EU countries provide a variety of mechanisms for obtaining a residence permit, and subsequently permanent residence and citizenship in the EU. The variety of available mechanisms includes such paths as family reunification, investment in the country’s economy, business registration, purchase of real estate, employment and many others. Each of these approaches provides unique perspectives and opportunities for those seeking to obtain European residency status.
Initially, a person wishing to move abroad usually obtains a long-term visa or temporary residence permit in accordance with the country’s requirements.
Temporary resident status (residence permit) provides the opportunity to temporarily stay in another country for a period of usually one to two years, with the possibility of extension to permanent residence. Read: Permanent residence in the EU
A standard European Residence Permit (RP) opens up an extensive set of rights and privileges:
✔Possibility of year-round residence in the selected country
This means that having a residence permit, you have the right to live in the country all year round without restrictions on the length of stay.
✔ Opportunity to open your own business in Europe and change tax residency
A residence permit gives you the right to open your own business in Europe. This also provides the opportunity to consider tax issues and, if necessary, change tax residence to suit your needs and strategy.
✔ Access to the national healthcare system
Holders of residence permits have access to the national healthcare system of the selected country.
✔ Social benefits
A residence permit provides you with social benefits and consumer protections similar to those of national citizens. This includes rights to Social Security, pension benefits and various compensations.
✔ You will be able to apply for citizenship in the selected country
Resident status opens up the prospect of obtaining citizenship after a certain period of residence. This path provides the opportunity to become a full EU citizen.
Below we will consider the most popular ways to obtain a residence permit in the EU in 2025.
Residence permits for financially independent foreigners are suitable for those who have passive income such as rent, dividends or royalties or savings.
This residence permit can be obtained without investment, it is enough that you have an independent source of income in your country or in other countries of the world, without plans to work in the country of immigration, but only to live there.
Key factors of residence permit for financially independent persons:
Confirmed income (receiving income in your country from the activities of the company, from leasing real estate, from investments, etc.)
Availability of savings;
Availability of housing (buying, renting);
Confirmation of good reputation (no criminal record, immigration violations, etc.).
Comparison of programs for obtaining residence permits in the European Union for financially independent individuals in 2025
Residence permit is issued for 1 year with extension, after 5 years – permanent residence in Europe
After 5 years of residence
We provide a wide range of immigration, business and legal services in the following countries: Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, France, Malta, as well as in the UK and the USA.
✅ Our experts and immigration lawyers are ready to accompany you at every step of the way to obtaining a residence permit!
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Digital Nomad Programs
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The digital nomad visa is intended for freelancers and self-employed professionals who carry out their activities remotely and earn income in other countries without the purpose of official employment in the country where they are located.
A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay in the country longer than a regular tourist visa while working remotely for their foreign employer or clients.
The essence of the digital nomad visa is that it is designed to make staying in the country easier for those who work remotely. Instead of constantly renewing a tourist visa or looking for other ways to stay legally, a digital nomad can obtain a special status that will allow him to stay in the country for a long period of time and carry out his activities without unnecessary hassle.
In addition to this, a number of countries offer special tax regimes that can be beneficial for digital nomads.
The basic conditions for digital nomads may vary slightly depending on the country in which they plan to stay.
General requirements for obtaining a Nomad Visa:
🔹 have sufficient income to support yourself and your family 🔹 do not look for work in the country 🔹 open a local bank account 🔹 buy or rent property 🔹 have no criminal record
Comparison of countries and minimum income for a digital nomad visa in 2025
Country
Minimum Income
Greece
at least 3500 € per month
+ 20% for wife or husband
+ 15% for each child
Spain
from 2520 € per month
+ from 945€ for the second spouse
+ from 315€ from the minimum wage for each child
Cyprus
at least 3500 € per month
+ 20% for the second spouse
+ 15% for each child
Portugal
at least 3280 € per month
+ 50% for another family member
Italy
from 32400 € per year
+ 20% for the second spouse
Residence permit for the purchase of real estate and investment - Golden Visa
Obtaining residence permits by investment, also known as “Investor Visa” or “Golden Visa”, involves investing in various sectors of the country’s economy. This may include purchasing residential or commercial property, investing in companies, purchasing government bonds, investing in a country’s economy, or placing deposits in a bank.
The amount of investment required to obtain an investor visa varies significantly depending on the specific country and investment option, starting from 250 thousand euros.
