Greece

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 two years and can be renewed for another three years. After five years of residence status, Golden Visa investors can apply for permanent residence in Italy. After another five years, they become eligible for Italian citizenship.

Anna Semenyuk

Foreigners looking to obtain citizenship in Malta have several routes to choose from. Malta citizenship by naturalisation is the most popular and time-based pathway requiring 5 years of residence, stable ties, and proven integration in Malta. The alternative route is citizenship by merit. It relies on exceptional contributions linked to Malta and a discretionary assessment, not a fixed timeline. Since 2025, Malta no longer offers citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment.

Anna Semenyuk

As of March 2026, Greece passport holders can visit 171 countries without a visa, including all European countries. To visit the USA, Canada, and Australia, the Greeks obtain an electronic travel authorisation. The Greece Golden Visa can be the first step for foreigners to obtain a passport. This Visa is also an alternative to a Schengen one. Let’s look at the main destinations to travel visa-free if you get a Greek passport.

Julia Loko

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

To obtain a second passport, an individual can get married, confirm a familial relation to a citizen of the country, or undergo the naturalisation process. An alternative option is to acquire citizenship by investment. Two countries, Vanuatu and São Tomé and Príncipe, offer the fastest citizenship-by-investment program, with passports issued in just 2 months. The simplest programs are found in the Caribbean, featuring short processing times and no requirement for physical residency.

Albert Ioffe

Investing in Greek real estate offers more than just a home in the sun. It’s a strategic move into the EU market with affordable prices, strong rental yields, and the added benefit of a residence permit through the Golden Visa\[1\].  This guide explores property prices, investment hotspots, legal steps, and key considerations for foreign buyers in 2025.

Elena Ruda

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 residency, how to apply, and how to choose the most suitable country for long-term relocation.

Albert Ioffe

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 residency-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

Roughly 9 million Americans live outside the US\[1\], and many plan to stay abroad long term in retirement. For those looking at Golden Visas, citizenship by investment, or passive income visas, a 403(b) retirement plan can be more than just a pension pot. Properly timed withdrawals can help fund qualifying investments and prove stable income, turning workplace savings into a practical tool for securing residence or a second citizenship.

Albert Ioffe

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.

Albert Ioffe

To become a citizen of an EU country, one can follow three paths: descent, naturalisation, and naturalisation after making an investment. Obtaining an EU country's citizenship can take 3 to 10 years, depending on the specific state and circumstances, as well as on the applicant's situation. 

Albert Ioffe

Malta combines low employer on-top costs, generous tax refunds, and EU-leading GDP growth, which already makes it a smart base for doing business. Although only 2.4% of companies are foreign-controlled, they generate 43.8% of total value added — a clear sign that international firms tend to scale well in Malta\[1\]. One of the practical ways for entrepreneurs to move their business to Malta is through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. It offers lifelong status, no minimum stay requirement, Schengen access, and a strategic EU location for reaching both European and Mediterranean markets.

Robert Outerbridge

Around 90,000 people currently hold temporary residency 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.

Albert Ioffe

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 programs offer a unique entry point. A qualifying 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

The Greece Golden Visa is a state investment programme that grants a renewable 5-year residence permit to investors and their families. Residency 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 residency.

Julia Loko

Greece offers a preferential non-dom tax regime for investors, allowing them to legally reduce their tax burden to a fixed amount or a favourable rate.  Holders of non-dom status pay €100,000 a year instead of the standard income tax rate of up to 44%. Retirees are taxed at 7% on worldwide income, while entrepreneurs and employees receive a 50% discount on income tax for 7 years.  Here is how to benefit from the non-dom regime in Greece, and how it compares with similar regimes in other countries.

Albert Ioffe

A temporary residence permit grants the right to live abroad for a set number of years. It is often tied to employment, university enrolment, family reunification, or investment. Over time, one may become eligible for a permanent residence permit. This status allows indefinite stay and typically comes with fewer restrictions. This article explains the key differences between temporary and permanent residence permits, covering how they work, who qualifies, and why they matter for those looking to settle abroad.

Vladlena Baranova

The monthly cost for one person in Greece is €809 without rent, while a family of four spends €2,777 per month. It is 30% lower than in the USA and 20% more affordable than in the UK. Rent prices in Greece are two to three times lower than in these countries. Find out how these sums add up from expenses on food, transportation, and leisure, and how much accommodation, education, and medical services cost in Greece.

