EU Visas for Financially Independent Persons: 7-Country Comparison

Not everyone can apply for a financially independent persons visa. These residence permits are tailored to people who already have a secure source of passive income outside the EU and who genuinely plan to make Europe their home.

Definition of the FIP visa

A financially independent person visa, or FIP visa, is for non-EU citizens who can support themselves entirely on foreign income without needing to work in Europe. Think of it as a residence permit for those who have already secured their financial future through pensions, investments, rental income, or other passive sources.

This visa is a great fit if you are a:

• retiree with a stable pension;
• investor living off dividends or other investment returns.

Key requirements and restrictions for FIP visa applicants

The core principle is simple: you live in Europe, but your money comes from abroad. All visas require you to:

• prove stable passive income;
• have health insurance;
• secure accommodation;
• spend more than 183 days a year in the country — for certain nations.

Crucially, you are not allowed to take up local employment. While you can own a company in the EU, you cannot manage it day to day. The one major exception is Portugal's D7 visa, which allows residents to work or run a business locally^{[1]Source: Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July — Legal Framework for the Entry, Stay, Exit and Removal of Foreign Nationals from Portuguese Territory}.

The passive income visa is designed for genuine relocation. It is not a tool for short-term stays or for those who want to maintain their primary residence elsewhere.

A financially independent person visa is more than just a permit to live in Europe. It grants a unique combination of personal freedom, financial flexibility, and long-term security.

Freedom and stability

1. Secure environment. Financially independent persons gain the right to live in some of Europe’s most stable and well-governed countries. These destinations offer predictable rule of law, reliable healthcare, efficient emergency services, clean public spaces, and strong consumer protections.

If you need to return to your home country, your European residence remains a solid Plan B. With an established address, it serves as a practical safety net in case circumstances change.

2. Family reunification. Financially independent persons can relocate to the EU together with their families. Residence typically extends to a spouse, children up to a certain age, and, in some cases, parents. 

Family members receive residence permits with the same validity period and enjoy the same rights as the main applicant.

3. Healthcare access. With residence, passive income visa holders can use local healthcare services, including public providers. To qualify for the visa, they must obtain comprehensive private insurance for themselves and their family members — ensuring access to both public and private healthcare sectors.

4. Education access. Children have the right — and in most cases the obligation — to attend school, with the option of enrolling in state, private, or international institutions. Higher education is also available, though tuition fees may apply even at public universities.

5. Driving licence exchange. Most EU countries allow financially independent persons from outside the EU to drive with a foreign licence for 6 to 12 months after obtaining residence. After this period, the licence can be exchanged if the applicant’s home country has a bilateral agreement.

If no agreement exists, the resident must pass the local theory and practical driving exams. The deadline to exchange or convert a licence ranges from 185 days in Portugal^{[2]Source: The Portuguese public services portal} to 12 months in France^{[3]Source: Permis de conduire — ANTS (France) — official government site for foreign driving licences}, Switzerland^{[4]Source: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Switzerland — Foreign Driving License}, and Italy^{[5]Source: ItalianVisa.it — Conversion of Foreign Driving License}.

6. Visa-free Schengen travel. Financially independent persons with an EU residence permit can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Weekend trips, extended stays, or spontaneous cross-border travel become simple and legal.

EU permanent residence and citizenship

7. Permanent residence. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can typically apply for permanent residence. This status is indefinite and often grants the right to work.

8. EU citizenship. Depending on the country, you can apply for citizenship after 5 to 10 years of residence. EU citizenship gives you the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.

Financial advantages

9. Bank accounts. Opening a personal or corporate bank account becomes simpler with a residence permit, especially in jurisdictions with strict KYC and AML checks such as Austria and Switzerland.

US citizens who hold 401(k) accounts can use these savings as part of their proof of income for financially independent visas.

10. Business ownership. Foreigners on an independent means visa cannot take up employment. However, they may start or acquire a company and receive passive income, such as dividends. They are not allowed to act as directors or managers or to perform day-to-day business activities.

Portugal is an exception: under the residence permit that follows the D7 visa, residents may run a business, either as managers or as self-employed.

11. Tax incentives. While financially independent persons are generally taxed as residents once they move to the EU or Switzerland, several countries offer favorable regimes or exemptions that significantly reduce their tax burden.