The advantages of Golden Visas for an investor include the opportunity not only to acquire resident status (residence permit or permanent residence), but also to take advantage of a wide range of privileges associated with living and doing business in the country, as well as optimize tax obligations.
Thanks to Golden Visas, investors have the opportunity to diversify their assets and protect their capital in a stable European jurisdiction.
In addition, the EU Golden Visa program provides the opportunity to obtain resident status for the entire family at the same time.
Below you can get acquainted with different countries and their investment programs, as well as conduct a comparative analysis of each of them.
Residence permit for entrepreneurs - business immigration to Europe
Obtaining a residence permit is possible for the purpose of starting your own business or expanding the activities of your company abroad, as well as for carrying out entrepreneurial activities.
Many countries have special programs, such as Startup Visas, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The conditions for obtaining a residence permit after registering a business in each country are unique, however, there are general requirements that are typical for most countries:
qualifications and professional experience of the applicant
a detailed business plan demonstrating the potential of your enterprise;
providing financial resources for living in the country;
availability of housing owned or rented;
no criminal record or immigration violations.
Most countries do not establish strict requirements for minimum investment in business; each situation is considered individually. Factors such as the enterprise’s potential, growth prospects, impact on the country’s economy and other relevant aspects are often assessed.
And if you want to work as an individual entrepreneur and provide your services in the chosen country, then it is possible to obtain a work permit as a self-employed person. This will allow you to officially conduct your business, interact with customers and participate in the economic life of the country, while complying with all relevant laws and requirements.
Feod Group was founded in 1992 and specializes in a wide range of services, including immigration processes, company registration, property acquisition, taxation, and financial and investment consulting.
✔ Assistance in selecting an immigration program to the European Union, including consultations on various immigration programs. ✔ Consultations on the requirements and conditions of immigration programs, as well as on possible ways to obtain a residence permit. ✔ Legal support in obtaining a residence permit, including representation of the client’s interests before the relevant authorities. ✔ Assistance in preparing the necessary documents for the immigration process and obtaining relevant permits.
Legal and business services
✔ Development of individual tax planning strategies, taking into account the specifics of each client and current legislation. ✔ Assistance in registering companies, taking into account the requirements and regulations of the country of registration. ✔ Selection and purchase of a ready-made business, preliminary conducting a legal analysis and checking documentation to minimize risks. ✔ Opening personal and corporate bank accounts in full compliance with legal requirements and banking regulations. ✔ Assistance in the process of purchasing real estate, providing legal support for the transaction and a thorough check of the legal purity of the property. ✔ Providing investment and financial consulting with risk assessment and identification of potential opportunities for clients.
Contact us and we will be happy to provide you with all the necessary assistance in all these processes!
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FAQ
What are the main ways to immigrate to EU countries?
In order to immigrate to Europe and have the right of permanent residence there, you must obtain immigration status – residence permit or permanent residence in the chosen country.
The immigration law of EU countries provides enough programs that will allow you to obtain a European resident card, such as:
Residence permit for financially independent foreigners
Business immigration to EU countries
Programs for aspiring entrepreneurs (Startup visas)
Intra Company Transferee program
Golden Visas and Investor Visas
Family reunification
Residence permit via employment
What programs for obtaining a residence permit in the EU are popular in 2025?
Popular programs for obtaining a residence permit in the EU in 2025 are programs for entrepreneurs and for digital nomads, as well as a residence permit for investment, the Golden Visa.
Where in the EU can you get a residence permit without the need for permanent residence?
If you want to obtain a residence permit in a selected EU country, but do not want to reside there permanently, then pay attention to the Golden Visa investment programs in countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece and Malta.
These programs allow you to obtain a residence permit in a selected EU country without the obligation to reside there permanently, which can be attractive to those seeking flexible immigration and investment opportunities.
Is it possible to immigrate to the EU with the whole family?
Yes, most immigration programs in the EU provide for a residence permit to be obtained simultaneously by the main applicant and members of his family. However, each country and each program has its own requirements regarding the degree of relationship and age.
How long does it usually take to obtain a visa or residence permit in EU countries?
Processing times may vary depending on the type of visa or permit, but on average it takes from a few weeks to a few months.
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.
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Countries where we offer visa and immigration support:
Austria
Greece
Spain
Italy
Cyprus
Portugal
France
Spain
