How to get an EU residence permit: 9 proven methods
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, Spain, and others offer residency by investment to non-EU wealthy foreigners, providing them with certain benefits in their host country.
Knows all about residence permit programs in Europe
Fact checked byAbhay Jaiswal
Reviewed byVladlena Baranova
How to get an EU residence permit: 9 proven methods
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9 main ways to obtain a residence permit in the EU
1. Investment. Several EU countries offer residence permits to non-EU citizens who contribute to their economies through investment. While the specifics vary, the main distinctions between these programs generally relate to the required investment amount and terms.
The investment programs usually provide several options. In most cases, applicants can choose to invest in areas like commercial or residential real estate, investment fund units, or bank deposits.
Purchasing real estate tends to be the most popular due to its potential for profitability and stable returns. In popular tourist destinations, real estate investment can also generate income through rental opportunities.
For example, Malta has two options: permanent residence and a temporary residence permit. For permanent residence, an investment of at least €182,000 is required, with a processing time of 6+ months. For a temporary residence permit, the required investment is at least €30,000, with a processing time of 3+ months.
2. Residency for financially independent people. Such visas are created for individuals who can financially support themselves without any work-related income, whether local or foreign.
Applicants must provide proof of passive income, such as investment returns, pensions, savings, or rental income, which ensures they won’t need to work while in the host country. For example, Portugal, Austria, and Switzerland grant residency for financially independent people.
3. Remote work visas. Digital Nomad Visas are designed for remote workers who are employed by foreign companies or run businesses that operate outside the host country.
Applicants must show proof of income from foreign sources, savings, and either purchase or rent real estate in the country. Malta, Hungary, Spain, Italy, and Portugal issue residence permits for digital nomads.
4. Starting a business. Some EU nations, like Hungary and Portugal, offer special residence permits for entrepreneurs and startup founders who wish to establish innovative businesses.
5. Marriage with an EU citizen. Due to the prevalence of fraudulent marriages, EU countries enforce strict verification processes for residence permits through marriage. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they share a genuine life together, including cohabiting as a couple and having knowledge of each other’s habits and backgrounds.
6. Family reunification. A residence permit in the EU may be granted to individuals whose parents already hold one. However, it is usually necessary to demonstrate financial dependence on the parent or, in some cases, to provide proof of sufficient personal income.
Adopted children may also qualify under these provisions, provided they meet similar requirements.
7. Employment contract. The so-called Blue Card is available to highly skilled specialists whose expertise is in demand within an EU country, such as scientists or researchers. To qualify, applicants generally need to secure employment with a company that values their skills and experience.
8. Visas for education. A residence permit is granted to students for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal throughout their studies. After graduation, students have a few months to search for employment, though the specific time frame varies by country.
If graduates secure a job, they can apply for a residence permit based on their employment contract. However, if they do not find employment within the specified time, they are generally required to leave the country.
9. Visas for medical treatment. A residence permit can be obtained for those requiring long-term medical treatment, usually for 1—2 years, at a European hospital. This process requires a formal contract with the medical institution.
Requirements for applicants to get the right of temporary and permanent residence
The requirements for temporary residency in the EU vary depending on the purpose of residence, such as work, study, or investment, and the issuing country. However, there are some general requirements that apply to most temporary residence permits in the EU.
Proof of purpose for residency could include a work contract, university enrollment, or documentation showing the intent to invest or engage in other lawful activities in the host country.
Financial stability is also a key requirement: applicants can provide bank statements, proof of income, or a job offer showing sufficient income to cover living expenses in the host country.
Health certificates may be necessary in some EU countries, which prove good health and the absence of specific diseases, such as HIV or tuberculosis.
Health insurance covering medical expenses in the host country is usually required.
Criminal record check is needed to confirm the applicant has no serious criminal history, with a police clearance certificate from the home country or any recent place of residence.
Proof of accommodation is required, whether through a rental agreement, property ownership documents, or a letter from a host.
Proof of living in the country. When applying for permanent residency, the applicant also must prove they have lived continuously in the host EU country for at least 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit.