Countries with notable tax advantages for FIPs include:

• Italy: flat tax of €300,000 per year on foreign income; no tax on foreign assets, gifts, or inheritance^{[6]Source: Italian Revenue Agency — Neo-residents: Optional regime};
• Greece: 7% flat tax for foreign pensioners for up to 15 years^{[7]Source: Independent Authority for Public Revenue — Tax Incentives in Order to Attract New Tax Residents};
• Austria: no wealth, inheritance, or gift taxes^{[8]Source: PwC — Austria: Individual other taxes};
• France: wealth tax applies only to real estate, if the net worth is over €1,300,000^{[9]Source: Service-Public.fr — Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière};
• Switzerland: lump-sum tax replaces ordinary income and wealth tax^{[10]Source: Swiss Federal Department of Finance — Lump-sum taxation}.

12. Real estate access. Residence makes it easier for financially independent persons to both rent and purchase property in the EU. Renting is often a requirement for the residence permit itself, and having legal residence and a local bank account simplifies long-term leases.

In Austria and Switzerland, residence removes or eases restrictions that apply to non-resident buyers. In Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece, foreigners can buy property without residence, but being a resident streamlines banking and paperwork. In Italy, non-EU nationals may purchase property only if a reciprocity agreement exists between Italy and their country of citizenship.

Several countries in the EU and the Schengen Area offer residence permits for financially independent persons. Countries with passive income visas include Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Malta, Belgium, Cyprus, and — in more limited or specific forms — Latvia and Bulgaria.

Each visa has its own conditions, income thresholds, and long-term benefits. In this article, we focus on seven of the most well-established and accessible routes: Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Austria, and Switzerland.

Portugal’s D7 Visa is one of the most popular and flexible passive income routes in Europe. It stands out for two key reasons: its low income requirement and the unique right for residents to work or run a business — an option unavailable in most other countries^{[1]Source: Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July — Legal Framework for the Entry, Stay, Exit and Removal of Foreign Nationals from Portuguese Territory}.

Eligibility criteria for Portugal’s D7 visa

Monthly income: €920. This amount increases with family size: by 50%, or €460, for a spouse or dependent parent and by 30%, or €276, for each child.

Savings: €11,040. The applicant must open an account and deposit this amount in a Portuguese bank to cover one year of living expenses. The threshold also rises by 50%, or €5,520, per adult and by 30%, or €3,312, per child.

Housing. A rental contract or property deed is required as proof of accommodation in Portugal.

Family inclusion. The main applicant can include:

• spouse or long-term partner;
• children under 18;
• unmarried children aged 18—21 who are financially dependent;
• children with disabilities, with no age limit;
• dependent parents.

Processing, validity, and stay requirement

For Portugal’s D7 visa, applicants should keep in mind the following:

• processing time: 6+ months;
• validity: 2 years, renewable for 3 years;
• minimum stay: absences may not exceed 6 consecutive months or 8 months total during the residence permit validity period.

Tax scenarios for financially independent persons in Portugal

Foreigners with a passive income visa in Portugal become tax residents, as they spend more than 183 days per year in the country.

General income, such as pensions or salaries, is taxed progressively^{[11]Source: PwC — Portugal: taxes on personal income}:

• up to €8,342 — 12.5%;
• €8,342 to 12,587 — 15.7%;
• €12,587 to 17,838 — 21.2%;
• €17,838 to 23,089 — 24.1%;
• €23,089 to 29,397 — 31.1%;
• €29,397 to 43,090 — 34.9%;
• €43,090 to 46,566 — 43.1%;
• €46,566 to 86,634 — 44.6%;
• over €86,634 — 48%.

Dividends, interest, and capital gains are taxed at a flat rate of 28%^{[12]Source: PwC — Portugal: income determination}.

Portugal also has a wide network of double taxation treaties — over 70 agreements with countries in Europe, the US, Asia, Africa, and Oceania^{[13]Source: PwC — Portugal tax treaties}.

Permanent residence and citizenship in Portugal

Permanent residence^{[1]Source: Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July — Legal Framework for the Entry, Stay, Exit and Removal of Foreign Nationals from Portuguese Territory} is available after 5 years of living in Portugal, but citizenship is available after 10 years for most applicants and after 7 years for EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries^{[14]Source: Law No. 37/81 of 3 October — Portuguese Nationality Law}. 

Applicants must demonstrate Portuguese language skills at A2 level, be fully compliant with tax, social security, and residence stay requirements. Citizenship candidates must also pass exams on the Portuguese culture, history, and political system, and submit a written declaration of commitment to democratic principles.

Spanish residence for financially independent persons is known as the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa^{[15]Source: Consulate General of Spain in Manchester — Non-lucrative residence visa}. Its main attractions are the opportunity to include adult dependent children and parents in the application, and the absence of a mandatory savings deposit.

Eligibility criteria for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

Monthly income: €2,400. The main applicant must show at least €2,400 per month from passive sources, such as pension, rental income, or investment returns. An additional €600 per month is required for each family member included in the application.

