Residence permit

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

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

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

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

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

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

Following the closure of Spain’s Golden Visa route, demand for alternative residence options has grown steadily. As a result, the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa has become the primary legal pathway for non-EU nationals who wish to live in the country without working or making a local investment. This Visa is available to applicants who can demonstrate passive income of at least €28,800 per year. This guide outlines how the visa operates under current legislation, who it is best suited to, and the key practical considerations prospective applicants should bear in mind.

Eymi Castro

At first glance, the Greece Golden Visa and the Italy Investor Visa appear remarkably similar. Both programmes start from an investment of €250,000 and provide residence rights in a EU country. In practice, however, they are designed for different types of investors. This comparison explains how the two programmes differ in terms of benefits, requirements, investments, application timelines, all-in costs, tax exposure, and preferential tax regimes.

Mohamed Zakaria

Spain has become one of the most popular relocation destinations for Latin Americans. Beyond cultural and linguistic ties, eligible nationals can apply for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of legal residence — far sooner than most other foreigners. One of the simplest ways to begin that journey is the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa for financially independent persons. This guide explains the eligibility requirements, financial thresholds, application process, tax implications, and the advantages the route offers to Latin American applicants.

Eymi Castro

Cultural donations under the Portugal Golden Visa surged in 2025, reaching €46.8 million, nearly four times the €11.7 million recorded a year earlier\{{source: Source: [According to the Dinheiro Vivo](https://dinheirovivo.dn.pt/economia/doaes-cultura-para-obter-vistos-gold-dispararam-quase-300-em-2025), Portuguese business and financial media outlet}}. These figures show growing interest in the cultural donation route, which allows investors to qualify for Portugal residence by supporting artistic production or the recovery and maintenance of national cultural heritage.  With a standard threshold of €250,000, reduced to €200,000 for eligible low-density projects, cultural donation is the lowest-cost Portugal Golden Visa option. This guide covers the legal framework, GEPAC's certification role, the application process, and a full cost breakdown.

Pedro Barata

Spain and Portugal offer Digital Nomad Visas for non-EU remote workers who want to live in the EU while earning income from abroad. Spain requires a monthly income of at least €2,849, while Portugal sets a higher threshold of €3,680. The Digital Nomad Visas differ in processing time, tax rules, work conditions, and long-term residence prospects. This article explains which option may suit employees, freelancers, founders, families, and those planning a path to permanent residence or citizenship.

Mohamed Zakaria

For Turkish investors, the Italy Golden Visa can become a way to gain easier access to Europe, create more opportunities for their children, and diversify wealth in a stable currency while keeping strong ties to Türkiye. This guide explains the programme's benefits, requirements, investment options, costs, tax rules, family inclusion, and the path to permanent residence and citizenship.

Robert Outerbridge

Investors obtain residence permits known as the Spain Golden Visa by investing in the country’s economy at least €500,000. The most popular investment option is purchasing real estate. The Spain Golden Visa allows its holders to visit all Schengen countries visa-free and live, study, and run a business in Spain.

Albert Ioffe

Purchasing real estate is the most popular option offered by the Spain residence permit by investment program: 44% of investors buy property in Barcelona, and ​​16%, in Madrid. We discuss the process, terms, and other features of this method.

Elena Ruda

The Spain Golden Visa program, or the Spain residence permit by investment, is a unique opportunity for non-EU nationals. By making investments of at least €500,000, individuals can secure residency rights with potential pathways to citizenship. The most popular route to getting the Spain Golden Visa is real estate investment. Discover the benefits and disadvantages of the program to understand why it has become globally attractive for investors.

Elena Kozyreva

Portugal is often seen as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Europe. It combines strong legal protections, same-sex marriage, recognition of de facto unions, and a generally calm social climate that many expats find easier to navigate than in more politically polarised countries. This guide explains what LGBTQ+ life in Portugal is really like. It covers the legal framework, social climate, residence options, practical relocation issues, and the main risks to keep in mind before moving.

Pedro Barata

As of May 2026, investors can purchase real estate for at least €250,000 to participate in the Greece Golden Visa Programme. Imagine living by the sea and traveling across the Schengen Area without a visa. That’s exactly what this path offers you and your family, along with a valuable residence permit. The properties can be rented out or sold after the residency expires or after obtaining citizenship.

Elena Kozyreva

Greece has issued almost 90,000 Golden Visa residence permits since the programme launched in 2013, including permits granted to investors and their family members, as well as renewals. The high uptake highlights its appeal as a practical, long-term solution for families seeking stability, mobility, and a secure base in the EU. With a single investment, applicants can extend residency rights to their spouse or partner, children under 21, and parents.

