In today’s global landscape, Europe is one of the most attractive destinations for investors who are looking for lifestyle benefits and family security. For high-net-worth individuals and their families, European Residence by Investment (RBI) programmes offer a unique blend of beautiful cities and new frontiers for stability, mobility, and legacy planning.
The true appeal lies in the combination of personal and financial benefits. Investors get benefits like the opportunity to summer in beautiful destinations like Lisbon in Portugal, or perhaps Saint-Tropez in France through their visa-free travel in the Schengen zone, and then access to top healthcare institutions and tax benefits through their residence in a new region.
Benefits of European Permanent Residence By Investment:
• Residency rights for the entire family
• Schengen-wide travel access*
• The freedom to reside or simply hold status (without mandatory relocation)
• Access to reputable schools and healthcare systems
• A safe and stable environment for wealth and lifestyle planning
• Opportunities for capital growth through property investment
• Path to full EU citizenship (in some cases)
• The ability to retain your existing nationality
• Access to European banking and financial infrastructure
Increasingly, we are seeing from our clients that they aren’t just investing in a second residence for higher levels of mobility (although this continues to be an extremely attractive perk), they are also doing it to safeguard their future – and not just for themselves, but for their families too.
Below are five of my most notable European permanent residence and Countries offering Golden Visa in Europe .
Cyprus Permanent Residence Program
Why Cyprus?
Cyprus is well known for it’s gentle pace of life, sunny coastlines and true Mediterranean charm. However, in reality it offers much more than that; with a competitive tax regime, strong private education options, and widespread English fluency, it is an extremely attractive option for families, investors and retirees alike.
Key Features of the Cyprus Residence by Investment Programme:
- Permanent residence granted in as little as 3 months
- Application can includes spouse, children (up to the age of 25), and parents
- No requirement for physical presence to keep Cyprus permanent residence
- No language requirement
- High quality of life and private schooling options
Investment Requirements:
- €300,000 (minimum) in residential property
- Proof of stable annual income above €30,000
Greece Golden Visa Program
Why Greece?
Greece residence has one of the most affordable real estate thresholds for residency in Europe. With a market that is steadily increasing in value, and full Schengen zone access, it is one of the most popular and enduring options for investors looking to get a foothold in one of Europe’s most historic countries.
Highlights:
- Real estate investment from just €250,000 (one of the most affordable real estate options for residency in the world)
- Full family inclusion, including parents and in-laws
- No requirement to live in Greece
- One of Europe’s fastest-growing real estate markets
Investment Requirements:
- €250,000 property purchase (varies by region and type)
- New routes from €400,000+ in financial assets
Portugal Golden Visa Program
Why Portugal?
Portugal is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, revered for it’s high safety ratings, warm weather, delicious cuisine and welcoming culture. The Portugal Golden Visa programme also carries a structured path to citizenship, making it one of the most sought-after and respected Golden Visa destinations.
Highlights:
- Citizenship eligibility after 5 years without permanent relocation
- Large expat communities and strong English proficiency
- Broad investment routes, including funds and R&D
- Top-tier education and healthcare
Investment Requirements:
- From €500,000 in qualifying funds
- From €250,000 in alternative options in research, culture, and job creation
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Why Malta?
As an EU country with a strong legal system, Malta offers a structured and transparent path to lifelong PR status – with no renewal needed.
Highlights:
- Lifetime PR for the full family
- English widely spoken
- No residency obligation
- Well-regulated financial sector and favourable tax planning options
Investment Requirements:
- Government contribution starting at €68,000
- Property lease or purchase (€10,000–€300,000 depending on location)
- €2,000 donation to a local NGO
Latvia Golden Visa Programme
Why Latvia?
Situated in Northern Europe, Latvia is a country where classic & rustic charm meets modern infrastructure and lifestyle. From the cobbled streets of Riga to its unspoiled countryside, Latvia offers a quieter, more balanced way of life – with the benefits of EU access.
