Top Countries Where You Can Easily Obtain Residency

Obtaining residency in another country is one of the most effective ways to preserve and expand your global opportunities. A residence permit not only grants you the right to live in a country, but also provides access to all the advantages enjoyed by local residents too.

There are various grounds for legalising your stay in a country, for example, reuniting with family, marriage, enrolling in a local university, and so on. One of the most effective options is to obtain residency through investment. While these programmes require a financial contribution, they offer more favourable requirements for participants, and do not oblige holders to relocate to the country, and they also provide a wider range of benefits.

Here, we explain where it is easiest to obtain residency, which countries offer immigration programmes for investors, and what you need to do to participate.

Investor Solutions: Golden Visa Programmes

Greece Golden Visa: The Most Accessible European Residency

Greece’s investment residency programme through real estate is one of the most successful and popular ones in Europe. Participants become residents of Greece and the EU, can travel visa-free across the Schengen Zone, and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle in their very own property. Greece is home to some of the most stunning islands in the world, offering incredible sunsets and a perfect mix of local culture and nightlife. In addition to a high standard of living, comfort, and security, investors also acquire a highly liquid asset capable of generating a stable income.

The programme does not require you to live permanently in the country unless you intend to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in the future. It is actually sufficient to only visit once to submit biometric data, with all other formalities handled remotely via a legal representative.

To take part in the programme, you must purchase real estate in Greece. From September 1st, 2024, the Greek Government increased the minimum investment for the Golden Visa from €250,000 to:

• €800,000 in Athens, the Attica region, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, and all other islands. 
• €400,000 in all other regions of Greece.

You may buy a single property, with a minimum size requirement of 120 sq.m.

However, there are exceptions allowing you to maintain the minimum entry threshold at €250,000 while still obtaining residency. There are no location or size restrictions under these options as you can purchase property of any size in any region of Greece.

These conditions apply to properties that:

• Are being converted from commercial to residential use. In this case, the investor funds a future project, with the developer acquiring a commercial building and fully renovates it into residential apartments. As a result, the buyer receives a new apartment in a fully renovated building. This option allows you to secure high-quality, liquid real estate in sought-after areas like Athens or Attica at a lower investment threshold.
• Require renovation, are of cultural or historical significance, and are under preservation orders. Here, the investor has to refurbish the purchased property at their own expense within 5 years—a mandatory condition for the first renewal of the residence permit.

All properties under the programme can be rented out for long-term leases or used for personal living. On average, rental yields range from 4% to 6% annually.

Another significant advantage is the opportunity for tax optimisation. Investors who invest from €500,000 can benefit from the Non-Dom regime, which replaces income tax with a fixed annual contribution of €100,000. This is a major advantage compared to paying the standard maximum tax rate of 44%.

The Golden Visa is granted for 5 years and can be renewed repeatedly for the same period, and the process typically takes around 3 to 6 months to complete. Residency can also be extended to the applicant’s family members, including their spouse, children under 21, and parents. After 7 years of legal residency, it is also possible to apply for Greek citizenship, subject to passing an exam on the Greek language, customs, and culture.

Unlimited  Cyprus Permanent Residency

Cyprus’s investment residency programme offers foreigners the opportunity to obtain permanent resident status in a safe European country, which is home to some of the best beaches in Europe, within 6 to 9 months. You can either live in your own residence or use it as a holiday home and rent it out when not in use, depending on your preferences. Cyprus is not yet part of the Schengen Zone, but it plans to join in the near future. 

The key requirement for obtaining residency is through the purchase of property worth at least €300,000. You can buy residential or commercial property in any region of the Republic, but only on the primary market from a developer. In addition to the property’s cost, VAT must be paid, and you must demonstrate an insured annual income of at least €50,000. You can also include your spouse and children under the age of 25 in the application, but the required annual income then increases by €15,000 per adult and €10,000 per child.

The residency requirements for Cyprus are minimal: you must visit the country to submit your biometrics and collect your residency card, and thereafter return at least once a year. If you love the Cypriot lifestyle then you may apply for Cypriot citizenship after 8 years of legal residency, subject to meeting specific criteria.

Investors are permitted to run businesses and earn income in Cyprus, but are not to be employed in the country. Residents can also enjoy favourable tax conditions, significantly reducing their overall tax burden.

Н3 Portugal’s Golden Visa: An Effective Pathway to a European Passport

Portugal’s residency-by-investment programme remains one of the most sought-after in the European Union, despite application processing times taking between 12 to 18 months.

