Blogs • July 14, 2025 • 11 Min

Your Guide to Residence Permits and Smart Mobility Strategies in 2025

More than 281 million people now live outside their country of birth, and residence permits are the legal foundation behind this global movement. These permits aren’t just for investors or retirees, they’re tools for accessing healthcare, education, work rights, and even long-term tax advantages. In 2025, countries are actively competing for new residents by offering faster processing times, flexible income-based options, and investment routes tied to property or business. In this guide, we break down what they are, how they work, and how to choose the right one. Understanding Residence Permits What Is a Residence Permit? A residence permit is an official document or status that allows a foreign national to live in a country for a specific period, either temporarily or permanently. Unlike a tourist visa, it gives you legal residency rights, often tied to work, family, study, retirement, or investment. Some countries issue a physical card, while others offer a digital residency status in your immigration account. Regardless of format, the key feature is that it grants you the right to reside, and sometimes work, in a specific country beyond the short-term visa stay limit. Key Features of Residence Permits What’s the Difference Between a Residence Permit and a Visa? Types of Residence Permits Residence permits aren’t one-size-fits-all. Countries issue different types depending on your reason for relocating, whether it’s to work, invest, reunite with family, or retire. Temporary Residence Permits Temporary residence permits (TRPs) are issued for a limited period, usually between 1 and 5 years. They are renewable, provided you continue to meet the conditions (e.g. employment, study, or investment). Who typically applies: Digital nomads Students Short-term workers Entrepreneurs testing a new market Example: Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa gives non-EU nationals the right to live in Spain without working, renewable annually. Portugal’s D7 Visa is income-based, ideal for remote workers and retirees. Permanent Residence Permits Permanent residence (PR) allows a foreigner to reside in a country indefinitely. It typically follows several years of temporary residency and is considered a stepping stone to citizenship. Key traits: No need to renew every year Often includes full work rights May still require proof of ties to the country (e.g. address, taxes) Example: Germany grants permanent residence after 5 years of living and working with a valid permit. Canada offers PR directly through programs like Express Entry, without the need for a temporary permit first. Investment-Based Residence Permits Many countries now offer residency in exchange for investment, commonly in real estate, business, or government bonds. Common requirements: Real estate purchase Investment in national development funds or startups Job creation in the local economy Example: Greece offers one of the lowest-entry property investment residency routes in the EU. Latvia grants residence for real estate purchases above €250,000, but with annual fees. Work-Related Residence Permits Work permits allow foreign nationals to reside and be employed in a host country. Some are tied to a specific employer; others allow open market access. Types: Employer-sponsored Highly-skilled migrant programs Freelance/entrepreneur visas Example: Germany’s EU Blue Card targets high-earning professionals with fast-track PR eligibility. UAE’s Freelance Permit allows self-employed professionals to legally live and work in the Emirates. Family Reunification Permits If your spouse, parent, or child is a legal resident or citizen, many countries allow you to join them through family reunification. Conditions may include: Proof of relationship Financial support from sponsor Minimum housing requirements Example: France allows reunification after 18 months of legal residence by the sponsor. Sweden allows partners and children to apply together from the start. Benefits of Having a Residence Permit Freedom of Movement Holding a residence permit in certain regions, like the EU, lets you travel freely within that area without applying for additional visas. This is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, frequent travellers, and families planning regional moves. Access to Healthcare and Social Services In many countries, residence permits grant you access to public healthcare, pension systems, and basic social support. In some cases, enrolment in the health system is mandatory and tied directly to the permit. Employment Rights Work-related permits and even many family or investment permits give you the legal right to work or run a business. Some may be employer-specific, while others allow full access to the local job market. Education Opportunities Legal residents usually have the right to enroll their children in public schools and sometimes benefit from reduced university tuition fees. Long-term residents may also access scholarships or government subsidies. Path to Citizenship Residence is often the first requirement for applying for citizenship. Most countries require a minimum number of years of legal residence, along with language or integration criteria, before naturalization is possible. How to Obtain a Residence