Relocation for Permanent Residence in the EU How and where to obtain permanent residence more easily in 2025
Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing comprehensive immigration, corporate, and legal services in EU countries.
Assistance in selecting an EU immigration program
Legal support in obtaining permanent residence
Consultations on international taxation
Legal and business services
Permanent Residence in the EU and Its Benefits
Permanent residence (PR) is a status that grants an individual the right to live in another country indefinitely. It does not require regular renewal but may have certain conditions, such as a minimum period of stay in the country.
A temporary residence permit (TRP) allows an individual to stay in a country for a limited period, usually one to two years, with the possibility of renewal. TRP is often granted under specific conditions, such as having a stable income, employment, studies, or investments. Over time, a TRP holder may become eligible to apply for permanent residence.
The key difference between the two lies in the duration and stability of residency: a TRP is a temporary permit that requires renewal, whereas PR is an indefinite status that offers greater rights and stability. Simply put, a TRP is the first step toward long-term residence abroad. After several years with a TRP, one can apply for PR and, eventually, citizenship, provided all requirements are met.
What Are the Benefits of PR in EU Countries?
Holding PR in an EU country grants a foreign national the right to reside permanently without any time restrictions. PR holders enjoy almost all the rights of EU citizens, except for voting rights and eligibility for government positions. This status provides freedom to work without additional permits, access to public healthcare, social benefits, and education on equal terms with citizens, easier travel within the Schengen zone, and a pathway to citizenship in the future.
How to obtain PR in the EU?
To qualify for PR in an EU country, one typically needs to first obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP). The standard pathway involves residing in the country with a TRP for several years, after which an application for PR can be submitted. The required duration varies by country, but in most cases, five years of continuous residence, compliance with immigration regulations, and proof of integration are necessary. For example, PR in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Austria can be obtained after five years of legal residence with a TRP.
However, there are fast-track routes to PR. Some EU countries have official government programs that allow applicants to obtain PR immediately or within a shorter period, bypassing the lengthy waiting process. Such programs are available in Cyprus, Malta, and Greece.
These options are particularly attractive for investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals who seek a stable residency status in the EU more quickly and wish to take advantage of the benefits of living in Europe.
Next, we will explore key programs that allow for fast-track PR acquisition in the EU.
Permanent Residency in Cyprus
Cyprus offers one of the most accessible investment programs for obtaining permanent residency (PR). The Cyprus Investment Program, also known as the “Cyprus Golden Visa,” allows non-EU citizens to secure indefinite residency status by investing at least €300,000 in real estate, local businesses, or investment funds.
One of the key benefits of this program is that PR is granted indefinitely, and the resident card is issued for 10 years. The status applies not only to the main applicant but also to their entire family—spouse and children. There is no mandatory requirement to live in Cyprus permanently; visiting the country once every two years is sufficient to maintain the status.
Another major advantage is the possibility of obtaining PR remotely. A Cypriot lawyer can submit the application on behalf of the investor without requiring personal presence. Additionally, investors can rent out the acquired property and generate passive income.
Living in Cyprus offers not only investment and immigration benefits but also a high quality of life. The island is known for its safety, warm climate, clean beaches, and welcoming atmosphere. English is widely spoken, making adaptation easier for foreigners.
Cyprus attracts investors not only with the opportunity to obtain EU permanent residency but also with favorable tax conditions. The country has low tax rates for businesses and individuals, making it a popular choice for investors and entrepreneurs. Key tax benefits include:
No taxes on dividends, interest, inheritance, or gifts.
No annual property tax.
Preferential tax treatment for personal income.
In summary, PR in Cyprus offers:
Indefinite EU residency status for the entire family, with a 10-year resident card.
Flexibility to live in Cyprus permanently or visit at any time.
Remote application process without requiring physical presence.
Rental income from the property purchased for PR.
A pathway to EU citizenship and a passport.
Non-Dom tax status, which significantly reduces tax obligations.
Cyprus is not just an attractive destination for obtaining permanent residency—it is also one of the best places for comfortable living, business development, and tax optimization.
