This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire application process. With Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate and expert team, your application is in safe hands from start to finish.

Last updated: March 2026

This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire application process. With Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate and expert team, your application is in safe hands from start to finish. Whether you are exploring how to get an EU residence permit for the first time or comparing specific golden visa programmes, this comprehensive resource will give you the clarity, detail, and confidence to take your next step.

What Is an EU Residence Permit and How Does the Golden Visa Work?

An EU residence permit is an official authorisation issued by a European Union member state that grants a non-EU national the legal right to live, work, and travel freely within that country. When obtained through investment — commonly referred to as a golden visa or residency by investment (RBI) programme — it allows high-net-worth individuals and their families to secure legal residency by making a qualifying financial contribution to the host country's economy.

Understanding how to get an EU residence permit through investment means recognising that each EU member state administers its own programme with distinct rules, thresholds, and benefits. However, the overarching principle is consistent: you commit a defined minimum investment into real estate, government bonds, business development, or a fund, and in return you receive a renewable residence permit that confers a broad range of rights and privileges within the EU.

Golden visa holders typically gain the right to reside in the issuing country, visa-free access across the Schengen Area's 26 member states, the ability to bring immediate family members, and a clear pathway toward permanent residency and eventual citizenship. For globally mobile families, entrepreneurs, and investors, this represents one of the most powerful mobility tools available anywhere in the world.

To explore a curated overview of the top programmes available today, visit our guide to the best golden visa investment programmes.

Which EU Countries Offer Residency by Investment Programmes?

Several EU member states currently operate active golden visa or residency by investment programmes, each with its own investment thresholds, qualifying routes, and residency obligations. Below is an overview of the most sought-after options for investors in 2026.

Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal's golden visa remains one of Europe's most recognised residency by investment pathways. Following legislative reforms, qualifying investment routes now centre on fund investments from €500,000 and investment in certain business activities or job creation. Portugal requires a minimum physical presence of just 7 days per year during the initial two-year permit period, making it ideal for globally mobile investors. After 5 years of residency, holders may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, granting access to visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 186 countries. Learn more on our dedicated Portugal Golden Visa page.

Greece Golden Visa

Greece offers one of the most accessible entry points into EU residency, with real estate investment options starting from €250,000 in designated areas and €800,000 in prime locations such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. The Greek golden visa imposes no minimum stay requirement, and processing times typically range from 6 to 12 months. The permit is initially granted for 5 years and is renewable indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained. Explore the full details on our Greece Golden Visa page.

Spain Golden Visa

Spain's golden visa programme requires a minimum real estate investment of €500,000 and grants a 3-year initial residence permit, renewable for successive 2-year periods. Spain imposes no minimum stay requirement to maintain the permit, and holders enjoy access to the entire Schengen Area. After 10 years of legal residence, investors may apply for Spanish citizenship. Spain is particularly popular with Latin American investors and business owners seeking a EU base of operations.

Italy Investor Visa

Italy's investor visa offers multiple qualifying routes, including a €250,000 investment in an innovative start-up, €500,000 in an Italian limited company, €1,000,000 in a philanthropic initiative, or €2,000,000 in Italian government bonds. The initial permit is valid for 2 years and renewable for 3-year periods. Italy's residency pathway is attractive for those drawn to lifestyle, culture, and proximity to key European markets.

Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP)

Malta's programme offers a direct permanent residency route for non-EU nationals through a combination of a government contribution (from €28,000), property purchase (from €300,000) or rental, and a charitable donation of €2,000. Malta is an EU and Schengen member, and permanent residents gain indefinite rights to live in Malta with access to the Schengen Area. View full details on our Malta Permanent Residency Programme page.

