The easiest residency permits to get in 2026 are Portugal's D7 visa (€920 a month in passive income), Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa (€2,400 a month) and Panama's Pensionado visa (a lifetime pension of US$1,000 a month). With capital, Greece's Golden Visa starts at €400,000 in property with no minimum stay, and Portugal's €500,000 fund route needs only 7 days in Portugal in the first year (MNE and AIMA, checked 18 October 2026).
A residency permit is a government authorisation that lets a foreign national live in a country beyond the tourist limit (90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area), usually for 1 to 5 years at a time and renewable.
Movingto is a Portugal-first immigration firm that puts a named, Bar-registered lawyer from its in-house legal team on your case and publishes its fees.
Whether it's to improve quality of life, lower living costs, access better healthcare, or simply experience something new, the goal is often the same: find a place that's welcoming and attainable.
But what's "easy" for one person might be difficult for another.
For a retiree with a steady pension, the easiest country might be one with low financial requirements and relaxed stay rules.
A remote worker might prioritise a digital nomad visa and fast internet, while an investor might look for tax advantages and global mobility.
The point is, there's no single answer. Ease depends on your income, your lifestyle, your goals, and sometimes even your passport.
Instead of listing countries without context, this guide helps you build a strategy. You'll see what options exist, what’s involved, and which paths are the most accessible depending on your situation. From Europe to Latin America, from temporary stays to full citizenship, this is your roadmap to making a move that works.
Choosing the Right Path: 3 Core Residency Routes
Not all residency permits are built the same. Before jumping into which countries are the easiest, it helps to understand how people usually qualify.
Most programs fall into one of three categories. Each one is tailored to a different lifestyle, income source, and long-term goal.
The Investor Route (Golden Visas)
This option is for people who have capital to invest. In exchange for buying real estate, contributing to government funds, or backing local businesses, applicants can gain residency rights for themselves and their families.
It’s a popular path for high-net-worth individuals who want a foothold in another country and sometimes a backup plan.
Key advantages
- Visa-free travel within regions like the Schengen Area
- Family members included
- Often low or no stay requirements
- Clear route to permanent residency or citizenship in many cases
Best suited for: investors, entrepreneurs, and families with financial flexibility.
The Passive Income Route (Retirement or Financial Independence Visas)
This is the sweet spot for retirees or financially independent individuals. If you can prove stable income from pensions, investments, or rentals, many countries will welcome you without requiring work or business activity inside their borders.
Typical income sources:
- Government or private pensions
- Dividends, real estate income, interest payments
- Annuities or trust distributions
This route doesn’t demand big investments, just proof you can support yourself. Some countries even offer benefits like discounts for retirees, easy access to healthcare, and low cost of living.
Best suited for: retirees, early retirees, and anyone living off reliable income streams.
The Digital Nomad Route (Remote Work Visas)
Remote work has changed how people live abroad. Dozens of countries now offer special visas for people who work online for companies or clients based outside the country.
These permits are great for freelancers, remote employees, and online business owners who want to live abroad legally without violating tourist visa rules.
What’s usually required:
- Proof of income from remote work
- A minimum monthly income is required, which varies by country.
- Health insurance and clean criminal record
Some countries even offer tax incentives for digital nomads. These visas tend to last from 6 months to 2 years and can often be renewed.
Best suited for: freelancers, remote employees, digital entrepreneurs, creatives, and consultants
What Changed for Residency Permits in 2026?
Several residency rules changed in 2026. These updates affect minimum income requirements and investment thresholds across the destinations covered here.
- Portugal Minimums: Following the 2026 minimum-wage increase to €920 (DGERT), the D7 Passive Income requirement is now €920/month for the main applicant. The D8 Digital Nomad visa requires €3,680/month (4x the national minimum wage, averaged over the last 3 months; Decreto Regulamentar 4/2022).
- Spain Income Reset: The Digital Nomad Visa requires 200% of the minimum wage. Spain's immigration office (UGE) applies this to the monthly SMI of €1,221, giving €2,442/month; some advisers annualise the 14 SMI payments, giving about €2,849/month, so showing the higher figure is the safer plan (UGE digital nomad FAQ, checked 18 October 2026). The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) requirement stands at €2,400/month (400% of the €600 IPREM).
