How to get temporary residence in the EU and other European countries

A residence permit allows a foreigner to relocate and live in one of the region’s countries temporarily. With a residence permit, a foreigner becomes a legal resident and has the right to stay and work in the country.

The validity period depends on the rules set by the country’s migration policy. In most cases, the first residence permit is issued for 1—2 years and can be renewed. For example, in Switzerland, it must be renewed every year.

Residency by investment is issued for longer in:

• Portugal — 2 years;

• Greece — 5 years;

• Hungary — 10 years.

Residence requirements. Most residence permits require the holder to live in the country for at least 183 days a year. For residency by investment, there is usually no minimum stay requirement or they are minimal.

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How to change temporary residency to permanent. After 5 years of living in most countries, one can apply for permanent residency. This type of residency does not expire, the residence card must be renewed every 5—10 years.

Holders of permanent residence permits can live, work, run a business, and access benefits, such as enrolling their child in school free of charge. Unlike citizenship, permanent residency does not allow voting, holding public office, or working in another EU country.

1. Visa-free travel. Residents of most European countries can travel within the Schengen Area without a visa and stay in any country in the region for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. For example, it takes just 1.5 hours by train to get from Paris to Brussels, and 4 hours from Berlin to Prague.

2. Relocation and a backup plan. Residents of European countries can enter the country that issued their residence permit even if borders are closed.

According to the Global Peace Index 2025, Europe remains the safest region in the world: 8 out of the top 10 most peaceful countries are in Europe. The ranking is based on the level of public safety, international and domestic conflicts, and the degree of militarisation.

3. Access to education and healthcare. According to QS World University Rankings 2026, about 500 European universities are ranked among the world’s top 1,500. Graduates with European diplomas can work in the EU, the US, and the UK.

Residents can access local healthcare systems. In some countries, like Italy, public healthcare is free for residents.

4. Tax benefits. Many European countries offer special tax regimes for investors and residents. In Italy, one can pay a fixed tax on worldwide income. Hungary has the lowest corporate tax rate in the EU, 9%.

5. Opening accounts in European banks. Residence permit holders can open bank accounts in the EU in euros, dollars, and other currencies.

For non-residents, opening a bank account is more difficult: banks offer fewer services, require proof of income, and charge higher fees.

6. Doing business in the EU. Investors with residence permits can register companies, open branches, and hire employees. Entrepreneurs can move an existing business to a European country or start a new one.

7. Buying real estate for living or leasing. Residence permit holders can buy residential or commercial property in many European countries. They are obliged to use the property as a primary home, a vacation residence, or rent it out to generate income. 

In some countries, owning real estate may help extend or maintain residency status.

8. Purchase of a car or yacht with the possibility of registering movable property. Residents can buy and register cars, yachts, and other movable property in their name. This allows for local insurance, lower taxes, and easier use across the EU, including road and port access without additional permits.

9. Path to permanent residency and citizenship. Residence permit holders can become permanent residents after living in the country for several years. In Hungary, this takes 3 years. In most other countries, about 5 years.

Obtaining citizenship takes more time. In Italy and Spain, the process takes 10 years. However, some countries offer special conditions. For example, children born in Spain to foreign residents can obtain citizenship after just 1 year.

In 2023, the EU countries issued 3.7 million first residence permits, a 4.7% increase from 2022 and the highest number ever. 

According to Eurostat, 33.8% of permits were issued for work, 26.4% for family reasons, and 14.3% were issued to those who came to the EU to study, which is the general migration trend.

Invest in the country’s economy. This route is faster and simpler than the others; on average, obtaining residence takes about 3+ months.

Another advantage of a residence permit by investment is the favourable renewal conditions. Unlike other types of residence permits, investors are not required to live in the country full time. For example, Portuguese residents maintain their status by spending just 7 days a year in the country, while Greece imposes no minimum stay requirement at all.

