Spain

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

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 €28,880 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

Cosmopolitans looking for European citizenship for their children may want to consider Spain: a Spanish passport grants its holder the right to live in the European Union, work and do business in any EU state, and travel visa-free to 172 countries. Discover who is eligible for Spain citizenship by birth and if it is sufficient to be born in Spain to acquire the country’s nationality.

Vladlena Baranova

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

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

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

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

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.

Igor Buglo

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

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

To get a Golden Visa to Spain, a US citizen needs to invest at least €500,000 in the country’s economy — purchase real estate, securities, or start a business. The Spain residence permit allows its holder to reside in the country, take advantage of universal healthcare, study at local universities, and obtain a work permit. Explore the benefits of Spain residence by investment and the details of obtaining it as a US citizen.

Igor Buglo

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

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

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

A residence permit or citizenship in a country with a high standard of living opens the door to greater comfort. Considerably, the concept of comfort is different for everyone. For some, career prospects are important and for others, loyalty to foreigners or a prestigious education for children are top priority. We have compiled a guide on the best countries to live in and their migration policy. We will tell you about the countries that have generous employers, a high standard of life and quality education.

Alevtina Kalmuk

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

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

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

Some countries grant citizenship not for money or years of residence but for excellence. Exceptional talent, achievements, and service can open the door to a passport. This rare path is reserved for those who stand out in science, business, culture, or sport and whose contributions align with national interests. Among the notable figures recognised in this way are Elon Musk and Tom Hanks. Explore how citizenship by merit works, which countries offer it, and what alternatives exist.

Vladlena Baranova

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

Buying property in another country allows investors to secure their funds, have a stable passive income, make a profit, and sometimes even obtain residency or citizenship in the country. Explore the easiest countries to buy property as a foreigner, where strong economies, growth potential, and a high quality of life offer fantastic opportunities.

Elena Ruda

A residence permit allows you to live in Spain and, in some cases, work there. Learn how you can get a Golden Visa, which is a residence permit by investment, and other ways to become a Spanish resident.

Igor Buglo

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

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

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

8.7 million foreign residents live in Spain in 2024. 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.

Igor Buglo

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

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

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

Spain is included in the list of the top-5 countries for foreigners according to the HSBC Expat Explorer. Its strong economy, developed infrastructure and warm Mediterranean climate are attractive for foreigners. At the same time, the cost of living is lower than in other countries in Western Europe. We consider 6 ways of applying for Spain citizenship: by investment, by naturalization, by choice, through marriage, family reunification, and through guardianship.

Igor Buglo

Residence and domicile are often confused, yet they carry distinct meanings. In short, the difference lies in permanence and intent. Residence typically involves a temporary stay, while domicile refers to a permanent home. Domicile and residency concepts influence tax obligations, legal rights, and long-term commitments. In this article, we unpack these crucial distinctions and highlight seven countries where you can obtain non-dom status.

Vladlena Baranova

In 2023, at least 36,000 US citizens were registered as residents of Spain. After the 2024 presidential election, interest among Americans in moving to Spain and other countries has significantly increased. Americans need to obtain a long-term visa or a residence permit to stay in Spain for more than 90 days. Several options are available, including a retirement visa and a digital nomad visa.

Igor Buglo

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

When choosing the right country to move to with your family and raise kids, it’s essential to consider various factors such as safety, healthcare quality, education, and overall level of happiness. What might be the perfect country for one family could be entirely unsuitable for another, as climate, cost of living, culture, and mentality play significant roles in shaping an expat’s experience. Dive into this guide to find out which country aligns most with your family’s values and lifestyle aspirations.

Alevtina Kalmuk

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.

Igor Buglo