As more uncertainty plagues some of the western world, a Plan B, or as we call it, a second, third, or fourth residency and/or citizenship, is becoming a key part of most professionals’ to-do list for 2025.
Obtaining a second residency in Europe is one of the highest-demand requests right now due to the lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere compared to some other regions in the world. Tensions are high everywhere, but at least you should enjoy the atmosphere and food during this time.
Obtaining EU residency is not complicated at all. If anything, it is easier than obtaining residency in Australia, Canada, the UK, or the USA.
According to the World Health Organization, several EU countries rank among the top 20 globally for healthcare systems, with nations like France, Italy, and Spain consistently leading the way. These countries not only provide high-quality medical services but also boast impressive life expectancies, with the EU average being around 81 years. In comparison, life expectancy in the USA is around 77 years. Countries like Italy and Spain have some of the highest life expectancies globally, reaching up to 83 years.
Moreover, the European Union is renowned for its robust educational system. According to the 2023 World University Rankings, over 30 EU universities feature in the top 100 globally, offering world-class education and research opportunities.
Higher education in the EU is also significantly more affordable than in the USA. On average, annual tuition fees for post-secondary education in the EU range between €1,000 and €3,000, whereas in the USA, it can range from $10,000 to $35,000. This makes the EU an attractive destination for families seeking excellent educational prospects for their children, alongside the benefits of superior healthcare and longevity.
One last point to mention, which you likely already know, is that EU residency can give anyone, no matter what country they are from, freedom of mobility and travel among the 27 EU countries, which no other residency in the world can compete with. This means you can reside in one country while easily travelling across other EU countries for 90 days out of every 180 days without any additional paperwork.
What Is Our Criteria for Fast and Affordable EU Residencies?
We consider processing time and amount of investment as two of the most important criteria in our rankings today on the fastest and most affordable EU residency programs for 2025.
Obviously, the program has to have a solid track record and provide the applicant with the right results if they meet all eligibility criteria. We consider this category as ease of application.
The requirements for EU residencies, in terms of eligibility, are not much when compared to English-speaking country programs such as Canada, the USA, Australia, and the UK. Therefore, processing time, cost, and ease of application are our key factors in today’s comparison and rankings.
Top EU Countries for Fast and Affordable Residencies in 2025
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Italy
Overview of the Residency Program in Italy
The Italian investor residency program allows applicants and their dependent family members to obtain temporary residency in Italy, convertible to permanent residency through 4 investment options.
No language, work experience, or education is required for this type of initial temporary residency, which is renewable after 2 years for another 3 years.
Why Is Italy at the Top of Our List for EU Residencies in 2025?
Italy has the fastest processing time out of any EU residency program in 2025. When you compare other programs in the EU, especially the more popular ones, you can easily expect to be under process for 6 months or more.
However, for the Italian residency program, it only takes a maximum of 90 days, which makes it our fastest-ranked program.
Estimated Costs and Processing Time for the Italian Residency Program
The Italian investor residency program requires an investment of either €250,000, €500,000, or higher, depending on whether you are investing in a startup venture, a private or listed Italian company, or higher amounts for government bonds or philanthropic donations, which are less popular options for applicants.
The processing of the residency from beginning to end can take 90 days.
Key Benefits and Requirements for the Italian Residency Program
The requirements are very basic, with a medical exam and police background check, in addition to proof of funds to show that you can support yourself and your family.
The main benefit of the Italian program compared to the rest of the EU residency and investment programs is that you can make the investment within 90 days of arriving in Italy. You do not need to make the investment in advance prior to arrival, which is the case for most other Golden Visa programs around the EU and the rest of the world.
Check out our in-depth guide for the Italian investor residency program with all key eligibility and requirements.
Greece
Overview of the Residency Program in Greece
The Greek residency program, one of the most popular in the world and known as the Greece Golden Visa, allows applicants and their dependent family members to obtain temporary residency in Greece based on the purchase of real estate.
This can be converted to permanent residency based on specific eligibility criteria. No language, work experience, or education is required for this type of initial temporary residency, which is also renewable.
It is one of the most popular Golden Visa residency programs in the EU at the moment.
