Malta

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 Latvia, 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

As of June 2026, a Maltese passport gives visa-free access to \[saFreeSummary:mt\] countries, including the Schengen states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia. Get to know what countries are visa-free for Malta citizens and the conditions of entry.

Vladlena Baranova

The easiest countries to get citizenship in 2026 — by investment, descent, marriage, or naturalisation — let qualified applicants secure a second passport in as little as 2—3 months. The fastest options are citizenship by investment programmes in Vanuatu, Nauru, and São Tomé and Príncipe, while Caribbean programmes may offer stronger global mobility and broader family benefits. This guide ranks 17 countries by speed, cost, and eligibility.

Albert Ioffe

Holding multiple citizenships provides a person with a number of benefits, such as freedom of travel, the ability to choose the more advanced healthcare system, and wider educational opportunities.  However, there are some cons to holding two passports, too.

Vladlena Baranova

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

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.

Julia Loko

Real estate in Malta might be an excellent investment that allows you to apply for Malta permanent residency: the Malta Permanent Residence Programme requires its applicants to buy or rent a residential property in the country, among other conditions.  But buying or renting real estate is the first step. Let’s see what comes next and how much does it cost to maintain a property in Malta.

Vladlena Baranova

Real estate in Malta may be a good choice for investment: properties are considered liquid assets, and the prices usually grow by 3 to 6% a year. Renting a property out may help you earn 3 to 5% of its cost annually. In addition, buying a property in Malta helps to get temporary or permanent residency. Let’s take a closer look at Malta’s real estate and the benefits it may provide to investors.

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.

Anna Semenyuk

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

Malta citizenship offers the opportunity to live, work, study, and build a business abroad. Besides, citizenship gives cosmopolitans freedom to travel without visas. A foreigner can become a Maltese citizen by naturalisation, marriage, descent, or merit.

Robert Outerbridge

Opening a company abroad is no longer only a business decision. In the right country, it can also lead to residence, citizenship, broader market access, and a more flexible international structure. The advantage depends on the jurisdiction. Some countries stand out for low or even zero corporate tax, others for startup incentives, fast incorporation, or a direct route to residence through business activity. Explore in which countries of the EU, the Caribbean, Oceania, and the Middle East business setup brings the strongest combined value.

Albert Ioffe

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

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

Let’s address common misconceptions related to EU citizenship: from the idea that one can buy a passport to the concept of a fictitious marriage.

Vladlena Baranova

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

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

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

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

Foreigners are invited to obtain citizenship by investment in North Macedonia for a minimal contribution of €200,000. While, in theory, it could be an excellent option for investors to secure a passport in an EU candidate member state, there is a big question if that option is actually valid. Since 2021, when it was introduced, no single investor obtained a passport with a contribution. Another way to invest is to contribute €400,000 to developing a new business in North Macedonia and create at least 10 jobs. Learn more about the CBI program terms and secure alternatives.

Elena Ruda

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

Digital nomads have an appealing lifestyle with perks such as freedom of travel, flexibility, and exploring new cultures on the way.  At the same time, digital nomads face the complexity of paying taxes in several countries and the possibility of double taxation. In this article, we explore all the aspects of tax regimes, rates, and available benefits.

Albert Ioffe

The first cryptocurrency emerged in 2009, and as this market is young, governments are still developing rules for handling crypto. While there are countries that ban cryptocurrency or impose taxes on it, there are countries with no crypto taxes. The list of the most crypto-friendly countries as of 2026 includes Portugal, Malta, the UAE, Germany, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, El Salvador, Georgia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, the British Virgin Islands, and Gibraltar.

Albert Ioffe

After obtaining second citizenship, many practical questions arise. These include how to travel with two passports, which one to use, to whom, and what to show when crossing the border.  The answers can be confusing. Documents must be shown several times: in the home country at the airline counter, at passport control, and again after arrival in another country. Learn how to cross the border with two passports in 2025.

Vladlena Baranova

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

If a foreigner officially lives in the country for a long time, they can become its citizen. For example, you can come to Australia on a student visa and apply for citizenship after four years. What conditions must be met in order to become a naturalized citizen, and how to go through the path of integration into a new society in the easiest way — learn from the examples of different countries.

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 fastest way to get European citizenship or residence is to participate in an investment program. The most sought after financial options include purchasing real estate, buying fund units and business investment. Which European country can be called ideal for investment immigration. For comparison, we take on Malta, Spain and Portugal.

Albert Ioffe

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

“Zero income tax country” might sound appealing to a wealthy person seeking to optimise their tax burden. However, there are several things to be considered when choosing a low-tax country to live in: the general lifestyle of the country, other taxes it imposes on its residents, and the availability of residency or citizenship for foreigners. Immigrant Invest experts share their ratings of the best tax-free countries to live in and an overview of other options.

Albert Ioffe

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

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