The EU countries issued 3 million first-time residency permits in 2019, according to the latest statistics by Eurostat. Most of these permits were issued in Poland (724,000 permits), Germany (460,000), Spain (320,000), France, (285,000), Italy (176,000) and the Czech Republic (117,000). The main reasons for moving to the EU countries are work and family relocation.
Most of these residency permits — more than a quarter — were issued for Ukraine citizens who relocate to Poland for work. Germany, for example, mostly issues residency permits for family reasons.
About 0,1% of all residency permits are issued under residency through investment programs, which allow one to get a residency permit after the purchase of real estate.
Residency through investment programs are available in many European countries, but investors favour Greece’s residency program, which allows one to obtain a right to permanently live and work in the country after buying a house or a villa starting from 250,000 euro.
Astons is a leading global immigration advisory firm with offices worldwide. We support investors with residency & citizenship investment solutions across the EU and the Caribbean. For further information or to discuss your personal circumstances in a private consultation, please contact Astons at [email protected].