Anna Semenyuk

The Greece Golden Visa offers non-EU citizens a path to European residence by investment. It grants visa-free access to 29 countries, the right to rent out property, and eligibility for citizenship after 7 years. In this guide, you’ll learn why non-EU investors choose Greece, how the Golden Visa works, what documents are needed, and how to apply for residence.

Anna Semenyuk

The Greece Golden Visa is open to non-EU nationals who invest at least €250,000 into the country — usually through real estate, a bank deposit or an investment fund. How long it takes depends on the route you choose. If you go for a financial investment like a deposit or fund, the full process can take around 4 months. If you buy property, expect at least 6 months, sometimes more. In this guide, we break down the options and explain how to make the process as smooth and fast as possible.

Anna Semenyuk

The Greece Golden Visa offers several investment options to obtain a residence permit, including the purchase of real estate. However, not all investors are interested in managing property or dealing with maintenance costs and taxes.  For those seeking a simpler and more flexible solution, investing at least €350,000 in regulated mutual funds provides a practical alternative — with no need to own or maintain physical assets.  This article explores how fund-based investments work, who they suit best, and why they are gaining traction in today’s market.

Elena Ruda

In 2024 alone, Portugal issued 2,081 residence permits by investment activity, along with 2,909 permits for accompanying family members\{{source: Source: According to the [latest official AIMA data available](https://aima.gov.pt/media/pages/documents/fec4d6a712-1760603125/relatorio-migracoes-e-asilo-2024.pdf)}}.  Within the Portugal Golden Visa, purchasing units of qualifying funds has become the preferred route for many high-net-worth applicants. An increasingly popular segment within this category is crypto-exposed funds — Portuguese collective investment vehicles that allocate part of their portfolios to digital assets. A contribution of at least €500,000 in a cryptocurrency fund qualifies applicants for a residence permit valid for 2 years, with the option of indefinite renewals thereafter.

Pedro Barata

The Portugal D7 Visa allows financially independent Turkish citizens to obtain residence in Portugal by proving stable passive income of €920 per month\{{source: Source: Subsistence rules — [Decreto-Lei n.º 139/2025, de 29 de dezembro — Diário da República](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/decreto-lei/139-2025-992879809)}}. Qualifying income includes pensions, long-term rent, dividends, royalties, and fixed-rate interest originating from Türkiye or another country other than Portugal. Applicants also need to buy or rent housing in Portugal and submit documents at a Portuguese consulate in their country of residence.

Pedro Barata

Choosing between the Portugal and Italy Golden Visa is not a matter of which programme is better, but which fits the investor’s goals. Both provide EU residency, but differ in processing speed, investment options, family inclusion, and the path to citizenship. A careful comparison reveals not just technical differences, but fundamentally different approaches to investment, mobility, and planning for the future.

Mohamed Zakaria

Turkish high-net-worth individuals are increasingly exploring European residency. Lira volatility, travel restrictions, and global mobility considerations have made EU residence by investment routes particularly relevant for internationally active Turkish investors.  One of the options attracting interest is the Portugal Golden Visa, which offers Turks citizens a route to EU residence. Since its launch in 2012, the programme has attracted more than €7.3 billion in foreign investment and granted residence permits to more than 37,000 applicants, including family members. For many Turkish applicants, the Portugal Golden Visa functions as a strategic long-term residency option in the European Union.

Pedro Barata

Portugal has quietly become one of the world’s favourite places to settle. In the Expat Insider Survey 2025, it ranks 9th globally among most popular countries of residence for foreigners\{{source: Source: [Expat Insider Survey 2025 by Internations](https://www.internations.org/content-assets/static/dd4b614d816f1b6777b53d4fe8d0e206/Expat-Insider-2025-survey-report_by-InterNations.pdf)}}. The real challenge is not whether to choose Portugal, but how to become a resident. The Globat Talent Programme for highly qualified professionals is entering the scene with a 100% approval rate. How does it differ from the D3 Visa and EU Blue Card for professionals? And when is it smarter to choose the D7 route for freelancers or the D8 for remote workers? This guide breaks down the differences so each goal can be matched to the right status.

Pedro Barata

Highly qualified professionals may apply for a Portugal HQA Visa if they find a job there. After that, they get a 2-year residence permit with the right to live and work there. Managers, IT specialists, engineers, doctors, and scientists may choose this path of immigration to Portugal. Let’s observe the conditions for obtaining the visa, its benefits and alternatives.