Depending on family size, the main applicant must prove a monthly income of:

• €3,000 for a couple;
• €3,600 for a family of three;
• €4,200 for a family of four.

Alternatively, the investor can place at least €150,000 in our partner fund and receive passive interest income of €2,778 per month, or €33,336 per year. This income is sufficient to meet the financial requirement for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa.

Housing. Applicants must rent or purchase real estate in Spain to provide a registered address.

Family inclusion. Spouses and parents can be included in the application. Unmarried children of any age may be included, provided they are financially dependent on the main applicant and do not have an independent household.

Processing, validity, and stay requirement

For the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, the residence conditions are as follows:

• processing time: 4+ months;
• validity: 1 year initially, then renewable with 2-year residence cards;
• minimum stay: 183 days per year.

Tax scenarios for financially independent persons in Spain

To maintain residence, financially independent persons must spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, and thus they become tax residents.

Personal income tax is calculated using two combined scales: a nationwide state scale and a regional scale set by the autonomous community in which the taxpayer resides.

The state scale is:

• up to €12,450 — 9.5%;
• €12,451—20,200 — 12%;
• €20,201—35,200 — 15%;
• €35,201—60,000 — 18.5%;
• €60,001—300,000 — 22.5%;
• over €300,000 — 24.5%^{[16]Source: Official State Gazette — Law 35/2006, Article 63: State tax liability}.

Regional tax rates differ between Spain’s autonomous communities. Initial rates range from 8 to 9.5%, while the highest brackets vary from 20.5 to 29.5%. Madrid has one of the lowest regional scales, with rates ranging from 8.5 to 20.5%^{[17]Source: Spanish Tax Agency — Personal Income Tax: Regional Tax Scales}.

Dividends, interest, and capital gains are taxed separately on a national savings scale^{[19]Source: PwC — Spain tax treaties}:

• €0 to 6,000 — 19%;
• €6,001 to 50,000 — 21%;
• €50,001 to 200,000 — 23%;
• €200,001 to 300,000 — 27%;
• over €300,000 — 30%^{[18]Source: Spanish Tax Agency — Taxation of the savings taxable base: state and regional}.

Spain has treaties to prevent double taxation. Foreign taxes may be credited, or income may be exempt with progression^{[19]Source: PwC — Spain tax treaties}.

Permanent residence and citizenship in Spain

Permanent residence in Spain is available after 5 years of continuous legal stay. During this period, applicants must not be absent from Spain for more than 6 consecutive months or 10 months in total. No integration or language test is required for permanent residence^{[20]Source: Spanish Ministry of Inclusion — Long-term residence}.

Spanish citizenship can be granted after another 5 years. Eligibility criteria include the DELE A2 Spanish language exam and the CCSE civics and constitutional test^{[21]Source: Instituto Cervantes — Would you like to obtain Spanish nationality?}. 

Spain does not allow dual nationality, so applicants are required to renounce their original citizenship.

Greece offers one of the most appealing financially independent residence options in Europe: a generous initial 3-year permit and an attractive tax regime for retirees^{[23]Source: Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum — Law No. 5038/2023, Article 163(8)}. The trade-off is a notably high income threshold.

Eligibility criteria for Greece Retirement Visa

Monthly income: €3,500. The required amount increases by 20% for an accompanying spouse and by 15% for each child.

The minimum monthly income by family size is:

• €3,500 — single applicant;
• €4,200 — applicant and spouse;
• €4,725 — applicant, spouse and one child.

Alternatively, applicants may demonstrate savings of at least €126,000, equivalent to 3 years of the minimum income requirement. A higher amount is required for each family member.

Housing. A residential address in Greece must be declared by presenting a rental agreement, property deed, or hosting declaration.

Family inclusion. A spouse and children under 18 can be included in the application.

Processing, validity, and stay requirement

For the Greece Retirement Visa, applicants should keep in mind the following:

• processing time: 4+ months;
• validity: 3 years, renewable;
• minimum stay: 183 days per year.

Tax scenarios for financially independent persons in Greece

Greek tax residence begins after spending more than 183 days per year in the country. Non-residents are only taxed on income earned from Greek sources.

Pension and employment income in Greece is taxed progressively. For taxpayers over 30 with no dependent children, the rates are as follows^{[24]Source: Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance — New income tax rates applicable from 1 January 2026}:

• €0 to 10,000 — 9%;
• €10,001—20,000 — 20%;
• €20,001—30,000 — 26%;
• €30,001—40,000 — 34%;
• €40,001—60,000 — 39%;
• over €60,000 — 44%.

Different rates apply to younger taxpayers and taxpayers with dependent children.

