Residence Permit in Europe Without Relocating

In 2026, securing an EU residence permit does not require full-time relocation. Jurisdictions such as Portugal, Greece, Malta and Cyprus offer Golden Visa and investor programmes that provide legal residency with minimal physical presence. Benefits include visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to EU banking, potential tax advantages, and subject to programme rules, a pathway to citizenship, all without moving your life abroad.

Note: The residency permit processing times indicated below are approximate from the date of submission to the relevant authorities. Actual timelines may vary based on individual circumstances, document verification, and local administrative procedures

Key Takeaways:

• Select the right jurisdiction based on threshold, presence requirement and family eligibility.
• Prepare documents early to avoid timeline slippage.
• Structure tax efficiently with specialist advice.
• Act under current rules to lock in thresholds and program terms.

Key Benefits of Low-Presence EU Residency

• Schengen mobility: Spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen states. Ideal for business, leisure and family visits.
• Access to EU banking and healthcare: Open local bank accounts, manage investments, and access basic healthcare without full relocation.
• Pathway to citizenship: Some programs permit citizenship after 5-10 years with minimal presence, offering long-term mobility and EU rights.
• Asset protection & lifestyle flexibility: Maintain your primary residence while benefiting from EU legal protections and efficient financial planning.

Who Qualifies? Quick Eligibility Self-Check

• Investment thresholds: From €250,000 (e.g., real estate in Greece).
• Clean legal record: Standard criminal background checks apply.
• Proof of funds: Demonstrate lawful source of income, assets and investments.
• Family inclusion: Spouses and dependent children are typically eligible under the programs below.

Golden Visa and investor programs focus on financial contribution rather than physical relocation:

• Investment triggers residency: Residency cards are issued upon qualifying financial contribution.
• Minimal annual presence: Some programs require as little as 7-14 days per year in-country.
• Renewals linked to investment: Maintaining the investment is usually sufficient to retain residency.

Portugal

Investment Options

• Venture & Investment Funds (€500,000): Portuguese funds supporting key sectors; minimum 6-year hold; 60% allocation to Portuguese companies; potential returns up to 8%.
• Cultural & Heritage Investment (€250,000): Non-refundable donation supporting approved cultural projects.
• Scientific & Research Projects (€250,000): Non-recoverable donation to scientific/technological research.
• Business Investment (€500,000): Investment in a Portuguese business creating at least five jobs.
• Company Setup: Invest in a company that creates and maintains at least ten jobs.

Astons provides assistance exclusively for obtaining the Portuguese Golden Visa through qualifying fund investments.

Advantages of the Portuguese Golden Visa

• Entire family eligible: Spouse, children under 26, and parents.
• Minimal stay: 14 days per 2 years.
• Citizenship route: Potential after 5 years.
• Stable jurisdiction: Strong investment potential and high-quality education.

Please note: Proposed legislative amendments indicate the path to Portuguese citizenship is expected to extend to 7-10 years.

Who Can Apply?

• Investor: Must meet legal requirements, pass due diligence, clean criminal record.
• Spouse: Legally married; no additional investment; clean record.
• Children: Under 26; financially dependent; no additional investment.
• Parents: Financially dependent; no additional investment.

Required Documents

• Portuguese tax number (NIF)
• Passport copy
• Birth certificate (apostilled)
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Medical insurance covering Schengen zone
• Proof of investment
• Source of funds declaration
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Dependents’ documents
• Bank statements

Cost

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Portuguese Residency

1. Initial Consultation & Service Agreement: Assess investor circumstances and select the most suitable investment option for the Portuguese Golden visa.
2. Document Preparation & NIF Registration: Collect, prepare, and certify all required documents; obtain Portuguese Tax Number.
3. Investment Transfer: Fund Portuguese bank account post due diligence.
4. Application Submission: Submit full application to Portuguese Immigration Service (AIMA) with investment proof.
5. Biometrics in Portugal: Submit original and fingerprints.
6. Approval & Permit Issuance: Receive residence cards; maintain residency by 14 days every 2 years; renew biennially.

Processing time: from 18 months.

Greece

Investment Options

• Converted Real Estate (€250,000):
  Residential property converted from commercial use or of cultural/historic significance, with mandatory renovation. Properties may be located anywhere in Greece and of any size. This route enables eligibility at the lowest threshold, offers flexibility in location and unit selection, and typically delivers strong rental demand and efficient transactions while complying with Golden Visa rules without the higher capital required in premium regions.
• Specific Regions (€400,000):
  Single residential property of ≥120 sq. m. in designated regions such as Halkidiki or the Peloponnese.
• Premium Locations (€800,000):
  Single residential property of ≥120 sq. m. in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with 3,100+ residents.

Advantages of the Greek Golden Visa

• Family coverage: Spouse, children under 24, and parents.
• No minimum stay to maintain residency.
• Property-led investment with rental yield and appreciation potential.
• Citizenship route: Potential after 7 years.
• Cost-effective EU residency.
• Non-dom regime: €100,000 flat tax on global income.

Who Can Apply?

• Investor: Must be at least 18 years old, meet legal investment requirements, and have a clean criminal record.
• Spouse: Legally married; no additional investment required; clean criminal record.
• Children: Under 21 years old; no additional investment required.
• Parents: Financially dependent parents; no additional investment required.

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Proof of real estate investment
• Greek Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Criminal record certificate
• Greek health insurance
• Proof of legal entry
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates (if applicable)

Cost

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Greek Residency

1. Initial Consultation & Service Agreement: Confirm eligibility and select property.
2. Property Selection & Reservation: Secure qualifying real estate (remote or in person)
3. Purchase Completion & Registration: Finalise acquisition, settle taxes/fees, register title.
4. Application Submission: File residence permit with investment proof.
5. Biometrics Appointment in Greece: Attend fingerprints and photographs.
6. Approval & Permit Issuance: Receive 5-year residence cards, renewable indefinitely, provided the investment is maintained.