During this period, short trips outside the EU are allowed, but usually no single absence should exceed 6—12 consecutive months, and the total time outside the EU should generally not exceed 18—24 months over the five years.
Proof of evidence of living in the country can be required, such as utility bills and rental contracts.
Language proficiency is required in some EU countries, and an integration course or exam, covering topics like local culture, laws, and society. For example, in Italy, applicants are required to demonstrate A2 level proficiency in Italian and show basic knowledge of Italian civics and culture.
7 reasons why people choose the EU for life
Obtaining a residence permit in the EU provides numerous advantages, including the ability to live and work freely in the country where the permit is issued.
1. Travelling across Europe visa-free. With a residence permit, one can not only live in the country but travel without visas across 29 states of the Schengen Area.
2. Tax optimisation. The amount of taxes varies from country to country, but most have no taxes for foreign capital and provide some reductions for newcomers.
3. Higher medicine and education standards. European countries are recognised leaders in these fields. Most European countries offer strong educational institutions with programs in English.
4. Possibility to work and run business in Europe. With an EU residence permit, individuals are not restricted to a single country for employment. If the permit holder is a skilled worker or has specialised qualifications, they can easily move between EU countries to explore job opportunities, thereby increasing their career prospects.
5. Possibility to create their own “safe haven”. European countries constantly rank high in global rankings in terms of safety. For example, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, and Hungary are in the top‑15 safest countries among 167 nations, according to the Global Peace Index 2024.
6. Beautiful nature. Europe is relatively small, and the transport system is sound, so residents can enjoy all European nature places of interest.
Europe is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines, where residents can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Mediterranean or the wild beauty of the Atlantic. One can explore several countries at once, driving along the coast of Italy, France, and Spain.
7. Europe is home to countless historical monuments and architectural treasures, offering residents the opportunity to experience these cultural wonders firsthand, such as ancient ruins, mediaeval castles and fortresses, gothic, baroque, renaissance, and Roman architecture.
An EU residence permit opens the door to exploring many beautiful European destinations. For instance, Swiss historic old town of Laufenburg on the Rhine River
EU countries to get a residence permit when buying real estate
Malta. The Malta Global Residence Programme requires either renting or buying real estate and paying an administration to get a residence permit.
The terms of the program specify that the investor will become a tax resident of Malta and benefit from reduced tax rates. A flat tax rate of 15% is applied to foreign income that is transferred to Malta. The minimum annual tax liability for a family is €15,000.
The rental cost depends on the housing location. If the property is in the south of Malta or the island of Gozo, the minimum annual rental price is €8,750. It is €9,600 for the north and centre of Malta. The administration fee is €6,000. Thus, minimum expenses to obtain Malta residency through renting real estate is €34,150.
If the investor buys a property in the south of Malta or the island of Gozo, the administration fee is reduced to €5,500. The minimum property value is €220,000.
The minimum cost of a property in the north or centre of Malta is €275,000, and the administration fee is €6,000. Thus, minimum expenses for Malta residence permit through purchasing real estate is €270,200.
The Malta Permanent Residence Program requires buying or renting real estate, paying government fees, and making donations. Investors also confirm that they have assets of at least €500,000, where €150,000 are liquid financial assets.
The minimum rental price depends on the region: at least €10,000 per year in the south of Malta and on the island of Gozo, and €12,000 per year in the north or centre of Malta.
Investors need to rent property for at least 5 years. Administrative fee is €40,000. Contribution fee is €58,000. Thus, minimum expenses for Malta permanent residency through renting real estate is €150,000.
The minimum property price also depends on the location: at least €300,000 in the south of Malta and on the island of Gozo, and €350,000 in the north or centre of Malta. Administrative fee is €40,000. Contribution fee is reduced to €28,000. Thus, minimum expenses for Malta permanent residency through purchasing real estate is €370,000.
Starting January 1st, 2025, the conditions are as follows: the minimum investment in real estate is €375,000 in case of purchase, and at least €14,000 a year in case of rent. The fees are also to be higher.