Highlights:
- Lowest priced Residence by Investment Program in the European Union
- Reduced visit requirements: one visit per year
- Possibility of applying for Permanent Residency after five years of physical residency, and for Citizenship after ten years of physical residency
- No direct tax implications: you will only be taxed on the income generated in Latvia
Investment Requirements:
- €50,000 equity investment
- Or €250,000 investment in real estate
- Or €250,000 investment in special purpose, interest-free bonds
- Or €280,000 deposit in a Latvian bank for a period of five years (along with a onetime Government fee of €25,000
Final Thoughts
As the landscape of global mobility continues to evolve, so do the requirements and benefits tied to residence-by-investment programs. With regulatory shifts on the horizon, my advice to all investors is to take a proactive approach to securing new access, stability, and flexibility for your family.
If you are exploring long-term residence in Europe, the right programme will depend on your own preference for the combination of lifestyle considerations, investment goals, and future planning.
If you’d like to explore your options for residence in Europe, or would just like a general conversation around anything I’ve discussed in this blog, please reach out to me directly at selma.brahimi@passportlegacy.com
*Cyprus residency does not currently allow Schengen Area acess – they are scheduled to join the Schengen zone in 2025.
FAQs
How much investment is required to get PR in Europe?
- In Latvia you can access a “golden visa” / residence‑by‑investment route starting at around €60,000 for certain options.
- In Greece the minimum real‑estate investment is around €250,000 in many areas (though higher in certain prime zones).
- In Cyprus the residence by investment scheme (not fully “PR” in all senses) via property is around €300,000 as a minimum in many cases.
What is the easiest European country to get residency in?
- It is Latvia which is the best option in terms of being cost-effective and having fairly low stay requirements.
- Greece has a very low entry threshold and a minimal stay in many cases.
- Cyprus is referred to as having fast processing and low relocation requirements.
Which European country is best for an investment visa?
“Best” depends on your priorities (cost, travel freedom, family, future citizenship, tax). Some strong contenders:
- Greece: Low entry cost (~€250k), full Schengen access, minimal stay required.
- Portugal: Attractive lifestyle, strong English proficiency, citizenship path after ~5 years in some cases.
- Latvia: Very cost‑effective and easy for residence, though the citizenship pathway may be longer and more demanding.
So if “best” means most balanced for investment + lifestyle + mobility: Greece and Portugal often come up.
What is the cheapest EU residence permit?
- Latvia offers one of the lowest‑cost residence by investment routes in the EU starting from ~€50,000–€60,000 for certain equity/investment options.
- Greece offers real‑estate entry from ~€250,000 in many zones.
So currently, Latvia appears to be the cheapest major EU‑residence by investment option.
Which EU country is visa-free?
Many residence by investment programmes in EU countries allow you to travel visa‑free within the Schengen Area once you hold the residence permit. For example Greece’s golden visa allows Schengen travel.
Note: “citizenship” gives much broader visa‑free travel globally, but as above citizenship by investment in EU is highly restricted now.
So, many EU countries offering residence by investment include visa‑free Schengen travel rights (once the permit is issued and maintained) for you and your family.
What is a European Residence by Investment (RBI) programme?
A Residence by Investment (RBI) programme allows investors and their families to obtain residency rights in a European country by making a qualifying investment — typically in real estate, government funds, or local businesses. In return, applicants gain access to lifestyle, travel, and financial benefits within Europe.
What are the key benefits of obtaining European permanent residence through investment?
Benefits include residency rights for the whole family, visa-free travel within the Schengen zone (depending on the country), access to quality education and healthcare, stable living environments, and potential routes to EU citizenship — all while retaining your existing nationality.
Which European countries currently offer Residence or Golden Visa programmes?
Some of the most popular options include Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Malta, and Latvia, each offering unique investment routes, lifestyle advantages, and pathways to permanent residence or citizenship.
Do I need to live in the country full-time to maintain my residence status?
Most European RBI programmes — such as those in Greece, Cyprus, and Malta — do not require full-time residence to maintain your status. This flexibility allows investors to hold residency without relocating permanently.
What is the minimum investment required for a European Golden Visa?
The minimum varies by country:
- Greece: from €250,000 in real estate
- Cyprus: from €300,000 in property
- Portugal: from €250,000 in approved funds or cultural projects
- Malta: from a €68,000 government contribution plus property investment
- Latvia: from €50,000 in equity or €250,000 in real estate
How long does it take to obtain European permanent residence through investment?
Processing times differ by country, but approval can be granted in as little as 3 months for Cyprus, and generally within 3–8 months for other European programmes.