Investment residence permits are not available in every European country, and the conditions vary. In Malta, for instance, the minimum investment is €30,000, but to keep the status, you must not spend more than 183 days a year in another country and pay an income tax there. In Portugal and Greece, the minimum investment is higher — €250,000 — but there are no restrictions on how long you can spend abroad.

Buy real estate. Several European countries offer special pathways that grant residence permits for property purchases. The minimum investment usually starts at €250,000.

Work remotely. Some European countries offer residence permits to digital nomads — foreigners who work remotely for a foreign company or run their own online business. For example, in Portugal, applicants must prove a monthly income of at least €3,480, along with savings and a place to live.

Spain and Italy also offer digital nomad visas, while Malta runs a separate programme called the Nomad Residence Permit.

Prove passive income. Financially independent individuals can obtain a residence permit if they can prove they have income from sources unrelated to employment. The minimum income requirements vary by country: in Portugal, you must show at least €10,440 per year, in Spain — at least €28,880, and in Italy — at least €31,160.

In most cases, the permit is granted for 1—2 years and can be renewed.

Open a startup. Entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea can obtain a residence permit in Europe through a start-up visa. In Portugal, for instance, the start-up visa is granted in partnership with a local business incubator and requires proof of savings of at least €10,440.

Buy or start a business. Foreigners can obtain residence by buying an existing company or opening a new one and creating jobs for local residents.

Start a family with a citizen. Residence permits are issued to foreigners who marry citizens of the country. Governments strictly check marriages to prevent fraud. However, this route is often targeted by scammers offering fake marriages with EU citizens.

Get employed. European employers are often interested in hiring professionals who are in short supply locally. Specialists can obtain the EU Blue Card, a digital residence permit that confirms the right to live and work in an EU country. However, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom do not issue Blue Cards.

The EU Blue Card is intended for highly qualified professionals. Foreigners can also apply for a residence permit for seasonal work. This path is also suitable for foreigners who come for seasonal work.

Reunite with your family. A foreign national may apply for family reunification if their relative, for example, a parent, already holds a residence permit. However, the applicant must prove either financial dependence on the relative with the European residence permit or demonstrate sufficient income of their own.

Each country sets its own rules, but in most cases, the investor’s spouse, children, and financially dependent parents are eligible.

Enroll in a university. A student residence permit is usually issued for 1 year and can be renewed for the duration of the studies. If the foreigner wants to stay after graduation, they must find a job and sign an employment contract.

Have official duties. This option is suitable for diplomats, delegates, and representatives of international organisations.

Conduct scientific research. Foreign researchers can obtain a residence permit if they sign a contract with an organisation to conduct scientific work.

Require medical treatment. European countries issue residence permits for long-term treatment for 1—2 years. These permits are usually not renewable.

Prove value to the country. A residence permit can be granted for special contributions to the state or for volunteer work. In exceptional cases, the government may issue a residence permit for specific achievements, such as assisting police in high-profile investigations.

Greece

Greece offers residence permits to investors, financially independent persons, students, and foreigners who come to the country for contract work.

One can obtain a Golden Visa in Greece by investing at least €250,000. Residence permits are issued within 4+ months. To become residents of the country, investors:

• buy a property;

• buy securities;

• open a deposit in a Greek bank;

• rent a hotel or tourist residence for 10 years;

• inherit property or receive it as a gift;

• invest in a company registered in Greece.

The residence permit by investment is valid for 5 years. It can be renewed an unlimited number of times as long as the investment is maintained.

To obtain Greek citizenship, one must live in the country continuously for 7 years.

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Malta

Malta issues 10 types of residence permits, including permits for investors.

Digital nomads can obtain a residence permit in Malta through the Nomad Residence Permit programme if they work remotely for a foreign company and can prove a monthly income of at least €3,500. They must also buy or rent property on the island for the full duration of their stay.

