Full-service immigration consultancy for:
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Individuals and Families: Remote employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs, investors, retirees, and financially independent applicants considering residence in Europe.
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Companies & Corporate Teams: Businesses relocating founders, employees, or international specialists to Europe.
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Professional Partners: We work with law firms, relocation companies, real estate agencies, travel companies, tour operators, tax advisers and independent consultants that require immigration support for their clients.
Our Services
Explore the main residence programs we currently focus on. We also support selected other routes and continue to expand our services.
Ideal for freelancers, remote employees and online professionals with stable income from outside Spain. One of the fastest and most straightforward ways to relocate to Spain legally.
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Savings from €7,200/yr (IPREM)
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Full work rights
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1-3 months
Spain Startup Visa
For entrepreneurs, founders and qualified professionals. Ideal for applicants with innovative business ideas or professionals joining Spanish startups as co-founders.
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Savings from €29,000
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No work rights
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2-4 months
Spain Passive income
For investors and financially independent applicants. Designed for individuals with sufficient savings or stable passive income who want to live comfortably and enjoy life in Spain.
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Fast, zero-paperwork, 4-years residency
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3–4 months
France Talent Visa for Startups
For entrepreneurs, investors and high-skilled professionals. A practical route to EU residency in one of Europe’s strongest economies, with realistic requirements and a long-term, stable residence status.
Not only for startup founders — this option may also suit advisors, entrepreneurs, investors, qualified professionals and domain experts.
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Income €3,680/mo
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IFICI eligible
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
For remote employees and freelancers with stable income from abroad.
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Savings €11,040
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Business plan required
Portugal Entrepreneur Visa (D2)
For founders and business operators. Company formation is included.
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Income from €920/mo
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No work required
Portugal Passive Income Visa (D7)
For retirees, investors and financially independent applicants with passive income.
Meet Our Team
Our specialists help you choose the right immigration path, prepare the required documents, and move through the entire process with confidence — from the initial assessment to final approval.
Iurii Kamaev - CEO
Iurii Kamaev is the CEO and founder of the company. More than 15 years ago, he began his professional journey by founding Housage, a company focused on real estate solutions for clients applying for investment-based residency and citizenship programs.
Over time, he developed a separate immigration services direction for clients who need visa and residence support without a property purchase.
Yunis Gasanov - Immigration Consultant.
Yunis Gasanov- leads the immigration practice and oversees visa and residence cases from the initial assessment to the key stages of the application process. His role includes reviewing complex client situations, defining the appropriate immigration strategy, supervising document preparation, and ensuring that each case is handled with legal accuracy, structure and clear communication.
Raphael Zimmer - Lawyer, Bar No. 43836
Raphael Zimmer works on visa and immigration matters, helping clients understand legal requirements and choose the most suitable residence route. His work includes reviewing immigration documents, advising on application strategy, and supporting clients through consular and in-country procedures. In this role, legal precision, attention to detail and a clear understanding of each applicant’s personal circumstances are essential.
Taisa Makukhina - Immigration Consultant.
Taisa Makukhina is an Immigration Consultant supporting clients through visa and residence procedures. Her work focuses on assessing each client’s situation, identifying the most suitable immigration pathway, preparing document checklists, and guiding applicants through the main stages of the process with clear and practical support.
Eugeniia Bogacheva - Immigration Consultant
Eugeniia Bogacheva is an Immigration Consultant assisting clients with visa and residence procedures. She specialises in Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and has proven experience working with different income structures, including remote employment, freelance activity and other eligible sources of income. Her work includes reviewing applicant profiles and preparing document requirements.
Featured In
Media coverage featuring our founder and his projects in leading Spanish publications.
Our Numbers
Our experience combines immigration support, international relocation and many years of working with clients from different countries.
2000+
Clients Served Across Group Projects
15+
Years of Experience
100+
Companies trust us with their clients' visa & residency needs
99 %
Approval Rate for Submitted Cases
Selected Client Cases
Remote employee of a UK company with stable foreign income. Moved to Barcelona with his wife and one child.
Michael, London, UK
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Startup founder with an innovative business project. Secured long-term residence status to develop his company in France.
Antoine, Paris, France
France Talent Visa for Startups
Financially independent applicant with savings and passive income. Moved to Europe to enjoy a stable residence status and comfortable lifestyle.
Robert, Sydney, Australia
Passive Income & Investor Visa
Remote worker with stable income from abroad. Relocated to Portugal with his spouse under the D8 visa route.
David, Toronto, Canada
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Compare Digital Nomad, Golden and Passive Income Visas in Europe
Moving to Europe is not simply a question of choosing a country. The type of income you receive, whether you plan to continue working, how much time you intend to spend in Europe and whether you are relocating with family all affect which residence route may be available.
