If you’re looking to embrace the European way of life, look no further than this list of the 11 easiest countries to get permanent residency in Europe in 2018.
Countries in Europe have served as home to civilizations for centuries. If you’re a history buff, the continent offers endless wonders to explore and discover. I could spend days getting lost in the cathedrals and other centuries-old buildings — many that are older than the United States of America. If museums and cathedrals aren’t you’re thing, maybe taking a stroll through the picturesque streets of some of Europe’s most popular cities, while stopping for a bit of croissant and some coffee are more your thing. Regardless, there are many countries in Europe that offer something for everyone, and taking some time to live in this places will allow you to fully immerse yourself in their culture.
For many, finding the the easiest way to get permanent residence in Europe is highly important when looking to move to the continent. On this list you’ll find not only the easiest country to get permanent residency there, but you will also learn about who has the fastest permanent residence process in Europe. Our list of the easiest countries to get permanent residency in the world will also help if you’re looking to make a change in where you call home. If you’re not really feeling Europe and somewhere like Africa or Asia are more of your vibe, check out our list of the easiest countries to get permanent residency in the world.
Various countries around the world provide deals offering speedy permits of residency and definitely citizenship in exchange for investment in property and local businesses. In June 2017, the U.K. raised a campaign to depart the European Union. It would be much better for the wealthy Britons to go elsewhere for easy participation in the European market. Similarly, they would attain a visa-free allowance of free movement for business travels across the entire trading bloc of the 28 nations.
This article reports on investment as a basic requirement for permanent residency in Europe in 2018. We have listed these European countries from the hardest to the most accessible state to get permanent residency in 2018. We came up with this arrangement based on the help of research by the citizenship consultancy agency Henley and Partners. Other sources include Best Citizenships, and Golden Visas by La Vida. This study analyzes the programs provided by various governments globally, giving them ranks by reputation, quality, value, besides other metrics.
Let’s get started with our list of the 11 easiest countries to get permanent residency in Europe in 2018.
11. Cyprus
To apply for permanent residency in Cyprus, you should have either residential or other property amounting to not less than €300,000. This property should be formerly purchased in Cyprus. Previously, you must have sourced annual income from countries abroad apart from employment in Cyprus. The funds ought to be transferred from the foreign bank to a three-year Fixed Deposit Account in Cyprus, and the person holding the permit is required to visit Cyprus at least once in two years. These restrictions undermine the country’s accessibility positioning it at the eleventh level amongst the easiest countries to get permanent residency in Europe in 2018.
10. Greece
Greece is tentatively the eleventh most accessible country to get permanent residency in Europe in 2018. Investors can make an application for Greek permanent residency after being granted a “D” visa. They are also required to have purchased property totaling to €250,000.
9. Monaco
The conditions to become a resident in Monaco are not as tight as commonly thought. It is, however, advisable to engage a consultant to handle an application. To become a resident, you must be able to show enough means of affording the lifestyle, which is not cheap. Monaco’s residents are not taxed on income, wealth or capital gains, and there is freedom to travel visa-free to all countries in the Schengen vicinity.
8. Jersey Island
Jersey Island is amazing for its minimal tax control and natural climate. The lowest investment for citizenship costs €125,000 annually thus ranking it the eighth most comfortable country to get permanent residency on this list.
7. United Kingdom
Seemingly, the United Kingdom may not be that accessible although it’s a great destination for wealthy families searching for nice private schools. The residency schedule has a series of levels, demanding anywhere from £5 million to £10 million from investors.
6. Portugal
For you to be granted Portuguese residency, you have to create ten jobs plus a business, transfer €1 million into a bank in the country, or purchase a house for €500,000.
5. Spain
The Spanish residence program is seemingly identical to that of Portugal. Nevertheless, Spain grabs the fifth position on our list of the easiest countries to get permanent residency in Europe in 2018. A permit for residency is granted to someone who buys a house worth €500,000 or invests €2 million in the government debt of Spain.
4. Malta
The rate of tax imposed on permanent residents in Malta is 15%, which is considered too low. Alternatively, citizenship can be attained for a smaller amount of money than most places, and the buying of property worth €275,000 is adequate for the process.
3. Latvia
An foreigner who seeks to get a Latvian short-term permit for residence should purchase real estate worth €250,000 and submit a government fee of 5%. Latvia has a visa-free allowance for investors to travel in other European and Schengen countries.
2. Belgium
An application of Belgium residency takes 60 days to go through, and being employed in the country may be one of the qualifications. Investment requirement is negated, ranking Belgium the second easiest country to get permanent residency in Europe in 2018.
1. Austria
Austria grants ten various forms of residency permits that require no investment. These permits can be applied for free movement across Schengen and its territories without the visa. For this reason, we’ve ranked Austria as the easiest country to get permanent residency in Europe in 2018.