The initial residence permit is issued for 1 year and can be renewed three times. To maintain the status, permit holders must spend at least 5 months per year in Malta. A spouse and children can be included in the application.

Holders of the permit can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area. In addition, digital nomads are exempt from tax on foreign income if they spend fewer than 183 days a year in Malta.

Malta also has two government programmes for investors. One grants a temporary residence permit, the other a permanent one. Taking part in these programmes is the fastest and simplest way to obtain a residence permit in Malta.

The Malta Global Residence Programme allows investors to obtain a residence permit in Malta by investment, along with a special tax status. The minimum investment is €30,000. The processing time is 3—4 months.

The programme has three main requirements. The investor:

1. Buys or rents a property. The minimum real estate investment is €220,000 for purchase or €8,750 per year for rent.

2. Pays 15% tax on income earned outside Malta and transferred to the country. The minimum tax amount is €15,000 per year.

3. Pays an administrative fee of €5,500 to 6,000, depending on the region where the property is purchased or rented.

Once the investor receives a residence permit in Malta, they become a tax resident of the country.

Igor Buglo,

Head of the Maltese office, MBA

The Malta Global Residence Programme is primarily a tax optimisation tool. Living in Malta full-time is not required, but the investor must not spend more than 180 days per year in another country. 

For example, if the applicant already holds a work residence permit in Germany, they cannot use the Malta status to reduce taxes. A German work visa requires staying in the country for at least 183 days a year.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme allows foreigners to obtain permanent residence in Malta by investing at least €182,000. The processing time is 6—8 months.

Programme requirements, all mandatory:

1. Rent property for at least €14,000 per year or buy real estate worth at least €375,000. The minimum ownership or rental period is 5 years.

2. Pay a one-time administrative fee of €50,000.

3. Pay a government contribution: €30,000 if buying property, €60,000 if renting.

4. Make a non-refundable donation of €2,000 to a non-governmental organisation.

5. Confirm ownership of assets worth at least €500,000, with at least €150,000 in financial assets. Alternatively, confirm assets of at least €650,000, including at least €75,000 in financial assets.

6. Obtain health insurance covering all EU countries. The cost starts at €500 per person.

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Portugal

There are several routes to obtaining a residence permit in Portugal — for example, by marrying a Portuguese citizen. In total, there are around 8 different options.

In most cases, you must spend at least 183 days a year in the country. However, those who obtain residence by investment only need to stay 7 days per year.

Digital nomads can apply for a residence permit in Portugal if they can prove foreign income of at least €3,480 per month and savings of at least €10,440. Applicants must also rent or purchase property in Portugal.

The Digital Nomad Visa is issued for 2 years and can be renewed. After 5 years of residence, holders can apply for citizenship.

Family members can be included in the application. In such cases, the savings requirement increases by 50% for a spouse and 30% for each child.

Financially independent applicants can obtain a residence permit through the D7 Visa by showing passive income of at least €870 per month and savings of €10,440 or more. They must also rent or buy property to confirm their local address.

The D7 residence permit is granted for 2 years and can be extended for another 3 years. After 5 years of residence, applicants become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Family members can be included — this may include spouses, children up to 21, siblings under 18, and financially dependent parents. Income and savings thresholds increase by 50% per additional adult and 30% per child.

Holders of the D7 permit are allowed to work and run a business in Portugal.

Entrepreneurs with innovative business projects can apply for residence through the Startup Visa. This requires setting up a company in collaboration with a Portuguese business incubator and showing savings of at least €10,440 per person. There is no minimum investment amount.

The Startup Visa is issued for 2 years and can be renewed for another 3. Up to five founders can apply under the same startup, and family members can obtain residence through family reunification. Permit holders can live and work in Portugal, travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, and apply for citizenship after 5 years.

Portugal has a Golden Visa program. Foreigners receive resident status by investing at least €250,000 in the country’s economy. The process takes at least 12 months.

