It is possible to move and obtain permanent residence in Europe through work, study, opening a business, buying real estate or direct investment in the economy. Simplified conditions are provided for those who have relatives or spouses abroad, ethnic or territorial belonging to one of the EU countries. Immigration is also available for humanitarian reasons, such as refugees. More rarely, permanent residence is granted on other grounds: for researchers, volunteers or financially independent persons.

As a rule, immigration to the European Union is available to those who do not have a criminal record and problems with international law, financially secured and registered at the place of residence in the chosen state. Additional conditions may include passing a medical examination, confirmation of professional experience or education. Usually, foreigners first obtain a residence permit on one of the grounds prescribed in the migration legislation, and after 3-5 years – request a residence permit.

A number of European countries provide an EU passport under a simplified procedure, without obtaining a residence permit or a permanent residence permit, demonstrating the level of income and passing a language exam. It takes from 4 to 12 months to formalize a second citizenship with the support of Relocation Compass specialized lawyers. You can find out more details at a free consultation.

Advantages of migration to the European Union for permanent residence

When moving to Europe for permanent residence, an immigrant receives the following rights and privileges:

• Access to highly paid positions.
  The average salary in many EU countries (e.g., Germany or Belgium) is around 4000 EUR/month. Permanent residents have access to the labor market, with the exception of government jobs.
• Prospects for business development.
  The EU has a Single European Market with free movement of goods and services between the EU member states. A resident of any of the EU member states can develop his or her company internationally.
• Receiving social benefits and preferences.
  European Union countries support immigrants financially, pay status benefits (e.g., for persons with disabilities or maternity payments), organize integration courses and more.
• Freedom of movement in Schengen countries.
  The residence permit of most EU countries entitles you to visa-free travel in the Schengen area under the regime “90 days of stay – 180 days of absence”.
• Services of the best medical institutions.
  A resident of the European Union can take out a unified medical insurance and with it receive services in modern state clinics in any of the EU countries free of charge or at local rates (regulated by the health care system of each individual state).
• Service in reliable banks in Europe.
  The holder of an EU residence card is entitled to open bank accounts, access to credit lines and mortgages, and international transfers.
• Opportunity to move with a family.
  A permanent resident of the European Union may invite a husband or wife, unmarried children under the age of 18, and other relatives (e.g., dependents of the applicant) to live together.
• Prospects for EU citizenship.
  All EU countries have naturalization programs that allow the holders of a residence permit card to apply for local citizenship 2-5 years after its issuance, provided that the accompanying conditions (e.g., language skills and law-abidingness) are met.

Ways of moving to the EU for permanent residence

You can go to Europe with the prospect of staying for permanent residence to conduct labor or commercial activities, while obtaining a temporary residence permit. Students have the right to immigrate, but usually their residence in the country with a residence permit is counted for naturalization only 50%. Some EU countries, such as Malta and Bulgaria, provide special preferences for key investors – it is a chance to immediately issue a permanent resident card, without prior acquisition of residence permit, but this method requires the applicant to make substantial financial investments in the economy (usually from several hundred thousand euros).

Kinship or marriage to a resident or citizen of the European Union often entitles the applicant to simplified immigration to the EU. For such categories of applicants may not be required to demonstrate the level of income or reduce the period of naturalization – applicants can immediately obtain a residence permit. At the same time, holders of the document face the need to extend the resident status on one of the grounds mentioned in the migration legislation.

The fastest and easiest way to legalize stay in Europe is repatriation – with proof of territorial or ethnic belonging to the state. In such cases, the immigrant immediately receives a second passport, without searching for the basis for opening a residence permit. A citizen of an EU country has no restrictions on the period of stay in the EU state and outside it, unlike a resident.

Employment

A residence permit in Europe is granted to those who conclude an employment contract with a local employer. Relocation is also possible within the framework of intra-corporate transfer to a branch of an international company located in the chosen country of association. Special preferences are provided for highly qualified specialists: they can apply for the EU Blue Card – the document gives the right to change employers within the EU and simplified immigration of family members.

To obtain a residence permit in Europe by employment, it is often necessary to conclude a contract lasting from 6 to 12 months and on its basis to request a residence permit. The work residence permit is usually extended and gives the right to subsequent naturalization. It should be noted that a company can invite a foreign employee if there are no EU citizens applying for the vacancy. At the same time, work in EU countries attracts immigrants with decent wages, social guarantees, safe conditions, paid overtime, protection by trade union organizations.