Special tax regime. Retirees can opt for a 7% flat tax on their foreign pension income for up to 15 years^{[7]Source: Independent Authority for Public Revenue — Tax Incentives in Order to Attract New Tax Residents}. Applicants must receive a foreign pension, have been non-resident in Greece for at least 5 of the previous 6 years, and move from a country that has a tax cooperation agreement with Greece.

Rental income has a separate scale of taxation^{[25]Source: Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance — Income Tax Guide}:

• €0—12,000 — 15%;
• €12,001—24,000 — 25%;
• €24,001—36,000 — 35%;
• over €36,000 — 45%.

Foreign dividends are taxed at 5%. Interest and capital gains are taxed at 15%^{[26]Source: PwC — Greece: Income determination}.

Double taxation treaties may exempt or reduce Greek tax depending on the source country and type of income^{[27]Source: PwC — Greece tax treaties}.

Permanent residence and citizenship in Greece

Permanent residence. After 5 years, financially independent persons and their family members can qualify for long-term resident status, which grants the right to work. A2-level Greek is required^{[28]Source: Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum — Certification of Greek Language Proficiency}.

Greek citizenship. After another 2 years, applicants may apply for citizenship if they meet integration requirements, including B1-level Greek^{[29]Source: Greek Government Portal — Participate in the exams for the Knowledge Adequacy Certificate for Naturalisation}.

Austria’s residence permit for financially independent individuals is one of the most prestigious in Europe, offering access to an exceptionally high quality of life^{[30]Source: Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior — Settlement Permit Except Gainful Employment}. However, it is also one of the most demanding options, defined by two key hurdles: a mandatory German-language requirement from day one and a strict quota whose size is set annually.

Eligibility criteria for Austria FIP visa

Monthly income: €2,616.78. A minimum of €2,616.78 per month is required for a single applicant, rising to €4,128.24 for a couple, plus €403.76 for each child^{[31]Source: Austrian Legal Information System — General Social Insurance Act}.

Savings: €30,000. Immigrant Invest lawyers recommend depositing around €80,000 in a bank account to improve the chances of approval.

Housing. A financially independent person may either buy or rent a home in Austria. They must provide documents confirming their right to live there, and the property should offer enough space for the size of their family.

Language requirement. Applicants over 14 must demonstrate German language proficiency at the A1 level. The certificate must be no more than 1 year old and issued by one of the following institutions:

• Austrian Language Diploma German, ÖSD;
• Goethe-Institut;
• TELC GmbH;
• Austrian Integration Fund, ÖIF^{[32]Source: Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior — Proof of German Language Skills}.

Family inclusion. A spouse and children under 18 can obtain Austrian residence with the main applicant.

Processing, validity, and stay requirement

For Austria’s residence permit for financially independent persons, the main conditions include:

• processing time: 3+ months;
• validity: 1 year, renewable;
• minimum stay: 183 days per year.

The first residence permit may be renewed for another year, provided the holder continues to reside in Austria and meets the financial requirements. 

To obtain a second renewal, financially independent residents must also complete Module 1 of the Integration Agreement^{[33]Source: Österreichischer Integrationsfonds — Integrationsvereinbarung}. This involves passing the ÖIF integration examination at A2 level, which assesses German-language skills and basic knowledge of Austria’s legal and social values.

The government covers 50% of the course cost — up to €750, provided the applicant:

• attends at least 75% of classes;
• passes the exam within 18 months of starting the course.

Alternatively, Module 1 may be fulfilled with a recognised secondary school diploma if it is equivalent to an Austrian school-leaving qualification.

Tax scenarios for financially independent persons in Austria

Financially independent persons become tax residents in Austria, as they must spend more than 183 days per year in the country. They are subject to taxation on their worldwide income, which includes foreign pensions, dividends, interest, capital gains, and rental income.

Personal income tax, including pensions and rentals, is progressive^{[34]Source: Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance — Income Tax Rates and Tax Credits}:

• up to €13,539 — 0%;
• €13,540 to 21,992 — 20%;
• €21,993 to 36,458 — 30%;
• €36,459 to 70,365 — 40%;
• €70,366 to 104,859 — 48%;
• €104,860 to 1,000,000 — 50%;
• over €1,000,000 — 55%.

Dividends and taxable gains from financial investments are taxed at 27.5%. Interest on savings and current accounts is taxed at 25%, while most other investment interest is subject to the 27.5% rate^{[35]Source: Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance — Capital yields in the strict sense}.

Austria has an extensive network of double taxation treaties with over 90 countries, helping residents avoid being taxed twice on the same income^{[36]Source: PwC — Austria tax treaties}.