Permanent Residency in Greece
Greece offers one of the most flexible and accessible residency-by-investment programs, allowing foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency (PR) for 5 years with the option for renewal. Under the Greece Golden Visa, investors can choose from multiple investment options.
The minimum investment threshold starts at €250,000. This applies to purchasing real estate of historical or cultural significance, as well as commercial or industrial properties that will be converted into residential units. All construction work must be completed before submitting a residency application.
For high-demand tourist and business regions, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and large islands with a population exceeding 3,100, the minimum investment amount is €800,000. In less popular regions, the investment threshold starts at €400,000.
Beyond real estate, investors can opt for alternative investment options. A minimum investment of €400,000 can be allocated to:
Shares of Greek companies
Greek government bonds
Bank deposits in Greek financial institutions
One of the key benefits of the program is the ability to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of residency, granting full EU citizenship rights, including visa-free travel, the right to work, and business opportunities across the EU.
Key benefits of the program:
Starting from €250,000 investment with 5-year PR, renewable.
Residency status extends to the entire family, including spouse, children, and both parents.
Remote application process—physical presence in Greece is required only for biometric submission.
No residency requirement—investors are not obligated to live in Greece to maintain PR.
Option to apply for an EU passport after 7 years.
Permanent Residency in Malta
Obtaining residency in Malta through investment grants applicants and their families EU resident status, providing access to the European market, business opportunities, high-quality education, and healthcare. Malta offers the possibility of securing Schengen permanent residency for 5 years with renewal options.
The Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) offers two pathways to obtaining PR: • Real estate rental starting from €14,000 per year for 5 years, plus government fees and contributions. • Property purchase starting from €375,000, along with additional government fees and contributions.
Malta’s program stands out among similar European residency schemes by offering permanent residency from the start, which is granted to four generations of the family. The status extends to the main applicant, spouse, children, parents, as well as grandparents, without any age restrictions.
Another key advantage of this program is the absence of a mandatory residence requirement. This means that investors and their families can maintain Maltese residency without the obligation to live in Malta, giving them freedom of movement and flexibility in choosing their place of residence.
Contact us!
Our team consists of qualified lawyers and immigration specialists providing comprehensive support to individuals seeking EU residency. We guide clients through every step of the process, ensuring legal protection and a personalized approach.
Additionally, we offer business setup support, tax planning, and investment strategies, helping our clients seamlessly integrate into their new jurisdiction.
Permanent residency (PR) is a status that grants a foreign national the right to reside indefinitely in another country. PR holders receive nearly all the rights of citizens, except for voting and holding certain government positions. In most EU countries, PR serves as an intermediary step toward acquiring citizenship, provided the required conditions are met.
What are the benefits of PR status in EU countries?
Permanent residency in the EU offers foreigners a stable residency status, freedom of movement within the Schengen Zone, and access to European healthcare, education, and social programs. PR holders can also work and conduct business in their country of residence without additional permits.
Can PR lead to citizenship?
Yes, PR is often a pathway to citizenship. In most EU countries, applicants can apply for naturalization after 5–10 years of residency, provided they meet specific requirements, such as language proficiency, integration, and compliance with legal regulations.
In 2013, Anastasia Taran graduated with honors from the National University "Odessa Law Academy", earning a Master of Laws degree. She joined Feod Group in 2018 and has since gained extensive experience in international corporate, tax, and immigration law....
In 2013, Anastasia Taran graduated with honors from the National University "Odessa Law Academy", earning a Master of Laws degree. She joined Feod Group in 2018 and has since gained extensive experience in international corporate, tax, and immigration law.
Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing a wide range of legal, business and immigration services in Europe, the USA and other countries of the world.
The company has accredited western lawyers, experts in various fields of law and jurisdictions of the world.
Having offices in Europe and the USA, Feod Group provides rapid paperwork and maximum customer comfort.
We provide our clients with related services, such as relocation and adaptation abroad, organizing family relocation abroad, enrollment of children in schools and many other services.