Permit Residence permits vary by country, but the process generally follows a similar path: meeting eligibility, preparing documentation, submitting your application, and waiting for a decision. Here’s how it works, step by step. General Requirements Most residence permit applications start with a few common eligibility rules: Valid passport Clean criminal record Proof of income, savings, or job offer Valid reason for applying (work, family, investment, study) Health insurance coverage Some countries add extras like language proficiency or accommodation proof, depending on the permit type. Application Process Here’s the general flow you can expect: Choose the right permit type based on your reason for relocation. Collect documents before applying—many countries reject incomplete submissions. Apply either from abroad (via embassy) or in-country (at a migration office). Attend an appointment (sometimes includes biometrics or an interview). Wait for approval—processing times vary widely. Some permits are issued in-country only, while others can be obtained from your home country. Always confirm the correct route for your specific nationality. Required Documentation While each permit has its own list, expect to provide: Passport copies and passport photos Proof of income or savings Accommodation details (rental contract or property ownership) Health insurance certificate Police clearance certificate Marriage/birth certificates (for family permits) Proof of investment or business activity (if applicable) Always check for certified translations and apostille requirements—a common cause of delays. Processing Times Approval times vary by country and permit type: Some EU nations process permits in 30–90 days, while others take longer due to bureaucratic backlogs. Investment-based permits often have priority lanes, sometimes processed in under 30 days. Family reunification permits can take 3–12 months, depending on the country and volume of applications. During the wait, you may or may not be allowed to stay in the country, depending on your visa or legal status. Some countries issue a temporary stay card while processing. Common Challenges Even solid applications can run into obstacles. These are the most common ones: Missing or mistranslated documents Unclear income sources (especially for freelancers or crypto holders) Expired documents or apostilles Tight deadlines for submitting paperwork Changes in local immigration policy during your process To avoid surprises, it helps to work with legal or immigration professionals, especially for permits involving investment or family reunification. Best Countries for Residence Permits Through Investment In 2025, several countries continue offering residence permits in exchange for investment. These aren’t limited to luxury real estate, some allow business setup, government bonds, or even simple income-based options. Here's a clear breakdown of where, how much, and what you get. Greece Greece's Golden Visa program has undergone significant changes in 2025. The investment thresholds have increased, and new categories have been introduced: €800,000: Minimum investment in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. €400,000: Applicable to properties in other regions of Greece. €250,000: For properties designated as listed buildings requiring restoration or properties converted from commercial to residential use, provided the conversion is completed before the application. Read our full guide to residence permits in Greece here. Portugal As of 2025, Portugal's Golden Visa program no longer includes real estate investment as an eligible option. Instead, applicants can qualify through: Investment Funds: A minimum investment of €500,000 in qualified Portuguese investment or venture capital funds. Job Creation: Establishing a business in Portugal that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Scientific or Technological Research: A capital transfer of €500,000 or more into public or private research institutions. Cultural or Heritage Preservation: A minimum contribution of €250,000 towards projects aimed at preserving Portugal’s cultural heritage. Malta The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) has updated its investment requirements for 2025: Government Contribution: €30,000 if purchasing property; €60,000 if leasing. Property Requirement: Purchase: Minimum value of €375,000. Lease: Minimum annual rent of €14,000. Administrative Fee: €50,000 (non-refundable). Donation: €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO. Dependents: €10,000 for each additional dependent. United Arab Emirates The UAE's Golden Visa program continues to offer long-term residency options for investors: Real Estate Investment: Minimum of AED 2 million (~$545,000) in property. Public Investments: AED 2 million in a UAE-accredited investment fund. Company Ownership: Establishing a company with a minimum capital of AED 2 million. The Golden Visa grants a 10-year renewable residency, allowing holders and their families to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Hungary Hungary's Golden Visa program, reintroduced in July 2024, offers a 10-year residence permit through the following investment options: Real Estate Investment Fund: Minimum investment of €250,000 in a government-approved fund. Public Trust Donation: A non-refundable