Investors can choose from five investment options:

• purchase of units in investment funds — €500,000+;

• support for culture and the arts — €250,000+;

• investment in scientific research — €500,000+;

• investment in a business creating 5 jobs — €500,000+;

• setting up a company creating 10 jobs.

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Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus issues 10 types of residence permits. The fastest way to obtain permanent residence is by investing in real estate. The minimum investment is €300,000, and the process takes at least 9 months.

To get permanent resident status in Cyprus, the investor buys:

• residential or commercial property;

• shares in local companies;

• or units in Cypriot investment funds. 

The most popular option is investing in residential property.

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Hungary

There are 24 ways to obtain a residence permit in Hungary, including for work, study, family reunification, or medical treatment. Most options are work-related.

A residence permit for business is granted to the founders of a Hungarian company. The minimum share capital is €7,700.

The permit for starting a company is valid for 1 year. It can be renewed once for 2 years.

Jordan, 32

Entrepreneur from the US

How to start a business in Hungary and get residency

After 10 years of working in the family business, Jordan decided to launch his own venture — a furniture manufacturing company.

He chose Hungary due to its straightforward company registration process, low taxes, and his personal connection to the country.

Immigrant Invest assisted Jordan in registering a limited liability company in Hungary. He contributed share capital of €8,000, opened a bank account, and submitted the necessary documents. 6.5 months later, he received his residence permit card.

Today, Jordan lives in Budapest, growing his business and integrating into Hungarian society.

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Digital nomads get White Cards if they prove a monthly income of at least €3,000 and buy or rent property in the country. The rental contract must be for at least 12 months.

The residence permit for digital nomads is valid for 1 year. It can be extended once for the same period.

The residence permit by investment, also known as the Golden Visa, is granted for investments of at least €250,000 in local real estate funds or a donation of €1,000,000 to a university.

The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years. It can be renewed once for the same period.

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Italy

The country offers foreigners 11 ways to obtain a residence permit. These include the Digital Nomad Visa and the Golden Visa.

Digital nomads get residence permits in Italy if they prove an annual income of at least €32,400 and savings of at least €30,000. The applicant must also buy or rent property in the country.

The residence permit for digital nomads is valid for 1 year and can be renewed.

To obtain an Investor Visa, applicants invest at least €250,000 in strategic sectors of the economy: innovative startups, Italian companies, state enterprises, or charitable foundations.

The residence permit by investment is valid for 2 years and can be extended for 3 years.

One can apply for Italian citizenship after 10 years of living in the country.

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Spain

Spain offers around 10 different pathways to obtaining a residence permit.

Those with passive income can apply for a residence permit if they can show at least €28,880 per year. Family members can be included in the application, but the required income increases by €7,200 for each additional dependent. The applicant must also rent or purchase property in Spain.

This type of residence permit is granted for 1 year initially. It can be renewed for a further 2 years if the applicant proves sufficient passive income — a minimum of €57,600 for the renewal period.

Digital nomads can apply for a residence permit if they can prove remote work income of at least €2,762 per month. Applicants must also rent or buy property in Spain.

The digital nomad residence permit is issued for 3 years and can be renewed for an additional 2 years.

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Latvia

Latvia offers foreigners 12 ways to obtain a residence permit. 

Latvia’s Golden Visa offers non-EU nationals a low-cost option for EU residence, starting at a €50,000 business and a €250,000 real estate investment. The permit is issued for 5 years, with flexible renewal and minimal stay requirements.

Applicants can include their spouse and children, and long-term residents may apply for permanent residency after 5 years. While citizenship is possible later, it requires language skills and integration into Latvian society.

Austria

The Austrian government offers foreigners 10 ways to obtain a residence permit, such as for work or study. The easiest option is to apply for a residence permit for financially independent persons.

The applicant and their family members receive residence permits under a quota. Austria allocates around 450 places per year for financially independent foreigners. 

