EU (Permanent) Residency Permits 2023: Your Pathway to Europe
Ways to get the EU Residence Permit in 2023
A lot of people believe that top tier countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and other similar western countries are on the decline and that the quality of life and safety are rapidly decreasing over there. Higher levels of crime, homelessness, and unemployment, plus low growth, are leading people to look into moving to other continents for a better life.
Since then, a global trend has emerged where Europe, and especially the South of Europe, is becoming more popular due to its free education, low crime, and overall good standard of living (with good and bad, of course). An EU residence permit is the way for non EU citizens to have access to the Schengen area, travel, and enjoy all the benefits of the European Union.
They signify centuries of history and culture, as well as opportunity and the capacity to accomplish anything if you so desire.
Most European countries still value their inhabitants’ liberties and the opportunity to do anything they choose.
Furthermore, in a very dangerous global environment, European countries provide the stability, security, and freedom of movement required to feel safe. As a result, it is not surprising that many seek an EU permanent residency visa in order to take advantage of these benefits.
Let’s have a look at the options for getting a long term residence permit in the EU.
Table of Contents
What benefits does the EU Residency Bring?
1. Right to live - Visa Free Access
Probably the best benefit of getting a European residence permit is that you can travel without restrictions within ALL the 27 European Union countries. Regardless of which one of the EU countries’ permits you get, you can travel all around Europe without any visa restrictions, which is fantastic.
Moreover, this means you may live, work, and invest freely in any of these nations.
From a business standpoint, this is an ideal position to be in since you don’t have to worry about paperwork or employment contracts because, as an EU resident, you have the same or almost the same rights as residents of the nation you’re applying to.
2. Right to work
The EU work permit is very different to obtain, but as a resident, you should have no problems finding work anywhere in Europe. You can invest in any European country and even set up your business there.
The ability to work in different countries on the back of a single EU residence permit is a unique advantage that only you, as a resident, will possess.
3. Work towards EU Citizenship
Having an EU residence permit will allow you to apply at one point for a citizenship. Hence, if you are looking for a second passport or maybe to retire in a beautiful country in South of Europe, obtaining an EU residence permit could be a great asset.
As you can see, the EU residence permit is a great option for you if you’re interested in European citizenship but are happy with where you’re living right now.
One great thing about the EU residency programs is that there are many ways in which you can obtain an EU residence permit, as we’ll see in this article. There are various schemes available to those looking into settling in Europe through residency by investment. For example, if you’re an investor looking for better business opportunities, the Golden Visas programs in Europe are viable options..
4. Having a good quality of life and variety
Europe offers a plethora of reasons why it is considered a desirable place to live. Firstly, the continent has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. With a long history, Europe is home to countless historical landmarks, museums, and art galleries, making it a haven for art and history enthusiasts. The mix of ancient traditions and modern lifestyles provides a unique and dynamic environment to live in. Do you like old buildings and landmarks? If so, then you’ll definitely enjoy Europe.
Secondly, Europe’s healthcare and education systems are generally top-notch. Many European countries offer universal healthcare, ensuring that residents have access to high-quality medical services without the burden of exorbitant costs. Similarly, education is highly valued in Europe, and most countries provide excellent educational opportunities, often with a focus on critical thinking and creativity. Even though education and healthcare are “free”, expect to pay higher taxes.
Moreover, Europe offers a high standard of living for its inhabitants. Many European cities are known for their well-maintained infrastructure, efficient public transportation, and green spaces, creating a pleasant and sustainable urban environment.
Furthermore, Europe’s geographical variety gives enough opportunity for a wide range of leisure activities. Nature lovers will find lots to explore, from the magnificent beaches of the Mediterranean to the majestic Alps for winter sports if you are a winter sports fan. The continent’s closeness to other areas provides for simple travel, making it possible to see numerous cultures and scenery in a short amount of time..
Long term residence permit for the EU
There are at least 6 coutnries in the EU that offer EU residency programs, mostly through investments. In some of them, you don’t have to spend many days per year in them, whilst in other you have to. Remember, not all EU Residency programs lead to citizenship, so do you research before. Let’s dive in!
