are the D7 Passive Income Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa. A key distinction between the two visas is the holders’ tax residency status. The D7 visa holders have to live in Portugal; thus, they become tax residents. Meanwhile, the Golden Visa does not require its holders to reside in the country. In this article, we explain the differences between the programmes and how they can help you become a resident and potentially a citizen of Portugal.

Pedro Barata

The Portugal Golden Visa was launched in 2012. It provides a pathway to residence — and eventually citizenship — for non-EU investors, including Australian citizens. The Golden Visa offers various investment options, from supporting cultural heritage to business ventures. The minimum investment is €250,000. This guide explains how Australians can qualify for and benefit from the Golden Visa in Portugal.

Pedro Barata

Financially independent persons can secure a residence permit in Greece if they prove a stable passive income of at least €3,500 per month. They also need to buy health insurance and rent a property in the country. This article explains how to obtain a residence permit based on passive income and how it differs from the Greece Golden Visa.

Priscila Carvalho

Portugal introduced a dedicated residence visa for digital nomads in 2022, and it quickly became one of the most widely recognised options for remote workers. By September 2025, Portugal had received 9,322 applications, with 7,664 approvals recorded\{{source: Source: Conta-la — [D8 Visa statistics](https://www.conta-la.pt/pt/nomadas-digitais-pedidos-de-visto-e-autorizacoes-em-queda)}}. Remote work, a monthly income of at least €3,680, and a wish to establish legal residence in an ocean-side EU country are the key starting points for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application. Learn in this guide how the visa works, who qualifies, what documents to prepare, and what to expect after arrival in Portugal.

Pedro Barata

Wealthy Nigerians can get residence permits in Greece by investment. This status will solve the visa issue and give the opportunity to live, study and work in Europe. The investment threshold is €250,000. Applicants can choose from eight investment options, with the property purchase being most popular.

Lyle Julien

The path to Hungary permanent residency lies only through a temporary residence permit. A foreigner must live in the country for at least 3 years to qualify for permanent residency. Starting in July 2024, a Hungary  Golden Visa is available for wealthy foreigners. For a minimum investment of €250,000, they can become temporary residents for 10 years. In this article, we talk about all the ways to obtain a residence permit in Hungary and the advantages of living in one of the world's safest and most affordable countries.

Zlata Erlach

Spain offers two clear residence routes for non-EU nationals who want to settle without taking a conventional local job: the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and the Non-Lucrative Visa for people living on passive income or savings. Both visas open the door to life in Spain, Schengen travel, family residence, and a longer-term route to permanent status and citizenship. The difference starts with how income is earned, then shapes everything else — work rights, tax treatment, family eligibility, permit length, and renewal rules.

Eymi Castro

Foreigners planning to visit or move to Portugal can choose from four visa types, depending on the duration of their stay. Short-term visas include the Schengen, temporary stay, and Job Seeker visas. Residence visas, such as the Startup and D7 Visa, allow for longer stays. Learn if you need a visa for Portugal and which type suits your situation.

Eymi Castro

Spain is an attractive destination for American digital nomads, owing to the lower cost of living compared to the US. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa permits US remote workers to live in the country while being employed by non-Spanish companies. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa does not require its holder to obtain a residence permit once in Spain. The visa itself provides sufficient grounds for legal residency for up to a year. However, if obtained, the residence permit is valid for 3 years and is extendable for an additional 2 years. Discover the benefits of living in Spain as a digital nomad with our guide to Spain Digital Nomad Visa.

Vladlena Baranova

When considering obtaining residency through investment in funds, Hungary and Portugal stand out as two of the most popular destinations.  Hungary offers a more affordable entry point with a €250,000 investment, while Portugal requires at least €500,000. However, the decision goes beyond just the cost — each country presents unique terms, benefits, and risks.  This article compares the investment options in both countries, analysing the terms and conditions, costs, yields, and potential risks to help you determine the best choice for securing your residency.

Albert Ioffe

After Brexit, UK citizens lost unrestricted access to the EU and became subject to the 90-day Schengen limit. Many high-net-worth Britons therefore began looking for ways to regain greater flexibility within the EU, with the Portugal Golden Visa becoming one of the most popular solutions.  By investing at least €250,000, British applicants can obtain a 2-year residence permit for themselves and eligible family members. This guide explains how the Portugal Golden Visa works for British citizens, including the investment routes, application process, costs, tax considerations, and practical benefits.

Pedro Barata

Many countries allow foreigners to obtain residence permits; however, some ways are more challenging than others. With a residence permit, you can live in another country for the long haul typically anywhere from 1 to 5 years. You can qualify for one in several ways: by proving your financial stability, owning property, or making an investment. Investment is one of the easiest ways to become a resident of a certain state. Many European countries have special programmes designed for wealthy people who would like to become residents. Learn more about the easiest countries for getting a residence permit.

Mohamed Zakaria

The Golden Visa, or the Italian Investor Visa, allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit by contributing €250,000 or more to the country’s economy. The Italy Investor Visa programme is suitable for people wishing to live in Italy or travel without visas in Europe. The residence permit card is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for another 3 years. After 5 years of residence status, Golden Visa investors can apply for permanent residence in Italy. After another 5 years, they become eligible for Italian citizenship.

Anna Semenyuk