Investors aren’t required to live in Malta. However, they cannot spend more than 183 days a year in another country.
Both programs offer the opportunity to include family members in the application, such as a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents. The Global Residence Program allows for siblings.
The obtaining period for the Global Residence Program is 3+ months, and for the Permanent Residence Program is 6+ months.
The key difference is that permanent residence grants the right to spend time in Malta without a minimum stay requirement, while a residence permit requires living in Malta for at least 183 days each year. As a result, the Global Residence Program is more suitable for those intending to establish Malta as their primary residence.
Under the Greece Golden Visa Program, investors can get a residence permit, permanent residence in 5 years, and citizenship after 2 more years.
The minimum investment amount is €250,000. Additional costs include fees, taxes, and translation of the documents.
Examples of properties in Greece
Greece, Santorini
€505,000 — €550,000
Mediterranean style villa next to the sea in Santorini with guaranteed rent
84 m² — 94 m²
3 
1 
Greece, Kissamos
€830,000 — €1,550,000
Traditional style villas on the seafront in Crete, Greece126 m² — 157 m²3 3 
Greece, Chania
€418,000 — €865,000
Classic style villas overlooking the bay in Crete108 m² — 213 m²3—5 3—5 
Cyprus: purchasing real estate for €300,000 for permanent residence. Eight years after obtaining the PR, investors can apply for citizenship. Another benefit is the possibility to include family members: a spouse or a partner, and children under 25.
The amount of investments depends on the number of applicants and increases due to extra costs.
To obtain Cyprus permanent residence by investment, it is also required a confirmation of income of €50,000+ yearly; this money must be deposited in a Cyprus bank for three years.
Spain allows the inclusion of family members: a spouse, children, and parents. Full costs are dependent on the number of applicants.
The minimum investment amount is €500,000. Additional costs include fees, taxes, health insurance, and translation of the documents.
In 5 years after obtaining a residence permit, investors can apply for permanent residency and citizenship after 5 more years.
Hungary: purchasing real estate for €500,000 for a residence permit. Applications will be taken from January 1st, 2025. Properties bought before this date do not qualify for the Golden Visa.
The Hungary Golden Visa residence permit is granted for 10 years. It may be extended once for the same period. Hungary permanent residence can be obtained after 3 years of living in Hungary, and citizenship — after another 8 years.
A spouse, children under 18, and parents of the main applicant also qualify for residency.
Examples of real estate in Hungary
Hungary, Budapest
€593,000 — €946,000
Stylish apartments with city view, First District, Budapest75 m² — 107 m²2—3 2—3 
Hungary, Budapest
€552,000 — €581,000
Elegant apartments with 4 bedrooms, Eleventh District, Budapest103 m² — 124 m²4 4 EU residence permit for investors
Except for the option of purchasing real estate, Golden Visa Programs offer some other ways to obtain residence permit in the EU.
Portugal: minimum investment amount of €250,000. The Portugal Golden Visa allows foreign investors to obtain residency, with the possibility of citizenship after 5 years.
Investors choose between 5 options:
Supporting arts and restoring cultural heritage — €250,000.
Purchase of investment fund units — €500,000.
Investments in research activities — €500,000.
Business investments — €500,000.
Opening a company with the creation of at least 10 jobs.
The Portuguese residence permit can also be issued to the investor’s spouse, children under 26, and parents.
Hungary: minimum investment of €250,000. Except for property purchase, investors can choose to buy real estate fund units of at least €250,000, or make a donation to an institution of higher learning from €1,000,000.
Recently, the Hungarian government has issued the first licence to a real estate investment fund. The SPRINT Hungary Real Estate Development and Investment Fund has received state accreditation. According to the media, four more investment funds are awaiting government approval.
Hungarian residence permit for investors is valid for 10 years and can be extended once for the same period.
Greece: minimum investment of €350,000. This minimum threshold stands for purchase of shares in mutual or alternative investment funds.
Investors can also choose between 7 more options:
A 10-year lease of tourist accommodation — €400,000+.