Processing time: From 4 months.

Malta

Investment Options

To qualify for Malta permanent residency, applicants must combine a government contribution, a charitable donation, and either property rental or purchase:

• Rental Commitment (€182,000):
  Government contribution €60,000; property lease €14,000/year for 5 years (€70,000 total).
• Real Estate Purchase (€457,000):
  Government contribution €30,000; property purchase ≥€375,000.
• Additionally: €2,000 donation to a Maltese NGO; demonstrate assets of €500,000 (incl. €150,000 financial assets) or €650,000 (with €75,000 financial assets).

Advantages of the Malta Permanent Residence Program

• Permanent status: Card renewed every 5 years
• Favourable tax treatment: Non-residents are taxed only on Malta-source income
• Entire family eligibility: Spouse, children, parents, and grandparents.

Who Can Apply?

• Investor

• • Aged 18+
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proof of legal source of funds
  • Assets of €500,000+

• Spouse

• • Legally married
  • No additional investment
  • Clean criminal record

• Children

• • Under 18: no additional conditions
  • Over 18: unmarried and financially dependent

• Parents & Grandparents

• • Financially dependent
  • No additional investment required

Required Documents

• Passport copies
• Proof of address
• Police clearance certificate
• State or private medical insurance
• Bank statements (last 12 months)
• Proof of assets and source of funds
• Tax declarations
• Proof of qualifying investment
• Relationship certificates (marriage, birth, dependency)

Cost

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Malta Permanent Residency

1. Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment: Preliminary due diligence to confirm compliance with MPRP requirements and select the optimal investment route.
2. Document Collection & Preparation: Compilation, verification, and preparation of all required personal, financial, and legal documents.
3. Application Submission: Submission to the Residency Malta Agency.
4. Completion of Investments: Payment of government contribution, charitable donation, and execution of property rental or purchase; health insurance secured.
5. Biometrics & Permit Issuance: Applicants (except children under 6) attend biometrics in Malta and receive permanent residence cards.

Processing time: From 9 months.

Cyprus

Investment Options

To qualify for Cyprus permanent residency, applicants must make a real estate investment and demonstrate a secured annual income:

Real Estate Investment (€300,000):

• New residential property from a developer;
• Purchase at any construction stage;
• Multiple units permitted to reach threshold;
• Eligible for rental;
• Investment may be made via a company;
• Resale properties not eligible.

Income requirement: Annual income of €50,000 (main applicant) + €15,000 (spouse) + €10,000 (each minor child).

Advantages of the Cyprus Permanent Residency Program

• Lifetime validity (no renewal);
• Simple maintenance (one visit every two years);
• Family eligibility (spouse and children up to 25);
• Favourable non-dom tax regime;
• Exposure to a strong real estate market;
• Eligibility to apply for citizenship after 8 years (subject to residence requirements).

Who Can Apply?

• Investor

• • Aged 18+
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proof of stable annual income (€50,000+)
  • Proof of legal source of funds

• Spouse

• • Legally married
  • No additional investment required

• Children

• • Under 25 years old
  • Financially dependent
  • No additional investment required

Required Documents

• Passport copies
• Proof of qualifying real estate investment
• Proof of legal income from abroad
• Criminal record clearance
• Medical insurance
• Tax declaration from country of residence
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates (if applicable)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Cost

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Cyprus Permanent Residency

1. Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment: Review of the applicant’s profile, income structure, and investment objectives.
2. Property Selection & Reservation: Selection of eligible new-build real estate and payment of a reservation deposit.
3. Document Collection & Preparation: Compilation, verification, and legalisation of all required documents.
4. Investment Completion: Purchase of the property, payment of VAT and stamp duty.
5. Application Submission: File with Civil Registry & Migration Department.
6. Biometrics & Permit Issuance: Applicants and family members visit Cyprus to submit biometric data and receive permanent residence cards.

Processing time: From 8 months.

Ongoing costs:

1. Annual expenses generally range from €5,000–€10,000, covering:

• Property maintenance and management
• Mandatory medical insurance
• Legal and compliance support
• Residence permit renewal fees (where applicable)

2. Tax considerations:

No-relocation golden visas do not automatically create tax residency.

Many investors structure their status to benefit from:

• Non-Dom regimes (e.g. Cyprus, Malta)
• Exemption of foreign-source income
• Remittance-based taxation (tax applied only to income brought into the country)
• Professional tax planning is essential to avoid unintended obligations.

3. Citizenship eligibility:

• Programs offer long-term security, but citizenship requires genuine residence.
• Naturalisation timelines are typically 5-10 years with physical presence requirements, particularly in final year. View citizenship as a long-term option, not an automatic outcome.

• Accidental tax residency:

Spending more than 183 days in one country, enrolling children in local schools, or registering a primary home can unintentionally trigger tax residency, even under a no-stay program.

• Regulatory changes:

Golden Visa frameworks may adjust thresholds, property eligibility or renewal rules. Acting under current conditions is often decisive.

• Documentation errors:

Insufficient proof of funds, unclear income sources, or incorrectly structured property purchases commonly cause delays and rejections.

• Family miscalculations:

• • Dependents’ rules vary. Take into considerations age limits, financial dependency and additional income thresholds, which affect approval and renewals.
• Underestimating holding costs:

Factor in long-term property expenses, taxation and exit implications, not just the entry price.