Where It’s Easiest to Get a Residence Permit: Top Accessible programmes

The opportunity to preserve and expand one’s economic and personal freedoms is an important priority in today’s context of global mobility. A residence permit (residency) in another country is a convenient and effective tool that allows you to legally live in the chosen country, use local healthcare and education, have the opportunity to work, and potentially obtain citizenship if certain conditions are met.

There are many grounds for obtaining a residence permit—from employment and education to family reunification. For those who value time and have sufficient financial resources, there are faster and more efficient options—Golden Visas and other investment programmes. These come with loyal requirements for residency duration and do not necessarily require relocation to the country or changing tax residency.

Investment programmes: A Fast Track to Residency

Investment residency programmes are the fastest and most predictable way to obtain a residence permit in developed countries. Understanding the features of each programme helps to choose the best solution for specific goals and budgets.

Greece: The Most Affordable Golden Visa in Europe

Greece’s residence-by-investment programme in real estate is one of the most popular and affordable in the EU. Along with immigration status and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, the investor acquires their own residence in a country with a warm climate, stable economy, and high quality of life.

Starting September 1, 2024, there are two investment zones:

Zone 1 (€800,000+): Athens, the entire Attica region, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, and islands with a population over 3,100. One property of at least 120 sq. m. is allowed.
Zone 2 (€400,000+): All other regions of Greece, one property of at least 120 sq. m.

Exception €250,000: when purchasing commercial property converted into residential use or a cultural heritage property for renovation — no size requirement.

Property may be rented out long-term with yields of 4-6% annually or used for personal residence.

Conditions:

Residence permit valid for 5 years with renewal.
Family eligibility: spouse, children under 21, parents.
Processing time: 3-6 months.
No residency requirement.

Cyprus: Permanent Residency for Investors

Cyprus is a developed European country with a great climate, planning to join the Schengen zone in 2025.

Programme conditions:

Investment from €300,000 + VAT in developer real estate.
Processing time: 6-8 months.
Application may include spouse and children under 25.
Rental yield from real estate.

Applicant requirements:

Confirmed income: €50,000/year (single), €65,000 (with spouse), €75,000 (+child).
Minimum residency: one visit every two years.
Employment is prohibited; own business is allowed.
Non-Domicile preferential tax regime available.
Citizenship possible after 8 years.

Portugal: A Path to EU Citizenship

Portugal’s Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after in the EU due to investment returns and the short path to an EU passport.

Investment options:

Fund shares — from €500,000 for 6 years.
Scientific research — from €250,000 (non-refundable).
Cultural heritage — from €250,000 (non-refundable).
Local business — from €500,000 + 5 jobs.
Creation of 10 jobs without minimum investment amount.

Benefits:

Minimum stay: 7 days/year.
Family eligibility: spouse, children, parents.
Citizenship after 5 years.

Hungary: Long-Term Residency for 10 Years

Hungary offers residency within 3-4 months, valid immediately for 10 years for the whole family.

Conditions:

Investment funds: €250,000+.
University donation: €1,000,000+.

Benefits:

No residency requirements.
EU resident status.
Schengen visa-free travel.
Favorable tax conditions.

USA: EB-5 Investor Visa

The United States remains one of the most in-demand destinations for entrepreneurs and investors seeking residency.

Conditions:

Investment from $800,000 in a new or existing business.
Creation of at least 10 jobs.
“At-risk” investments with potential returns.
Capital retention: minimum 5 years.
Family eligibility: spouse, unmarried children under 21.

A 2-year conditional green card is issued, then a 10-year green card, with citizenship possible after 5 years.

Malta: A Fast Track to an EU Passport

Malta’s Golden Visa grants permanent residence, Schengen visa-free travel, and a high standard of living.

Participation Options

Option 1:

Government contribution and property rental for five years

Government contribution: €60,000
Administrative fee: €50,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 for each additional dependent
Donation to a non-profit organization: €2,000
Property rental: €14,000 per year (€70,000 for five years)

Option 2:

Property purchase — from €375,000 + government contribution of €30,000
Rental — €14,000/year for 5 years + government contribution of €60,000
Charitable donation — €2,000
Proof of assets — from €500,000

H3; Monaco: A Prestigious Tax Haven

Residency in Monaco provides access to the French Riviera lifestyle and tax benefits.