Why Is Greece on Our List for the Top EU Residencies in 2025?
Greece offers a competitive residency program with moderate processing times and attractive investment options.
The Greek residency program is popular due to its balance of investment threshold, the opportunity to invest in and own real estate, and processing efficiency, making it a preferred choice for many applicants.
Many programs in the EU have shut down the real estate option or are closing it down, such as Spain as of April 3, 2025, and Portugal, which closed down the real estate option in 2023.
Greece remains one of the few residency programs in the EU offering direct residency through real estate acquisition with a relatively decent timeline.
Estimated Costs and Processing Time for the Greek Residency Program
The Greek investor residency program requires an investment of €250,000 or higher, depending on the type of real estate you are purchasing.
The €250,000 real estate option is only available if you are purchasing property that is being converted from industrial or commercial to residential zoning. Otherwise, the investment threshold would be higher to qualify for this program.
The processing of the residency from beginning to end can take approximately 6 months.
Key Benefits and Requirements for the Greek Residency Program
The requirements include a medical exam, a police background check, and proof of sufficient funds to support the applicant and their family, along with the purchase of real estate in Greece before filing the residency application.
One of the main benefits of the Greek program is its relatively low investment threshold compared to other EU residency programs such as Portugal and Spain, making it accessible to a wider range of investors.
Cyprus
Overview of the Residency Program in Cyprus
The Cypriot residency program has two options in 2025. One option is to invest €300,000 in any asset in Cyprus, which can include shares in a company or real estate.
Another more cost-effective option is to register a company in Cyprus under the special regime of the BFU, Business Facilitation Unit, and issue yourself, as the applicant, a job offer to apply for a work permit to come to Cyprus with your family.
Both programs can lead to citizenship and can have the status renewed as long as the applicant meets the residency requirements.
The investor residency program of €300,000 would provide 10-year residency for the applicant and their family. The BFU company establishment option of €200,000 would give work permits valid for either 2 or 3 years, eligible for renewal and convertible to citizenship if all requirements are met.
Why Is Cyprus on Our List for EU Residencies in 2025?
Cyprus is known for its favorable tax regime and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for investors seeking residency in the EU.
The Cypriot residency program, with the two options explained in this article, gives applicants some of the most flexible options compared to other EU programs, while making it more affordable.
When comparing it to programs such as Greece, Cyprus allows non-real estate investments. When comparing it to Spain, Portugal, Italy, and other countries, it has a lower investment threshold.
Estimated Costs and Processing Time for the Cypriot Residency Program
The Cypriot investor residency program requires an investment of €300,000 or higher in any asset class, depending on the type of real estate, business, or financial investment made.
The alternative €200,000 option is a transfer of share capital into your own registered BFU company in Cyprus, meaning you do not lose this amount because it is still in your own pocket. You do not even need to technically spend it on anything specific.
Keep in mind that you do need to run payroll for yourself through your own company, with a minimum salary of €2,500 per month, which may be one of the few expenses incurred under this program, along with a physical office lease.
The processing of the residency from beginning to end can take approximately up to 9 months due to the backlog, although the official government website states much faster processing times.
Key Benefits and Requirements for the Cypriot Residency Program
The requirements include a medical exam, a police background check, and proof of sufficient funds to support the applicant and their family, along with the investment amount.
One of the main benefits of the Cypriot program is its favorable tax regime and high standard of living, making it an attractive option for investors.
Another reason it is favored by applicants is the low investment option of €200,000 into your own company, which means it is not even considered money out of your pocket, as it flows through a company that is 100% owned by yourself.
Citizenship eligibility can be completed at 3 or 4 years under either of these two options, based on the applicant’s language exam score and meeting the residency requirements.
Malta
Overview of the Residency Program in Malta
The Maltese permanent residency program is one of the most popular programs in the EU for sophisticated entrepreneurs, professionals, and applicants seeking an English-speaking EU country.
Malta is a dual-language country, with English being the main language of business, similar to how Singapore and Dubai operate. Malta is a full member of the EU and Schengen region.
There are two residency options in Malta. One is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, and the other is the tax residency program.