Permanent residence and citizenship in Austria

Permanent residence is granted after 5 years of uninterrupted stay in Austria^{[37]Source: Austrian Government Portal — Integration Agreement}. During this time, applicants must not be absent for more than 6 consecutive months or more than 10 months in total. Permanent residence is indefinite, but the residence card must be renewed every 5 years.

Applicants must confirm their income and place of residence in Austria and complete Module 2 of the integration agreement. This can be done by:

• passing a German language exam administered by the ÖIF, B1 level;
• providing an Austrian school certificate with a passing grade in German;
• showing 5 years of schooling in Austria;
• presenting a vocational education diploma;
• confirming university studies conducted in German.

Austrian citizenship for financially independent persons is available after another 5 years^{[38]Source: Austrian Federal Government Migration Portal — Citizenship}. Applicants must pass a test proving B1-level German and pass a citizenship test covering Austria’s democratic system and the history of Austria and their federal province.

Dual citizenship is not permitted in Austria, so applicants must renounce their previous citizenship before acquiring Austrian nationality.

The Italy Elective Residence Visa^{[40]Source: Consolato d’Italia Adelaide — Elective Residence Visa} is the premier choice for high-net-worth individuals who want to pair a culturally rich lifestyle with powerful tax optimisation.

Eligibility criteria for Italy Elective Residence Visa

Monthly income: €2,580. You must demonstrate a minimum annual income of €31,160. This amount increases by 100% for each family member.

Housing. Applicants must confirm suitable accommodation in Italy, normally through a registered property purchase deed or residential tenancy agreement. Exact document and lease-duration requirements depend on the consulate processing the application.

Family inclusion. A legally married spouse and children under 18 can obtain Italian residence together with the main applicant.

Processing, validity, and stay requirement

For Italy’s Elective Residence Visa, the key features are:

• processing time: 4+ months;
• validity: 1 year, renewable;
• minimum stay: 183 days per year.

Tax scenarios for financially independent persons in Italy

Special tax regimes. Applicants who have not been tax residents in Italy for the last 10 years can apply for a special 15-year regime. It is subject to a fixed tax of €300,000^{[6]Source: Italian Revenue Agency — Neo-residents: Optional regime}.

Italy also offers a 7% substitute tax regime for foreign pensioners who move their tax residence to qualifying municipalities in southern Italy. These include Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia, as well as certain earthquake-affected areas with populations under 30,000^{[41]Source: Italian Revenue Agency — 7% substitute tax for foreign pensioners relocating to Southern Italy}.

Without special tax regime, foreign employment income and pensions are taxed under Italy’s progressive income tax scale:

• up to €28,000 — 23%;
• €28,001 to 50,000 — 33%;
• over €50,000 — 43%.

Dividends, most interest income, and taxable gains from financial investments are taxed at 26%^{[42]Source: PwC — Italy: Income determination}.

Permanent residence and citizenship in Italy

Permanent residence is available after 5 years of living in Italy^{[43]Source: Polizia di Stato — Permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo}. Applicants must demonstrate at least A2-level Italian, as well as knowledge of Italian culture, law, and civic life.

Italian citizenship can be granted after another 5 years^{[44]Source: Italian Republic — Law No. 91 of 5 February 1992 on Citizenship}. B1-level Italian is normally required, although holders of the EU long-term resident permit are exempt from submitting a separate language certificate.

The France FIP Visa, known as the Visiteur Visa^{[46]Source: Service-Public — Carte de séjour “visiteur”}, is a type of long-term residence permit. Its notable advantage is that no language test is required, unlike other long-term residence permits in France which require A2-level proficiency.

Eligibility criteria for France Visiteur Fisa

Monthly income: €1,867.02. The official minimum is tied to the French minimum wage — €1,867.02 per month^{[47]Source: Service-Public.fr — Salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance}. Families must show additional funds sufficient to support all accompanying members, but no fixed multiplier applies.

Housing. Applicants for the France FIP Visa must provide evidence of accommodation in France, such as proof of property ownership, a rental agreement, or confirmation that they will stay with a relative or friend.

There is no minimum property value, but the accommodation must include at least one main room measuring 9 m² with a ceiling height of at least 2.2 metres.

Family inclusion. Along with the main applicant, a France financially independent person visa can also be granted to a spouse and children under 18.

Processing, validity, and stay requirement

For France Visiteur Visa, the key features are:

• processing time: 5+ months;
• validity: 1 year, renewable;
• minimum stay: 183 days per year.

Tax scenarios for financially independent persons in France

Financially independent persons who reside in France for more than 183 days a year become French tax residents. As such, they are taxed on their worldwide income.