To get the permit, one: 

• proves an income of at least €2,548 per month for the main applicant;

• rents or purchases property;

• opens a bank account in Austria; 

• obtains health insurance.

All family members must be present when submitting the documents.

The residence permit process takes at least 3 months. The first residence card is valid for 1 year, after which it can be extended for another 1 year, then for 3 years.

After 5 years of living in the country, a foreigner is eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Belgium

Foreigners have 6 ways to obtain a residence permit in Belgium. Half of them are for high-net-worth individuals willing to start a company, develop a business, or invest in the country’s economy.

After 5 years of living in Belgium, one can apply for citizenship.

Bulgaria

The country offers foreigners 7 ways to obtain a residence permit, including by investing in the country’s economy. Wealthy retirees can also apply for a residence permit.

Croatia

Foreigners have 7 ways to obtain a residence permit in Croatia. The country offers residence not only for contract workers but also for digital nomads.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers foreigners 8 ways to obtain a residence permit, including by investment. Applicants must invest at least CZK 75 million, or about €2.9 million in the country’s economy.

Denmark

Denmark offers foreigners 8 ways to obtain a residence permit, most of which are work-related. Researchers, startup founders, and prominent professionals such as artists or athletes can apply for residence.

Estonia

There are 6 ways to obtain a residence permit in Estonia. One can apply for work or study, for research or business activity, as well as on other grounds.

Finland

Finland offers foreigners 7 ways to obtain a residence permit. Entrepreneurs can get a permit if they register a business in the country, prove its profitability, and confirm their financial means.

A residence permit can also be granted if one of the applicant’s parents or grandparents is a Finnish citizen by birth.

France

France issues 11 types of residence permits to foreigners. Most of them are for high-net-worth individuals and highly skilled professionals.

For example, the French Visitor Visa, or VLS-TS Visiteur, is granted to financially independent persons with an income of at least €1,800 per month, or €21,600 per year. Applicants must also buy or rent property in France.

Germany

Germany offers foreigners 12 ways to obtain a residence permit. IT specialists, entrepreneurs, and researchers can apply for residence.

To obtain German citizenship, one must live in the country for at least 5 years.

Ireland

Foreigners can obtain a residence permit in Ireland through 9 options. Most of them are work-related. Residence permits are most commonly granted to healthcare workers, IT specialists, researchers, engineers, and construction workers.

Lithuania

Residence permits in Lithuania are granted on several grounds, including work, study, family reunification, and scientific activity. There are more than 14 options in total.

Luxembourg 

Residence permits in Luxembourg are issued on 18 grounds, most of which are for work.

Investors obtain residence by contributing €500,000+ in a business. They must also set up a head office in the country and create at least five jobs.

Netherlands 

The Netherlands offers foreigners 7 ways to obtain a residence permit. One option is for investors who invest from €1,250,000 in a company or investment fund. The company or fund must be registered and operating in the Netherlands.

Poland

The country offers foreigners seven ways to obtain a residence permit. These include contract work, business activity, study, or family reunification.

Romania

Romania offers foreigners 8 ways to obtain a residence permit. Investors can apply for the status by investing at least €200,000 in the country’s economy.

Slovakia

Slovakia issues 10 types of residence permits to foreigners. All are standard for EU countries, such as for study, work, or medical treatment.

Slovenia

Foreigners can obtain a residence permit in Slovenia. Entrepreneurs can open a limited liability company, a subsidiary, or a representative office. The minimum share capital is €7,500.

Sweden

Sweden offers foreigners 8 types of residence permits. These include permits for work, medical treatment, or visiting relatives in the country. 

There are no investment programmes in Sweden, but entrepreneurs can obtain residency by starting a business in the country.

Turkey

Türkiye issues 10 types of residence permits to foreigners. 

Investors can obtain a residence permit by purchasing residential real estate. To qualify, the investor must buy one residential property worth at least $200,000. The property can be rented out or used for personal living.

