Portugal

Portuguese taxpayers are issued with a unique nine-digit number, Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). It is also referred to as Número de Contribuinte, the contribution number. NIF is often required even for simple everyday transactions. We explain why you need this individual tax identification number even if you are not planning to move to Portugal and pay taxes there.

Vladlena Baranova

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

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

The cost of higher education in Portugal is the most affordable in the European Union. At the same time, four Portuguese universities were included in the top 500 in the world in terms of education quality and in the top 300 in terms of employability, according to the QS World University Ranking.

Eymi Castro

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

Few people know about a country where, in summer, employees swim to work in the river — not by boat. In another country, 36% of citizens commute by bicycle, embracing a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle. There’s also a country where employees enjoy a 4-day workweek, allowing more personal time and rest. Curious to learn more? Discover which countries these are, which ones offer the best parental leave benefits, and where locals have mastered the art of balancing work and leisure.

Alevtina Kalmuk

For most of our clients, their children's future is the main issue. Therefore, it is crucial for those who plan to get a Portugal residence permit to determine where their children will study in advance. Sometimes this can be the deciding factor for moving.

Eymi Castro

Foreigners planning to visit or move to Portugal can choose from four visa types, depending on the duration of their stay. Short-term visas include the Schengen, temporary stay, and Job Seeker visas. Residence visas, such as the Startup and D7 Visa, allow for longer stays. Learn if you need a visa for Portugal and which type suits your situation.

Eymi Castro

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

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 3+ months. 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

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

Choosing a school is one of the decisive factors for families with children when moving to Portugal. First, parents pay attention to the school's prestige, cost, and study language. Here is a guide on the best Portuguese schools. Learn how to enrol a child in a school, how much it costs and how to study for free.

Eymi Castro

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

Germany citizenship allows the holder to live in Europe, visit 191 countries without a visa, access high-quality medicine and a prestigious education. A German passport can not be obtained by investment but only by naturalization, birth, adoption, marriage or immigration.

Elena Ruda

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

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

The European Union is not the same as the Schengen Area: some EU countries are not part of the Schengen Area, and vice versa.   These differences can restrict visa-free travel for second passport holders, and they need to be considered when selecting the European country where you want to live.  Learn which countries are visa-free for EU residents.

Vladlena Baranova

Third-country nationals can move to the EU after getting residency. A residence permit allows one to move to the country that granted the status, study there, get treatment, use reliable banking services, and in most cases — travel across the Schengen Area visa-free. Participating in state residency-by-investment programs is the most convenient way to become an EU resident. One can obtain not only status but also acquire profitable assets.

Vladlena Baranova

With a Czech passport, you do not need a visa to enter 185 countries. To travel to the US or Canada, citizens only need to obtain an eTA. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, and therefore its citizens enjoy benefits and privileges in other countries of this association. We tell you how to get a Czech passport, what benefits applicants receive if approved, and whether they can retain citizenship of other countries.

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

In 2023, children born to foreign mothers made up 22% of all newborns in Portugal. This is nearly 19,000 babies — the highest number in the country’s history. Foreigners choose Portugal for childbirth and living due to the high level of healthcare, climate, safety, and education in European schools and universities. Children of foreigners are eligible for Portugal citizenship under certain conditions. For example, if the parents obtained a residence permit by investment and lived in the country for a year.

Eymi Castro

Immigrant Invest has already helped 10,000 investors and their family members to obtain a second citizenship and residence permit in the EU and the Caribbean. Investors return to get additional services after receiving the status. For example, to obtain a passport for a newborn child, to renew a residence permit card, to register a yacht, or to open a bank account.

Elena Ruda

Portugal offers 13 legal pathways to residency — from employment, entrepreneurship, and education to family reunification, volunteering, and humanitarian grounds.  For investors, the Golden Visa remains a standout route, with options starting at €250,000. Digital nomads and financially independent individuals can also secure legal residency. This guide breaks down all available residency options and highlights the key advantages of making Portugal home.

