How to Secure a European Residency Without Investing Millions

Breaking Down the Most Affordable EU Residency Options

For many individuals and families, securing European residency is an attractive goal, offering greater global mobility, improved quality of life, tax benefits, and business opportunities. However, not everyone can afford costly Golden Visas that require high-value real estate investments or large financial commitments. Fortunately, several European countries offer affordable residency programs that do not require millions in investments.

In this guide, we break down the most accessible European residency programs, covering Portugal's D7, D2, and D8 Visas, Italy’s Representative Office Visa and Elective Residency Permit, Spain’s Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad Visas, and Greece’s Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa.

Portugal Residency Options

Portugal is one of the most attractive countries for affordable European residency, offering multiple programs for different profiles.

1. Portugal D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

Best For: Retirees, financially independent individuals, and remote workers with passive income.

The D7 Visa is one of the most popular options for securing Portuguese residency without a large capital investment. It is designed for individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income, such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or savings.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum passive income of €10,440 per year (single applicant, higher for families).
• Proof of long-term accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property ownership).
• Access to Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years.

Benefits:

?? Low financial threshold

?? Access to the Portuguese healthcare and education system

?? Option to apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) 2.0 tax benefits

?? Leads to permanent residency and citizenship

2. Portugal D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)

Best For: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners who want to establish a company in Portugal.

The D2 Visa is aimed at individuals who wish to start a business or invest in Portugal, but it does not require a massive capital investment.

Key Requirements:

• A well-structured business plan demonstrating economic viability.
• Company registration in Portugal (can be a startup, small business, or self-employment setup).
• Proof of financial means to support yourself and the business.

Benefits:

?? Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

?? Can bring family members under the same residency permit.

?? No strict investment threshold—just a viable business plan and some initial capital.

3. Portugal D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)

Best For: Remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs earning a foreign income.

Launched in 2022, Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) is an excellent option for professionals who work remotely but want to live in Portugal.

Key Requirements:

• Proof of a remote job, freelance work, or an online business.
• Minimum monthly income of €3,480.
• A valid rental agreement or property ownership in Portugal.

Benefits:

?? Allows tax advantages under the NHR 2.0 regime.

?? No requirement to start a business in Portugal.

?? Family reunification is possible.

?? Leads to permanent residency and citizenship.

Italy Residency Options

Italy offers unique visa programs that allow residency without substantial investments.

4. Italy’s Representative Office Visa

Best For: Non-EU business owners or executives expanding a foreign business to Italy.

This visa is an ideal pathway for those looking to establish a Representative Office in Italy without making a major capital investment.

Key Requirements:

• A foreign company must register a Representative Office in Italy.
• The applicant must be a company director or representative.
• Proof of financial means to cover living expenses in Italy.

Benefits:

?? No minimum investment required.

?? Access to Italian residency for business owners.

?? Can transition into permanent residency and citizenship.

5. Italy’s Elective Residence Permit

Best For: Retirees or financially independent individuals with stable income.

The Elective Residency Visa is a passive income-based residency permit ideal for individuals who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum income requirement of €32,000 per year for a single applicant.
• Proof of long-term accommodation in Italy.
• Cannot work in Italy but can earn from foreign investments and assets.

Benefits:

?? No business or property investment required.

?? Access to Italy’s healthcare and lifestyle benefits.

?? Leads to permanent residency and citizenship.

Spain Residency Options

Spain offers two affordable residency routes without major capital investment.

6. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

Best For: Retirees and financially independent individuals.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum passive income of €28,800 per year.
• Cannot engage in work or business activities in Spain.

Benefits:

?? No investment required.

?? Path to permanent residency after 5 years.

?? Access to Spain’s public healthcare and education system.

7. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Best For: Remote workers and freelancers.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum monthly income of €2,520.
• Proof of remote work for a non-Spanish company.

Benefits:

?? Offers low tax rates under Spain’s Beckham Law.

?? Faster residency process compared to NLV.

?? Access to Spanish permanent residency and citizenship.

8. Greece’s Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa

Best For: Individuals with passive income who want Greek residency without investments.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum passive income of €3,500 per month.
• Proof of accommodation in Greece.

Benefits:

?? No real estate or business investment required.

?? Access to Greek permanent residency and EU benefits.

?? Leads to citizenship after 7 years.

If you’re looking for European residency without spending millions, these programs offer flexible, cost-effective routes to establish a long-term presence in Europe.

?? Portugal’s D7, D2, and D8 Visas are perfect for retirees, business owners, and remote workers.

?? Italy’s Representative Office Visa and Elective Residency Permit offer great options for business owners and retirees.

?? Spain’s NLV and Digital Nomad Visa provide tax-friendly residency choices.

?? Greece’s FIP Visa is a simple way to get EU residency with passive income.

Ready to explore your residency options? Contact us today to find the best program for your needs!