VisaToResident helps remote professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, retirees and financially independent applicants compare European visa and residence programs before committing to an application.
Written by Iurii Kamaev, founder of Housage.es and CEO of Visa to Resident. Content is developed in collaboration with Raphael Zimmer, an external licensed Spanish immigration lawyer registered with the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB), Bar Association No. 43836.
Last updated: July 29, 2026
What Are Digital Nomad, Golden and Non-Lucrative Visas?
A digital nomad visa gives qualifying remote employees, freelancers and online business owners the right to live in a country while earning most or all of their income from employers or clients based elsewhere.
A golden visa is a residence permit granted in return for a qualifying investment. Depending on the country, the investment may involve a regulated fund, business, government bonds, real estate or another approved asset.
A non-lucrative visa is intended for financially independent applicants who can support themselves without working. In Europe, the name is used primarily for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa.
Portugal offers a similar route for people living on pensions or other recurring personal income. It is commonly known as the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa, although its rules and work rights differ from those of Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa.
Choosing the Right European Residence Route
There is no universal “best visa.” A program that works well for a remote software developer may be completely unsuitable for a retired couple or an investor who spends only a few weeks a year in Europe.
The main routes covered by VisaToResident are:
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Digital Nomad Visas for remote employees, freelancers and online business owners.
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Golden Visas and residence-by-investment programs for qualifying investors.
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Passive Income Visas for retirees and financially independent applicants.
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Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa for people who want to live in Spain without working.
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Portugal’s D7 Visa for people supported by pensions, rental income, dividends or other recurring personal income.
Before choosing a route, applicants should look beyond the headline income or investment threshold. Work rights, taxation, renewal conditions, family eligibility and the path to permanent residence can be just as important.
Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Workers and Freelancers
A digital nomad visa allows a non-EU citizen to live legally in a European country while continuing eligible remote work.
Most applicants fall into one of three groups:
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Remote employees working for companies established abroad.
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Freelancers and independent contractors serving international clients.
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Business owners who can manage their companies remotely.
Other eligible profiles may include consultants, developers, designers, marketers, writers, agency owners and professionals delivering services online.
The exact rules differ from country to country. Some programs require all professional income to come from abroad. Others allow a limited amount of work with local clients.
Applicants are normally asked to demonstrate:
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A genuine employment, freelance or business relationship.
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Regular and sufficiently high income.
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Professional qualifications or relevant work experience.
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Health insurance.
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Suitable accommodation.
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A clean criminal record.
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Evidence that the employer or business has been operating for a minimum period.
How Much Income Is Required?
Income thresholds are set nationally and can change each year.
Across the better-known European programs, a single applicant will often need to show between €2,000 and €3,500 per month, although some countries set a higher figure.
Additional income is normally required for a spouse, partner or dependent child. A bank balance can strengthen an application, but many digital nomad programs are primarily interested in stable and recurring professional income.
Immigration authorities may also look at how long the income has been received, whether it is likely to continue and whether the underlying contract or business activity is genuine.
Why Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?
A European Digital Nomad Visa may offer:
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Legal residence beyond the standard short-stay allowance.
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Permission to continue qualifying remote work.
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Residence rights for eligible family members.
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Short-stay travel across participating Schengen countries.
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Access to long-term accommodation and local banking.
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A possible route to permanent residence.
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Access to special tax treatment in selected cases.
A residence permit and a special tax regime are not the same thing. Obtaining a visa does not automatically make foreign income tax-free.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is available to qualifying non-EU remote employees and independent professionals who work mainly for companies or clients outside Spain.
Remote employees generally need to work for an employer established abroad. Self-employed professionals may carry out a limited proportion of their professional activity for Spanish clients.
Spain is particularly attractive to applicants looking for a multi-year residence route, family relocation and a possible path to permanent residence.
Some applicants may also qualify for Spain’s special tax regime for inbound workers. This requires a separate tax assessment and should not be assumed simply because the immigration application has been approved.
Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal’s remote-work residence route is commonly called the D8 Digital Nomad Visa.
It is intended for people whose principal income comes from employment or independent professional activity performed remotely for businesses or clients outside Portugal.
The D8 Visa should not be confused with the Portugal D7 Visa. The D7 is primarily associated with pensions and recurring personal income, while the D8 is designed for active remote work.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Italy offers residence options for qualifying digital nomads and remote workers carrying out highly skilled professional activity.
Applicants must be prepared to document their professional background, income, accommodation, insurance and the legal basis of their employment or self-employment.
Italy may appeal to applicants who want to combine remote work with long-term residence in one of Europe’s largest economies, but the professional eligibility rules can be more demanding than those of some competing programs.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Greece allows qualifying non-EU professionals to reside in the country while working remotely for employers or clients located abroad.
