Many high-net-worth Americans seek European residence permits for better mobility, tax efficiency, and investment opportunities. Several European countries offer programs that grant residency in exchange for investment.
Albert Ioffe, Legal and Compliance Officer at Immigrant Invest, will tell what European residence programs allow Americans to live in Europe while maintaining their US citizenship.
European Residency Programs for Americans
Residency programs cater to different needs. Some countries offer residence permits for business investors, property buyers, or retirees. The most attractive European residence for Americans allows for visa-free Schengen travel, family inclusion, and potential long-term residency.
9 Key Benefits of Residence Permit in Europe for US Citizens
1. Visa-free Schengen travel. A European residence permit allows unrestricted travel across the Schengen Area without needing additional visas.
2. Business opportunities. Residency in Europe provides access to stable economies and tax-friendly policies for business owners and investors.
3. Education access. Many European countries offer high-quality education, including public and private international schools.
4. Healthcare benefits. Residents can access world-class healthcare systems, often at lower costs than in the US.
5. Tax advantages. Certain countries offer non-domicile tax regimes, flat-tax programs, or no taxation on foreign income.
6. Quality of life. Residency in Europe grants access to safe cities, culture, and modern infrastructure.
7. Family inclusion. Many programs allow applicants to include spouses and children, offering long-term benefits for families.
8. Path to citizenship. Some residency programs offer a path to citizenship after a certain number of years.
9. Diversification. Holding residency in another country provides a backup plan in case of changes in US laws or economic conditions.
Perfect European Residency Options
Malta — residency by investment with tax benefits. Malta offers the Malta Permanent Residence Programme and the Global Residence Programme. Both allow US citizens to obtain residency by property investment or government contributions. Malta has a favourable tax system for non-domiciled residents and offers visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
Maltese Global Residence Programme is tailored for non-EU individuals looking for a flexible and affordable residency solution.
Malta Global Residence Programme requires an annual tax payment of €15,000, and the property investment requirements are slightly lower. This is more flexible for those who plan to travel frequently.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme is suitable for investors seeking long-term residency. The program requires a non-refundable government contribution, property investment, and a donation to a local NGO—all at once. It also allows applicants to include family members.
To apply for the Malta MPRP, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Rent real estate for at least €14,000 per annum or buy a property for at least €375,000.
- Application administrative fee. Investors pay €15,000 as an initial payment and €35,000 at the final stage, regardless of whether they choose to buy or rent property.
- Government contribution. Investors must make a one-time, non-refundable contribution of €30,000 to the government if purchasing property, or €60,000 if renting.
- Donation to a non-governmental organisation. An additional donation of €2,000 is required to a local NGO. This donation contributes to social projects in Malta.
- Proof of funds. Applicants need to demonstrate assets worth at least €500,000, with €150,000 in liquid financial assets. This ensures that applicants have sufficient financial stability to support themselves and their families.
Portugal — Golden Visa with a path to citizenship. Portugal’s Golden Visa allows US citizens to gain residency by investing in real estate, venture capital, or job creation. It requires minimal physical presence and offers a pathway to citizenship after five years.
The program previously allowed real estate purchases in Lisbon and Porto, but new regulations now focus on investments in low-density regions or tourism-related properties.
Greece — affordable Golden Visa with property investment. Greece offers a residency-by-investment program with one of the lowest real estate investment requirements in Europe. The permit allows visa-free travel in the Schengen Area and does not require long-term stays.
Recent changes in investment rules. Greece increased the minimum real estate investment in major cities to €800,000 while keeping it at €250,000 in less populated areas.
Cyprus — permanent residence with favourable taxation. Cyprus grants permanent residency to investors who buy real estate worth at least €300,000. The country has a non-domicile tax system, making it attractive for wealth management.
Fast-track application process. Cyprus processes residency applications within two months, one of the fastest timelines in Europe.
Italy — Investor Visa for high-net-worth individuals. Italy’s residency program requires investment in government bonds, startups, or philanthropic initiatives starting at €250,000. The country also offers a flat-tax regime for new residents who relocate their tax base to Italy.
Unique flat-tax benefit. Italy provides an annual flat tax of €100,000 on worldwide income for new tax residents.
Hungary — new Golden Visa program with investment funds. Hungary has introduced a residence-by-investment program that grants permits to those investing in government-approved funds. The program offers fast processing and Schengen travel benefits.
Low-cost residency option. Hungary’s investment threshold starts at €250,000, significantly lower than other EU countries with similar programs.
How to Apply for Residence Permit by Investment in Europe
Step 1. Choose a country and investment route. Evaluate tax implications, residency conditions, and investment requirements before applying.
Step 2. Gather required documents. Most programs require proof of investment, financial records, a clean criminal record, and health insurance.
Step 3. Submit the application. Applications can be submitted through local consulates or official government agencies, depending on the program.
Step 4. Complete investment and compliance checks. Some programs require proof of investment before approval.
Step 5. Receive residence permit. Once approved, applicants obtain their residence cards and can begin enjoying residency benefits.
Ongoing obligations. Some programs require periodic renewals or proof that the investment is maintained for a set period.
Conclusion
European residency programs provide strong advantages. They offer mobility, tax benefits, and security for high-net-worth Americans. Malta, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and Hungary each have competitive residency options. Contact Immigrant Invest for expert assistance in selecting and applying for the best European residence permit program.