The residence permit card is issued for 1—2 years and can be renewed multiple times as long as the property remains in ownership.

In Türkiye, investors can also obtain citizenship by contributing at least $400,000 in the country’s economy. The most common option is purchasing real estate. The passport process takes at least 8 months.

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Andorra

Andorra offers foreigners 2 types of residence permits: active and passive. The active permit is for those who live and work in the country, while the passive permit is for those whose main sources of income and activity are outside Andorra.

To obtain passive residence in Andorra, an investor buys real estate or securities, invests in funds or businesses, or opens a zero-interest deposit in a local bank. The minimum investment amount is €600,000.

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Albania

Albania issues 8 types of residence permits to foreigners. Depending on the purpose, a residence permit card can be single-entry or renewable.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina issues 7 types of residence permits to foreigners. These include permits for work, study, or medical treatment. A residence card is also granted to those who own property in the country.

Iceland

Foreigners can obtain one of 10 types of residence. These include permits for family reunification, study, or work.

Monaco

Monaco offers 5 ways to obtain a residence permit. One of them is residence by investment. Before applying, the applicant must obtain a long-term Schengen visa at the French consulate nearest to their place of residence.

To maintain the status, it is necessary to live in the country for at least 183 days per year. If this condition is not met, the residence card will not be renewed.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia offers 8 ways to obtain a residence permit. These include permits for study, internships, or work.

Norway

Norway issues 7 types of residence permits to foreigners. These include permits for work, study, medical treatment, and family reunification.

Serbia

There are 8 ways to obtain a residence permit in Serbia, including for work or medical treatment. To get residency by purchasing property, a foreigner must provide documents confirming ownership, such as an extract from the state register.

United Kingdom

Great Britain offers 10 ways to obtain a residence permit. These include work, study, starting a business, and family reunification.

Switzerland

Switzerland offers foreigners 4 ways to obtain a residence permit. The simplest option is residence for financially independent persons.

Investors receive this type of residence by paying an annual lump-sum tax. The amount depends on the region and starts from CHF 450,000, or €480,000. The process takes at least 3 months.

The investor’s family can also receive residence in Switzerland: a spouse and children under 18. Parents and children over 18 can become residents only as separate applicants.

EU Golden Visas differ in timelines, investment thresholds, and residency requirements. In some countries, you can obtain a residence permit in as little as 4 months, while in others, the process may take up to 12 months or more. 

Here, we compare seven of the most popular destinations for investors.