Education

Moving to the European Union can start with opening a residence permit for education. The document is issued to those who enroll in a private or public college, academy, university or other educational institution of similar accreditation. A residence permit can also be obtained as part of interstate student exchange programs, for language courses, advanced training or internships. Students are often required to pay the first year’s tuition fees, demonstrate sufficient funds for self-sufficiency in the state and register their place of residence.

A residence permit for study is also issued to minor applicants with the written consent of their parents. Sometimes it is required to have a formal guardian in the chosen country, which can be a representative of the university. Confirmation of enrollment in the university must be confirmed by an appropriate statement from the educational institution. As a rule, the residence permit is renewed every year during the entire period of education. When complying with the term of residence for the registration of a residence permit, only half of the time of stay in the state with a student residence permit is counted, so at the end of studies it is worth requesting the status of resident on another basis.

Business

The right to obtain a residence permit in the EU is available to those who register a company in the territory of the association. Usually, the law regulates the minimum amount of authorized capital, sometimes – also the scope of commercial activity. There may be no general conditions, but in this case the state authorities individually assess the prospects of the business plan for the national economy. Also, the authorized bodies check the applicant for reliability, in particular, clarify the legality of the origin of the funds invested by the businessman.

The applicant may have additional requirements, such as confirmation of proper experience in the chosen field, creation of new jobs for EU citizens or employment in a managerial position in the company. In most EU countries the resident document is issued for 1-2 years with the right to extend it. Usually, residence permit on the basis of opening a business belongs to the immigration type, i.e., it allows you to subsequently obtain a residence permit of the European Union, and then – a passport. It is allowed to create a company by several partners and assign each of them the status of a local resident. The agreement on the registration of the company must be attached to the general file.

Investing and buying real estate

To support the economy, many EU states offer residence permits to foreign investors. The law regulates the minimum amount of financial investment and the area for investment. Investments in backward regions of the state (including the purchase of real estate) or deficit industries are usually encouraged. A residence permit may be granted in a general order (for example, in Italy) with the right to subsequent naturalization. Sometimes foreigners can immediately apply for a residence permit, for example, in Bulgaria – when investing in the economy of about 500 000 EUR.

Programs of direct obtainment of EU citizenship for investment in 2025 are not relevant. As an alternative, Malta offers on this basis to obtain only residence permit, and after 12-36 months to apply for naturalization. Sometimes large investments are considered as special merits to the country and also entitle to an accelerated passport. For example, in Romania the term of naturalization is reduced to 4 years instead of 8 when investing in the state from a million euros.

Family reunification

Common programs of moving to Europe include immigration for cohabitation with a close relative. Citizens, permanent residents of the country, as well as holders of an immigration-type residence permit can request family reunification. The category of those who can move on this basis includes unmarried children under the age of 18, parents of minor applicants or mother or father who need care / are dependent on the host country.

In order to apply for a residence permit, the relevant family ties must be documented, e.g., by means of a birth certificate. Usually, the host party must also prove that it has the resources to support the invited family member and a place to live.

Marriage

Those who are in a legal marital relationship with a local citizen or resident can move to an EU country for permanent residence. Most often, the receiving party provides proof of sufficient financial security to invite and support the husband or wife. Spouses of holders of residence permits/permanent residence permits can obtain a card in the usual manner, after which they become eligible to apply for citizenship in the future. The applicant’s file is supplemented by a marriage certificate. In many states, same-sex unions and de facto cohabitation are also taken into account.

Husbands and wives of EU citizens receive privileges: often they can immediately formalize the status of permanent residents of the chosen country, as well as apply for an EU passport in an accelerated procedure. For example, in Slovenia citizenship through marriage is granted 12 months after moving and registration of residence permit, provided that the family union was registered at least 3 years ago. EU authorities closely monitor cases of sham marriages and reserve the right to request additional documents when applying for status, such as joint photos.

Repatriation

Many countries of the European Union welcome the initiative of applicants with relevant origin to move to their historical homeland. Those who prove their ethnic (or territorial) belonging to the state through documentation can count on simplified citizenship registration. For example, in Romania and Bulgaria, repatriates are granted status immediately, without having to pass a language exam or relinquish their passport in their current country of residence. Slovenia grants citizenship on this basis one year after moving and opening a residence permit.

Proof of ancestry can be a civil status certificate (birth certificate, marriage certificate) of the respective ancestor. Usually, kinship up to the second/third generation is taken into account, i.e., up to and including great-grandparents. Repatriates do not need to prove financial security, and in some countries – do not even need to register as a resident. Minor children can participate in the procedure together with the applicant with the consent of the other parent.

Procedure for obtaining citizenship of the European Union

To move to Europe for permanent residence, you usually need to go through the following steps:

1. Search and selection of an immigration company.
2. Opening a national visa.
3. Obtaining a residence permit.
4. Renewal of residence permit and registration of permanent residence permit.
5. Obtaining an EU passport.