The Malta permanent residency program is based on donations and contributions to the government of Malta, in addition to the rental or purchase of property in Malta.
The advantage of this program is that you do not necessarily need to purchase real estate. You can rent a unit in Malta for at least €14,000 a year for 5 years to maintain your permanent residency. Purchasing is still an option but not mandatory.
We will cover the total cost of both Malta residency programs below.
The Malta tax residency program is for individuals or families seeking a tax-efficient EU country to become a tax resident with a flat fee of €15,000 per year or 15%, whichever they choose for their overseas income.
Interestingly, this program is one of the few EU programs with no nationality restrictions. Many restricted nationalities cannot apply for the MPRP but may be eligible to apply for Malta tax residency.
Why Is Malta at the Top of Our List for EU Residencies in 2025?
Malta offers a robust residency program with a strategic location in the Mediterranean, excellent healthcare, and a favorable tax regime.
The Maltese residency program is well-regarded for its comprehensive benefits and efficient processing times.
Malta has one of the lowest and most flexible tax regimes in the EU, is crypto-friendly, and also had a separate Malta Citizenship Investment Program, which was the only EU country selling its passport outright, although we are not covering that in today’s article.
For today, Malta is on our top list of EU residency programs because it is affordable compared to many alternatives and faster than other Golden Visa programs such as Portugal or Spain.
🚨 Update — April 29, 2025: The Malta Citizenship-by-Investment program has officially been closed by the European Court of Justice. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, remains open, offering a viable path to residency in Europe.
Estimated Costs and Processing Time for the Maltese Residency Program
The Maltese permanent residency program requires a combination of contributions and donations to Malta, its government, and NGOs.
To give you an idea, the total would be €137,637.50 for a single adult, in addition to the rental of a property annually at €14,000 for 5 years.
For a couple, the contributions, donations, and administrative fees would be €147,775, in addition to the property rental.
For a family of 4, the total government contributions, donations, and administrative fees would be €168,050, excluding the property rental.
Key Benefits and Requirements for the Maltese Residency Program
The benefits of both Malta residency programs, whether permanent residency or tax residency, are that the applicant and their family do not technically need to reside full time in Malta. There are no residency requirements.
The way the Malta government justifies this program is that the ties of the applicant and their family to the country are through real estate rental, lease, or purchase under both programs.
As long as you maintain the property, your residency status stays intact and is renewable every 5 years based on the same exact conditions, except for the tax residency program, which is renewable every year and requires entry into Malta to complete the process each year.
The key benefit of the MPRP is that it is easy and is the only EU program that offers permanent residency upfront, unlike all other countries in the EU, which offer temporary residency convertible to permanent residency after meeting specific requirements.
Check the latest government updates for the Malta Residency Program in our posted article and video here.
Remember that we are always posting about these key details for investors and entrepreneurs seeking residency, passports, and tax relief. If that is what you are interested in, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more deep-dive videos.
Bulgaria
Overview of the Residency Program in Bulgaria
Bulgaria may be a diamond in the rough among all the popular EU residency programs. You may not have heard of it as much, and some applicants are even surprised to know it is a full member of the EU and Schengen region, which happened back in March 2024.
Bulgaria has two popular programs, the Bulgarian Trade Representative Office, TRO, and the Investor Residency program.
Both provide an opportunity for investors and their families to obtain either temporary residency under the TRO regime or permanent residency under the investor program in Bulgaria.
No language, work experience, or specific education is required for the initial temporary residency or permanent residency.
The temporary residency under the TRO program can be converted to PR status if the applicant has not stayed outside the country for 12 months or more consecutively. This means you could enter Bulgaria on January 2, leave, and return on December 30 each year, and you would still meet the residency requirements.
This minimum residency stay is not a requirement for the permanent residency program through investment.
The TRO program requires an overseas business, outside the EU, which has been operational for at least 2 years, has revenues, and has paid its taxes locally in its own jurisdiction, to appoint 1-2 trade representatives to visit and stay in Bulgaria.
No actual incorporation happens in Bulgaria for the business, and no bank account opening is required.