Foreign income and pensions are taxed under a progressive scale^{[48]Source: Service-Public.fr — Impôt sur le revenu : tranches et taux d'imposition 2026}:

• up to €11,600 — 0%;
• €11,601 to 29,579 — 11%;
• €29,580 to 84,577— 30%;
• €84,578 to 181,917 — 41%;
• above €181,917 — 45%.

Dividends, interest, and capital gains are taxed at a flat rate of 30%^{[49]Source: PwC — France: income determination}.

France also has tax treaties that may offer partial or full relief to avoid double taxation^{[50]Source: PwC — France tax treaties}.

Permanent residence and citizenship in France

After 5 years of residence in France, applicants may apply for permanent residence or citizenship through naturalisation.

The long-term residence card is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate B1-level French and pass a civic examination^{[51]Source: Service-Public.fr — Carte de résident de 10 ans d'un étranger en France}.

To be eligible for citizenship, applicants must demonstrate B2-level French proficiency and knowledge of French history, culture, and society^{[52]Source: Service-Public.fr — Naturalisation française par décret}.

Switzerland offers a unique residence route for financially independent individuals. Applicants may obtain the so-called B residence permit based on significant cantonal fiscal interests and combine it with a lump-sum taxation^{[10]Source: Swiss Federal Department of Finance — Lump-sum taxation}. Instead of assessing worldwide income and wealth item by item, the authorities calculate tax mainly by reference to the household’s annual living expenses.

The lump-sum option is available in most cantons, except Zürich, Schaffhausen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Basel-Stadt, and Basel-Landschaft.

Eligibility criteria for Switzerland residence for FIPs

Lump-sum taxation. Applicants agree on a tax arrangement with their chosen canton. In 2026, the federal minimum taxable base is CHF 435,000, or around €465,000^{[54]Source: Swiss Federal Tax Administration — Tax Burden in Switzerland's Cantons, Communes and Parishes 2025}. A higher amount may apply if the household’s worldwide living expenses or seven times the annual rent or rental value of the Swiss home is greater. Federal, cantonal and municipal tax rates are then applied to this amount.

Financial requirement. Non-employed residents also pay Swiss social security contributions. The amount is based on their assets and pension income. In 2026, annual contributions range from CHF 530 to CHF 26,500, or around €567 to €28,355, plus administrative charges, and are usually payable until retirement age^{[55]Source: Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office — Non-employed persons: contributions}.

Residence and work requirements. Applicants must be foreign nationals moving to Switzerland for the first time or returning after living abroad for at least 10 years. Switzerland must become their main home, and they cannot work there, although they may manage their own investments and assets.

Family inclusion. The main applicant may include their spouse or registered partner and unmarried children under 18. The family must have suitable housing and enough money to support themselves without claiming social assistance.

Processing, validity, and stay requirement

In Switzerland, financially independent persons can obtain residence through a structured approval process. It begins with the cantonal tax authority and is followed by federal confirmation. The procedure typically takes at least 3 months.

Once approved, the residence permit is granted with the following conditions:

• validity: 1 year, renewable annually;
• minimum stay: most of the year.

Permanent residence and citizenship in Switzerland

Permanent residence^{[56]Source: Swiss State Secretariat for Migration — Official page on C permit}. Financially independent persons reside in Switzerland on an annually renewed B permit. After 10 years of continuous legal residence, they become eligible to apply for the C settlement permit. 

Integration requirements include:

• A2-level speaking and A1-level writing in a national language;
• participation in economic life or education, or efforts to do so.

In some cantons, early access to the C permit may be possible after 5 years if the applicant is well integrated. Requirements for early C include stronger language skills — B1 speaking and A1 writing — stricter integration checks, and active participation in local life.

Citizenship^{[57]Source: Swiss State Secretariat for Migration — Ordinary naturalisation}. Ordinary naturalisation becomes available after 10 years of residence in Switzerland, but only after obtaining a C permit. There is no additional federal waiting period after the C. However, cantons and communes may impose their own minimum residence requirements, often requiring at least 2—5 years of residence in that locality.

Integration requirements for citizenship include:

1. Language: B1 speaking, A2 writing in a national language^{[58]Source: Swiss State Secretariat for Migration — Language requirements}.
2. Social integration: familiarity with Swiss customs, civic duties, and participation in community life.
3. Local requirements: interviews, local language tests, and civic knowledge exams may apply.

In all countries, officials total your passive inflows such as rent, dividends, coupons, interest, and pensions over 6 to 12 months, then check that the monthly average meets the country threshold and that the money trail is clear from bank and broker statements. 

Family uplifts apply and some countries also expect a local savings balance. Where income fluctuates, a quarterly rollup and a stronger on-balance cash buffer usually resolves concerns. 