Are You Eligible? Key Requirements for an EU Residence Permit by Investment

While eligibility criteria differ by country and programme, the following requirements are broadly consistent across EU golden visa schemes:

• Age: The principal applicant must generally be at least 18 years old.
• Clean criminal record: All applicants must provide a clean criminal record from their country of origin and any country of residence in the preceding 12 months.
• Qualifying investment: You must make a compliant investment meeting the minimum threshold for the chosen programme and maintain it for the required holding period (typically 5 years).
• Source of funds: Applicants must demonstrate that the investment funds originate from legitimate sources. A thorough due diligence process will be conducted.
• Health insurance: Valid health insurance covering the applicant (and family members) in the host country is mandatory.
• No prior visa violations: Applicants must not have been refused entry into the EU or violated Schengen visa conditions.

Mirabello Consultancy conducts a thorough pre-assessment for every client to confirm eligibility and identify the most appropriate programme before any application is submitted. This diligence is a core reason behind our 99% approval rate.

How to Get an EU Residence Permit: The Step-by-Step Application Process

Navigating how to get an EU residence permit can feel complex without professional guidance. Mirabello Consultancy's proven process simplifies every stage, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Step 1 — Initial Consultation and Programme Selection

Your journey begins with a confidential consultation with one of our senior advisors. We assess your personal circumstances, investment preferences, family composition, travel needs, and long-term objectives to identify the programme that best aligns with your goals. Book your free consultation today to get started.

Step 2 — Due Diligence and Pre-Qualification

We conduct a comprehensive pre-due-diligence review to confirm your eligibility and flag any documentation that requires attention. This protects your application from preventable delays and ensures you enter the process with confidence.

Step 3 — Document Collection and Preparation

Our team provides you with a personalised document checklist covering all required materials — typically including your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), criminal record certificate, proof of funds, source of wealth documentation, and health insurance. We coordinate translation, notarisation, and apostille services on your behalf.

Step 4 — Investment Execution

Depending on your chosen programme, you will complete the qualifying investment — whether that involves purchasing real estate, subscribing to an approved fund, making a government contribution, or another qualifying route. Our network of legal, financial, and real estate partners in each jurisdiction ensures your investment is structured correctly and compliantly from day one.

Step 5 — Application Submission

Our legal team compiles and submits your complete application to the relevant immigration authority. We manage all correspondence with government bodies on your behalf, tracking your application's progress at every stage.

Step 6 — Biometric Appointment and Interview (where required)

Some programmes require in-person attendance for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photographs). We coordinate these appointments to minimise disruption to your schedule, including scheduling at the nearest consulate if you are applying from outside the host country.

Step 7 — Permit Issuance and Activation

Upon approval, your EU residence permit card is issued. We guide you through the activation process, advise on any initial residency obligations, and ensure you and your family understand your rights and responsibilities as permit holders.

Step 8 — Ongoing Support and Renewal

Mirabello Consultancy provides continued support throughout the life of your permit — including timely renewal management, updates on legislative changes, and guidance when you are ready to apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EU Residence Permit?

Processing times vary by programme and are subject to the volume of applications being processed at any given time. Based on current data, the following indicative timelines apply:

• Greece Golden Visa: 6–12 months from application submission to permit issuance.
• Portugal Golden Visa: 6–9 months on average, with initial pre-approval often granted within 2–3 months.
• Spain Golden Visa: 2–3 months for an initial 1-year investor visa, with the 3-year residence permit issued after arrival and registration.
• Italy Investor Visa: 4–6 months from application to permit issuance.
• Malta MPRP: Approximately 4–6 months from submission to permanent residency approval.

It is important to note that delays can arise from incomplete documentation, high application volumes, or administrative backlogs. Mirabello Consultancy's meticulous preparation process is specifically designed to minimise the risk of avoidable delays.

What Are the Benefits of an EU Residence Permit by Investment?

