Portugal, Greece and Malta rank among the easiest European countries to move to in 2026, all via residency not citizenship. Greece offers the lowest entry at 250,000 euros, Malta MPRP from 68,000 euros. EU citizenship by investment no longer exists; residency can lead to naturalisation over five to eight years.
- Malta, Portugal, Greece, and Germany stand out as the easiest European countries to move to, with Malta offering the fastest citizenship in Europe.
- The main ways to acquire an EU passport are through citizenship by descent, naturalization, marriage or partnership, investment, and special contributions.
- Obtaining EU citizenship provides global mobility, a high quality of life, access to comprehensive healthcare and education systems, and a robust social safety net.
- While Malta offers one of the fastest routes to citizenship in Europe through its investment program, Portugal and Greece provide relatively accessible residency options with potential pathways to citizenship over time. Germany, while offering robust residency options, has a longer and more stringent process for citizenship acquisition.
Mirabello Consultancy is recognized for providing immigration solutions, emphasizing a personalized approach to guide clients through investment migration options.
Easiest European Countries to Move to in 2026
Last updated: June 2026
Europe remains one of the most desirable destinations for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a better quality of life, global mobility, and long-term security. With world-class healthcare, excellent education systems, and access to the Schengen Area's 27 countries, obtaining European residency is a strategic investment in your family's future. But which countries make the process simplest?
After analysing residency and citizenship programmes across the continent, four nations stand out as the easiest European countries to move to in 2026: Malta, Portugal, Greece, and Germany. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your investment capacity, timeline, and long-term goals. For a comprehensive comparison of all available options, explore our guide to the best Golden Visa investment programmes.
What Makes a European Country Easy to Move To?
Several factors determine how accessible a country is for international investors and expatriates. The easiest European countries to relocate to typically share these characteristics: clear residency-by-investment pathways, reasonable minimum investment thresholds, straightforward application processes, and family inclusion provisions. Tax efficiency, quality of life, and the potential pathway to permanent residency or citizenship also play decisive roles in the evaluation.
| Country | Programme | Min. Investment | Processing | Path to Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | MPRP / MEIN | €68,000-€750,000 | 4-6 months (MPRP) / 12-36 months (MEIN) | 12 months (fast-track MEIN) |
| Portugal | Golden Visa | €250,000-€500,000 | 6-12 months | 5 years |
| Greece | Golden Visa | €250,000-€800,000 | 2-3 months | 7 years |
| Germany | Self-Employment / EU Blue Card | Varies (business plan) | 3-6 months | 6-8 years |
How Does Malta's Residency and Citizenship Programme Work?
Malta was the fastest route to EU citizenship through its Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) programme, but MEIN officially closed in April 2025 and is no longer accepting new applications. Malta remains an accessible European destination for investors through its two active residency programmes, the MPRP and GRP, which provide Schengen Area access and a longer naturalisation pathway of five to seven years.
What is the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP)? The MPRP is a residency-by-investment scheme that grants permanent residency in Malta and visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area. The minimum investment starts from €68,000 for properties in southern Malta or Gozo, rising to €98,000 for properties elsewhere on the island, plus a qualifying property purchase or rental.
For investors who previously sought Malta citizenship through MEIN, Malta's residency programmes remain viable. The MPRP starts from €68,000 in government contributions (plus property investment) and grants permanent Schengen residency. For citizenship, naturalisation is possible after five years of physical residency, with Malta's advantage of English as an official language reducing the language barrier. For full current details, see our Malta residency programme guide.
Malta's tax regime is another major draw. The Global Residency Programme (GRP) offers a flat 15% tax rate on foreign income remitted to Malta, with no tax on income that remains abroad. Combined with Malta's English-speaking environment, Mediterranean climate, and EU membership, it remains a top choice for discerning investors.
Looking for expert guidance on Malta's residency and citizenship options? Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy, our team has processed hundreds of successful Malta applications with a 99% approval rate.
What Are the Benefits of Portugal's Golden Visa Programme?
Portugal's Golden Visa remains one of the most popular residency-by-investment programmes in Europe. Following regulatory changes in 2023, the programme no longer accepts direct real estate investments but continues to offer attractive routes through investment funds, capital transfers, and business creation.
The minimum investment starts from €250,000 for cultural or heritage preservation projects, rising to €500,000 for qualifying investment funds. The Portugal Golden Visa grants a temporary residence permit, renewable every two years, with minimal physical presence requirements, just 7 days in the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.
After five years of legal residency, Golden Visa holders may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, recently reformed, previously offered a flat 20% income tax rate for qualifying professionals, and the country continues to attract investors with its stable economy, Atlantic coastline, and welcoming expatriate community.
Why Is Greece's Golden Visa Considered the Most Affordable in Europe?
Greece offers the lowest entry point for a European Golden Visa, with real estate investments starting from €250,000 in designated areas (rising to €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands since September 2024). This makes Greece one of the easiest European countries to move to for property-focused investors.
The Greece Golden Visa provides a five-year renewable residence permit for the investor and their family, including spouse, children under 21, and parents of both the applicant and spouse. Processing times are among the fastest in Europe, typically just 2 to 3 months from application to approval.
What is the Greece Golden Visa? It is a residency-by-investment programme that grants non-EU nationals the right to live in Greece and travel freely throughout the Schengen Area in exchange for a qualifying real estate investment. Greece does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment route, but naturalisation is possible after seven years of continuous residency, provided the applicant meets language and integration requirements.
Greece's appeal extends beyond its investment programme. The country offers a low cost of living compared to Western Europe, over 300 days of sunshine annually, a rich cultural heritage, and a growing digital nomad and remote work ecosystem. For detailed information, consult the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
How Does Germany's Residency Programme Compare?