Terms of the most popular EU Golden Visas

Country

Latvia

Investments

€50,000+

Time to get RP

4+ months

RP validity

5 years

Renewal terms

Investment is maintained

Time to citizenship

10 years

Country

Malta

Investments

€182,000+

Time to get RP

6+ months

RP validity

Permanent, ID renewed every 5 years

Renewal terms

Annual compliance check for the first 5 years

Time to citizenship

5 years

Country

Greece

Investments

€250,000+

Time to get RP

4+ months

RP validity

5 years

Renewal terms

Investment is maintained

Time to citizenship

7 years

Country

Portugal

Investments

€250,000+

Time to get RP

12+ months

RP validity

2 years

Renewal terms

7 days a year in Portugal

Time to citizenship

5 years

Country

Hungary

Investments

€250,000+

Time to get RP

5+ months

RP validity

10 years

Renewal terms

Investment is maintained

Time to citizenship

11 years

Country

Italy

Investments

€250,000+

Time to get RP

4+ months

RP validity

2 years

Renewal terms

Investment is maintained

Time to citizenship

10 years

Country

Cyprus

Investments

€300,000+

Time to get RP

9+ months

RP validity

Permanent, ID renewed every 10 years

Renewal terms

Visit Cyprus once every 2 years

Time to citizenship

8 years

Country

Investments

Time to get RP

RP validity

Renewal terms

Time to citizenship

Latvia

€50,000+

4+ months

5 years

Investment is maintained

10 years

Malta

€182,000+

6+ months

Permanent, ID renewed every 5 years

Annual compliance check for the first 5 years

5 years

Greece

€250,000+

4+ months

5 years

Investment is maintained

7 years

Portugal

€250,000+

12+ months

2 years

7 days a year in Portugal

5 years

Hungary

€250,000+

5+ months

10 years

Investment is maintained

11 years

Italy

€250,000+

4+ months

2 years

Investment is maintained

10 years

Cyprus

€300,000+

9+ months

Permanent, ID renewed every 10 years

Visit Cyprus once every 2 years

8 years

Choosing where to apply for a residence permit depends on your goals, income level, and lifestyle. Some countries focus on business and investment, while others appeal to remote workers, skilled professionals, or families. The prospect of citizenship is also key for many applicants.

For entrepreneurs. Austria, Hungary, and Portugal offer favourable conditions for starting a business. Foreigners can register companies, take management roles and qualify for residency, with government policies supporting small business growth.

For skilled professionals. Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg offer EU Blue Cards with stable jobs and long-term prospects. In 2024, Italy and Greece eased application procedures — Greece now accepts short-stay visa holders, while Italy launched an online portal.

For remote workers. Portugal, Hungary, Spain, Italy, and Malta offer residence permits for digital nomads. These countries provide good infrastructure and allow remote professionals to live in the EU while working for international clients or their own businesses.

For families. Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Switzerland are ideal for relocating with family thanks to safety, strong healthcare and education. Some countries also let you include financially dependent relatives like parents or grandparents.

For citizenship. Portugal is the fastest route to EU citizenship — just 5 years of residency with only 7 days of presence per year. Greece with 7 years, Cyprus with 8 years, and Italy or Spain with 10 years have longer timelines and stricter stay requirements. Missing time can reset the naturalisation clock in these countries.

The list of documents depends on the country and the grounds for obtaining a residence permit. Each country sets its own requirements for the format and content of documents.

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into the language of the application country or English. Many countries require the documents to be apostilled.

The standard list of documents includes:

1. Completed application form.

2. Passport.

3. Coloured photographs, usually 2—4.

4. Birth certificate.

5. Marriage certificate. For example, if a spouse is included in the application or for family reunification.

6. Police clearance certificate.

7. Medical insurance.

8. Lease or property purchase agreement.

9. Bank statement.

10. Taxpayer number.

Documents confirming the grounds for obtaining a residence permit. For example, a certificate of company registration, a bank account statement for self-employed individuals, or an employment contract.

A residence permit can be denied for several reasons:

• insufficient documents or errors in them;

• false or inaccurate information;

• forged documents;

• questionable sources of income;

• threat to the safety of society or the state;

• a confirmed criminal record.

To reduce the risk of refusal, it is recommended to seek assistance from experts. The lawyers at Immigrant Invest can help collect the necessary documents, fill out the application correctly, and prepare for submission.

A previously granted residence permit can be annulled if the foreigner:

• violated the residence requirements in the country;

• used the residence permit for a purpose other than intended, for example, obtained it for studying but started working full-time;

• committed a crime within the country or abroad.

1. European countries may grant two types of residency: temporary or permanent.

2. The main reasons for getting a temporary residence permit are work, family reunification, and study. However, each country usually offers many more grounds, such as remote work, relocation as a financially independent person, or investment in the country’s economy. 

3. Temporary residence permits are usually valid for 1—2 years. However, in special cases, their validity may be 5—10 years, like Greek and Hungarian residence permits for investors.

4. Permanent residency is a lifelong status usually obtained after several years of living in the country with a temporary residence permit. However, investors may immediately become permanent residents, for example, in Malta or Cyprus.

5. Becoming an EU resident makes it possible to travel the Schengen Area visa-free, relocate to the region, ensure access to quality education and healthcare, optimise taxation, and qualify for citizenship in a few years.