Securing an EU residence permit through investment delivers a range of significant personal, financial, and lifestyle benefits:

• Schengen Area access: Live, work, and travel freely across 26 European countries without the need for additional visas.
• Global mobility: Many EU golden visa holders report dramatically improved global mobility, with EU passports and travel documents commanding visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180+ countries worldwide.
• Lifestyle and education: Access to world-class healthcare, education, and infrastructure in some of Europe's most desirable locations.
• Investment returns: Real estate and fund investments made through qualifying programmes can generate meaningful returns alongside residency benefits.
• Tax planning opportunities: Depending on your country of origin and the programme selected, EU residency can offer favourable tax regimes, including Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme and Italy's flat-tax regime for new residents.
• Pathway to citizenship: Most programmes provide a clear route to EU citizenship, which grants the right to live, work, and vote across all 27 EU member states.
• Political and economic stability: EU membership confers robust legal protections and access to one of the world's largest and most stable economic blocs.

Including Your Family in Your EU Residence Permit Application

One of the most compelling features of EU golden visa programmes is that a single qualifying investment can secure residency for your entire immediate family under one application. The following family members are typically eligible for inclusion:

• Spouse or registered civil partner
• Dependent children under 18 years of age (and in many programmes, unmarried dependent children up to 26 who are full-time students)
• Dependent parents of either the main applicant or the spouse (subject to programme-specific rules and proof of dependency)

Each family member included in the application receives the same residency rights and permit validity as the principal applicant, and the entire family progresses together through renewals and, ultimately, the pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

Mirabello Consultancy's family advisors will assess your specific family structure during the initial consultation to ensure every eligible member is properly included and documented. To discuss your family's situation, speak with our team today.

For a broader view of investment migration options beyond residency, explore our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get an EU Residence Permit

How much does an EU residence permit by investment cost?

Costs vary significantly by programme. Greece starts from €250,000 in real estate investment in qualifying zones. Portugal's fund investment route starts from €500,000. Spain requires a minimum real estate investment of €500,000. Malta's permanent residency programme costs from approximately €330,000 in total contributions and property investment. Government fees, legal costs, and due diligence charges are additional and vary by country and firm.

Do I need to live in the country full-time to maintain my EU residence permit?

In most EU golden visa programmes, there is no mandatory minimum stay requirement — or it is very low. Portugal requires just 7 days per year during the first two-year period and 14 days per subsequent two-year renewal. Greece and Spain currently impose no minimum stay requirement to maintain the investor residence permit. However, if you are pursuing citizenship at the end of the residency pathway, physical presence requirements typically become more stringent.

Can I work in the EU with a golden visa residence permit?

This depends on the specific programme and country. In many cases, EU golden visa residence permits do grant the right to work in the issuing country. However, working in other EU member states outside the Schengen Area may require additional authorisation. Mirabello Consultancy advises on the precise scope of work rights for each programme during your consultation.

How long does it take to qualify for EU citizenship through a golden visa?

The timeline to citizenship depends on the host country's naturalisation laws. Portugal allows citizenship applications after 5 years of legal residency. Spain requires 10 years of legal residence for most nationalities (though certain nationalities from Latin America, the Philippines, and Portugal can qualify in 2 years). Malta offers a citizenship by naturalisation route after 36 months of residency (or 12 months under an exceptional direct route). Greece currently does not offer a direct citizenship pathway through its golden visa, though naturalisation is possible after 7 years of continuous residence.

Is an EU residence permit the same as EU citizenship?

No. An EU residence permit grants you the legal right to reside in the issuing country and, in the case of Schengen Area states, travel freely across the Schengen Zone. EU citizenship grants far broader rights — including the right to live, work, and vote in all 27 EU member states, the right to hold an EU passport, and consular protection by any EU member state globally. Residency by investment is, however, a clearly defined pathway toward eventual citizenship in most EU golden visa countries.

What happens if my golden visa application is rejected?

Application rejections are extremely rare when working with experienced advisors. Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate reflects our rigorous pre-application due diligence, meticulous documentation standards, and deep relationships with legal partners in every jurisdiction we operate in. In the unlikely event of a complication, our legal team will advise on the grounds of any refusal and the appropriate remedy or appeal process.