The representatives do not need to be employees or shareholders of the overseas company. They only need a professional work experience profile to link their expertise to the fact that they will be visiting and staying in Bulgaria to network and do business development for the overseas business.
The investor residency program, on the other hand, requires an investment of €512,000 in a registered fund in Bulgaria, leading to permanent residency for 5 years with a renewal option.
Today, we will cover the TRO option since it is the most cost-effective.
Why Is Bulgaria’s Residency Program an Attractive Option for EU Residencies in 2025?
Bulgaria offers a strategic location in Southeastern Europe, a favorable tax regime, and a relatively low cost of living.
It is the only program on our list for the entire EU region that requires zero investment under the TRO program. You only need an eligible business overseas and to appoint a trade representative from anywhere in the world to come and obtain temporary residency in Bulgaria.
With that temporary residency, children can study in Bulgaria, and the trade representative can open a personal bank account and travel freely in the EU region.
The only downside of this program is that it is slower than the other programs because everything is paper-based, and all documents need to be couriered to Bulgaria for translation and submission before applying to the local embassy in your current country of residence.
However, as a hassle-free, zero-investment option, it is on the top of our EU residency program list for 2025.
Estimated Costs and Processing Time for the Bulgarian Residency Program
The Bulgarian Trade Representative Office program requires the establishment of a trade representative office in Bulgaria, with zero investment, but it does require a lease of office space and an apartment lease for the trade representatives, which our office can assist with.
The processing time can take 8-12 months based on the paperwork that has to go back and forth from your current country of residency.
We have seen it done in 6 months, and also within 8-12 months, depending on how organized you are with your paperwork.
Key Benefits and Requirements for the Bulgarian Residency Program
The requirements include a medical exam, a police background check, and proof of the overseas company being active for 2 years, operational, and filing its taxes.
Ideally, you want a business that can show close to €500,000 in annual revenues to have a higher chance of approval.
One of the main benefits of the Bulgarian program is its strategic location, favorable tax regime, and relatively low cost of living, making it an appealing option for investors.
Key Tips for Applying for EU Residency Programs
Research Thoroughly
Understand the specific requirements and benefits of each residency program. Different programs like Malta, Cyprus, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria may have varying criteria for investment, documentation, and residency duration.
Organize Documentation
Ensure all necessary paperwork, including medical exams, police background checks, and proof of business activities, is complete and well organized for smooth processing.
Consider the Processing Time
Be aware of the estimated processing times for each program, which can range from 3 to 12 months. Plan accordingly to avoid delays.
Seek Professional Assistance
Utilize the services of residency consultants to assist with office space leases, apartment rentals, and document submission. This can be particularly useful in navigating the requirements of each country.
Understand Financial Requirements
For example, Malta offers a residency program requiring a significant investment in government bonds and real estate. Cyprus has an investment threshold for property purchase, while Italy’s program often involves investments in innovative startups. Greece and Bulgaria offer relatively lower investment options, with Bulgaria even providing a zero-investment option under the Trade Representative Office program.
Regular Updates
Stay informed about any changes in residency laws or requirements that may affect your application process. This is crucial for adapting to new regulations and ensuring timely submissions.
Highlights and Takeaways
- Malta’s residency program requires investment in government contributions and real estate rental or purchase, offering a stable and prosperous environment.
- Cyprus provides a fast-track residency program with investment in property or business and a favorable tax regime.
- Italy’s program encourages investment in innovative startups for lower investment amounts, as well as higher investment in more established listed companies in Italy. The program has the fastest residency processing time in the EU.
- Greece offers a Golden Visa program through real estate investments, combining residency with access to rich cultural heritage.
- Bulgaria stands out with its zero-investment Trade Representative Office program, though it requires an operational overseas business and a longer processing time due to paper-based applications. Despite Bulgaria’s slower processing time, its zero-investment residency option is highly appealing for 2025.
- Each country offers unique benefits, making them attractive options for different types of investors and applicants.
Unlock Global Residency Opportunities in 2025
If you are ready to put your Plan B into action, for yourself, your family, or perhaps your clients, you can reach out to us through the link under this video.
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