In this section, we will look at the approach in practice using Portugal, Spain, and Austria.

For the Portugal D7 Visa

Threshold and what counts. Minimum monthly passive income is €920 for a single applicant. Add €460 for a spouse or dependent parent and €276 per child. Portugal also expects a local bank balance from €11,040 that rises by 50% per adult and 30% per child. 

Accepted sources include dividends, rental income, coupons, interest, and pensions.

How to calculate and average. Consulates typically review 6 to 12 months of inflows and assess stability. If income varies, average monthly inflows across the reviewed period. For seasonal rents, quarterly averaging with a short explanation is acceptable.

Evidence to provide. The key is to show the same income story in two layers: 

1. Bank statements that show the money arriving.
2. Source documents that explain why it arrives. 

In practice this means bank statements for the relevant period with incoming payments highlighted, brokerage statements confirming dividends and coupon payments, and lease agreements that match the rental inflows. 

You also provide proof of accommodation in Portugal such as a rental contract or property deed, plus a Portuguese bank statement proving the required savings deposit. 

How to reach the threshold. You can combine several passive streams as long as you document them clearly and the average meets the minimum:

• rent plus dividends — one or more rental properties cover the core monthly amount and a dividend portfolio tops up the gap;
• rent plus bond coupons — stable rent combined with coupon paying bonds helps smooth months when dividends are not paid;
• rent plus deposit interest — when dividends are lumpy, monthly interest from a term deposit can stabilise the average;
• multiple rentals — two smaller leases may be easier to document than one high rent, especially if payments are seasonal.

Example for a couple: monthly target is €1,380. If rent is €900 per month, bond coupons are €1,200 paid twice a year which equals €200 per month, and dividends are €840 paid quarterly which equals €280 per month, then the monthly average is €1,380.

Calculation: €900 + €200 + €280 = €1,380.

Handling fluctuations. If a few months dip below the target, the usual fix is to widen the evidence window to 12 months, add a quarterly or annual summary from your broker or property manager, and show a higher cash buffer in the Portuguese account above the minimum savings level.

Common mistakes and fixes are the following:

1. No Portuguese account funded to the required savings level: open the account early and deposit the full amount before applying.
2. Income looks irregular because dividends are paid quarterly: add a simple averaging note and attach broker statements for the full period.
3. Rental income is claimed but the lease is unclear or not supported by statements: provide the lease and match each payment to the bank statement line.
4. Missing Portugal accommodation proof: add a Portuguese rental contract or property deed.

For the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

Threshold and what counts. Spain’s route for financially independent applicants is the Non-Lucrative Visa with an income benchmark of €28,800 per year. The practical rule used in applications is €2,400 per month for the main applicant plus €600 per month for each additional family member, so a couple targets €3,000 per month, a family of three €3,600, and a family of four €4,200. 

A key difference from Portugal’s D7 is that Spain highlights family inclusion including adult dependent children and parents, and it does not require a mandatory savings deposit in the way Portugal does. 

How to calculate and average. Officials normally want to see that passive income is stable and sufficient, so you take inflows over the last 6 to 12 months and show the monthly average meeting the target. 

If income is uneven, for example dividends paid quarterly, present a simple averaging note that converts quarterly amounts into a monthly equivalent, and make sure the bank statement inflows match the brokerage report totals.

Example: if rent is €2,100 per month and dividends are €2,700 paid quarterly, the dividend monthly equivalent is €900, so the combined monthly average is €3,000, which meets the couple threshold. 

Evidence to provide. Use the same two layer logic as in Portugal. Show money arriving and show why it arrives. In practice this means bank statements with incoming payments, brokerage statements confirming dividends and interest, and lease agreements that match rental inflows. 

Spain also requires housing in Spain with a registered address, so you typically provide a Spanish rental contract or a purchase deed linked to the address. 

How to reach the threshold. You can combine several passive streams as long as the documentation is consistent and the monthly average meets the minimum:

• rent plus dividends, where a rental contract covers most of the target and a dividend portfolio tops up the gap;
• rent plus bond coupons, where coupon payments stabilise months when dividends are not paid;
• rent plus deposit interest, where monthly interest helps keep the average above the line;
• multiple rentals, where two smaller leases reduce dependence on one tenant and may smooth seasonality.

Alternatively, investors can generate the required passive income through a fund. For example, placing at least €150,000 in our partner fund can produce interest payments of €2,778 per month, or €33,336 per year, which is enough to meet the main applicant’s income requirement for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa.

Example for a family of three: monthly target is €3,600. If rent averages €2,700, bond coupons equal €450 per month when averaged, and dividends equal €450 per month when averaged, the total monthly average is €3,600.