Search and selection of an immigration company

The legislation of the EU countries is often adjusted, the norms of the established procedures, terms of documents processing, requirements to applicants change. There are often difficulties in finding certificates and testimonies proving origin during repatriation. In order not to make mistakes in the migration process, you can delegate most of the tasks to skilled specialists. They select the best ways for the applicant to move to the European Union based on his or her wishes and capabilities.

Opening a national visa

As a rule, a national entry permit of category D should be obtained to move to Europe. The visa is applied for at the diplomatic mission (consulate or embassy) of the chosen EU state on the same basis on which the applicant later plans to apply for a residence permit.

Usually, the following documents are required to obtain a national visa:

• a passport with a validity period of at least six months;
• a certificate of no criminal record;
• a health insurance policy;
• proof of the grounds for visa application;
• receipt of payment of the administrative fee.

The EU visa is usually opened within 1-2 weeks and is valid from 3 to 12 months. With this visa you can move to Europe and proceed with the subsequent paperwork.

Obtaining a residence permit

The holder of a national visa of an EU country can come to the relevant state and apply for a residence permit at the migration service of the internal affairs authorities. The residence card is issued in the presence of documents that confirm the right to prolonged residence, such as:

• a work contract;
• certificate of enrollment in a higher education institution;
• an investment plan;
• civil status certificates.

The processing of a residence permit usually takes between two weeks and a month. If the request is approved, a residence card is issued with the holder’s personal data, encrypted fingerprints, a photograph, and basic registration information. A residence permit in the EU is usually valid from 1 to 3 years, immigration type of document – with the right to re-issue.

Renewal of residence permit and obtaining a permanent residence permit

When choosing a European country for a residence permit, it is necessary to consider whether the local legislation gives the right to renew the residence permit. A residence permit of the immigration type is usually extended an unlimited number of times by repeatedly applying to the migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with a package of documents. For extension it should be confirmed that the basis for residence in the state remains, for example, the applicant still has an employment relationship with a local employer or conducts business in the EU.

In most European countries, after 3-5 years of residence with a residence permit it is possible to request permanent resident status. Permanent residence is also granted at the migration service upon personal application. To obtain permanent residence it is often necessary to pass a language test and demonstrate the level of income. Permanent residence in the EU is often valid indefinitely (the status itself) – only the resident card is re-issued once every 5-10 years or when necessary (for example, when changing personal data).

Obtaining an EU passport

When a foreigner fulfills the requirement of prior residence in a country with a residence status, he/she becomes eligible to apply for a European Union passport on naturalization. Usually this period varies from 5 (e.g., in France and Belgium) to 10 years (Spain, Austria) from the date of opening the primary residence permit of the immigration type. In addition to fulfillment of the period of stay, the following requirements may be imposed on the applicant:

• knowledge of the national language at a level sufficient for communication, which is confirmed by an appropriate certificate;
• availability of permanent legal income that exceeds the minimum subsistence level in the country;
• registration of residence in the state – in purchased or rented housing;
• absence of prolonged interruptions in the period of permanent residence (it is usually allowed to leave for no more than 6 consecutive months without a valid reason and authorization from the migration service);
• law-abiding, studying, accepting the norms of the local constitution and legislation.

Sometimes additional conditions, including renunciation of current citizenship, are required to apply for EU citizenship. The application for a passport is submitted through the Ministry of Internal Affairs or special citizenship commissions. Consideration of the request may take from several months to a couple of years, depending on the grounds and the workload of the authorized representation. If approved, the applicant receives a certificate or similar citizenship document, usually after the oath of office.

Most often foreigners choose the simplified way of obtaining a passport abroad – through the repatriation procedure, without renouncing their current citizenship. For each client the immigration program is selected by lawyers Relocation Compass individually in the process of free consultation.

Myths about moving to the European Union

Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to immigrate to the European Union in the following cases:

• Buying a document.
  No EU country issues a passport for investment. It is possible to obtain a residence permit or permanent residence permit in this way, but only through official programs if the list of requirements for the participant is met. Direct purchase of documents is not provided and is prosecuted by law.
• Moving on a short-term visa.
  The visa-free regime with EU countries is designed for short stays without the right to obtain a residence permit or a permanent residence permit. Short-term visas (Schengen category C) also do not qualify for residency status. For example, it is impossible to move to Europe with an entry permit for tourism, attending a business conference or visiting friends.
• Refugee status for citizens of wealthy countries.
  It is much more difficult to obtain asylum in Europe than it seems at first glance. According to Eurostat, on average only 20% of applications are granted. A potential refugee must have solid evidence of persecution. If he or she does not come from a country with active hostilities (e.g., Syria or Afghanistan), the chances of being approved for asylum are minimal.
• Birth of a child.
  European Union countries do not adhere to the “law of the soil” – issuing a local passport to a child born in the territory of the state. Accordingly, parents also cannot obtain citizenship through birth in the EU. The child is assigned the same nationality as the mother and/or father after birth.
• Marriage of convenience.
  EU migration authorities strictly check the documents and status of each applicant. At their discretion, authorized officers may invite spouses to separate interviews to ensure that their relationship is real. It is virtually impossible to pass such checks in the case of a fictitious union.