Investors gain not only EU residency status, but also have the opportunity to live in a safe country with a stable economy and a calm political environment. Portugal is famous for its beautiful beaches along the Algarve, its port wine and delicious Pastel de natas, catering to every member of the family. It is also one of the fastest routes to European citizenship, with the naturalisation period just 5 years, and the time spent waiting for the residence permit after approval counts towards this. Applicants are only required to pass a Portuguese language test to gain citizenship.

Investors can choose from several options:

• Acquire investment or venture capital fund units – from €500,000 for a minimum term of 6 years
• Invest in scientific research – from €250,000
• Make a non-refundable contribution to the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage – from €250,000
• Invest in a local business, creating at least 5 local jobs – from €500,000
• Invest in a local company, creating and maintaining at least 10 jobs

Residence requirements are minimal, as you must spend at least one week per year in Portugal, which is a perfect excuse to visit for vacation. The permit is issued for one year, with the option to renew multiple times. Family members, a spouse, children, and parents, can all be included in the application.

Another route to legal residency in Portugal is through the financially independent person (D7) visa or the Digital Nomad visa.

Wealthy foreigners who are not EU citizens can obtain a renewable one-year residence permit by proving they have a steady passive income of at least €9,840 per year—from sources such as pensions, royalties, or dividends.

Foreign nationals working for overseas companies and earning a salary of at least €3,040 per month can apply for a Digital Nomad visa.

In both cases, you must provide proof of a permanent address in Portugal—either owned or rented for at least one year. There are also minimum stay requirements, as residents must spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal.

Hungary: 10-Year European Residency for Investment

Hungary’s Golden Visa programme launched at the end of 2024 and offers two investment options:

• A non-refundable donation to a local university – from €1,000,000
• Purchase of investment fund units – from €250,000

Residency is granted to the investor and their family members for 10 years, with the application processing taking only 3 to 4 months. There are no residence requirements in order to gain or keep your permit; you only need to travel to Hungary to complete the investment, provide biometric data, and collect your residence card. However you should definitely make the most of your visit, as the country is well known for its folk traditions and distinctive cuisine. 

The Hungarian Government has so far approved two investment funds for the programme: SPRINT and GRAVITAS, with 3 more awaiting approval.

The US EB-5 Visa: The Fastest Way to a Green Card

The United States continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors from around the world with its ‘American Dream’ philosophy and ferociously patriotic culture. The American EB-5 visa allows individuals to live, work, and conduct business legally in the US, with the option to apply for a green card and citizenship after 5 years.

To qualify for residency, you must invest at least €800,000 in a new or existing business and create a minimum of 10 jobs. The investment must involve entrepreneurial risk and potential profit; therefore, funds cannot simply be placed in real estate or a savings account, where returns are guaranteed. However, by establishing a successful business or investing in a strong existing project, it is possible to recover your investment and earn a return. The investment must be maintained for at least 5 years.

The EB-5 visa does not require you to live permanently in the United States, but prolonged absences could result in the loss of resident status. Residency rights can be extended to the main investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old. Initially, a two-year conditional resident card is issued, which can later be converted into a 10-year green card. Citizenship applications can be submitted after 5 years.

Malta Golden Visa: Ideal for Tax Optimisation

Malta Golden Visa offers not only visa-free travel across the Schengen Area but also the right to live permanently in a safe European country with outstanding education and healthcare systems. Malta’s advantageous tax regime features minimal taxation on foreign-sourced income and no inheritance tax – great for those wanting to make their money go further, whilst vacationing or residing amongst the country’s gorgeous Mediterranean beaches

Alongside the main applicant, spouses, children up to the age of 28, parents, and even grandparents can be included in the overall application. The permanent residence permit is valid for 5 years and must be renewed thereafter.

Investors can choose between two options:

• Buy property worth at least €375,000 anywhere in the country, including the island of Gozo, plus a government contribution of €30,000
• Rent property for a minimum of €14,000 per year for at least 5 years (€70,000 total) + a government contribution of €60,000

Additionally, applicants must make a charitable donation of €2,000 and have proven assets worth at least €500,000. All applicants are subject to a Due Diligence check and application processing time is about 6 to 8 months.

Another way to legal residency in Malta is via the country’s citizenship-by-investment programme. The minimum investment ranges from €690,000 to €1,460,000, depending on the options selected.

