Greece

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.

Anna Semenyuk

As of June 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

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

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.

Priscila Carvalho

If you are looking for a residency 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

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

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.

Priscila Carvalho

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

Most EU countries do not levy a net wealth tax, which makes them attractive to high-net-worth investors. Obtaining residency by investment in one of these countries can improve tax efficiency while also providing a legally secure second residence. This guide explains what a net wealth tax is and how it differs from other asset-based taxes, compares the main EU jurisdictions, examines the key countries for investors, outlines US and UK cross-border issues, and describes the relocation process.

Albert Ioffe

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

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

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

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

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

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 programs open a faster, more flexible route to EU residency — 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.

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

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. Three countries, Vanuatu, Nauru, and São Tomé and Príncipe, offer the fastest citizenship by investment programmes, with passports issued in just 2—3 months. Similar programmes are found in the Caribbean, offering greater global mobility and other benefits.

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

Golden Visas are one the fastest ways for wealthy investors to become residents of a foreign country, and some options are absolute bargains. For example, it is possible to obtain residency in the EU by investing €50,000. In this article, we name the cheapest options to get a Golden Visa.

Albert Ioffe

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 residency. 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

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

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

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 residency, 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.

Albert Ioffe

There are 256 countries in the world, but when choosing one for second citizenship, the decision comes down to concrete benefits.  A strong passport can provide visa-free access to key regions, reduce tax burdens, and unlock new business and investment opportunities.  A passport’s strength can be measured in different ways, depending on individual goals, such as ease of relocation, tax advantages, or dual citizenship policies. Still, the number of visa-free destinations remains the most widely used benchmark.

Albert Ioffe

EU citizenship by descent can be granted based on proof that your ancestors were citizens of an EU country.  In this article, we discuss who and in which EU countries can obtain citizenship by descent.

Vladlena Baranova

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

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

The principle of obtaining citizenship “by right of blood” applies in the European Union. This means that a child born in the EU receives their parents’ citizenship. The “right of soil" or automatically granting citizenship of the country of birth also applies in some countries, albeit, with restrictions. In Europe, the easiest way to obtain citizenship by right of soil is in Portugal.

Vladlena Baranova

The migration policy of many countries does not allow foreigners to obtain permanent residence without a temporary one. The exception is a few states that offer to get permanent residency by investment and skip the stage of temporary residence. The article discusses opportunities for immigration in different countries, and where it is cheaper to live and easier to settle.

Alevtina Kalmuk

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

With 5.5 million US citizens already living abroad\[1\], an increasing number of Americans are choosing to relocate overseas. Whether it’s the allure of a lower cost of living, better career opportunities, or simply a change of scenery, the options for American expats are vast. But choosing the right destination can be daunting.  In this guide, we explore the easiest countries for Americans to move to, highlighting key factors like visa requirements, language, and ease of settling.

Alevtina Kalmuk

Over 4 million Canadians live abroad, drawn by the promise of a lower cost of living, improved quality of life, or a change of scenery. While many choose the US, UK, and Australia, numerous other destinations offer enticing benefits such as tax incentives, warmer climates, and better work-life balance. Discover why and where Canadians are relocating, along with the residency options available to them.

Alevtina Kalmuk

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

Panama offers the Qualified Investor Visa, a residence by investment programme with a minimum threshold starting at $300,000. By completing an investment, foreigners obtain permanent residence in the country. The programme is often considered by internationally mobile entrepreneurs and families who want geographic diversification while keeping their primary residence elsewhere. This guide explains the key requirements, and outlines the realistic pathway to citizenship for investors.

Eymi Castro

Legal tax optimisation through investment-based relocation has become one of the most consequential financial decisions a high-net-worth individual can make. It allows them to access regimes with low tax rates or fixed annual lump-sum taxation, as well as to register a company in a tax-attractive jurisdiction. This article outlines the full spectrum of legal strategies available and identifies citizenship and residency by investment pathways that can help reduce one’s tax burden.

Albert Ioffe

In 2024, Turkish nationals submitted 1,173,917 Schengen visa applications, one of the highest volumes globally, with a refusal rate of 14.5%\[1\]. 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

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

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

Moving to a new country can be stressful, especially when language barriers make communication a challenge. Struggling to communicate using only gestures makes even simple tasks feel frustrating and overwhelming. Expats can skip this stress by choosing a destination where English is widely spoken. We've curated a list of 17 of the best countries for English speakers to live in, spanning Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa.

Alevtina Kalmuk

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

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