When discussing European investment immigration, many people’s first reaction is: “Do I actually have to move there? Is there a residency requirement?”Behind these questions are two core concerns: 1. Will it affect my career, family, and company operations in my home country? 2. Will the high residency requirements prevent me from maintaining my status?Especially for Chinese and Asian investors, the common model is “person in China, status in Europe”—hoping for global asset allocation, children’s education, and tax planning, but not intending to reside there immediately.However, policies vary greatly from country to country: some have almost no residency requirements, some only require a symbolic visit; and a few countries have strict requirements, even requiring long-term residency to maintain status or apply for permanent residency/passport.
Therefore, residency requirements not only determine whether you can successfully maintain your status, but also whether you can actually obtain permanent residency or a passport in the future.
Which countries almost don’t require residency? Which do? How much residency? Are there any hidden rules? Which type of person should choose which system?
-Do I need to reside there? See National Policies
-Minimal Residency Requirement (“0% Residency”)
This type of policy is best suited for the “status + asset planning” model, where applicants don’t intend to relocate but simply want a legal residency pathway.
Typical characteristics:
No mandatory residency; Only one visit per year or maintaining basic investment is required; Easy visa renewal, not time-sensitive.
Common programs: Portugal’s fund-based visas, Greece’s Golden Visa (real estate/funds), Maalta permanent residency, Cyprus residency, Italy’s investor visa, etc.
As long as investments are maintained, health insurance is purchased, and there is no criminal record, visa renewal is stable.
Requires Symbolic Visits (Low-Intensity Residency)
Only one or two visits per year, or stays of a few days to a few weeks are required.
Suitable for investors who visit occasionally but don’t want to change their lifestyle.
Representatives: Spain’s Golden Visa (one short stay per year), most “passive income/self-employment” programs, some categories in Italy, etc.
To obtain permanent residency or a passport, actual residence is required (moderate/strict residency requirements).
Europe generally adopts a “residency for permanent residency” logic: if you want to obtain a higher level of status, you often need to actually reside there.
Common requirements:
Reside for 4 years within 5 years (e.g., Portuguese citizenship pathway)
Reside for 6 months each year
Or accumulate 16–24 months of residence every two years
Tax residency may be triggered simultaneously.
This category is suitable for families who have already planned to immigrate, intend to send their children to school long-term, or plan to relocate completely.
Which countries have lenient residency requirements?
-Portugal Golden Visa (Fund/Business Investment)
Extremely low residency requirement: 14 days accumulated every two years
However, to obtain permanent residency or apply for a passport, you must reside according to the ordinary residency standard—usually about 6 months per year or several years accumulated over five years.
Perfect for:
Asian investors who only want to obtain status first and are not in a hurry to become citizens.
Greece Golden Visa (Real Estate/Fund)
Real Estate: No residency requirement whatsoever.
However, to apply for a passport in the future, one must obtain long-term residency and complete actual residence (strict requirements).
Suitable for: Individuals primarily focused on asset allocation with no short-term immigration plans.
Maalta Permanent Residency (MPRP)
0 residency requirement
However, the passport path is entirely independent and requires strict residency for several years before application.
Suitable for: Those with purely status-based needs.
Cyprus Residency
Only one visit every two years is required.
No long-term residency required.
Suitable for: Those combining island living as a backup plan with asset planning.
Which countries require “residency”?
-Spain Golden Visa (Real Estate/Investment)
Maintaining residency: No residency required, only simple annual visits.
However, applying for permanent residency or a passport: Requires continuous residence in Spain, such as more than 6 months per year.
Suitable for: Families willing to gradually relocate in the future.
-Italy Digital Nomad, Self-Employed, Non-EU Work Visas
Most require actual residence.
Only investment visas are more lenient.
Suitable for: Individuals planning to move their lives to Europe.
France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other “Work/Self-Employment” Pathways: These explicitly require actual residence and tax payment, making them true “immigration residency systems.” Suitable for: Families or professionals prepared for long-term settlement.
How to Determine Which “Residency Requirement” Applicable?
-Not planning to immigrate (primarily focused on domestic career)
Options: Portugal Golden Visa, Greece Golden Visa, Maalta Permanent Residency, Cyprus Residency
Reasons: Minimum residency requirement, stable status, doesn’t take up much time.
-May relocate in the future, but cannot leave China/Asia now
Options: Spain Golden Visa, Portugal Golden Visa (obtain card first, then reside), Italy Investor Visa
Reasons: Relaxed initial requirements, upgradeable later.
-Preparing to Relocate to Europe
Options:
Portugal General Residence Permit
Italy Self-Employment/Work Visa
France/Germany/Netherlands Work or Entrepreneurship Visa
Spain Non-Profit Residence Permit
Reason: Clear Path to Permanent Residency through Residency
The residency requirements of various European countries convey a policy logic: Your desired status corresponds to your desired lifestyle.
If you only seek a backup status that you can readily use when needed, you can choose a program with “0 residency requirements,” which won’t interfere with your business development in China or Asia.
However, if your goal is “genuine immigration to Europe”—whether for your children’s education, living environment, business opportunities, or tax system—then you must accept Europe’s long-term residency system. This is the basic threshold for obtaining permanent residency or a passport.
In actual planning, investors are advised to first clarify:
Do you currently need an investment-based status, a stable residency pathway, or future passport eligibility? Different goals correspond to vastly different residency requirements. You can start with countries with low residency requirements to maintain flexibility; or you can plan ahead for countries with long-term residency requirements to better prepare for the future. Residency requirements are not an obstacle, but rather a tool to help you select the immigration path that truly suits your family. The key is to have clear goals, choose the right country, and ensure that your immigration status matches your life plans.
