8 Easiest Countries to Get Permanent Residency in 2025

‍How to Get Permanent Residency in Other Countries?‍

Most of the time, the path to permanent residency in another country starts with obtaining a residency permit. A residency permit is an official document that grants a foreign national the legal right to live in a country for a fixed period. 

This permit may be issued for either temporary or permanent residency, with the specific rules and conditions varying significantly between different regions. Typically, a residency permit allows the holder to reside in the country for a limited specified duration and granted on the basis of engaging in work, study, or other activities, depending on the conditions stipulated by the permit. 

Transitioning from a residency permit to permanent residency requires fulfilling certain criteria established by the host country. These criteria can include the duration of stay, economic contribution as well as integration measures such as proficiency in the local language.

You can obtain permanent residency in countries around the world in several ways. 

1. Employment

Countries worldwide offer permanent residency to attract skilled workers to fill labor shortages and support economic growth. 

One notable example of such a program is Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), which is part of the Express Entry system for immigration. It’s designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. The program evaluates candidates based on age, education level, work experience, language proficiency in English or French, and other elements that indicate the applicant's ability to establish economically in Canada. These criteria form a 100-point grid for assessment, with a current qualifying threshold of 67 points. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency.

2. Family Reunification

This pathway acknowledges the importance of keeping families together and supports the integration of newcomers into the host society. In the context of the European Union, family reunification is available to those who hold a residence permit issued for at least one year by an EU country and have reasonable prospects of obtaining permanent residency there, as determined by each EU member state's criteria. Some EU countries also require their residents to live legally within their borders for a minimum of two or three years before applying for family members to join them.

3. Retirement Residency

Some countries offer permanent residency options for retirees who can prove they have the financial means to support themselves without working. For instance, Panama offers attractive permanent residency options for retirees through its Pensionado program. By proving that they receive a monthly pension or retirement income of at least USD 1,000 from a foreign source, retirees qualify for this visa, which comes with many discounts and benefits. These incentives, coupled with Panama's relatively low cost of living, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes, make it an appealing destination for retirees looking for the easiest countries to get permanent residency. Similarly, Portugal’s D7 Visa offers retirees residency with proof of income, accommodation, health insurance, and a clean record. Valid for one year and renewable, it leads to permanent residency or citizenship after five years. Benefits include tax exemptions on foreign pensions, affordable healthcare, and a high quality of life in the EU.

4. Refugee or Asylum Seeker

Those granted refugee status or asylum due to persecution or fear of persecution in their home country on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may be eligible for permanent residency.

While some countries, such as Cyprus, Malta, Greece, Poland, and Hungary, limit the validity of the first residence permit for refugees to three years, countries like France and Slovenia allow ten years of residence once refugee status has been granted.

5. Study to Permanent Residency

Students who complete higher education degrees in some countries may be eligible to transition to permanent residency. This often involves working in the country for a specific period after graduation under a post-study work visa before applying for permanent residency. Canada serves as an exemplary case with its Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), offering international students who have completed their higher education in Canada a pathway to permanent residency.

6. Cultural and Humanitarian Reasons 

Certain individuals may be eligible for permanent residency due to cultural, humanitarian, or other exceptional reasons, such as significant contributions to the arts, sciences, or social welfare of the host country. For example, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines that individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business may be eligible for a green card. This can be demonstrated through sustained national or international acclaim and recognized achievements in the field.

7. Investment and Entrepreneurship

By making substantial financial investments, purchasing real estate, or establishing innovative businesses, investors and entrepreneurs can secure a pathway to residency. Although the specific requirements vary across countries, the underlying goal is to foster economic growth and development. This approach offers mutual benefits to the individuals seeking permanent residency and to the host countries aiming to enhance their economic framework.

3 Easiest Countries to Get Permanent Residency by Investment in Europe

1. Portugal Golden Visa

As of January 2025, the Portuguese Golden Visa program offers several investment options, each with specific requirements:

• Real Estate Investment: A minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate is required. This investment can be reduced to €350,000 if the property is located in a low-density area and requires renovation. 
• Investment Funds: Investing a minimum of €500,000 in approved Portuguese investment funds qualifies applicants for the Golden Visa. 
• Cultural Promotion: A minimum investment of €250,000 in cultural promotion activities is another pathway to qualify for the Golden Visa. 

Golden Visa holders are required to spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period to maintain their residency status.  After five years of legal residency, investors may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided they meet additional criteria, including demonstrating basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.

‍Eligibility criteria for citizenship:‍

• Maintain legal residency status in Portugal for five years through investment.
• Submit an application form along with supporting documentation to the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
• Have a clean criminal record and demonstrate financial stability to support themselves and their dependents.

D7 VisaPortugal offers several residency options for retirees. The D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, allows individuals to reside in Portugal by demonstrating a stable income, such as pensions. This visa grants a one-year residence permit, which can be renewed, leading to permanent residency or citizenship after five years. Additionally, Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime provides favorable tax benefits for foreign retirees. 

2. German Residency by Independent Means

‍The Independent Means Residency program highlights Germany's interest in attracting individuals who can contribute to the country's economy in non-traditional ways and integrate into its society, making it one of the easiest countries to move to.

‍Eligibility criteria for Germany's Independent Means Residency program:‍

• Applicants must have been residents for five years.
• Applicants should demonstrate sufficient financial means.
• Intermediate language skills (B1 level) are required.
• Applicants must have no criminal record.

After legally residing in Germany for a period of 8 years, it’s possible to obtain German citizenship. This duration can be shortened to 7 years upon completion of a recognized integration course, and it can be further decreased to 6 years for those who possess a B2 level or higher German language certificate.

3. Greece Golden Visa

‍There are several pathways leading to the Greek Golden Visa, including the option to invest in real estate with a minimum value of EUR 250,000 or to engage in 10-year leases for hotel accommodations. Other investment routes include purchasing Greek government bonds at a minimum of EUR 400,000, acquiring shares or corporate bonds worth at least EUR 800,000, or investing in mutual funds with a minimum value of EUR 400,000. There are no language or residency obligations, which strengthens Greece's position as one of the easiest countries to immigrate to. Most importantly, after residing in Greece for seven years, investors can apply for citizenship.

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If you want more details about Greece and life in Greece, check our article on Living in Greece in 2025: A Complete Guide for Expats and Investors. 

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‍Eligibility criteria for Greece Golden Visa:‍

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify.
• The visa program requires a minimum investment of EUR 250,000.
• For prime locations like the city center of Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, and Santorini, a higher minimum investment threshold of EUR 500,000 applies.
• Applicants must not have any history of criminal records in any country where they have resided.

If you're aiming to enhance your global mobility and reap the benefits that accompany residency through investments, yet feel uncertain about where to begin or which option suits you best, Mirabello Consultancy has got your back. From handling complex immigration cases to offering expert guidance on investment opportunities, they pledge a smooth and professional process, step by step, all the way to achieving your residency or citizenship goals.