- Greece Tiered Investment: Attica (including Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents require €800,000; other areas require €400,000, in a single property. The €250,000 route is strictly limited to conversions of non-residential buildings to homes and listed-building restorations (Law 5100/2024, checked 18 October 2026).
- Mexico Solvency Rules: Mexican consulates now set the income test in UMA units rather than the minimum wage. The UMA for 2026 is MXN 117.31 a day (up 3.69%), and the temporary-residency income test works out at roughly US$4,300 to US$4,500 a month, depending on the consulate and the exchange rate.
- Panama Qualified Investor Reset: Executive Decree 17 of 8 September 2026 (in force 16 September 2026) replaced Decree 722/2020. US$300,000 now applies only to a new first-sale property bought from the developer; resale property and Panamanian securities need US$500,000, and a fixed-term deposit needs US$500,000 at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros or US$750,000 at a private bank, held for 5 years. These figures come from Panamanian law-firm summaries of the decree, so confirm them with Panama's National Migration Service.
| Route | Minimum (2026) | Stay rule | Permit length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal D7 (passive income) | €920/month main applicant (+50% second adult, +30% per child) | No absences over 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months | 2 years, then renewable |
| Portugal D8 (remote work) | €3,680/month (4x minimum wage) | As D7 | 2 years, then renewable |
| Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 qualifying fund (€250,000 cultural route) | 7 days in year 1, then 14 days per 2-year period | 2 years, then renewable |
| Spain Non-Lucrative Visa | €2,400/month (+€600 per dependant) | More than 183 days a year to renew | 1 year, then 2-year renewals |
| Spain Digital Nomad Visa | €2,442/month on UGE's reading (about €2,849 if annualised) | Live in Spain; up to 20% Spanish clients for professionals | Visa up to 1 year; residence up to 3 years, then 2-year renewals |
| Greece Golden Visa | €800,000 or €400,000 property by area; €250,000 conversions and listed buildings | No minimum stay | 5 years, renewable |
| Greece financially independent (FIP) | €3,500/month (+20% spouse, +15% per child) | No work in Greece | 3 years, renewable |
| Croatia digital nomad | €3,622.50/month or €43,470 / €65,205 in savings | 6-month wait before a new application | Up to 18 months, no renewal |
Quick Comparison: The Three Main Residency Routes
Each residency pathway caters to a different kind of lifestyle and financial profile.
Investors focus on capital, retirees rely on steady income, and digital nomads leverage location-independent work. The table below highlights how these three paths differ in cost, eligibility, and flexibility.
| Route | Minimum requirement (2026) | Where / scope | Main rules | Stay & usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investor (Golden Visa) | €250k–€800k+ | Portugal (Funds), Greece, Malta, Italy | Investment in funds (Portugal), real estate (Greece; Malta's MPRP adds a property purchase or lease), or business; proof of lawful funds | Low or no stay requirement (Portugal: 7 days in year 1, then 14 days per 2-year period; Greece: none); renewable while the investment is held |
| Passive Income / Retirement Visa | €920–€4,400+ monthly income | Portugal (D7), Spain (NLV), Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico | Proof of recurring passive income (pension, dividends, rentals); private health insurance | Usually requires living there (Portugal D7: no absences over 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months; Spain NLV: more than 183 days a year to renew) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | €2,442–€3,680 monthly income (EU) | Spain, Portugal (D8), Croatia, Mexico, Costa Rica | Proof of remote work for non-local clients; clean criminal record; some set a minimum work history (Spain: a 3-month relationship with a company active for at least 1 year) | Typically 1–3 years; Spain renewable, Croatia capped at 18 months; local work limited (Spain lets professionals take up to 20% Spanish clients) |
Sources, checked 18 October 2026: AIMA (Portugal Golden Visa stay rule); Greek Migration Code art. 100 (no Golden Visa minimum stay); RD 1155/2024 art. 64 (Spain NLV renewal); Ley 14/2013 arts. 74 bis-74 quinquies (Spain digital nomad); Croatian Ministry of the Interior (Croatia digital nomad). Income ranges for Latin America are rough figures that vary by consulate.
Easiest Countries in Europe for Residency
Portugal
Stable and Welcoming
- Healthcare
- High
- Cost
- Moderate
- Stay
- Varies by route
- Passive income
- ~€920/mo
- Investment
- €500k+ (funds)
- Digital nomad
- ~€3,680/mo
Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular residency destinations thanks to its simplicity and lifestyle appeal.
