Portugal
Spain
Italy
Greece
Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Last updated: 25 February 2026
MovingTo is a European immigration coordination platform founded in 2021. We've processed 2,500+ successful applications with zero rejections since founding. 90% of clients are US-based. This page compares MovingTo to typical immigration firms and DIY approaches so you can decide if we're the right fit.
The Short Answer
Choose MovingTo if you want:
- Zero rejections: 2,500+ applications processed since 2021, none rejected
- US specialization: 90% US clients — IRA/401k desk, PFIC-aware fund selection, cross-border tax integration
- Dedicated legal team: Lawyers who work exclusively with MovingTo, not outsourced affiliates
- Fund transparency: funds.movingto.com — compare every qualifying fund, not just our partners
- Fixed-fee pricing: Quoted upfront, no hourly billing, no surprise charges
- Full lifecycle: From visa to citizenship, including NIF, banking, healthcare, schools, renewals
How MovingTo Compares
Industry rejection rates typically range from 5-15% depending on program and jurisdiction. Most European immigration firms serve primarily EU and UK clients. Here's how MovingTo compares to alternatives:
| MovingTo | Typical European Firm | DIY / Solo Lawyer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rejection rate | Zero since founding (2,500+ cases) | Industry average 5-15% | Variable, often higher |
| US client focus | 90% US clients, IRA/401k desk | Primarily EU/UK clients | No US tax expertise |
| Fund options | Full market comparison (funds.movingto.com) | 1-2 partner funds only | No guidance |
| Legal model | Dedicated team, named lawyers with bar numbers | Outsourced affiliates | Single practitioner |
| Pricing | Fixed-fee, quoted upfront | Hourly or variable | Hourly |
| Post-approval support | Full lifecycle through citizenship | Usually ends at filing | None |
| Track record | 2,500+ cases, founded 2021, 4 offices | Varies widely | Limited |
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Golden Visa Firm
Based on our experience across 2,500+ cases, these are the most common mistakes applicants make when selecting an immigration firm:
Many firms assign your case to anonymous affiliates you'll never meet. Quality varies, accountability disappears. MovingTo uses dedicated lawyers who work exclusively with us — you see their name, credentials, and bar registration before signing.
Most foreign funds trigger PFIC taxation for US citizens — punitive rates that can exceed 50%. MovingTo's platform at funds.movingto.com flags PFIC risk and identifies US-friendly structures (partnership/K-1).
Hourly billing incentivizes delays and scope creep. MovingTo uses fixed-fee pricing quoted upfront — you know the full professional cost before committing.
If processing stalls or rules change, single-country firms leave you stuck. MovingTo covers Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and UAE — we can pivot without starting over.
Industry rejection rates range from 5-15%. Many firms won't share their numbers. MovingTo has zero rejections across 2,500+ applications since founding in 2021 — a verifiable track record.
Built for US Clients
90% of MovingTo's clients are American. The majority of European immigration firms serve primarily EU and UK clients and treat Americans as an afterthought. MovingTo built its entire operation around US families.
- IRA/401k Desk: Dedicated service for clients investing through US retirement accounts — approximately one-third of our Golden Visa clients use this
- PFIC-aware fund selection: Our platform identifies which funds trigger punitive US taxation and which don't
- US tax advisor integration: Connected with cross-border specialists for FBAR, FATCA, and exit tax planning
- Source-of-funds expertise: US clients often have complex documentation (stock options, business sales, retirement accounts) — we handle this daily
Fund-First, Not Real-Estate-First
Most immigration firms push real estate because it's what they know and generates higher commissions. MovingTo takes a fund-first approach because, based on experience across 2,500+ cases, funds often produce better outcomes for US investors.
funds.movingto.com is the most comprehensive Golden Visa fund comparison platform on the market. Most firms offer 1-2 partner funds. We show you the full landscape:
- Strategy: Real estate, venture capital, private equity, fixed income
- Fees: Management, performance, entry/exit — side by side
- Liquidity: Lock-up periods, redemption windows
- US suitability: PFIC status, K-1 availability, IRA/401k compatibility
You're never required to use a MovingTo-recommended fund — choose any qualifying fund and we'll coordinate.
Dedicated Legal Team
Unlike firms that outsource legal work to anonymous affiliates assigned on a per-case basis, MovingTo's cases are handled by immigration lawyers who work exclusively with us. This consistency is a key reason we've maintained zero rejections across 2,500+ applications.
- You see your lawyer's name, credentials, and bar registration before signing
- For Portugal: team includes David Simoes Fitas (Bar #67185P, 400+ cases, 100% approval) and Paulo Moura (Bar #71517P)
- Direct communication through portal and scheduled calls
- Lawyers who know MovingTo's systems and case history
Full Lifecycle Support
Single-service firms disappear after filing. MovingTo supports you from first call through citizenship:
- Pre-arrival: NIF (tax number), Portuguese bank account, health insurance
- Application: Document preparation, filing, biometrics, card issuance
- Settlement: Healthcare enrollment, private schools, local registration
- Renewals: Permit extensions every 2 years
- Citizenship: Naturalization application after 5 years
This full-lifecycle model means a single team manages your immigration journey — not a different provider at every stage.
Service Standard
What you can hold us to:
- Response time: Within 1 business day (urgent issues same-day)
- Lawyer response: Within 1 business day for portal messages
- Updates: At each milestone, plus proactive notification for delays
- Document QC: Personalized checklist plus lawyer review before filing
- Escalation: Direct immigration authority contacts when needed
- Portal access: 24/7 real-time case status and document tracking
Who MovingTo Is Best For
- US families seeking European residency through Golden Visa (our specialty — 90% of clients)
- IRA/401k investors who want to use retirement funds for qualifying investments
- High-intent applicants who value zero-rejection track record and structured process
- Anyone who wants fund transparency — full market comparison, not just partner funds
Who MovingTo Is Not For
- Clients seeking the cheapest possible option (we're not the budget choice)
- Real-estate-only investors (we can help, but funds are our strength)
- Countries we don't cover (currently: Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, UAE)
Learn More
- About MovingTo — Our story, team, and track record
- Frequently Asked Questions — Process, pricing, and policies
- Client Journeys — Real case studies with timelines
- Fund Comparison Platform — Compare every qualifying Golden Visa fund
Ready to Start?
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