Timeshare for tourist accommodation — €400,000+
Receiving real estate as inheritance or a gift — €400,000+.
Opening a fixed-term deposit — €500,000+.
Purchase of government bonds — €500,000+.
Capital investments in Greek companies — €500,000+.
Purchase of corporate and government bonds listed for trading — €800,000+.
Cyprus: minimum investment of €300,000. Cyprus grants residency to investors not only for real estate purchase, but also for shares of Cypriot companies and purchase of securities.
Spain: minimum investment of €1,000,000. This minimum threshold stands for 3 more options under The Spain Golden Visa:
opening a deposit in a Spanish bank;
purchase of shares of Spanish companies;
and purchase of units in investment funds.
Besides, investors can purchase government bonds for at least €2,000,000, and make business investments.
Italy: minimum investment of €250,000. The Italy Golden Visa allows investors to obtain temporary residency, followed by a permanent residence permit after 5 years, and Italian citizenship after an additional 5 years.
To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants choose between 4 options:
Investments in an innovative startup — €250,000+.
Business investment — €500,000+.
Donation to a philanthropic organisation — €1,000,000+.
Purchase of government bonds — €2,000,000+.
Spouses, children, and parents are also eligible for Italian residence permits.
EU residence permit for financially independent persons
Portugal. The Passive Income Visa, or D7, is one of the cheapest ways to live legally in Portugal. Residents are able to travel across the Schengen Area visa-free, get some tax breaks, and apply for citizenship in 5 years.
Under the D7 Visa conditions, applicants need to confirm a stable foreign income of at least €820 per month. It is also required to purchase or rent real estate, but there are no limits on its cost.
Spouses, children under 21, and parents of the main applicant are also eligible for Portuguese residence permit through the D7 Visa. Then, the income for a spouse or parent is 50% of the investor’s and 30% for a child.
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Austria. A residence permit in Austria is available for financially independent individuals who do not intend to work within the country.
To obtain residency in Austria, applicants need to confirm financial independence by providing a bank statement showing a monthly income of €2,000. Additionally, they must rent or purchase housing in Austria.
Spouses and children under 18 of the main applicant are also eligible. The required sum rises at €1,150 for a spouse and €310 per child.
The whole family except children under 14 also need to show proficiency in German at an elementary level A1.
After five years of living in Austria, families can apply for permanent residence.
Switzerland. This residence permit does not allow investors and their families to work in the country. However, they can manage capital or business in another one.
The main requirement for Swiss residency is to pay a lump-sum tax of ₣450,000 per year. It is calculated individually, based on income, property, worldwide family expenses, and the requirements of the selected canton. The tax is paid annually as long as the residence permit is maintained.
The tax agreement is signed for 1 or 5 years, depending on the canton, and the residence permit is renewed annually. The investor and their family, including spouse and children under 18, can obtain citizenship after 10 years of permanent living in Switzerland.
EU residence permit for digital nomads
Hungary. The White Card to Hungary allows employees and managers of foreign companies to obtain residency in Hungary for up to 2 years. It doesn’t lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Hungary, but foreigners can submit a new application for the White Card.
To obtain Hungarian resident permit, digital nomads need to confirm a monthly income of at least €3,000 from sources outside the European Union and savings in a non-sanctioned bank. It is also required to purchase or rent a property for the duration of the residence permit.
Spain. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is issued to employees of foreign companies, sole proprietors, and self-employed individuals, who work remotely.
Digital nomads in Spain need to confirm a monthly income of at least €2,646. One more requirement is to have a registered address in Spain. For example, hotel booking is sufficient.
Spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings also can obtain residence permits. After 5 years of living in Spain, they can apply for a permanent residence permit, and after another 5 years — for citizenship.
Italy. Residence permit for digital nomads in Italy is issued to those working remotely with a monthly income of €2,700.
To obtain an Italy Digital Nomad Visa, applicants also confirm savings of at least €30,000. Additionally, they need to rent or buy property in Italy.