Eymi Castro

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

Portugal's Golden Visa Program 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. Additionally, they can qualify for citizenship 5 years after applying for a Golden Visa. Let’s explore all the perks of being a resident of Portugal and how much it costs to become one as an investor.

Eymi Castro

The Portugal education system consists of three stages — primary, secondary and higher schooling. Kindergartens and nurseries are not required but are in great demand among locals and expats. What are the advantages of studying in Portugal? How can a foreigner enter a local university and enrol a child in a school or kindergarten?

Eymi Castro

US citizens can reap many benefits from moving to Portugal, such as an affordable healthcare system and relatively low costs while maintaining a high standard of living. They can also enjoy life in the mountains or by the ocean. After the recent presidential election in the USA, interest from Americans in Portugal visas and residence permits has increased considerably. A residence permit is required to move to Portugal, and a US citizen can obtain it in several ways. If you don’t have a significant purpose for relocation, like a job offer, the Golden Visa or the D7 visa may be the best choice.

Eymi Castro

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

With over 35 million Indians living abroad, India ranks third globally for its expatriate population. Indians migrate for various reasons, including better job prospects, quality education, and improved living standards. Let’s consider countries with developed economies, good opportunities for entrepreneurship or making a career, and quality education and healthcare. Some of them are easier for Indians to immigrate to because of residency by investment programs.

Lyle Julien

The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) in Portugal is a special tax status for new residents. Its owners are exempt from paying taxes on global income in Portugal for 10 years. The income earned in Portugal is taxed at a flat rate of 20%. From January 1st, 2024, the NHR tax regime was discontinued. However, if a foreigner was granted the status earlier, they will still enjoy the perks. Let's discuss who still qualifies for the NHR status after its end and the main benefits.

Eymi Castro

Relocation to Portugal offers many advantages: a pleasant climate, beautiful beaches along the Atlantic, mountains nearby, a low crime rate, and a relatively low cost of living. The country is also known for its friendly locals and rich cultural heritage. However, challenges like the language barrier and bureaucracy may arise. In this article, you will learn all the good and bad things about living in Portugal.

Eymi Castro

Roughly 450,000 Americans have retired abroad, according to the USA Social Security Administration. 38% of them choose Europe as their destination. This is unsurprising, as most countries in the top 27 belong to the EU. Let’s explore why US citizens retire abroad and what the best destinations for retirement are.

Alevtina Kalmuk

Portugal has closed its popular Non-Habitual Resident, or NHR, special tax regime and introduced a new framework in 2025: the IFICI tax regime, unofficially known as NHR 2.0.  In this expert guide, we explain the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, required documents, and key differences between the NHR and IFICI regimes.

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 December 2023 includes Portugal, Malta, the UAE, Germany, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, El Salvadore, 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

The Schengen Area is a zone that covers the majority of the European countries. Within this zone, there is no border control. Although most of the Schengen countries also belong to the European Union, these two areas are not the same. We explain how the Schengen area differs from the EU, how it functions and which countries it includes.

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 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

More than 150 banks operate in Portugal. They provide financial services to individuals and businesses. Unlike most EU countries, where third-country citizens are likely to be denied opening an account, Portuguese banks are more favourable to non-residents. The average rates on consumer loans in Portuguese banks are 3.9% per annum and on mortgages — 3.3%. A new car can be bought on credit at 5%, and a used car at 11.8%. Learn how the Portuguese banking system works, which banks are the best, and how a foreigner can open a current account or take a mortgage to buy a house.

Eymi Castro

Portugal is one of the most amazing destinations for expats in Western Europe. It has a warm climate, excellent ecology, rich culture, a stable economy, and high-quality medicine and education. Learn about all benefits of life in Portugal and costs of living in the country.

Eymi Castro

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

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, often dubbed golden passports, offer individuals the opportunity to obtain a second passport in exchange for financial investments.  Golden passports are not to be confused with Golden Visas, which are programs that allow foreigners to obtain a residency permit for investment in a country’s economy. Learn more about the best options to become a citizen or a resident of another country by investment.

Albert Ioffe