Residence permit

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.

Vladlena Baranova

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

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 government tends to attract foreign talents and investment to the country, and that’s why innovators are welcomed there. So, if you have a prospective startup idea, you may apply for residency in Portugal. Entrepreneurs must submit detailed business plans and find approved Portuguese incubators to accelerate their projects. After that, they apply for a Startup Visa and a 2-year residence permit. Read on to find out the requirements for applicants and businesses under the Portugal Startup Visa program.

Eymi Castro

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

Around 50 countries offer Digital Nomad Visas, but only a few provide a pathway to permanent residence, or PR, and citizenship. A second passport for digital nomads is a long-term possibility in countries where remote workers can qualify for permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship through naturalisation. This article lists five European and two South American countries with Digital Nomad Visas that lead to permanent residence and citizenship.

Mohamed Zakaria

In 2024, Italy registered 5.3 million foreigners. To join them and move to the country, an individual needs to obtain a residency permit.  There are two types of permits in Italy: temporary and permanent. A temporary residence permit is granted to foreigners for work, study, family reunification, or an investment of over €250,000 in the country’s economy. After spending 5 years in Italy, a foreigner can obtain permanent residency. This status allows for indefinite stay and work in the country. Let’s dive deep into all the Italian residency requirements and conditions for moving to Italy as a foreigner.

Lyle Julien

Thinking about living in Greece? You’ve got two main options for residency: temporary and permanent.  There’s a path for almost everyone to get a temporary residency permit in Greece — whether you want to work, launch a business, study, or simply enjoy your retirement under the Mediterranean sun. You can usually get a temporary permit within just 2 months of applying. After 5 years of living in Greece, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. Another option is to support Greece’s economy and secure a 5-year residence permit, without the need to move there full-time.

Julia Loko

Hungary offers more than 20 ways to obtain a residence permit. Investors, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, students, and researchers may become residents. The residence permit is issued for one to ten years. Hungarian residents can live in the European Union, travel across the Schengen Area visa-free, and obtain permanent residency and citizenship. However, residency has peculiarities you want to be aware of before moving to Hungary.

Zlata Erlach

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

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 Italy Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers and freelancers to obtain residence in Italy for one year. To apply for the visa and move to the land of endless gelato, foreigners must demonstrate a minimum annual income of €28,000 and confirm the right to work remotely. After five years of living in Italy, digital nomads can obtain permanent residence, and another five years later, they can apply for citizenship by naturalisation.

Robert Outerbridge

Portugal is attracting a growing number of Indians each year. In 2025 alone, over 25,000 Indian citizens received Portuguese residence permits{{source: Source: AIMA — [Migration and Asylum Report 2025](https://aima.gov.pt/docs/Relatorio_de_Migracoes_e_Asilo_2025.pdf)}}, while 170 Indian investors were granted Golden Visas{{source: Source: ECO — [Golden Visas hit a record in 2025](https://eco.sapo.pt/2026/09/25/vistos-gold-batem-recorde-em-2025-mas-aima-deixa-de-divulgar-investimento-captado)}}. The Portugal Golden Visa programme offers residence for €250,000+, with the right to relocate to Portugal and travel within the Schengen Area, and may eventually provide a path to Portuguese citizenship. This article explains how the Portugal Golden Visa works for Indians, including the available investment routes, eligibility requirements, application process, costs, and the impact of India’s LRS rules on transferring funds abroad.

Lyle Julien

An immigration agent is a consulting company that helps clients obtain residency, permanent residency, or second citizenship in another country. The field attracts many fraudsters and unreliable agents. To avoid losing money, protect one’s peace of mind, and successfully obtain a Portuguese residence permit, it is essential to choose lawyers carefully.  In this article, we explain why you need a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer and the key criteria to consider before choosing one.

Pedro Barata

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

The Hungary Golden Visa allows foreign nationals to obtain a Hungarian residence permit by contributing to the country’s economy. Two investment options are available to potential investors: participating in a local real estate fund and a charitable donation to a higher education institution. The minimum investment for a 10-year residence permit is €250,000.

Zlata Erlach

The Hungary residence permit is a way to enjoy the perks of living in the EU, like getting a prestigious education and high-quality healthcare. The most common reasons for foreigners to move to Hungary are employment, university enrollment, marriage, and investment. Each option has its benefits and limitations.

Zlata Erlach

The number of operating companies and entrepreneurs in Hungary keeps rising. As of early 2026, Hungary has 1.8 million enterprises in total\{{source: Source: Hungarian Central Statistical Office — [Number of registered economic corporations and unincorporated enterprises by legal forms](https://www.ksh.hu/stadat_files/gsz/en/gsz0002.html)}}, including 15,888 foreign-controlled affiliates\{{source: Source: Hungarian Central Statistical Office — [Number and share of foreign-controlled affiliates by section and the residence of the ultimate owner](https://www.ksh.hu/stadat_files/gsz/en/gsz0019.html)}}. Foreign entrepreneurs can obtain a Hungarian residence permit by registering a company and becoming a founder. This guide covers eligibility, company types, taxes, and the key practical steps and risks.

Ferenc Tihánszky

If you have a stable passive income, sufficient savings, and are ready to rent or buy property in the EU, you may qualify for a financially independent person visa. This type of a residence permit is designed for living, not working. Since the income must come from abroad, it cannot be used to build a local career. In this guide, we’ll explore who qualifies for financially independent residence, how to apply, and how to choose the most suitable country for long-term relocation.

Mohamed Zakaria

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 Portugal D7 Visa appeals to foreigners with its accessible requirements. A monthly income of at least €920 is enough to obtain the visa, followed by a residence permit. However, an important detail is often overlooked: only passive income qualifies, meaning salaries and freelance payments do not count. As an alternative, Portugal offers the Digital Nomad Visa, which does not require passive income. Instead, applicants qualify based on remote work earnings if they can demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,680. In 2023, Digital Nomad Visas were issued to 2,460 foreigners.

Vladlena Baranova

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 D7 Visa is an opportunity for US citizens seeking residency in one of the EU’s most welcoming countries. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum passive income of around $1,000 per month. This visa allows Americans to live in Portugal without employment, making it ideal for retirees and financially independent individuals. Learn more about the benefits of the Portugal D7 Visa, the application process, and how to transition to permanent residency or citizenship.

Eymi Castro

Nearly 20,000 Americans now reside in Portugal, and this number continues to rise with 5,000 new residence permits granted in 2024 \{{source: Source: AIMA, [Migration and Asylum Report 2024](https://aima.gov.pt/media/pages/documents/fec4d6a712-1760603125/relatorio-migracoes-e-asilo-2024.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)}}.  Key reasons for moving to Portugal include the country's relatively low cost of living, mild climate, low crime rate, and favorable residence options. The Portugal Golden Visa is particularly appealing to wealthy US citizens seeking European residency. It offers an opportunity to diversify investments and enjoy a new lifestyle in a safe and stable country. In this article, you’ll learn how to qualify for the Golden Visa and explore the benefits it provides to US citizens.

Pedro Barata

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.

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

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 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