Spouses, children under 18, and parents also can qualify. In 5 years, families become eligible for permanent residency, and after another 5 years they can apply for citizenship.
Malta. Malta Digital Nomad Visa is granted to employees and the management of foreign companies, freelancers, and self-employed.
To qualify for residence permit, digital nomads need to confirm a monthly income of €3,500. Besides, it is required to rent or buy real estate in the country.
Residence permit for digital nomads in Malta is issued for 12 months and can be extended for an additional year three times. It doesn’t lead to permanent residency and citizenship in Malta.
Spouses and children are also eligible for Maltese residency through the Digital Nomad Visa.
Portugal. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is issued to foreigners who work remotely, such as freelancers, employees of foreign companies, self-employed, and individual entrepreneurs.
To become a Portuguese resident through Digital Nomad Visa, applicants confirm a monthly income of €3,280. They also need to prove savings of €9,840 in a Portuguese bank account, and rent or purchase real estate.
Spouses, children under 30, and parents also can qualify. After 5 years of living in Portugal, families become eligible for citizenship.
EU residence permit for business owners
Portugal. The Portugal Startup Visa is granted to entrepreneurs launching innovative projects in the country. The main condition is to open a company in collaboration with a business incubator. There’s no obligatory investment threshold.
The Startup Visa to Portugal also requires confirming savings of at least €9,840.
Spouses, children, and parents can obtain residence permits with the main applicant. In 5 years, they become eligible for Portuguese citizenship.
Hungary. Foreigners can obtain Hungarian resident permits by registering a legal entity in Hungary, an analogue of an LLC or JSC. The status of an individual entrepreneur does not suffice.
To obtain residency in Hungary for opening a company, applicants choose between two legal entities — a limited liability company and a joint stock company, with minimum authorised capital of €7,700 and €12,700 respectively.
Spouses, children under 18, and parents can join the main applicant after 1 year of his residence permit validity.
The residence permit for opening a company is valid for 1 year, with the right to extend it once for 2 years.
Nuances of application for a residence permit in Europe
For those pursuing an investment program or applying for a residence permit as a financially independent individual with help of Immigrant Invest, the application process begins with a preliminary Due Diligence check. This is a thorough background check to assess the applicant’s financial status, criminal history, and overall suitability for the program.
Once the preliminary check is complete, applicants receive a customised list of required documents. This list may vary depending on the program and individual circumstances, but it generally includes:
proof of income;
a certificate of good conduct;
health certificate confirming the absence of certain conditions, such as HIV;
health insurance for each applicant.
Common algorithm for getting an EU residence permit by investing in real estate
One of the most attractive options for participating in the residence permit program in the EU is investing in real estate. This option offers both profitability and potential returns.
Here are the main steps of obtaining a residence permit through purchasing real estate, based on the experience of Immigrant Invest lawyers.
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Choosing a program
Investors can appeal to Immigrant Invest if they need help choosing the best-suited program. Our consultants help choose the most appropriate program and give the full conditions.
Investors can appeal to Immigrant Invest if they need help choosing the best-suited program. Our consultants help choose the most appropriate program and give the full conditions.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
Investors are checked through international databases. This step allows for reducing rejection risk to 1%. It is confidential, and the only passport is needed.
Investors are checked through international databases. This step allows for reducing rejection risk to 1%. It is confidential, and the only passport is needed.
5 days to 3 weeks
Selection of real estate
Immigrant Invest lawyers help choose the right property remotely. We find the real estate suitable for the program and corresponding to investor’s wishes. We make detailed photos and videos of it and its location.
Immigrant Invest lawyers help choose the right property remotely. We find the real estate suitable for the program and corresponding to investor’s wishes. We make detailed photos and videos of it and its location.
2—5 days
Trip to the country
One more check of the property and some bureaucratic nuances: opening a bank account, getting an individual taxpayer number, and drawing up a power of attorney for a lawyer who will represent the investor in the country.
One more check of the property and some bureaucratic nuances: opening a bank account, getting an individual taxpayer number, and drawing up a power of attorney for a lawyer who will represent the investor in the country.