Eymi Castro

Portugal attracts senior foreigners from around the globe with a low cost of living, safety, developed infrastructure, sunny weather, and high healthcare quality. The Portugal Retirement Visa offers two routes to move to Portugal, while the D7 Visa requires proof of a passive income outside of Portugal. Also, retirees can invest at least €250,000 to participate in the Portugal Golden Visa Program to get residence permits. Learn why Portugal is considered retirement heaven and how to get residency there.

Eymi Castro

With a Digital Nomad Visa, Egyptian citizens can work remotely from over 40 countries, including European Union states like Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Malta. Each visa program has different requirements for potential applicants who need to prove a certain income amount from a foreign source, as well as buy or rent housing before obtaining the visa. Here’s a complete list of countries offering residence permits for remote workers, income requirements, and a handpicked selection of the best Digital Nomad Visas for Egyptians.

Albert Ioffe

45 countries around the world offer Digital Nomad Visas. They all have different requirements, benefits, costs of living, and climates. Thanks to this diversity, nomads can choose the most appropriate country for their needs. In this article, you will find a complete list of countries that offer Digital Nomad Visas with conditions and requirements that applicants should meet.

Albert Ioffe

State permission is required to live in the country. It is confirmed by the following documents: a residence permit, a permanent residence card or a citizen's passport. We will tell you the opportunities each status brings and how to choose the right one.

Vladlena Baranova

Choosing between residency in Greece, Portugal, or Malta isn’t just about the size of your investment. From tax regimes and citizenship timelines to permit types, lifestyle, and living costs — each Golden Visa programme offers a distinct set of advantages. This article provides a detailed comparison of the three EU residency options, helping you determine which one best matches your investment strategy, family needs, and long-term lifestyle goals.

Albert Ioffe

Europe is an attractive destination for many foreigners, including Americans, seeking residence permits. The region offers a high quality of life, often at a more affordable cost than the US.  In some countries, wealthy Americans can take advantage of fast and easy pathways to temporary and permanent residency. Entrepreneurs may also enjoy tax optimizations and the opportunity to expand their business into the unified EU market. In this article, we explore 11 European countries with the best residence permits for US nationals.

Albert Ioffe

Portugal Golden Visa is often viewed as a residence route, but for wealthy families it can also work as an asset diversification tool. Through a qualifying investment fund, investors can place capital into a regulated Portuguese investment structure while securing residence rights in an EU country. This guide explains how the fund route works, which costs and risks to model, why fund selection matters before committing €500,000, and what benefits the Portugal Golden Visa can offer beyond asset diversification.

Pedro Barata

In 2024, Turkish nationals submitted 1,173,917 Schengen visa applications, one of the highest volumes globally, with a refusal rate of 14.5%\{{source: Source: [Official figures](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/visa-applications-reach-117-million-eu-and-schengen-associated-countries-2025-05-20_en) by the European Commission}}. Processing timelines and refusals disrupted travel plans, at times resulting in missed business meetings and cancelled procurement trips. Against this backdrop, the Hungary Golden Visa offers a predictable alternative to high-net-worth individuals. It grants a 10-year residence permit in exchange for an investment starting at €250,000. As the permit requires no minimum stay, Turkish nationals may live in their home country while travelling across 29 Schengen states without repeated visa applications.  The Golden Visa also provides the option to relocate to Hungary, access to European healthcare and education, and a potential path to EU citizenship.

Ferenc Tihánszky

Turkish citizens who work remotely can apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa to live in Spain and travel within the Schengen Area. The visa allows them to reside in Spain while maintaining employment or business activity outside the country. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a stable monthly income of about €2,849, or roughly €34,188 per year, for a single applicant. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, Digital Nomad Visa holders may become eligible for permanent residency.

Eymi Castro

Living in Spain has become an increasingly attractive option for remote professionals. The country combines a favourable climate, reliable digital infrastructure, and internationally connected cities that support both work and everyday life. Spain offers the Digital Nomad Visa, allowing foreigners to reside in the country while working remotely for employers or clients abroad. The permit provides a clear legal pathway to 3-year residency, with the option to renew and later apply for permanent residency and citizenship. This guide explains how the Spain Digital Nomad Visa works, who qualifies, the costs and application process, and what to expect when relocating.

Vladlena Baranova

Italy's economy is the third-largest national economy in the European Union. It welcomes entrepreneurs and investors, providing options to get long-term residency by starting a business or investing in the Italian economy. Learn how much it costs to launch a company and get residency in Italy.

Vladlena Baranova

6.9 million foreign residents live in Spain in 2025. Seniors from all over the world move to Spain to make the most of their golden years. They indulge in the warm sea and culinary delights, spend days in the sun, and enjoy local amenities. Explore the ins and outs of retirement in Spain so your relocation goes as smoothly as possible.

Vladlena Baranova