The widespread opinion that the European Union countries have a large number of migrants (including illegal migrants) is fundamentally wrong. Immigration policy in the EU states is quite strict, which excludes the influx of migrants. Not all categories of applicants are granted a residence permit. Illegals are also successfully dealt with: if a violation is detected, foreigners are usually expelled from the country with a ban on re-entry. It is possible to move here only under state programs.

Simplified programs for moving to the EU

The easiest way to obtain an EU passport is repatriation. Restoration of citizenship by roots is available in most states of the agreement, for example, in Germany, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Latvia, Bulgaria and not only. In order to qualify for an EU passport, most often the applicant only needs to confirm his or her belonging to one or another state by providing a civil status certificate of the respective ancestor. Necessary documents can be found by specialized lawyers through inquiries to state archives.

Repatriation to the EU takes several times less time than acquiring citizenship by naturalization. It is not necessary to open a residence permit at all or only for a short period of time (for example, up to a year, as in Poland or Slovenia). Usually, repatriates are allowed to keep the passport of another country, which is important for many immigrants. Foreigners are also attracted by the possibility not to take a language test and not to report their income level when submitting a request.

The most popular countries of the European Union for moving for permanent residence

The popular European countries for moving to a permanent place of residence are those where it is easier to legalize. The most attractive migration programs are available in the following countries:

• Bulgaria.
  The low-cost Eastern European country provides passports by repatriation without additional requirements for applicants. Those who have had Bulgarians in their ancestry up to and including the third degree of consanguinity can obtain citizenship. It is enough for the applicant to be over 18 years old and have no criminal record. Bulgaria attracts by its location on the sea coast, low cost of living and warm climate. Approximate expenses for groceries, leisure and sports activities here reach 590 EUR per person per month.
• Romania.
  The repatriation program in Romania is suitable for those who prove their territorial belonging to the country. Birth certificates of relatives up to great-grandparents are accepted. No additional conditions are imposed on the applicant. Romania is an EU and NATO country with low inflation, affordable prices and favorable geographical location. The cost of living here is also about 590 EUR per month per person excluding rent.
• Poland.
  Foreigners of Polish origin can apply for Karta Polaka – a document that entitles them to move to the EU, obtain a residence permit, and with it social and financial assistance for simplified integration. Citizenship can be requested as early as one year after immigration. Poland is one of the most developed countries in Eastern Europe with a stable economy, and local citizens get the right to travel to the U.S., China and Canada without applying to the consulate for a visa. Spending per person per month on food, entertainment and health is about 680 EUR.
• Slovenia.
  Repatriation to Slovenia implies obtaining the status of a resident by descent, moving and living with him/her for 12 months, after which one can apply for EU citizenship. Descendants of Slovenians up to and including the fourth generation in a direct line can participate in the program. Slovenia is a warm, safe and pleasant country on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, with a high level of GDP per capita. Approximate expenses in the republic are equal to 820 EUR per person per month (excluding housing rent).
• Malta.
  In Malta it is possible to obtain EU citizenship through an accelerated procedure. In order to do this, you will have to invest 600 000 EUR in the economy of the country, donate 10 000 EUR to charity, as well as buy real estate for the amount of 700 000 EUR or rent it for at least 5 years with an annual payment of 16 000 EUR. You have to live in Malta for 3 years and then you can request a passport. If you invest from 750 000 EUR, the period of residency is reduced to 12 months. The approximate cost of living on the island is 780 EUR per month.
• Cyprus.
  The EU country grants permanent residence to investors who invest from 300 000 EUR in the purchase of real estate, assets of local enterprises or official investment funds. It is possible to apply for a Cypriot passport 5 years after moving to Cyprus. Cyprus is a sunny and friendly country with a loyal migration policy. The approximate costs here are 870 EUR per person per month.

It is possible to understand the peculiarities of moving to the European Union countries with the support of a migration company Relocation Compass. Specialists will tell you more about the important nuances of obtaining EU residency or citizenship.