1—2 months
Fulfilment of the program conditions
A lawyer or investor signs the contract and closes the estate deal, the applicant transfers the money to the seller, and the lawyer receives the certificate of ownership.
A lawyer or investor signs the contract and closes the estate deal, the applicant transfers the money to the seller, and the lawyer receives the certificate of ownership.
1.5—2 months
Preparation of documents and application
With a lawyer, the investor collects documents, with the complete list depending on the country and the program. The lawyer signs all forms, translates and notarizes the documents, and sends them to the relevant authorities.
With a lawyer, the investor collects documents, with the complete list depending on the country and the program. The lawyer signs all forms, translates and notarizes the documents, and sends them to the relevant authorities.
1+ months
Getting the resident permit cards
The investor receives the decision of the relevant authorities, submits fingerprints and gets their documents.
The investor receives the decision of the relevant authorities, submits fingerprints and gets their documents.
What rights does the EU residence permit provide?
Legal residency. Permit holders can legally reside in the EU country that issued the permit, allowing them to establish a home, rent or buy property, and enjoy local services, such as opening bank accounts.
Residents can receive discounts for recreational activities and public transportation. For example, in Vienna, Austria, residents can purchase the Wiener Linien annual pass for €365, equating to €1 per day, offering unlimited travel on the city’s public transport.
Non-residents do not have access to this annual pass and must rely on standard tickets, such as the 24-hour pass costing €8.
Access to healthcare. Residents who contribute to social security, including workers and pensioners, have full access to the public healthcare system. Investors need to buy private health insurance, which provides access to both public and private healthcare systems.
Access to education. Children of European residence permit holders have free access to public primary and secondary education.
Work rights. Many residence permits, such as those based on employment, investment, or family reunification, grant the right to work in the issuing country. However, the rights vary:
employment-based permits: allow full employment rights in the issuing country;
investment-based permits: often permit business activity and investment but may restrict certain local employment;
family reunification permits: may allow employment for family members, depending on national regulations.
Pathway to permanent residency and сitizenship. A residence permit often acts as a stepping stone toward long-term residency or citizenship, as time spent on a residence permit may count toward the residency requirement for permanent status or naturalisation.
Tax residency. In most EU countries, a non-EU resident is considered a tax resident if they spend more than 183 days within the country. This rule applies regardless of the type of residence permit held and often makes the individual liable for taxes on worldwide income, not just locally earned income.
Some permits, such as digital nomad or financially independent visas, may limit tax obligations by stipulating that permit holders do not conduct business within the host country. In such cases, individuals may not be considered tax residents if they can demonstrate their main sources of income and tax residency remain abroad.
For example, in Malta, digital nomads do not pay taxes on foreign income, while other residents pay a progressive global income tax of 0 to 35%.
Some countries, such as Cyprus, offer non-domiciled tax statuses, allowing those who are tax residents but non-domiciled in the country to pay tax only on income earned within the country or remitted there. This status is beneficial for high-net-worth individuals who derive most of their income from overseas sources.
Freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. Residence permit holders in most EU countries can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Driver’s licence conversion. Many EU countries allow residence permit holders to convert their non-EU driver’s licences to an EU licence without retaking driving tests, depending on agreements between countries.
Spain permits the exchange of licences from countries with which it has established agreements, including South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia
Instead of the conclusion
Several EU countries allow non-EU foreigners to get a residence permit or permanent residency by investment.
Three EU states, including Austria, Portugal, and Switzerland, grant residence permits to financially independent persons. For example, Portugal offers a D7 visa for those with a monthly income of at least €820.
Five EU states, including Italy, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, and Malta issue residency for digital nomads. Spain has the lowest financial requirement, with a minimum monthly income of €2,646.
Two EU countries, Hungary and Portugal, grant residency for opening a company.
Programs differ not only by the status they give but by the minimum amount of investments and the obtaining period.
Every country has different options for participation in residence permits or permanent residency options. One of the most popular options is purchasing real estate.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.
40+ options in different countries by 25 criteria
