How to Get an EU Residence Permit in 2025

EU residence is highly sought after due to the strong economies and high living standards in European Union countries. Many EU member states offer pathways for non-EU citizens on how to get residency in Europe by providing options like Golden Visa programs, Digital Nomad Visas, and family-based routes such as marriage to an EU citizen.

This guide will explore the easiest way to get residency in Europe, including options like obtaining an EU residence permit through real estate investment and other methods to secure residency in an EU country.

Here is more of what to expect:

• Six Reasons Why People Choose an EU Residence Permit
• Seven Ways to Obtain an EU Residence Permit in 2025
• Requirements to get EU Residence
• Countries Offering EU Residence Permit through Real Estate Investment
• EU Residence Permit For Investors
• EU Residence Permit for Business Owners
• EU Residence Permits for Financially Independent Individuals
• EU Residence Permits for Digital Nomads
• Applying for an EU Residence Permit

Six Reasons Why People Choose an EU Residence Permit

As a desirable place to live, many people apply for an EU residence permit for reasons such as:

1. Free of movement through the EU

Many people apply for an EU residence permit to gain long-term resident status, which allows them to live and work in other EU member countries later.

2. Access to excellent and affordable healthcare

Europe has some of the world’s top healthcare systems, and all foreign nationals with EU residence permits have access to high-quality healthcare.

3. Cultural diversity and experiences

Despite its relatively small size, Europe is a diverse continent with a wealth of cultures, languages, and traditions. Having an EU residence permit allows individuals to embrace new cultures seamlessly.

4. Education and learning opportunities

Education is another big reason behind people choosing an EU residence permit. Several world-renowned universities and educational institutions in Europe provide the best education in various subjects and industries. Once you receive permanent residence status, you acquire similar rights as EU nationals and can access free higher education in countries like Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.

5. Employment and other business opportunities

Numerous countries excel in various industries, so Europe is known to have plenty of employment opportunities, which makes obtaining an EU residence permit worth it.

6. Regional safety, political stability, and social security

The top-ranking countries on the Global Peace Index are predominantly European, ensuring high levels of safety and political stability. Additionally, Europe’s comprehensive social security structure ensures that EU nationals and residence permit holders benefit from a strong social system.

Seven Ways to Obtain an EU Residence Permit in 2025

1. Investment: Several EU and Schengen countries offer Golden Visas, allowing non-EU/EEA nationals to gain renewable or permanent residence through investment. These programs typically require maintaining an investment for five years, with permits lasting 2 to 5 years. Some countries, like Portugal, offer the opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years of residency.

2. Employment contract: Employment contracts are a common way to move to an EU country, with many countries simplifying the work permit process. The EU Blue Card helps skilled non-EU/EEA workers fill job shortages. The residence permit is valid for one to four years and can be extended with a renewed contract.

3. Education: Studying in the EU can lead to a residence permit, usually valid for one year and extendable for the program’s duration. After graduation, students can find a job and switch to a work visa or must leave if unsuccessful.

4. Marriage to an EU citizen: Marriage to an EU citizen allows non-EU nationals to legally reside in Europe through family reunification. Most countries grant renewable residence permits, which can lead to permanent residency.

5. Family reunification: Family members of long-term EU residents can often apply for a residence card. Sponsors must prove financial stability and housing to support their dependents.

6. Start a business: Starting a business can help secure an EU residence permit. Italy offers a Golden Visa for investing in a startup, while Greece provides a similar option for investing in tech startups. Both offer pathways to permanent residency after a few years.

7. Foreign Income: Foreign income is a viable route to obtaining an EU residence permit through programs like the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa and the Portugal D7 Visa. These visas require proof of sufficient income to support yourself without local employment. There are also Digital Nomad Visas, which give you the opportunity to live in the EU while working for non-European companies.

Requirements to get EU Residence

Here is a general overview of the requirements to get EU residence.

