In 2026, several European countries, including Portugal, Latvia, and Italy, allow non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency.
With a permanent residency permit, foreigners can live in the country indefinitely without a visa. They can also access the country’s job market, healthcare, and education systems.
In Schengen countries, permanent residency also allows free travel across the zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
You can qualify for permanent residency in Europe through several routes, one of the most popular ones being through investment.
This article compares the easiest countries in Europe to obtain permanent residency in 2026, focusing on which countries offer the most accessible requirements, timelines, and eligibility conditions.
Key Takeaways: Easiest countries to get permanent residency in Europe
How to acquire permanent residence in Europe?
The route to permanent residency in Europe varies by country. Some countries, such as Italy and Portugal, require foreigners to first live there under a temporary residence permit. After a defined period of legal residence, they can apply for permanent residency.
Other countries, such as Malta, Cyprus, and Greece, grant permanent residency directly through Golden Visa programs.
There are several ways to qualify for permanent residency in Europe. The countries below offer some of the more accessible options in 2026, each with its own requirements and timelines.
6 European Countries With the Easiest Permanent Residency Rules in 2026
01/ Portugal
Portugal is one of the most appealing destinations for non-EU citizens seeking a pathway to permanent residency in Europe.
The Portugal Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to obtain temporary residency by making a qualifying investment in Portugal.
In 2026, qualifying routes for Portugal’s Golden Visa include an investment of €500,000 in investment funds, an arts and culture donation of €250,000, and job creation.
The main applicant and direct family members are granted an initial temporary permit valid for two years, which must be renewed every two years. At the end of the fifth year, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal.
Permanent residency in Portugal comes with various benefits, including the right to live and work in the country, access to public healthcare and education, and the ability to travel visa-free within the Schengen Area.
Portugal’s high quality of life, favorable climate, and rich cultural heritage make it an appealing destination for expatriates.
After five years of holding permanent residency (two for EU and CPLP nationals), it’s possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, which gives you the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
Since the Portugal Golden Visa’s inception in 2012, over 12,718 residence permits have been granted to foreign investors, with the largest applicant groups coming from the United States, China, and the United Kingdom.
02/ Malta
Malta is one of the few European countries that offer immediate permanent residency. Through the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), a residency-by-investment scheme, applicants receive permanent resident status right away.
The residence card is issued for five years and renewed, while the status itself remains valid as long as the conditions are maintained.
To qualify for Malta’s Residence by Investment Program, the applicant must either rent property for at least €14,000 per year or purchase property for at least €375,000 and hold it for five years.
In addition, they must pay a €37,000 government contribution and donate €2,000 to a Maltese NGO. They must also show assets of at least €500,000, including €150,000 in financial assets, or €650,000 with €75,000 in financial assets.
After the investments are completed and verified, Malta issues a Certificate of Permanent Residence. The full process takes around 12 months from application to approval.
Another advantage of the Malta MPRP is that there is no minimum stay requirement to maintain permanent residency, and it allows the inclusion of family members up to five generations, including spouse, dependent children up to 29, and dependent parents.
Malta’s strategic location, robust economy, and high standard of living make it a desirable destination for expatriates. The blend of historical charm, Mediterranean climate, and modern amenities contributes to Malta’s reputation as an excellent place for long-term settlement.
03/ Cyprus
Cyprus offers permanent residency through the Cyprus Golden Visa. Non-EU nationals can obtain permanent residency within 2 to 6 months by investing in the country and proving an annual foreign income of at least €50,000.
To qualify for the Cypriot Golden Visa, applicants must invest in either residential or commercial property, shares in a Cyprus-based company, or a Cyprus-regulated investment fund. The most common option is buying a property worth at least €300,000.
Cyprus permanent residency does not require full-time residence. To maintain the status, the applicant must visit Cyprus at least once every two years and continue meeting the program conditions. The permit can also include a spouse and dependent children up to age 25.
After seven years of legal residence, applicants may also become eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship.
Cyprus is known for its high quality of life, favorable climate, and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The country has a strong economy, a diverse expatriate community, and a favorable tax system, making it an attractive destination for long-term residency and investment.
The combination of historical heritage, stunning landscapes, and modern infrastructure further enhances Cyprus’s appeal as a permanent residence.
04/ Greece
One of the easiest countries in Europe to obtain permanent residence is Greece.
Through the Greek Golden Visa, non-EU nationals can obtain permanent residence with a minimum investment starting at €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversions and restoration projects.
Real estate is another attractive qualifying investment route. Under the 2026 rules, the minimum investment is €800,000 in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, and €400,000 in other regions.
One of the main advantages of the Greek Golden Visa is the inclusion of family members. The application can cover a spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents of both the main applicant and spouse. Residence permit holders can also travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The residence permit is renewed every five years as long as the investment is maintained. Investors who have resided in Greece for at least 7 years may also become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, which grants lifetime residence in a country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and lower cost of living.
05/ Italy
Italy’s Golden Visa is an indirect pathway to permanent residency in Europe. The program gives non-EU citizens a two-year residence permit through investment, renewable for another three years. After five years of legal residence in Italy, investors can apply for permanent residency.
The minimum investment required to apply for the Italian Golden Visa is €250,000 for an Italian innovative startup. Other options include €500,000 in an Italian limited company, €1 million as a philanthropic donation to projects in areas such as culture and education, or €2 million in Italian government bonds.
The Italian Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement, allowing investors to live and work in their home country while maintaining residency in Italy.
It also allows the main applicant to include a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.
Italy’s main advantage is that permanent residency is available after 5 years, and the investor route has a lower entry point than many European residency-by-investment programs.
Investors who live in Italy long-term can also apply for Italian citizenship after 10 years of residence, which also gives them access to an Italian passport that ranks 23rd on our Global Passport Index.
06/ Latvia
If you’re looking for the most affordable route to EU residency, Latvia’s Golden Visa is the top option.
Under the program, non-EU nationals can obtain a temporary residence permit in Latvia by investing, valid for up to 5 years. After five years of residence, they can apply for permanent residency and Latvian citizenship.
Latvia’s main advantage is the low business investment route, which starts at €50,000. Applicants can also purchase real estate for €250,000, buy €250,000 in government bonds, or place a €280,000 fixed-term deposit in a Latvian bank. The investment must be maintained for five years.
Another competitive advantage of Latvia’s Golden Visa program is its fast timeline: applications are processed in 2 to 3 months. There is also no requirement to live in Latvia full-time to maintain the residence permit.
Golden Visa holders can include family members in their application and get residency in a Schengen country with a lower cost of living, access to nature, and a high standard of living.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