Applicants can qualify through passive income, investment funds, or remote work programs. The D7 visa attracts retirees and financially independent individuals, while the D8 and Golden Visa routes appeal to professionals and investors.
With affordable living, strong healthcare, and a path to citizenship after 7 years (EU and Portuguese-speaking nationals) or 10 years for others, Portugal remains one of the easiest and most popular European options.
For Portugal, our in-house Portuguese immigration lawyers handle your D7 visa or D8 visa application (each from €1,760) or your Golden Visa (€6,000 flat, the same whichever fund; it covers legal assistance from our in-house Portuguese immigration lawyers, Movingto administration, bank account opening and your NIF, and AIMA fees are extra). See all fees on our pricing page.
Spain
Culture and Coastal Living
- Healthcare
- High
- Cost
- Moderate
- Stay
- Varies by route
- Passive income
- ~€2,400/mo
- Investment
- GV ended 2025
- Digital nomad
- ~€2,442–€2,849/mo
Spain combines lifestyle, opportunity, and accessibility with broad appeal across Europe.
With its Non-Lucrative Visa, retirees and financially independent individuals can enjoy Mediterranean living on a steady income.
Important Note: Spain's Golden Visa closed to new applications on 3 April 2025 (Ley Orgánica 1/2025), but the Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa remain strong options. Employees holding Spain's telework visa can also opt into the Beckham Law, which taxes employment income at a flat 24% up to €600,000 (LIRPF art. 93).
Strong healthcare, varied culture, and diverse cities make Spain a popular choice for long-term relocation.
For Spain, see our Non-Lucrative Visa service (from €1,750) and Digital Nomad Visa service (from €1,895); we prepare the file with you.
Greece
Investor-Friendly System
- Healthcare
- High
- Cost
- Low
- Stay
- Low
- Passive income
- ~€3,500/mo
- Investment
- €400k–€800k
- Digital nomad
- ~€3,500/mo
Greece offers one of Europe’s most accessible residency programs, attracting investors and families alike.
The Golden Visa program allows property investments of €400,000 or €800,000 depending on location (€250,000 only for conversions to residential use or listed-building restorations), with no need to live in the country to keep residency status. Greece also provides a financially independent route for retirees (€3,500 a month) and a digital nomad visa for remote professionals (€3,500 a month net).
With its warm climate, rich culture, and affordable Mediterranean lifestyle, it’s a strong choice for long-term relocation or investment.
Movingto's Greece Golden Visa service plans the route and sequences the purchase and filing with you; Greece services are priced per case.
Malta
Secure and English-Speaking
- Healthcare
- High
- Cost
- High
- Stay
- Low
- Passive income
- N/A
- Investment
- ~€99k fees + property
- Digital nomad
- ~€3,500/mo
Malta’s residency options combine long-term stability with lifestyle benefits.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) grants permanent status immediately through a structured combination of contributions and property commitments.
The country also offers a Nomad Residence Permit for remote professionals earning at least €42,000 gross a year (about €3,500 a month; Residency Malta).
With English as an official language, strong healthcare, and visa-free travel across Schengen countries, Malta remains a top-tier option for those seeking both convenience and prestige within the EU.
Croatia
Nomad-Friendly Lifestyle
- Healthcare
- Good
- Cost
- Low
- Stay
- Moderate
- Passive income
- N/A
- Investment
- N/A
- Digital nomad
- ~€3,622.50/mo
Croatia suits remote workers who want Mediterranean living at a lower cost.
The digital nomad stay is straightforward and lasts up to 18 months in total, with no renewal beyond that; a new application is possible only 6 months after the previous stay ends (Croatian Ministry of the Interior, checked 18 October 2026). Income from the remote work is generally exempt from Croatian income tax; confirm your position with the Croatian Tax Administration. Because of the forced gap, the permit is not a practical route to permanent residence or citizenship.
You will need a 6-month gap before reapplying, but the tradeoff is access to historic coastal cities, island life, and a growing expat community.
Easiest Countries in Latin America for Residency
Panama
Simple and Tax-Light
- Healthcare
- Good
- Cost
- Moderate
- Stay
- Low
- Passive income
- ~$1,000/mo
- Investment
- $200k–$500k
- Digital nomad
- ~$3,000/mo
Panama is one of Latin America’s easiest countries for residency, offering fast-track options and a tax-friendly environment.
