Dreaming of Living in Europe? Explore 6 Leading EU Residency Programs

Living in Europe is a dream of many global investors seeking access to high-quality education, international business opportunities, and greater mobility. Some European countries offering residency by investment programs allow foreign citizens to secure legal residence in their countries by making a qualifying investment.

As per Eurostat, around 14% of the EU's total population are foreign residents, showing the increasing interest of people. It attracts investors from all parts of the world including advanced and emerging economies. Several Leading European residency programs offered by countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, Hungary, Latvia, and Cyprus are discussed in this article. 

What is European Residency by Investment?

European residency by investment programs allow eligible non-EU citizens to receive a residence permit after making qualifying investment in the country of choice and fulfilling the legal requirements. The programs offer numerous investment options such as investment funds, real estate, jobs creation, business investment, or financial contribution. 

Investors can choose from investment options the ones that they find suitable and aligned with their goals and objectives. The residence permits issued allows applicants to live and work in the country and also access the EU Schengen area visa-free for short visits. The Schengen area includes 29 countries. 

Six Leading European Residency Programs

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal golden visa allows qualifying non-EU investors to secure residency in Portugal. The investment options it offers include non-real estate investment funds requiring minimum €500,000 investment, scientific research requiring investment of €500,000, cultural contribution starting from €250,000, at least 10 jobs creation or investment in a Portuguese company meeting employment conditions. 

This program is mainly attractive for global investors who prefer minimal physical requirements. Because the program requires just 7 days stay per year and 14 days stay for every subsequent year. Portugal residency by investment program allows family reunification and also provides a pathway to Permanent residency after 5 years. 

Moreover, after fulfilling the legal, language, and residence requirements, Portuguese residents can also apply for Portuguese citizenship. They can then secure a passport after seven or ten years depending on their nationality as proposed in the changed nationality law. 

Best Option for: Investors seeking flexible residency through funds, business, research, or cultural route.  

Greece Golden Visa

The Greece Golden Visa provides a 5-year renewable residence permit that requires approved property investment. The minimum value of the property is usually at €800,000, in the desirable areas, including parts of Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini. 

Property value in many other areas is €400,000, while some areas selected for property conversion and historic buildings have property value of €250,000.Family members can also be included under the greece golden visa, which makes Greece appealing for applicants who want to own property and want to reside in Europe with their family for a long-term.

Best Option for: Families who want to own a property and spend more time in Greece.

Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

The Malta Permanent Residence Program offers qualifying third-country nationals permanent residency. Applicants need to own a property of at least €375,000 or pay a minimum rent of €14,000 per year.  The program also includes government contribution,administration fees, a qualifying donation, financial-asset requirements and health insurance.

Malta is an English speaking country which provides investors with an opportunity to pursue international education. They can reside in an EU and Schengen country. Family members can also be included in the application, if eligible.

Best Option for: Families looking for a structured long-term immigration option to an English speaking nation.

Hungary Golden Visa

Hungary offers a golden visa program for foreigners, who are not citizens of the European Union, but fulfil specific requirements. The applicant can invest a minimum of €250,000 in units of an approved real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank. The other option is that they can donate €1 million to a qualified higher education institution focusing on education, research or artistic activities.

This residence permit can be granted for as long as 10 years, and then extended to further 10 years. Residents can work or run a business in Hungary and family members can also apply under the family reunification option.

Best Option for: investors seeking long-term European residence and Schengen access through an approved fund. 

Latvia Golden Visa

There are several options to secure temporary residency in Latvia under the Latvia golden visa program. The applicants can invest at least €50,000 in the capital of a qualifying smaller Latvian company and, at the same time, pay a €10,000 state contribution. 

The other alternatives are to buy qualifying property with not less than €250,000 or to place €280,000 with a qualifying Latvian credit institution, or to buy €250,000 in designated government securities. The temporary residence permit can be granted for up to 5 years depending on the chosen path.

Best Option for: Someone who wants to invest in a business or property in the Baltic area.

Cyprus Permanent Residence Program

Cyprus's permanent-residence program involves an investment of at least €300,000. Possible options are a new residential property, a commercial property, a Cyprus company's share capital or units in an approved organization. Applicants must also have a secured annual income of at least €50,000, with additional amounts for qualifying dependants.

Cyprus offers a residence base in the Mediterranean and allows eligible family members to be included. Cyprus has been an EU member but it is not a full member of the Schengen Area yet.

Best Option for: Families who are looking for EU permanent residence through property, business or fund investment.

Conclusion

If a family wants to live in Europe, there are multiple options under the golden visa programs of countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, Hungary, Latvia and Cyprus. There are different investment criteria, as well as different residence advantages and prospects for the long term for each program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which European Residence Programs has the Lowest Investment?

Latvia offers a qualifying business investment option that starts from €50,000, making it the lowest entry threshold for securing European residency. 

Which countries offer permanent residence by investment?

Malta and Cyprus provide programs that offer permanent residence, while others mostly provide temporary residence initially. 

Can Family Members be included?

Yes. Most programs allow qualifying spouses and dependent children, while some also allow eligible parents or adult dependents to be included in the application.

Does European Residence provide citizenship?

No. Residence and citizenship are different. Upon meeting eligibility criteria and fulfilling legal, language, and residence requirements, applicants can apply for citizenship.

Can residents travel across the Schengen Area?

Residence permits issued by the Schengen countries generally allow visa-free access to the Schengen area for short visits.