The first thing to do is to invest in a public fund—€600,000 to €750,000, depending on whether the investor chooses the standard (3 years) or accelerated (1 year) route to citizenship. Then applicants choose one of the following options:

• Rent property for 5 years with an annual rental cost of at least €16,000 (€80,000 over 5 years)
• Buy property from €700,000

An additional charitable donation of €10,000 is also required. Family members, a spouse, dependent children under 29 years old, and parents over 55, can be included in the application.

Monaco: Prestigious European Residency

Not only do the residents of Monaco live in one of the most glamorous places in the world, they also don’t pay income tax, property tax, capital gains tax, or wealth tax, which are just some of the main reasons why the seriously wealthy reside here. At the same time, having Monaco residency allows you to live in one of Europe’s most prestigious locations.

There is no minimum investment threshold for investors who want to gain residency in Monaco. Typically, it starts from €1,000,000, with half of the amount used to buy property and the other half placed in a local bank account. Investors must prove they have enough financial resources—how they do this is up to them.

Residency is usually granted within 2 to 6 months, and family members can be included in the application as well.

Italy: Mediterranean Residency in 3-4 Months

Italy’s Golden Visa is issued for 2 years and can then be extended for another 3, so you can have all the pasta and pizza you like. After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency, and after another 5 years, for Italian citizenship—provided you haven’t spent more than 6 months per year outside Italy, have learnt the language, and know the country’s laws. 

If you don’t plan to apply for a passport, you can live in Italy as much as you wish and enjoy the benefits of EU residency whilst residing or vacationing in some of the most iconic Italian locations, from the Tuscan hills to the shimmering coves of Sicily.

Investors can choose from 3 options:

• Invest in government bonds – from €2,000,000
• Make a donation to a project of national importance – from €1,000,000
• Invest in Italian shares – from €500,000 (or €250,000 for innovative start-ups)

Family members, spouses, children under 18, and financially dependent parents over 65, can all be included in the application. You will also need to pass a background check and prove you have a permanent address in Italy, either by renting long-term or buying property.

Other Residency Options

Besides Golden Visas, there are other ways to obtain residency without investing in the economy, shares, or real estate. Here’s a list of countries that make it easier:

Montenegro: For Entrepreneurs

Montenegro does not require businesses to be profitable, and setting up a company is relatively simple. In order to do this, you need to officially register a business, get a work permit, and take a director’s position. The share capital can be any amount, and the director’s salary can be set at a minimum of €450 per month. The company does not even need to make a profit or create jobs—the main requirements are paying taxes and filing reports on time.

To apply for residency, you need local health insurance, a registered address in Montenegro, and a bank statement proving you have enough money for living.

Applications are usually processed within just 2 weeks. Learning the local language, even at a basic level, and having business experience will make life and work much easier in this beautiful mountainous country.

Serbia: Fast Track to EU Citizenship Through Entrepreneurship

Serbia is one of the most attractive European countries for starting a business, as registration requirements are simple, and taxes are low.

You can get a three-year residence permit within a month by registering as a sole proprietor—even remotely through a representative. The steps are as follows:

• Enter Serbia, register at the local police station, and obtain a “white card”
• Acquire health insurance, a local SIM card, and a long-term rental property
• Register the business with the SBRA (Serbian Business Registers Agency) online

Applications are processed within only 5 working days, and if there are any mistakes, you have a month to correct them. Once approved, you’ll receive a tax number and an account for the social insurance portal. You will also need to open a local bank account and register the company with the business agency. There are no minimum investment requirements—you just pay the company registration fees, state duty, and municipality fee.

After registering, you can apply for residency. After 3 years of legal residence, you can then apply for permanent residency, and later unlock access to citizenship—provided you meet all the conditions.

Corporate tax in Serbia is 15%, whilst VAT is 20%, with reduced rates of 10% for tourism and food services, and 0% for exports. If your sole proprietorship earns under €52,000 a year, you can opt for a fixed-rate (lump-sum) tax instead of paying standard rates.

Turkey: For Tourism and Living

The easiest way to legally stay in Turkey is by applying for a short-term tourist residence permit for up to 6 months. You will need a notarised rental agreement for at least 6 months, health insurance, a bank statement showing you have around $450 per month to cover expenses, and a basic travel plan listing places you intend to visit.

You can apply online while already in Turkey via the Migration Service website. If your documents are correct, they will schedule an interview, and then after paying the fee, you will wait for a decision—processing can take up to 90 days.