The Pensionado Visa welcomes retirees with a lifetime income of at least $1,000 per month, while the Friendly Nations Visa lets citizens of select countries obtain two-year temporary residency, convertible to permanent, with a $200,000 real estate investment or three-year bank deposit. The Qualified Investor Visa (open to all nationalities) was reset by Executive Decree 17/2026 from 16 September 2026: $300,000 now applies only to a new first-sale property from the developer, while resale property, securities and state-bank deposits need $500,000 ($750,000 for a private-bank deposit), according to Panamanian law-firm summaries of the decree.
Its Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers earning around $3,000 monthly.
With its dollarised economy, modern infrastructure, and relatively light bureaucracy, Panama is a common relocation choice for expats.
Mexico
Affordable and Accessible
- Healthcare
- Good
- Cost
- Low
- Stay
- Low
- Passive income
- ~$4,400/mo
- Investment
- ~$100–150k
- Digital nomad
- N/A
Mexico offers one of Latin America’s most straightforward residency systems, ideal for retirees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.
The Temporary Resident Visa can be obtained by showing sufficient monthly income or savings, roughly $4,300 to $4,500 a month or equivalent savings, set in UMA units and varying by consulate and exchange rate. After four years, applicants can transition to permanent residency.
While Mexico doesn’t have an official “digital nomad” visa, remote workers often qualify under the same financial proof. With its cultural diversity, strong infrastructure, and proximity to the U.S., Mexico is an accessible, affordable relocation hub.
Costa Rica
Eco-Friendly and Peaceful
- Healthcare
- Good
- Cost
- Moderate
- Stay
- Low
- Passive income
- ~$1,000/mo
- Investment
- ~$60k deposit*
- Digital nomad
- ~$3,000/mo
*Deposit held in a local bank; renewable. Nomads enjoy foreign-income tax exemption.
Costa Rica is a long-time favourite among expats because of its safety, nature, and welcoming policies.
The Pensionado Visa only requires a $1,000 monthly lifetime pension, while the Rentista Visa suits freelancers or business owners who can show $2,500 a month for two years or deposit $60,000 in a local bank. The Digital Nomad Visa, created by Ley 10008 in 2021 with rules issued in 2022, targets remote professionals earning at least $3,000 per month.
Combined with territorial taxation and affordable healthcare, Costa Rica offers a relaxed path to residency and a high quality of life.
Paraguay
Fast and Low-Cost Residency
- Healthcare
- Basic
- Cost
- Low
- Stay
- Minimal
- Passive income
- Proof of solvency
- Investment
- ~$70k business
- Digital nomad
- N/A
Citizenship may be possible after 3 years of residence (Constitution of Paraguay, art. 148).
Paraguay stands out for its low-cost path to permanent residency.
Applicants qualify by showing proof of economic solvency (income, pension, or savings) and a clean background, rather than a fixed deposit. The old US$5,000 deposit route ended with the 2022 Migration Law (Ley 6984/2022). Under that law, most applicants first get temporary residence for up to 2 years and then apply for permanent residence; an investor certificate from SUACE (an investment of about US$70,000) can let you apply for permanent residence directly.
The country operates under a territorial tax system, meaning foreign-earned income isn’t taxed. After just three years, residents can apply for citizenship, making Paraguay one of the most accessible and low-cost options in Latin America for long-term settlement.
Argentina
Fast Citizenship Track
- Healthcare
- Good
- Cost
- Low
- Stay
- Moderate
- Passive income
- ~$2k/mo
- Investment
- ~$100k
- Digital nomad
- ~$2.5k/mo
Citizenship possible after 2 years of residence under Ley 346. Card figures are rough estimates, not official thresholds.
Argentina's nationality law (Ley 346) allows citizenship after two years of residence, making it especially appealing for long-term planners. A 2025 decree (Decreto 366/2025) moved applications from federal judges to the migration authority, but several Argentine courts struck down parts of it in 2026, so check the current procedure before applying.
The Rentista Visa suits freelancers and remote workers with proof of stable income, while business owners can qualify through small-scale investments.
A dedicated Digital Nomad Visa allows short-term residence for remote professionals. With low living costs, rich culture, and strong legal protections for residents, Argentina offers a fast and flexible route to both residency and eventual citizenship.