Handling fluctuations. If a few months fall below the target, the usual solution is to show a longer history, add a quarterly rollup from your broker or property manager, and demonstrate a stronger cash buffer so the caseworker sees that the household can still sustain itself.

Common mistakes and fixes. The most frequent issue is misunderstanding the family uplift and proving only €2,400 while applying as a couple or family, so the fix is to recalculate and show the correct totals for each dependent. 

For Austrian residence

Threshold and what counts. Austria’s residence permit for financially independent individuals is one of the most selective options in Europe. The minimum passive income is €2,616.78 per month for a single applicant, €4,128.24 per month for a couple, plus €403.76 per month for each child.

Savings and the approval logic. The baseline savings benchmark is €30,000, but in practice a larger buffer can strengthen the application. Immigrant Invest lawyers often recommend depositing around €80,000 to improve approval chances. 

How to calculate and average. The same logic as in Portugal applies, but Austria is less forgiving with inconsistency: you should demonstrate stable inflows, usually by averaging monthly income across the review period and showing that the average comfortably exceeds the minimum. 

If dividends or coupons are paid quarterly or semi annually, convert them into a monthly equivalent and explain the averaging in a short cover note.

Example for a couple: target is €4,128.24 per month. If rent is €2,800 per month, bond coupons total €3,600 twice a year which equals €600 per month, and dividends total €2,190 per quarter, equivalent to €730 per month, the average monthly income is €4,130.

Evidence to provide. Austria expects a complete paper trail proving both the inflow and the legal basis for it, plus compliance items that are specific to this route. You typically show: 

• bank statements with incoming payments; 
• brokerage statements confirming dividends; 
• interest and coupons. 

How to reach the threshold. You can combine passive streams, but Austria benefits from a conservative mix that looks stable on monthly statements:

• rent plus dividends to cover the core target while keeping a diversified income base;
• rent plus bond coupons to create predictable top ups in months without dividend payments;
• rent plus deposit interest when you want steadier monthly inflows rather than lumpy payouts;
• larger cash buffer on account to reduce the risk of borderline months and strengthen the overall profile. 

Common mistakes and fixes. The most common issues are being too close to the minimum, having lumpy income without an averaging note, and submitting housing that does not meet the minimum space expectations. 

The usual fix is to strengthen the buffer, present clear monthly equivalents for dividends and coupons, and align every claimed rental payment with both the lease and the bank statement line.

Here’s a concise list of documents typically required for financially independent person visas in most countries:

1. Valid passport.
2. Recent passport-sized photos.
3. Police clearance certificate.
4. Private health insurance.
5. Proof of accommodation — rental or ownership.
6. Proof of passive income, such as bank, pension, dividend, interest, or royalty statements, rental contracts, or tax declarations.
7. Trust or annuity payment records.
8. Marriage and birth certificates for dependents.
9. Language certificate — where required.
10. No-employment declaration.
11. Medical certificate.

Migration authorities may request additional documents, such as a personal cover letter explaining the reason for relocation or proof of children’s enrollment in school.

All documents must be translated into the official language of the country and certified, either by a notary, through an apostille, or legalised at a consulate.

Residence permits for financially independent persons are designed for individuals who plan to make a new country their home, which is why most require you to spend more than 183 days a year in that country. But what if you’re a global citizen who wants the security of a European residence permit but can’t commit to living there full time?

Residence by investment programmes, often known as Golden Visas, are a far more suitable option for this profile. Instead of demonstrating passive income, you make a significant financial contribution to the country's economy.

In return, you receive residence with very minimal physical presence requirements. This makes it an ideal “Plan B” for frequent travelers, international business owners, or those with family commitments spread across the globe.

The easiest EU residence programmes depend on the applicant’s profile. Within Golden Visa frameworks, the simplest routes are typically those based on straightforward financial contributions or fund investments, with minimal relocation requirements.

1. For maximum flexibility: Portugal. The D7 visa has the lowest income requirement of €920 per month and allows you to work or run a business.
2. For simplicity and family inclusion: Spain. This visa allows easy inclusion of adult children and parents, with no savings deposit required.
3. For the longest initial permit: Greece. It grants a 3-year residence permit from the outset.
4. For a fast track to citizenship: France. It is the only country on this list that offers eligibility for citizenship after just 5 years of legal residence.
5. For favourable taxes: Italy or Greece. Italy and Greece both offer a 7% flat tax regime for qualifying foreign pensioners who relocate there.
6. For exclusivity and prestige: Austria or Switzerland. Austria grants limited quotas and a high standard of living, while Switzerland offers lump-sum taxation and residence for the wealthy.