The program is often considered by applicants who want a Mediterranean lifestyle while retaining their international work and income.
As with other digital nomad routes, applicants should examine not only the income threshold but also taxation, renewal rules and the amount of time they intend to spend in Greece.
Compare European Digital Nomad Visas.
Golden Visas and European Residence by Investment
A golden visa is a residence permit obtained through a qualifying investment.
The name is widely used, but there is no single European Golden Visa system. Every country sets its own investment routes, holding periods, residence requirements and family rules.
Depending on the jurisdiction, qualifying investments may include:
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Regulated investment funds.
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Shares or capital contributions to local companies.
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Innovative startups.
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Government bonds.
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Approved real estate.
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Business projects and job creation.
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Scientific research.
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Cultural or philanthropic contributions.
Golden Visas are most relevant to investors who value flexibility. Some programs allow the residence permit to be maintained without spending most of the year in the country.
Why Investors Consider Golden Visas
Potential benefits include:
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Residence rights for the investor and eligible family members.
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Limited minimum-stay requirements in selected countries.
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Short-stay Schengen travel when the permit is issued by a Schengen country.
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The ability to maintain a primary home or business outside Europe.
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Access to local education, healthcare and financial services, subject to national rules.
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A possible future route to permanent residence or citizenship.
A Golden Visa does not amount to purchasing an EU passport.
In many countries, the residence permit can be maintained with relatively little physical presence, while permanent residence or citizenship requires considerably more time in the country
Greece Golden Visa
Greece continues to operate one of Europe’s most prominent real estate residence programs.
The applicable investment threshold depends on the property’s location and classification. Current real estate routes generally include thresholds of:
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€800,000 in specified high-demand locations.
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€400,000 in other areas.
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€250,000 for certain qualifying conversion and restoration projects.
Applicants should also examine restrictions concerning property use, minimum size and short-term rentals before making a purchase.
Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal’s residence-by-investment program remains open, but the available investment routes have changed.
Direct residential property purchases no longer qualify for new Golden Visa applications. Current routes may include regulated investment funds, business investment, job creation, scientific research and cultural contributions.
The program is often considered by investors who want a relatively limited physical-presence requirement and a possible long-term route to Portuguese citizenship. Citizenship eligibility remains subject to separate legal requirements.
Italy Investor Visa
Italy offers an Investor Visa for non-EU citizens making a qualifying investment in the country.
Eligible routes may include:
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Innovative Italian startups.
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Established Italian companies.
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Government bonds.
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Approved philanthropic projects.
The visa is initially issued for two years. The investment must be completed within the legally required period after arrival and maintained for the residence permit to be renewed.
Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit
Hungary offers a residence route for qualifying guest investors.
The program has undergone changes, and the available investment mechanisms should be checked immediately before applying or transferring funds.
Applicants should pay particular attention to whether the proposed investment is currently accepted, the required holding period and the documents needed to demonstrate the source of funds.
Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment
Cyprus offers permanent residence to qualifying investors.
The minimum qualifying investment is generally €300,000, together with separate income and compliance requirements.
Cyprus is a member of the European Union but is not currently part of the Schengen Area. Its permanent residence program should therefore not be described as identical to a Schengen Golden Visa.
A Golden Visa Does Not Automatically Create Tax Residence
Holding a European investment residence permit does not, by itself, necessarily make the holder a tax resident.
Tax residence is usually determined by domestic criteria such as:
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Number of days spent in the country.
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Location of the permanent home.
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Place where close family members live.
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Centre of economic interests.
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Centre of vital interests.
Where two countries consider the same person tax resident, the relevant double-tax treaty may determine which country has priority.
Explore European Golden Visa Programs.
Which European Visa Programs Are Still Open in 2026?
Visa programs change more often than many comparison websites suggest. Investment routes are closed, income thresholds are revised, and eligibility conditions can change without older articles being updated.
The following statuses were last reviewed on July 29, 2026. The rules should be checked again before submitting an application, buying property or transferring investment capital.
Open for Applications
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open
Current position: Qualifying remote employees and independent professionals may apply when their work is carried out mainly for companies or clients outside Spain.
Official source: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Digital Nomad Visa guidance.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open
Current position: Available to non-EU citizens who can support themselves in Spain without employment, self-employment or remote professional activity under this residence status.
Official source: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Non-Lucrative Residence Visa guidance.
Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open
Current position: Portugal continues to offer a residence route for retirees and people living on stable income from their own resources.
Official source: Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, national visa categories.
Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open
Current position: Available to qualifying remote employees and independent professionals working for employers or clients outside Portugal.