• Valid visa or entry permit: You must enter the country with the appropriate visa, such as a work, student, or investment visa, depending on your purpose for staying.
• Proof of purpose: Authorities require documentation proving why you are applying for residency, such as an employment contract, university enrollment, investment records, or proof of family ties.
• Financial stability: You need to show bank statements, income proof, or other financial documents to confirm you can support yourself without relying on government assistance.
• Health insurance: Most EU countries require full health coverage for the duration of your stay, either through private insurance or a national health system.
•  No criminal record:  A police clearance certificate from your home country or country of residence is required to ensure you have no serious criminal history.
• Residence address:  You must provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract, property ownership, or an official letter from a host.
• Integration and language skills:  Some EU countries require basic language proficiency and evidence that you are integrating into society, such as attending cultural or language courses.
• Continuous residence (for permanent status):  To apply for permanent residency or citizenship, you must live legally in the country for a set period, usually five years, without extended absences.

Countries Offering EU Residence Permit through Real Estate Investment

There are various ways to get an EU residence permit. Some residency by investment countries offers the opportunity to become long-term EU residents by investing in real estate in exchange for residency. This can start off with a temporary residence permit and potentially lead to citizenship once specific requirements have been met. Nonetheless, these schemes still come with the benefit of living and working in the European Union.

Greece

Greece’s Golden Visa program allows investors to gain residency through real estate investment. The minimum investment requirement is €250,000, making it one of Europe’s most affordable options. Investors can choose residential, commercial, or tourist properties. Once the investment is made, applicants and their families receive a five-year residence permit, which can be renewed indefinitely. After seven years of residence, individuals can apply for Greek citizenship.

Cyprus

The Cyprus Golden Visa program is perfect for those who invest in real estate with a minimum value of €300,000. The property can be residential, commercial, or a mix of both, and it must be located in Cyprus. Investors receive a permanent residency permit which allows for visa-free travel within the EU. After seven years of continuous residence, individuals may be eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship.

Serbia

Serbia’s Residency by Investment program allows foreign nationals to obtain residency through real estate acquisition. Investors can purchase various properties, including apartments, houses, or commercial real estate, with no specific price or location restrictions. While it does not provide direct access to EU residency, it offers a clear path to Serbian residency, allowing investors to live and work in the country.

Hungary

Hungary’s Golden Visa program, officially known as the Guest Investor Program (GIP), allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to obtain long-term residency by investing in a real estate fund. The minimum investment amount is €250,000, and successful applicants receive a residence permit valid for ten years, providing access to Hungary and the EU/Schengen Area.

Latvia

Latvia’s Golden Visa program allows investors to obtain residency by purchasing real estate worth at least €250,000. The property can be residential, commercial, or agricultural.  After purchasing property, investors receive a temporary residence permit, which is valid for five years and renewable. After five years of residence, individuals can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, though there are language and residency requirements.

Malta

The Malta Residency by Investment Program allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency by investing in real estate. To qualify, investors must purchase property worth at least €375,000 or get a €14,000 yearly lease. Additionally, they must contribute to the government’s National Development and Social Fund. This program grants residency within 12-18 months and offers a path to citizenship after five years of residence, making it an attractive option for those looking for long-term residence in the EU.

EU Residence Permit For Investors

While many Golden Visas offer the attractive option of real estate investment, other routes, such as business investment, government bonds, and job creation, can also lead to a valid residence permit, which will still result in the same mobility rights. 

Greece

Greece’s Golden Visa offers multiple investment paths, making it a highly flexible program. Investors can choose from real estate, capital investments, government bonds, or even mutual funds. This flexibility allows investors to align their choices with their personal interests or financial strategy.

Investment Options:

• €400,000 capital investment in a Greek company
• €400,000 in government bonds (3-year maturity)
• €400,000 Greek bank deposit (1-year lock-in)
• €800,000 in securities or shares
• €350,000 in mutual funds

Portugal

Portugal’s Golden Visa provides a variety of investment avenues, including contributions to research, business, and culture. With the option to invest in funds, Research and Development, or even art projects, Portugal’s program allows investors to choose an option that suits their interests while gaining access to residency and citizenship.

Investment Options:

• €500,000 investment in funds
• €500,000 in Research & Development
• €250,000 in arts or cultural projects
• €500,000 in a Portuguese business (creating 5+ jobs)

Spain

Spain’s Golden Visa program, which ends on 3 April 2025, provides several investment options, ranging from real estate to business investments and government bonds. Investors can choose the path that best matches their risk profile and investment preferences while gaining residency benefits in Spain.