Germany does not offer a traditional Golden Visa. Residency is obtained through self-employment visas, the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals, or entrepreneur visas, typically requiring €100,000 in demonstrable capital with no fixed minimum. As Europe's largest economy, Germany attracts business-minded investors and senior professionals seeking a EU base.
The German residence permit for self-employed individuals requires a viable business plan, sufficient financial resources, and evidence that the proposed business will benefit the local economy. There is no fixed minimum investment amount, but applicants typically need to demonstrate capital of at least €100,000 and a clear business concept.
Germany's path to citizenship is longer than Malta's, typically 6 to 8 years of continuous residency, but the country offers world-class infrastructure, a central European location, and access to the EU's largest market. The EU Blue Card, requiring a minimum salary of approximately €45,300 (or €41,000 for shortage occupations), provides a fast-track to permanent residency after just 21 months with B1 German language skills.
Which European Country Should You Choose?
The right European country depends on your goals: Malta for the fastest EU citizenship (12 months via MEIN fast-track) and residency from €68,000 (MPRP); Portugal for EU citizenship in 5 years with minimal stay (7 days/year); Greece for the lowest Golden Visa entry at €250,000; Germany for access to Europe's largest economy through entrepreneur or professional visas. Book a free consultation to identify the right programme for your goals.
For investors from the Gulf region, Mirabello Consultancy's dual offices in Zurich and Dubai provide seamless guidance across all four programmes. Our multilingual team speaks English, German, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Italian, ensuring clear communication throughout the process.
What Are the Most Common Questions About Moving to Europe?
What Is the Cheapest European Country to Get Residency In?
Greece currently offers the most affordable Golden Visa in Europe, with qualifying real estate investments starting from €250,000 in eligible areas. Malta's MPRP starts from €68,000 in government contributions, though additional property investment is required.
Can I Get EU Citizenship Through Investment?
Malta is currently the only EU member state offering a direct path to citizenship through investment via the MEIN programme. Other countries like Portugal and Greece offer residency-by-investment with a pathway to citizenship through naturalisation after several years.
Do I Need to Live in Europe to Maintain My Residency?
Requirements vary by country. Portugal's Golden Visa requires just 7 days in the first year. Greece has no minimum stay requirement for Golden Visa holders. Malta's MPRP requires physical presence in Malta as your primary residence. Germany requires continuous residency for most visa categories.
Which European Country Offers the Fastest Citizenship?
Malta offers the fastest route to EU citizenship through its MEIN programme, as little as 12 months with the fast-track option (€750,000 contribution). Portugal offers citizenship after 5 years, while Greece requires 7 years of residency.
How Do I Start My European Residency Application with Mirabello Consultancy?
The process begins with a free, confidential consultation where our experts assess your goals, budget, and timeline. We then recommend the most suitable programme, handle all documentation, and guide you through every step, from initial application to final approval. With over 350 Golden Visa cases processed and a 99% approval rate, your application is in expert hands.
Before deciding on your European destination, explore the Mirabello Investment Migration Index for a data-driven programme ranking, or use our Programme Comparison tool to compare Malta, Portugal, Greece, and 20+ other programmes side by side.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy and let our experts find the perfect European residency or citizenship programme for you and your family.
In summary
The Europe programme continues to attract discerning investors seeking global mobility, tax efficiency, and security for their families. With the right guidance, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
Ready to take the next step? Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy. Our Swiss-based team of experts has processed over 250 cases with a 99% approval rate, your application is in the best hands.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest permanent residency in Europe?
If you're looking for the cheapest and easiest EU country to get residency, you should familiarize yourself with the Golden Visa programs offered by Portugal, Greece, and Germany.
Which EU country gives citizenship the fastest?
The Maltese passport is the easiest EU passport to get, available in only 12 months with an investment of €750,000.
What are the easiest European countries for Americans to move to?
Portugal, Greece, and Germany are the easiest European countries to move to from the USA thanks to their golden visa programs that can potentially lead to citizenship. Meanwhile, Malta offers the fastest citizenship in Europe for those seeking to quickly acquire European nationality.
So we've provided you with essential insights on the easiest European countries to move to. For more personalized advice and in-depth information, consider booking a free consultation with our experts in the field.
What is the most flexible Golden Visa program in Europe?
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is known for its flexibility, offering various investment options, including real estate, investment funds, and job creation, with a relatively low minimum stay requirement for residency.
Which countries in Europe offer citizenship without a residency requirement?
Malta offers citizenship by investment without a residency requirement through its Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) program.
What are the tax benefits associated with European Golden Visa programs?
Tax benefits vary, but some countries like Portugal offer favorable tax regimes, including exemptions on foreign income for a period, which can be appealing for retirees and investors.
Can family members be included in a Golden Visa application?
Yes, most Golden Visa programs allow applicants to include immediate family members like spouses, children, and sometimes even extended family members.
How long does it take to get permanent residency or citizenship through a Golden Visa?
The time frame for permanent residency is usually 5 years, but citizenship can be achieved after a longer period, such as 6-10 years, depending on the country.
Are there any language or cultural integration requirements for Golden Visa holders?
Some countries, like Portugal and Spain, may require basic language skills or integration tests to qualify for citizenship.
Can I work or start a business with a Golden Visa in Europe?
Yes, Golden Visa holders generally have the right to work, start a business, or engage in self-employment in most European countries.
What is the easiest EU passport to get?
Malta offers the fastest citizenship pathway in Europe, making it the easiest European country to immigrate to.
Which European countries are easiest to move to from the USA?
Portugal, Greece, and Malta are among the easiest European countries for Americans to move to, with clear residency or citizenship pathways.
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