1. Portugal 🇵🇹
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular residency by investment programs in Europe and the world, and it is also one of the easiest EU residence permits to maintain. You simply have to spend two weeks in Portugal to maintain your residence permit, which is initially valid for two years, via this Golden Visa Program.
Also, you may extend the Golden Visa to the rest of the family members under the family reunification reason.
The program started in October 2012 and since then, more than 11,500 applicants have received their Golden Visas. It was and still is considered a success, as the data below shows:
Please keep in mind that during 2023, the Portuguese government made some important changes to this visa and removed some primary avenues for investment, as it follows (mostly related to the real estate option):
- Capital transfers of €1,500,000 or more will no longer be accepted.
- Investing in the rehabilitation of real estate properties that are at least 30 years old, with a total investment of €350,000 or more, will no longer be an option.
- Investing in real estate in low-density areas for €400,000 or €280,000 will no longer get you the visa.
- Investing in funds that have direct or indirect real estate investments will no longer be an option.
- Purchasing real estate with a value of €500,000 or higher will be prohibited.
What Types of Investments You Need to get the Portugal (EU) Residency?
There are multiple way to obtain the EU residency and access to the Schengen zone via Portugal. Check out the comprehensive list below:
- Company formation and ownership: you create at least 10 jobs or invest a minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese business, where the incorporated business must create a minimum of five new full-time jobs for at least three years.
Capital transfer of a minimum of €1,5 million to Portugal.
- Capital transfers equal to or exceeding €500,000 in qualifying venture capital funds (with no real estate investments as per above)
- Capital transfer equal to or more than €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions
- Capital transfers of €250,000 or more in support of artistic production, recovery, or maintenance of national cultural heritage
- Capital transfers of €500,000 or more for forming a commercial company based in the national territory with the creation of five permanent jobs
Are you interested in obtaining an EU Residency? We can help!
Mohamed Aboshanab
Mo is a successful international lawyer with a diverse background and has lived in over 8 countries. He has experience in conducting business with over 50 countries and has helped individuals move and start businesses between countries. Mo is an expert in navigating the complexities of international business and immigration.
Andrew Williams
Andrew has been a big advocate of remote work since 2016 and has been travelling to over 45 countries to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of remote work. He is now on a mission to help others break free from the traditional office routine and become global citizens.
2. Ireland 🇮🇪 - Now CLOSED
This programme has unfortunately been terminated by the Irish government. Read more details here.
The Irish Immigrant Investor Programme is an investor visa, that allows the applicant and qualifying family members to live and work in Ireland indefinitely.
To qualify for the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme, you have to prove you are of good character, and you must not have a criminal conviction in any jurisdiction.
Also, you must have a net worth of at least €2 million. You must have assets that you acquired legally through business, commercial activity, inheritance, endowment, and/or divorce. So you must invest in one of the four eligible investment options and your investment must positively impact the economy.
3. Latvia 🇱🇻
Latvia is a country near the Baltic Sea, known for its peaceful atmosphere and coziness
As a non-European, you have the option of getting a long term residence in the EU by applying to their Golden Visa Program.This EU residency will allow you to travel to other Schengen territories without a visa, and you can get a temporary residence permit for five years. You do not need to be present in Latvia unless you apply for permanent residence. Thereafter as a Latvian resident, you will be liable for PIT (personal income tax).
The types of investment options that lead to a Latvia golden visa are:
1.Business Investment.
- An investment of €50.000 in a capital company with less than 50 employees and an annual budget of less than €10 million.
- An investment of €100.000 in a capital company with more than 50 employees and an annual budget of over €10 million.
- An investment of €100.000 in a capital company with other subsidiaries in Latvia with over 50 employees and an annual budget of over €10 million
2. Real Estate Investment.
To get Latvian residency through real estate investment, you must buy a property of at least €250,000 in addition to paying 5% of the property’s value in government fees, the property must be not paid in cash and it must be registered in Latvia.