Short-term permits can be issued for up to 2 years, but recently, many tourists only receive a residence card valid for just 6 months. A more secure and longer-term way of legalisation in Turkey is to get a residence permit through a real estate purchase. Resident status is issued for 2 years with the possibility of extension, and after 5 years it is possible to apply for a local passport, having fulfilled certain requirements. The minimum value of real estate under the programme is $200,000, and you can buy more than one property, be it  commercial or residential.

Turkey also offers citizenship by investment, whereby you can become a citizen within 6 to 12 months by buying property with a cadastral value from $400,000. This can be residential or commercial, and you can sell it after 3 years while still keeping your citizenship.

Argentina: for Medical Treatment

Despite economic challenges like inflation and unemployment, Argentina remains a popular choice for relocation thanks to its warm climate, relatively low cost of living, and easy legalisation process for foreigners with overseas income.

You can obtain Argentine residency to make the most of the country’s medical treatment and health check-ups at local clinics. You only need to provide a medical report with a diagnosis and a treatment plan from either a public or private clinic. There are no restrictions on the type of medical service you need – it could be anything from post-surgery rehabilitation to orthodontic treatment. Both the patient and accompanying family members, guardians, or legal representatives can apply for residency. This is especially relevant for minors, people with disabilities, or those needing assistance.

The residency permit is issued for one year and can be renewed. After just 2 years of legal residency, you can apply for Argentine citizenship by passing a Spanish language and local law exam.

Germany: Residency Through Employment

Germany leads the number of primary residence permits in the European Union. It’s one of the most popular countries for relocation, valued for its high living standards, strong infrastructure, excellent overall environment, and its quality education and healthcare—despite the challenges of adapting and finding housing. Employment is one of the quickest ways to obtain residency in Germany. You can choose between several options:

1. ICT Card – for foreign employees internships. This replaces a residence permit and is issued for one year to regular employees and three years to managers and highly skilled workers. 
2. Employment-based residence permit – for foreigners who receive a job offer from a German company. You’ll need approval from the Federal Employment Agency, a signed work contract, proof of education and work experience, and German language skills. The permit is valid for the contract’s duration or for two years if the contract is open-ended, and can be extended. 
3. EU Blue Card – for highly qualified specialists. You must have a university degree (recognised in Germany or obtained locally) and meet the qualification requirements. Your minimum salary must be at least €3,775 per month, and you don’t necessarily have to speak German, as knowledge of the language is often not required. The Blue Card is valid for the period of the employment contract or up to 4 years. 
4. Chancenkarte (opportunity card) – for skilled workers who don’t yet have a job offer but want to move and search for work. This path allows for part-time work (up to 20 hours a week). Applicants must have higher or vocational education and German language skills at A1 level or English at B2 level.

Chile: Rentista Visa

Chile is a sunny, friendly country with a warm climate and an affordable cost of living. The easiest way to legalise your stay here is by applying for a Rentista visa, which is valid for two years. The main requirement is to show proof of passive foreign income—such as rental income, dividends, or pensions. Minimum income requirements for this type of visa are $535 per month, or $400 per month for foreigners aged over 65.

You must apply from your home country and wait for online approval before entering Chile. After arrival, you have 30 days to visit the migration office and collect your foreigner ID card. The Rentista visa does not allow you to work or run a business in Chile—you can only live on overseas income. However, for the first three years, foreign income is exempt from Chilean tax. After two years, you can apply for permanent residency, and after five years, you can apply for citizenship—provided you meet all the requirements.

Ecuador: For Professionals with Higher Education

Foreigners with higher education degrees can apply for residency in Ecuador. They need to: legalise a university diploma (only full-time degrees are accepted), acquire local health insurance for one year, and prove financial income of at least $470 per month.

Diploma legalisation takes around three months, and residency applications are usually processed within one to two months, and the total cost of the application is typically under $6,000. The initial residency card is valid for two years and can later be extended or converted to another type of residency.

Summary

Whichever way you choose to obtain residency in a new country, it’s always best to work with immigration specialists and lawyers familiar with the local processes. This helps you avoid mistakes when preparing documents, follow the right steps, and save time, money, and stress.

In many cases, residency through investment turns out to be the most effective option. Although it requires higher financial contributions, investors benefit from faster processing, fewer conditions, and a wider range of advantages compared to other pathways.

Our Astons experts know and understand everything about the current residency and citizenship-by-investment programmes listed above. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll review your case and recommend the best options based on your budget and goals.

Tamara Chetcuti

Head of Astons Athens Office