Investment Options:

• €500,000 in real estate 
• €1 million business investment
• €1 million in Spanish stocks or bank deposit
• €2 million in government bonds

Italy

Italy’s Golden Visa program offers a mix of investment choices, including funding a startup, investing in established companies, or making a philanthropic donation. Italy’s flexibility allows investors to select an investment option that best suits their priorities, whether they are interested in business or community contributions.

Investment Options:

• €250,000 in an Italian startup
• €500,000 in an established company
• €2 million in government bonds
• €1 million philanthropic donation

EU Residence Permit for Business Owners

Many EU countries offer residence permits for business owners, allowing entrepreneurs to legally reside in Europe while running their own businesses or getting an opportunity to invest in a start-up.

Portugal

The D2 Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start or invest in a business in Portugal. Applicants must demonstrate a viable business plan and financial stability, with the goal of contributing to the economy and creating jobs.

Latvia

The Latvia Golden Visa offers a business investment option for €50,000 in a Latvian company. This allows foreign investors to gain residency, with the added benefit of operating a business in a country with a growing economy and favorable business conditions.

Greece

The Greece Golden Visa offers a business investment option where entrepreneurs can invest €400,000 in a Greek company, particularly in sectors such as tech startups. This allows for a fast-track path to residency, providing business owners flexibility and the chance to establish a long-term presence in Greece.

Italy

The Italy Golden Visa offers a €250,000 investment option for a startup business. This program is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking to develop innovative ideas. It provides a pathway to residency in Italy, with an option for permanent residency after five years.

EU Residence Permits for Financially Independent Individuals

You can also apply for residency through passive income visas, which are ideal for retirees who want to live in Europe and enjoy mobility within the EU.

Portugal

Spain

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who can prove they have sufficient income of around €2,400/month for a single applicant. This visa does not permit work in Spain, but you can switch to a work visa after the first year. It is ideal for retirees or those with passive income.

EU Residence Permits for Digital Nomads

You can also apply for residency through digital nomad visas, which grant you temporary residency while earning income from another country.

Portugal

Italy

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa offers expats the opportunity allowing you to live and work remotely in Italy. Applicants must show a minimum income of €2,066/month and have health insurance. The visa is attractive due to Italy’s culture, lifestyle, and ease of access to the Schengen Area.​

Croatia

Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live in the country for up to one year. You must provide proof of stable income of about €2,000/month and health insurance. The application process is straightforward, and you can live and work while exploring Croatia’s scenic landscapes.

Malta

Malta Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU citizens earning at least €2,700/month to live and work in the country. Applicants must have health insurance and show that they work remotely for companies outside Malta. Malta is known for its strong English-speaking environment, excellent healthcare system, and central Mediterranean location.

Spain

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live and work in Spain. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum income of €2,650/month and provide proof of health insurance. This visa is appealing due to Spain’s vibrant lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and proximity to other European countries within the Schengen Area.

Applying for an EU Residence Permit

 

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about EU Residence Permits

What is the easiest EU country for permanent residency?

The easiest country to get permanent residency in Europe is Malta. The Malta Permanent Residence Program allows non-EU/EEA to invest in real estate through a purchase or long-term lease and receive a permanent residence permit in return.

Who is considered an EU resident?

An EU resident is an individual who resides legally within one of the member states of the European Union. This status is typically granted to citizens of EU countries or to non-EU/EEA nationals who have been issued a residence permit by an EU member state.

What is the fastest EU golden visa?

Spain is considered to have the fasted Golden Visa program, with a long-term EU residence permit granted within two to three months, provided there are no additional requirements.

Which EU country has the highest success rate?

Lithuania boasts the highest Schengen Visa approval rate, with only 1.3 percent of applicants receiving a negative decision or having to go through an appeal process.

How do I get a EU residence permit?

Generally, there are seven ways to get a EU residence permit, and some of these include through investment, marriage, foreign income and business. Each category has its own set of criteria that must to met to successfully apply.

How long is an EU residence permit?

The national immigration laws are different between EU nations, and each application category has different criteria in terms of stay or how long it takes to complete the process. However, generally speaking, it takes about five years to get a permanent residence permit, which allows you to live in the EU indefinitely.