donation of €1 million to a Hungarian institution supporting education or research. Applicants must first obtain a 6-month Guest Investor Visa, during which they must complete the investment. After fulfilling the investment requirement, they can apply for the 10-year residence permit. Maintaining Your Residence Permit Getting the permit is only step one. To keep your legal status, and eventually qualify for permanent residency or citizenship, you need to meet the renewal and compliance conditions specific to each country. Renewal Requirements Most temporary residence permits are issued for 1–5 years and must be renewed before expiration. Renewal often requires updated proof of income, valid accommodation, insurance, and in some cases, updated biometrics. Some countries also require proof that you haven't violated any laws or left the country for extended periods. Physical Presence Rules Some countries are flexible, while others demand actual residence. Portugal: Requires just 7 days/year of physical presence under its Golden Visa. Malta PRP: No physical stay required but property ownership must be maintained. UAE: Golden Visa holders must enter the UAE at least once every 6 months to keep the permit valid. Greece: No minimum stay, but frequent absence might affect eligibility for PR or citizenship. Tax Obligations Residency doesn't always equal tax residency, but in some cases, it does. Portugal’s NHR tax regime offers significant tax benefits, but it’s being phased out as of 2025. Learn more about Portugal’s NHR tax regime, its benefits, and who qualifies by reading our detailed guide here. Malta taxes residents on a remittance basis if they’re not domiciled. UAE has no personal income tax but may require proof of residence (e.g., tenancy contract, utility bills) to benefit from tax treaties. Always verify your tax residency status separately, especially if you're staying in multiple countries per year. Compliance Requirements Some programs require ongoing compliance: Investment maintenance (e.g. keeping a property or fund for 5 years) Annual government fees (common in Caribbean and Maltese programs) Reporting obligations (especially for business or fund-based routes) Family updates, such as adding dependents or renewing minor children’s permits Failure to comply may result in losing the permit and restarting the process from scratch. Your Path to Global Residency Starts with Strategy Whether you're relocating to reduce your tax exposure, gain EU access, secure long-term family stability, or diversify your assets, your ideal residence permit depends on your income, goals, and timeframe. To navigate these options properly, especially under the changing 2025 legal frameworks, it’s crucial to align your plan with verified legal standards, not promotional claims. Contact Savory & Partners to receive tailored guidance on residence permit options based on your unique financial profile, lifestyle preferences, and long-term objectives. FAQS on Residence Permits 1. Can I include my family in the residence permit application? Yes, most programs allow you to include your spouse, children, and in many cases, dependent parents or grandparents. Age limits and financial dependency rules vary by country, so it’s important to check the specific program’s definition of “dependent.” 2. Do I need to live in the country full-time to keep my residence permit? Not always. Countries like Greece, Malta, and Turkey don’t require you to live there year-round. Others, like Portugal, have minimum stay rules (e.g. 7 days per year) if you want to qualify for long-term benefits like citizenship. 3. Will I become a tax resident if I get a residence permit? Only if you spend a significant amount of time in the country, usually 183 days or more per year. Some countries (like Portugal or Malta) offer special tax regimes for foreign residents, while others (like the UAE) have no personal income tax at all. 4. Can I work or run a business with a residence permit? In most countries, yes, but it depends on the permit type. Investment-based residence permits typically allow you to start a business, while working as an employee might require an additional license or approval. Always check the conditions of your specific permit. 5. What happens if I sell the investment property or cancel the investment? Your residence permit may be revoked if the investment is no longer active or if it doesn’t meet the minimum required duration (often 5 years). Programs like Greece, Cyprus, and Malta require you to maintain the investment to stay compliant and eligible for renewal. References Government of Greece. (2024). Golden Visa Program: Amendments 2024–2025. Ministry of Migration & Asylum. Retrieved from https://migration.gov.gr/golden-visa/ Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Portugal). (2024). Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento (ARI). Retrieved from https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/residir/golden-visa/ Residency Malta Agency. (2024). Malta Permanent Residence Programme Guidelines. Government of Malta. Retrieved from https://residencymalta.gov.mt/permanent-residence/ Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (UAE). (2025). Golden Visa – Requirements and Procedures. Retrieved from https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/golden-visa/