In general, the desire for a Permanent Residency (PR) in Europe is a combination of the lifestyle, the ability to travel the Schengen Zone, and access to socially progressive systems. For someone who is not a citizen of the EU, the pathway is complex and requires personal decisions about the cost of investment capital, stay duration, and time investment to gain full citizenship.
This guide provides insight by comparing five alternate and efficient ways to demonstrate the Best European Country to get PR easily based on investment and lifestyle. We will refer to two major groups: Capital Investment (Golden Visas) and Financial Independence (Passive income Visas).
Residency by Investment: The European Golden Visa Programs
In keeping, the recent trends of getting a non-disruptive, no-physical-presence-required track to residency, the Golden Visa model is still the best option to consider! The secret is to find the program with the cheapest residency by investment in Europe and a relatively quick pathway to PR.
Portugal: The Fastest Path to an EU Passport
Portugal is often referenced as the best country to obtain PR easily due to its astonishingly short timeline to full citizenship (just five years) and physical stay requirement.
With the 2023 reforms eliminating the direct residential real estate route, the emphasis has transitioned to non-real estate routes. The most reputable route involves a €500,000 investment in a qualifying Private Equity or Venture Capital Fund. Another option is a €250,000 charitable contribution to national heritage making that the lowest monetary threshold for the Golden Visa.
Portugal’s Permanent Residence Programme minimal stay requirement (7 days per year on average) is an enormous incentive for investors from around the world.
Greece: The Cheapest Golden Visas In Europe for Special Projects
Greece’s Permanent Residence Programme has undergone significant changes, but it remains one of the Cheapest Permanent Residency in Europe options for those targeting specific investments. The ability to secure permanent residency without any minimum physical stay requirement makes it highly attractive.
While the overall real estate threshold has increased to €400,000 or €800,000, depending on location, the €250,000 option remains available for targeted investments contributing to urban renewal, making it an extremely affordable option for the budget-conscious investor. In addition, the residence permit is renewable every five years with no physical stay required in order to keep the permit.
Malta: Permanent Status from Day One
Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a unique and effective option for non-EU applicants. Unlike most European Golden Visa Programs which first issue temporary permits, Malta grants a Permanent Residence Certificate right away, which leads to a physical card that must be renewed periodically. This offers immediate long-term certainty.
The total minimum required non-refundable contribution and fee structure for the rental route make it an attractive consideration for the Cheapest Permanent Residency in Europe when considering the immediate permanent status. The MPRP is a strong choice for those who value immediate security and do not wish to be physically present in Europe to maintain their status.
The Financially Independent Route: Easiest European Country for PR via Passive Income
For individuals who do not wish to make a large capital investment and are committed to relocating, the financially independent person (FIP) visa is a more affordable path.
Portugal D7 Visa: The Non-Investment Champion
If you are looking for the Best European country to get PR easily without making a major investment, Portugal’s D7 Visa is the standout winner. Designed for retirees and those with stable, passive foreign income, it offers a cost-effective, non-investment path.
The low income threshold, calculated based on the Portuguese minimum wage, makes it exceptionally accessible. While it requires the holder to physically reside in Portugal (making them a Portuguese tax resident), it offers the same desirable five-year timeline to citizenship as the Golden Visa, often making it the Easiest European country for PR for many global citizens. It is critical to note that this visa requires passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends) and is not generally suitable for active remote workers, who should consider the Digital Nomad Visa instead.
Comparing Your EU Permanent Residency Options
Choosing the right country involves weighing investment cost against lifestyle flexibility. The primary goal is to obtain PR status, which generally requires five years of legal temporary residence.
Whether you are hoping for investment flexibility with one of the European Golden Visa Programs, or a less expensive option like a passive income visa, the European market has opportunities to offer. Each of the programs has their own specific requirements: Malta requires proof of liquid assets of €150,000, and the D7 requires strict stay rules. Expert insight is essential.
When you speak with a specialist firm like FRR Immigration, you will know you have the best chance of selecting the program that will best assure your long-term goals for EU permanent residency options. https://frrimmigration.com/schedule-a-consultation/