Julia Loko

Most often citizenship of the European Union, EU, is obtained by naturalisation. You need to obtain a resident status and live in the country for several years. In some EU countries, there are investment residence permit programs that simplify the path to citizenship. In Malta, cosmopolitans can obtain citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment after 1 or 3 years of residence.

Albert Ioffe

Around 27.5 million foreigners live in EU countries with residence permits, according to Eurostat. For non-EU citizens, European residency 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 residency by investment to non-EU wealthy foreigners, providing them with certain benefits in their host country.

Albert Ioffe

Newborn children acquire citizenship either by "right of blood" or "right of soil". In the first case, it is based on the citizenship of the parents, and in the second case, it depends on the country of birth. In some countries both these principles apply. We explain these concepts in detail.

Vladlena Baranova

Over the past decade, EU countries have collectively garnered approximately 25 billion euros in foreign direct investment through residency-by-investment programs. 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.

Albert Ioffe

Ireland's residency by investment programme allows non-EEA citizens to obtain residency in the state. Investors who receive a residence permit this way get the right to work, study and start a business in a country with the second-highest GDP per capita in the world. Learn if you’re eligible for the programme and find the best investment option for you.

Elena Ruda

49% of all countries allow dual citizenship: the US, Caribbean states, Türkiye, and many others. With dual citizenship, one can choose better living conditions, receive social benefits, and have more opportunities to travel. Careful planning is essential when obtaining dual citizenship; it's important to verify whether the home country permits it to avoid losing the original citizenship. Continue reading to learn which countries offer dual citizenship and what is the easiest way to obtain one more nationality.

Vladlena Baranova

A residence permit by investment in Europe opens up opportunities for visa-free travel, a comfortable life, and business development.  Buying real estate is the fastest way to get a residence permit in several EU countries. Greece, Cyprus, and Malta provide unique opportunities for investors willing to spend at least €250,000 in exchange for the status. Let's compare the current conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Europe by investment.

Elena Ruda

Wealthy people from all over the world buy properties abroad for various reasons. For example, to save money or get a holiday home. However, owning property is not enough to visit the country anytime or live there for as long as you want. That’s when a residence permit or citizenship is a must. Discover the countries where investors can combine business with pleasure by both purchasing liquid properties and obtaining a second passport or a residence permit.

Elena Ruda

According to the Annual Global Retirement Index 2024, Greece ranks 7th among the best places to retire, thanks to its natural beauty, warm climate, and peaceful way of life. It is also popular among retirees thanks to a special tax regime. Foreigners may retire to Greece through the Golden Visa and the Retirement Visa, obtaining residence permits. In 7 years, they may apply for citizenship. Learn about the residency requirements in Greece and which places are most appealing for retiring.

Julia Loko

If an immigrant does not have enough money to stay in the country, they can ask for help from a sponsor. The sponsor guarantees the government that the immigrant will receive financial support during their stay. Sponsors can be family members, friends, companies, or anyone else. Sponsors have certain responsibilities. First and foremost, their financial situation must allow them to help the immigrant while still being able to provide for themselves.

Vladlena Baranova

Latvia introduced its Golden Visa program 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. Between 2013 and 2024, a total of 13,294 investors and their family members secured Latvian residence permits. Applicants can qualify by investing in Latvian companies, purchasing real estate, or buying shares or subordinated capital in local credit institutions. 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

It seems to only feel natural for Britons to seek variety. J.K. Rowling had completed the first three chapters of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” while in Porto, Portugal, and Ian Fleming made James Bond’s ties with Switzerland obvious. It's estimated that around 5.5 million British citizens reside abroad. Britons move abroad to boost their quality of life, optimise taxes, and find a more affordable lifestyle. We’ve compiled a list of the best countries for Britons to move to.

Lyle Julien

An Ireland residence permit can be obtained for an investment of €400,000. The Investor Visa allows the holder to work, do business, and study in the country, and after five years of residence, they can apply for citizenship. We discuss who is eligible to apply for an Irish residence permit by investment, how to participate in the investment program and the grounds on which an Irish passport can be granted.

Elena Ruda

As of May 2025, investors can purchase real estate for at least €250,000 to participate in the Greece Golden Visa Program. 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.

Julia Loko

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 programs designed for wealthy people who would like to become residents. Learn more about the easiest countries for getting a residence permit.

