14 ways to get EU Residency

Why would you want a residency visa to a country in the EU? From sun-soaked beaches to frosty mountain tops and bustling cities, Europe offers a truly versatile living experience. Whatever you’re looking for, in whatever language you want to speak, you will find it in Europe.  

An EU residence permit also allows you the opportunity to live and work in one of the 26 EU member countries. Moreover, in many cases, residency is a pathway to full citizenship and a passport.

Europe has, for centuries, been an attractive destination for immigrants. Certainly, the stability, opportunity and prosperity offered by the EU mean that this trend will continue.

Luckily, there are many different options for moving to the EU. The simplest way is through a familial connection. Many EU countries offer a direct and simple ancestry path to residency and citizenship stretching back many generations.

You may also be eligible for permanent residency if your spouse or partner is an EU resident. Also, the dependants of an EU resident are normally eligible for residency. This eligibility can include children, step-children, and people with disabilities form whom you are the legal guardian. Other relatives (including parents and parents-in-law) can also use family ties to access residency in many countries.

For those who don’t have a direct familial link, there are many other options. Here are 14 ways available to you to move to the EU.

EU Income Based Residency Visas

Does your business allow you to work from anywhere? Do you have a steady income from existing investments? You may qualify for a person of independent means visa. Below are some examples of EU countries where this may be possible.

Spain Non Lucrative Visa

To qualify for the non lucrative visa for Spain, you must prove that you have a minimum income to be able to live in the country without having to work for any local company. The income can come from passive income sources such as investments, rental income or pensions. It can also come from work that is conducted in other countries. You must prove an income that is four times the IPREM, Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples. In 2020, this is approximately 30.000€ for the applicant and approx another 6.000€ for each dependant. This visa is a popular option for freelancers and digital nomads who earn a living outside of Spain.

Portugal Passive Income Visa

If you would like to base yourself in beautiful Portugal and you have enough income to support yourself then this visa is for you. The income needs to be passive ie from sources such as rental income, dividends, investment income and a pension. Our partner believes that €20,000 of annual income should be sufficient to prove that you can support yourself.

Cyprus Income Based Visa

If you can prove an income that is high enough so that you do not have to work in Cyprus then you can get a residency visa. At the time of writing it is approximately €9568,17 (CY£5,600) for a single applicant and at least €4613,22 (CY£2,700) for every dependent person.

Here is the official website on the Cyprus residency visa for further details

Austria Income Based Visa

To be eligible for this visa, you must be able to show an income that will allow you to live in Austria without having to work there. This income should be a regular monthly income of at least twice the amount of the standard rates of the General Social Insurance Act (ASVG). In 2020, the amount was €1,993 for a single person, €2,994 for married couples or partnerships, and an additional €298 for each child. 

Here is the official website for further information on this visa.

Ireland Person of Independent Means

An annual income of €50,000 plus a lump sum for emergencies can secure your residency in Ireland. This is called the Stamp 0 Visa.

Click here for the official website on how to apply.

Read more about Income Based Visas around the world.

EU Residency by Investment

Are you looking for a way to invest some of your hard-earned money in the strong economies of Europe? You could get an impressive return on your investment, as well as residency or citizenship. European countries offer different opportunities based on their economic situations and real estate markets. Below are some of the most popular European investment visa programs. Click on any of the country names for more information.

Latvia Residency by Investment Programme

Latvia’s residency by investment program has a €50,000 minimum investment requirement. Invest in a small company of fewer than 50 employees and with a company turnover of less than €10 million and this visa could be yours. This investment makes you eligible for a Latvian residency permit.

Latvia also has a property investment and government bond investment option available. Invest €250,000 in either of these options and you could be eligible for Latvian residency.

Have a read of our Latvia investment visa page for more information.

Malta Residency by Investment

Invest between €220,000 and €275,000 in real estate (depending on the age of the building and area) and you can get a residency visa. Malta has one of the most advanced residency by investment programs in the world. There are additional conditions and fees associated with this visa.

Have a read of our Malta Investment Visa page for more information

Greece Residency by Investment

Invest more than €250,000 in real estate. You can rent out this property after the purchase is complete. Your spouse and all dependant children are also eligible for residency under this visa.

Have a read of our Greece Residency by Investment Page for more information

Cyprus Residency by investment

Invest more than €300,000 in approved real estate. This program targets new build properties and all can be rented out. The Cyprus application process is usually very efficient.

Have a read of our Cyprus Residency by Investment Page for more information

Portugal Residency by investment

Invest between €350,000 and €500,000 in real estate (depending on the age of the building and area). This visa is a part of Portugal’s famous Golden Visa program.

Have a read of our Portugal Residency by Investment Page for more information

Spain Golden Visa

Invest more than €500,000 in real estate, and you’ll be eligible for a Spanish residence permit. There are no restrictions on the location of the property, and you can use the investment to generate rental income.

Have a read of our Spain Residency by Investment Page for more information

For information on other investment visas, please have a look at our Investment Visa Page. The article also has additional information on the best Citizenship by Investment programs in Europe and around the world.

EU Start-up residency visas

Are you on fire with an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you have an amazing idea for a business? EU countries are looking for you to make a difference in their economies. They’ll offer you residency to bring your ideas to life in their country. Here are some examples.

Sweden

Sweden offers residency to those who are planning to run or invest in a business. You must be able to show you have the required skills and experience to run the company. Additionally, you must show sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.

Austria

Austria offers a Red-White-Red residency card to qualifying start-up founders. The program has a sliding points scale with several factors assessed. Funding, capital, innovation, and membership of accelerators or incubators are all considered in the assessment.

France

A French Tech Visa is available to people with an economically viable innovative start-up project. The “Passeport Talent” (“Talent Passport”) is targeted at start-up founders, investors, and employees. You’ll also need to to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents. France also has Business Investor and Selected Companies programs that offer accelerated residency.

For more information, see our article on Startup Visas around the world.

Are you excited about EU Residency?

Check out our article Live In Europe? to see why so many people want to move to this incredible part of the world. We also discuss more visa, residency, work permit, passport, and citizenship options. Explore these and many other ways to start a new life abroad at wherecani.live where we have detailed information on each country.

The European Union is home to 450 million people and has a GDP of around €20 trillion. Happily, you don’t need an EU ancestor to be a part of this incredible project.

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