What to Consider Before You Choose
Every residency path looks appealing on paper, but the right one depends on how you live, work, and plan for the future.
Some countries value passive income, others reward investment or entrepreneurship.
Before you decide, think about your financial readiness, how long you plan to stay, and what kind of lifestyle aligns with your goals.
A good residency choice balances opportunity with practicality, so you can move without unnecessary uncertainty.
How to Apply for a Residency Permit
Applying for a residency permit is more straightforward than it appears, if you prepare the right documents in advance.
Most countries follow a similar pattern: gather personal records, prove your income or investment, and attend a biometric or interview appointment.
Below is a clear, step-by-step list of what’s typically required for a smooth application process.
How Long Does a Residency Permit Take?
Once your documents are submitted, approval timelines can vary widely depending on the country and the permit type.
Some programs process in just a few weeks, while others take several months, especially when investment verification or background checks are involved.
The table below summarises average processing periods and permit validity across major regions.
| Region | Visa Type | Processing Time | Validity | Renewal | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | Passive / Investor | 2–6 months | 1–5 years | Renewable with compliance | 5–10 years |
| Europe | Digital Nomad | 1–3 months | 1 year | Renewable (1–2 years) | Varies; limited in most cases |
| Latin America | Passive Income | 2–4 months | 1–2 years | Renewable | 2–5 years |
| Latin America | Investment | 3–6 months | 2 years | Renewable or convertible | 2–5 years |
| Latin America | Digital Nomad | 1–2 months | 6–12 months | Renewable (1 year) | Usually not applicable |
These ranges are rough planning estimates, not official processing times. Two official markers: Spain's immigration office must decide a digital nomad residence application within 20 days of electronic filing (Ley 14/2013 art. 76), and Greece's legal target for a Golden Visa is 2 months after a complete file (Migration Code art. 100), though real waits are often longer.
Benefits of Residency
Visa Application Approved
Residency comes with far more than the right to stay, it’s the foundation for a stable and secure life abroad.
Here are the key advantages you gain once your residency is approved:
How Much Does a Residency Permit Cost?
Before applying for residency, it’s important to understand the full cost picture. These expenses go beyond the government fee and include everything from document preparation to ongoing renewals.
| Category | Average Range | What It Covers | Example (Europe) | Example (Latin America) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Fees | €100–€2,000+ | Application and residence card issuance | €185.60 (Portugal D7/D8 first permit: AIMA €99.80 + €85.80) | $250 (Panama Pensionado) |
| Legal & Translation Costs | €200–€1,000+ | Sworn translations, apostilles, and attorney filing | €500–€1,000 (Spain) | $300–$600 (Mexico) |
| Investment or Deposit | €50k–€800k+ | Property, business, or fund contribution | €250k–€800k (Greece) | proof of funds to ~$70k (Paraguay) |
| Health Insurance | €300–€1,000/yr | Private or public medical coverage | €450 average premium | $350 average premium |
| Living & Setup Costs | €1,000–€3,000/mo | Rent, utilities, registration, local transport | Lisbon or Athens city averages | Mexico City or San José averages |
| Renewal Fees | €100–€600 | Permit renewal, new biometrics, admin costs | €185.60 (Portugal temporary-permit renewal) | $200 (Costa Rica extension) |
| Hidden / Misc. Costs | +10–15% | Courier, postage, embassy appointments, bank fees | Translation + legalisation buffer | Document shipping or notarisation |
Portugal fees come from the AIMA fee table in force from 1 March 2026 (checked 18 October 2026): €99.80 to receive and analyse the application plus €85.80 to grant or renew a temporary permit. Other figures in this table are rough planning ranges, not official fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong applications can be delayed or rejected for simple reasons. Before you file, take a moment to review the most common pitfalls that trip up new applicants.
Sources
- DGERT (Portuguese labour ministry)— 2026 minimum wage and D7/D8 thresholds
- Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs— Visa requirements
- BOE: Royal Decree 1155/2024 and Ley 14/2013— NLV and Digital Nomad Visa regulations
- Greek Ministry of Migration: Law 5100/2024— Golden Visa investment tiers
- Residency Malta Agency— MPRP program
- Panama Immigration— Pensionado and Friendly Nations visas
- Mexico INM— Temporary and permanent residency
- AIMA fee table— Portugal residence-permit fees
- Croatian Ministry of the Interior— Digital nomad temporary stay