Albert Ioffe

No vampires remain in Romania — only about 300 castles they used to live in. Mediaeval fortifications aside, Romania boasts an attractive passport that will be even stronger once the country joins the Schengen Area in April 2024. Impressive travel freedom, low cost of living, and acres of pristine nature — what’s not to like? Beware of scam agents, though; sadly, Romania is notorious in this regard. The fraudulent documents the scammers issue could land one into trouble, like getting banned from the EU for life. Here's everything you need to know about the legal ways to get Romanian citizenship.

Elena Ruda

Research companies publish rankings of the best cities to live in every year. In 2021, such a review was published by Resonance Consultancy. It includes 100 cities with a population of one million, in which it is pleasant to live and work.

Alevtina Kalmuk

Rating agencies and financial magazines estimate banks to choose the most reliable ones for individuals and companies. Global Finance, an American financial magazine, assesses banks that work worldwide and are suitable for foreign investors. In 2022 it estimated banks from 150 countries. The list of winners was based on how banks performed in the previous year and such criteria as reputation, management excellence, and leadership in digital transformation. Read on to discover the list of reliable banks for investors.

Albert Ioffe

Greece’s passport is obtained by naturalisation after 7 years of living in the country.  The first step is a residence permit. Wealthy foreigners can get it by investing at least €250,000 in real estate and business options. There is no government initiative like Greece citizenship by investment, but foreigners participating in the Greece Golden Visa Program obtain the passport by naturalisation on general terms.

Julia Loko

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

Getting a job in Serbia, studying at a Serbian university, or being a relative of a country's citizen are the most common grounds for moving to Serbia and eventually obtaining a passport. Serbia offers two more options for residency that significantly ease a path to citizenship. They are ownership of real estate of any value or investment in any Serbia-registered company.

Elena Ruda

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

Greece allows its citizens to have dual citizenship. This means one can keep their current passport while also becoming a citizen of Greece.  3 ways are common for those who want to get a Greek passport: descent, naturalisation, and military service. To simplify the process of getting Greek citizenship, wealthy people often choose to obtain the Greece Golden Visa first. Having obtained it, they become eligible to apply for citizenship after residing in the country for 7 years.

Julia Loko

As of October 2025, around nine million Americans are expats living in other countries. By moving abroad, they can maintain a high quality of life with more favorable conditions. Just before and after the President elections in the USA, the interest in relocation spikes among Americans, as various surveys put political and social unrest as one of the main reasons for US citizens to seek residency abroad, alongside high living expenses. We go over the best and easiest countries to relocate from the US, based on expat preferences and expert advice. The options include obtaining a residence permit or citizenship by investing in the country’s economy.

Albert Ioffe

Greece is a popular choice among both tourists and expats: foreign residents represent around 8% of the total population of the country. And there is a good reason for such popularity. An affordable cost of living, accessible healthcare, welcoming people, and a perfect climate are just a few advantages of living in Greece. However, there are some drawbacks to moving to the Hellenic Republic as well. Let’s break down all the pros and cons of residing in Greece as an expat.

Julia Loko

French citizens can travel without visas to 188 countries and freely visit the countries in the Schengen area, the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan. France is a member of the European Union. With a French passport, you can work, do business, enroll in a school or university of any country in the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

Elena Ruda

Is it possible to obtain multiple citizenships? The answer is yes. A person can be a citizen of two or even more countries.  However, some countries do not allow dual citizenship, and in such cases, the original passport may be revoked. For instance, Austria requires individuals to renounce their previous citizenships when acquiring Austrian nationality. Keep reading to explore the conditions and potential challenges of holding multiple citizenships.

Vladlena Baranova

Greece has a lot to brag about: stunning views, 250 days of sun per year, and one of the healthiest diets in the world. Those who want to live by the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy the breeziness of life can apply for Greek residency. Permanent residence is a status that allows its holder to reside and work in Greece for a long period of time as opposed to a temporary residence permit, which has to be renewed every 1 or 2 years and provides fewer benefits.

Julia Loko

If you are looking for a residency by investment program 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.

Julia Loko

Finnish citizenship allows you to travel visa-free to 189 countries throughout the world, live and work in the EU, and take advantage of a free education system, as well as a high quality medical system. We discuss the conditions that need to be met to get a Finnish passport, the benefits of Finish citizenship, and whether you can remain a citizen of another country at the same time.

Elena Ruda