So you have plans to migrate to Europe and you are wondering which country would be easy for you to pitch your tent, wonder no longer, this article was curated with you in mind.
Over the past 5 years, the air traffic in the EU region has skyrocketed by over 5%. The increase in the number of people migrating to European countries may not be unconnected to job opportunities, favorable weather conditions, consistent government policies, and ease of doing business.
European countries have programs that allow foreign nationals who have the financial capabilities to invest their way to permanent residency.
Which country should you migrate to? In this post, we will take a look at the top 5 easiest countries you will enjoy migrating to. So, read on to find out which country suits your budget and lifestyle.
1). Malta
Malta also has two options for potential migrants seeking permanent residence in the country. First, you have to apply through the Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP). You must fulfill three requirements before a permit would be issued.
The requirements are:
- A 5-year investment in government bonds to the tune of 250,000 EUR
- An investment in real estate to the tune of 320,000 EUR
- A non-refundable contribution of 30,000 EUR
The second option is to apply through the Global Resident Programme. Here, you will show the following:
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- EU health insurance
- Either you rent or purchase a property.
It takes about four months for the authorities to process your permit.
2). Portugal
Portugal comes in as the second easiest country to migrate to in Europe. There are only two options available to potential migrants to choose from – either the EU Blue Card or the Golden Residence Program. The latter includes doing one of the following:
- Investing in the country’s Real Estate to the tune of 500,000 EUR.
- Depositing above 1 million EUR in a Portuguese bank
- Creating not less than 10 jobs
If you cannot fulfill any of the above conditions, you can opt for the EU Blue Card. Here, you will need to provide the following:
- Evidence of an appointment by a Portuguese-based company
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of Social Security Registration
- Proof that you are covered by the National Health Regime
Whichever route suits you, it takes 90 days to obtain the residence permit.
3). Cyprus
If you want the Cyprus authority to issue you a permanent residence permit as soon as you arrive in the country, you need to invest in the country’s real estate sector to the tune of 300,000 EUR. Plus, you will show your annual income. Usually, it takes about two months for the authorities to process a resident permit.
4). Austria
If you want to migrate to Austria, you can either apply as an individual or a key manager. If you apply as the former, it means you will provide evidence of sufficient funds in your bank account, proof that you understand the German language at least to A1 level, health insurance, as well as proof of a permanent address in the country.
These requirements seem like a simple list, isn’t? Well, there are a few other criteria that you must meet. The evidence of sufficient funds must show that you have up to 40,000 EUR for an adult and 10,000 EUR for a child below 18 years. This must be reflected in your statement of account from a reputable international bank.
On the other hand, if you apply as a key manager, you must show evidence that an Austrian-based company has offered you appointment on a salary scale not below 2,500 EUR per month. Usually, applying as an individual or key manager takes about three months to be processed by the Austrian Authorities. It costs about 100 EUR to obtain a residence permit for an adult and 50 EUR for a child.
As an Austrian resident, the renewal process is pretty easy. Once you have lived in the country for up to 5 years, you would be issued with a permanent resident card. If you stay in the country for up to 10 years, then you would be qualified to become a citizen. As an Austrian citizen, you have visa-free access to all Schengen States.
5). Belgium
Belgium is one of the best countries in Europe to have a passport. Thankfully, the cost of obtaining a residence permit is gradually trickled down due to the government policy.
If you want to obtain a residence permit, the easiest route is to apply as an investor, entrepreneur or self-employed. With 12,400 EUR, you can set up a small scale business and also hire at least one part-time employee.
Other requirements are just to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support your stay in the country. If you are applying as an individual, it would cost you up to 400, 000 EUR to obtain a Belgium residence permit. The processing time takes about 4 months.
If you are really passionate about migrating to a country in Europe, any of the above 5 countries are your sure bet.