Tax advantages:

No income, wealth, property, or capital gains taxes for individuals.
Minimal corporate tax and inheritance tax.

Requirements:

Financial independence (usually €1,000,000+).
Own property in the country.
Clean reputation.
Processing: 2-6 months.

Italy: Quick Processing in 3-4 Months

Italy’s Golden Visa offers three investment options:

Company shares: from €250,000 (startups) to €500,000 (others).
Public projects: from €1,000,000 + real estate purchase/rental.
Government bonds: from €2,000,000.

Family Eligibility: Spouse, minor children, parents 65+ (financially dependent).

Permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship after 10 years (with conditions).

Alternative Ways to Residency

Besides investment programmes, there are other residency paths that may be more affordable but require meeting additional conditions. These are popular among those considering relocation with minimal investments.

Montenegro: Business Without Profitability Requirements

Residency through company registration is relatively simple:

Business registration with any charter capital.
Work permit with salary from €450.
Director position.
Registered address and health insurance.
Sufficient bank account funds.

Features: no profitability or job-creation requirements. Just submit reports and pay taxes. Minimal local language knowledge required.

Serbia: The Fastest Start Through Sole Proprietorship

The simplest option is opening a sole proprietorship (SP) without minimum investment.

Tax benefits:

Lump-sum tax for turnover up to €52,000/year.
Corporate tax: 15%.
VAT: 20% (10% food/tourism, 0% exports).

Steps:

Register SP remotely or in person.
Obtain “white card.”
Rent housing.
Register with SBRA.
Open bank account.
Get residency (Privremeni boravak) for 3 years with renewal.

Permanent residency after 3 years, citizenship upon conditions.

Turkey: Residency and Investments

Turkey offers several legalization options depending on goals and budget.

Tourist Ikamet: simplest short-term permit for 6 months. Documents: 6-month rental contract, activity plan, insurance, ~$450/month per adult.
Real Estate Residency: more secure, from $200,000 investment, 2-year card renewable. Citizenship possible after 5 years.
Investment Citizenship: direct passport in 6-12 months with $400,000+ real estate purchase. Property can be sold after 3 years while keeping citizenship.

Argentina: Medical Grounds

Argentina offers a unique way to obtain residency via medical treatment—one of the simplest legalization methods.

Steps:

Medical card with diagnosis and treatment plan from a local clinic.
Submit residency application (popular option—dental care, e.g., braces).
Residency for accompanying persons (family, guardians) if needed.

Result: 1-year resident card renewable. Citizenship after 2 years with Spanish language and constitution exam.

Germany: Employment and Blue Card

Germany issues the most first-time residence permits in the EU.

Options:

ICT card for internships: 1 year (employees), 3 years (managers/specialists).
Employment residency: requires job offer, recognized diploma, German language, and approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
EU Blue Card: for highly qualified specialists with €3,775+ salary. Often no German is required. Benefits for IT, medicine, math, teaching. 4-year permit.
Chancenkarte: job seeker visa. Allows part-time work (20 hrs/week). Requires education + German (A1) or English (B2).

Chile: Financial Independence

Chile offers a quick way to residency via proof of passive income—retiree visa.

Income requirements:

$400/month for age 65+.
$535/month otherwise.

Entirely remote process, entry only after approval. Foreign ID issued within 30 days.

Restrictions: no work/business allowed in Chile. Benefits: no tax on foreign income for 3 years.

Permit valid 2 years, renewable or convertible to permanent residency. Citizenship after 5 years.

Ecuador: Education as the Key

Ecuador offers an easy residency path for higher-education graduates.

Requirement: full-time university degree.

Process:

Diploma legalization (up to 3 months).
Proof of $470/month income.
Annual medical insurance.
Submit residency application.

Result: 2-year residency card. Total costs under $6,000.

Choosing the Optimal Strategy

Most often, the investment route proves the most optimal: investors usually face no residency obligations, processing times are significantly shorter, and benefits are broader compared to other grounds.

According to the OECD, investment residency programmes continue to attract a growing number of applicants seeking global mobility and tax optimization.

The choice of programme depends on your goals, budget, and future plans. Investment residency programmes provide the greatest flexibility and speed, while alternative options may suit those ready for a longer process and additional requirements.

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