3. Bank deposit through a financial institution.
4. Investment by Government stocks.
The final option for a Latvia Golden visa is to purchase government bonds at a minimum price of €250,000. After five years of holding your investment, you get back the amount you paid if you withdraw your purchase. However, this investment option has an additional state fee of €38,000.
This Golden Visa program will not lead to citizenship, and your residence permit has to be renewed every five years. But if you want to move to a more Northern European country, Latvia is the place to be.
Are you interested in any of these Residencies?
We are helping clients from all over the world become Global Citizens by acquiring new residencies and optimising their taxes and businesses to design a global business lifestyle.
4. Cyprus 🇨🇾
Investors and their families may enjoy the best of both worlds thanks to a business-friendly climate and excellent infrastructure, as well as a high quality of life. Ease of doing business, safety, stability, year-round weather, gorgeous beaches and mountains, and an assortment of historical and cultural attractions all contribute to Cyprus being one of the most appealing EU locations for both living and doing business.
Permanent residency applicants are required to invest a minimum of €300,000 (plus VAT, if real estate investment is an option) from funds received from sources outside Cyprus within these four options:
1. New residential real estate: up to two units of residential property (apartments or houses) that are being sold by a developer for the first time (or resale if the purchase of the dwellings took place before May 7th, 2013).
2. Non-residential real estate. These can include offices, shops, hotels, or a combination of these.
3. Shares of a Cypriot company that has operations in Cyprus and a minimum of five local employees.
4. Qualifying Cypriot Investment Funds – Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), AIFs with Limited Number of Persons (AIFLNPs) and Registered Alternative Investment Funds (RAIFS).
These EU residency programs won’t lead to citizenship, but if you’re looking for ways to invest in Cyprus and eventually settle there, this is a good way to go.
5. Greece 🇬🇷
The Greek Golden Visa initiative, which began in July 2013, provides a five-year resident visa in exchange for a real estate investment. There is no minimum stay requirement, and minors under the age of 21 are welcome to apply as part of a family. The visa is valid for five years and can be renewed for another five years if the property investment is maintained. To keep and renew the investor visa, you do not need to live in the country.
The EU Greek residency permit will enable the holder to live, work, and study in Greece, should they wish to, although this is not a requirement of the Golden Visa programme. As Greece is part of the Schengen Zone, Greek residents can travel visa-free to the rest of the EU Schengen Zone, with the ability to spend up to 90 days every 180 days in other Schengen states.Residency can lead to citizenship, but it may only be granted after seven years of residency.
There are no restrictions on the kind of property you can own or the value of the properties if you choose to own several to make up the investment cost.
6. Gibraltar 🇬🇮
Gibraltar’s Category 2 HNWI residence program grants permanent residency to anyone who can demonstrate a net worth of GBP 2 million and the ability to support oneself and dependents. While the permission is valid forever, the government requires confirmation of continuous, appropriate financial standing every three years.
Citizenship in a British Overseas Territory is granted after five years of continuous residency. Gibraltar is set to join the Schengen Area in 2023, allowing for visa-free travel between its territory and the other 31 Schengen member nations.
There is a GBP 1,000 application charge as well as a GBP 15,000 due diligence and processing cost. Applicants may include in their application a spouse, children, siblings and sisters, parents, and the spouse’s parents.
Frequently asked questions
Ireland is part of the EU but not of Schenghen. Hence, if you have a residency from a non-Schengen country like Bulgaria or Romania you can travel to Ireland. If you have a residence permit from a Schenghen country e.g. Austria, then you can travel in any European country, Schenghen or not without a Visa.
You can if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen Area member country, Ireland, the UK, or the US. Citizens of Gabon and Zambia do not need to meet this condition. For many countries, you will need other proof of travel as well like hotel reservations and financial means.
Immigration rules vary from country to country,
Applications for family reunification or long-term resident status must always be made to the authorities of the EU country you are already living in.
Head over to the EU immigration portal here for all the details.
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