Official source: Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, residence visa documentation.
Italy Investor Visa
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open to qualifying applicants
Current position: Italy continues to accept approved investments in startups, companies, government bonds and philanthropic projects.
Official source: Investor Visa for Italy, official government portal.
Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open under the qualifying routes currently in force
Current position: Applicants must use an investment route accepted under the current legislation.
Official source: Enter Hungary, residence permit information.
Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open
Current position: Qualifying investors may apply through an eligible investment of at least €300,000, provided that the income, source-of-funds and compliance requirements are met.
Official source: Cyprus Migration Department, Immigration Permits for Investors.
Recently Changed
Portugal Golden Visa
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open, with revised investment routes
Main change: Direct residential property acquisition is no longer accepted. Fund, business, employment, research and cultural routes may remain available.
Official source: Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, ARI guidance.
Greece Golden Visa
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Open, with revised property thresholds
Main change: Investment amounts now depend on the property’s location and classification. Additional restrictions apply to certain property uses and qualifying projects.
Official source: Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Golden Visa guidance.
Closed to New Applicants
Spain Golden Visa
Last checked: July 29, 2026
Status: Closed to new applicants
Closure date: April 3, 2025
Main change: Spain removed the legal provisions governing new investor visas and investor residence permits. Transitional rules may still apply to qualifying applications or permits dating from before the closure.
Official source: Spanish Official State Gazette, Law 14/2013.
Spain’s Golden Visa should not be presented as an active option for a new investor applying in 2026.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: Residence Without Working
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is aimed at non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain and can support themselves without working.
It is primarily used by retirees, people with passive income and applicants with sufficient accessible savings.
Who Qualifies for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
The route may be suitable for:
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Retirees receiving a pension.
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Property owners receiving rental income.
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Investors receiving dividends or distributions.
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People receiving royalties.
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Applicants with substantial savings.
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Families that can live in Spain without employment income.
The applicant must show that the household has enough money to reside in Spain without relying on employment, freelance work or professional services.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Income Requirement in 2026
The minimum financial requirement is calculated using Spain’s IPREM indicator.
For 2026, the principal applicant generally needs to demonstrate:
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€2,400 per month, or
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€28,800 for the initial year.
Each dependent generally adds:
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€600 per month, or
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€7,200 per year.
The consulate may examine not only the amount but also the source, accessibility and stability of the funds.
Can Savings Be Used Instead of Passive Income?
Yes. Savings can be used to demonstrate financial means.
However, the applicant should show that the money is:
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Legally obtained.
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Readily accessible.
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Sufficient for the full residence period.
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Supported by consistent banking documentation.
A large transfer made shortly before the application may lead to questions about the origin and availability of the funds.
Can You Work Remotely on a Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa does not authorize employment, self-employment, professional services or teleworking.
Applicants who intend to continue working remotely should normally consider Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa instead.
Choosing the Non-Lucrative route while planning to continue regular professional activity can create difficulties at the application or renewal stage.
Private Health Insurance
Applicants must hold qualifying health insurance with an insurer authorized to operate in Spain.
The policy should provide comprehensive coverage. Consulates may reject policies containing:
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Significant exclusions.
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Waiting periods.
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Co-payments.
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Insufficient geographical coverage.
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Coverage that does not match the Spanish public healthcare system.
The insurer and policy conditions should be checked against the requirements of the consulate handling the application.
Application Documents
The application usually includes:
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National visa application form.
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Residence authorization form.
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Valid passport.
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Proof of financial resources.
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Health insurance certificate.
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Criminal-record certificate.
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Medical certificate.
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Proof of payment of the relevant fees.
Foreign public documents may need an apostille or legalization. Documents not issued in Spanish may also require a sworn translation.
Initial Visa and Renewal Periods
The initial residence authorization is generally valid for one year from the applicant’s entry into Spain.
A successful renewal is normally granted for two years, provided that the applicant continues meeting the financial, insurance and residence requirements.
Residence Requirements
The Non-Lucrative Visa is intended for people who genuinely live in Spain.
Under the current renewal rules, applicants must demonstrate real and effective residence in Spain for more than 183 days during the calendar year.
Long absences may affect renewal and can also interrupt the period required for long-term residence.
Tax Residency
A person who spends more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year will generally be considered a Spanish tax resident.
Tax residency may also arise under other tests, including the location of the individual’s principal economic interests.
Immigration residence and tax residence are related but not identical. Applicants should review their tax position before relocating, particularly when they hold foreign investments, companies, property or pension income.
Permanent Residence After Five Years
Time spent legally residing in Spain under the Non-Lucrative status may count toward long-term residence.
Applicants may become eligible after five years of qualifying legal and continuous residence, provided that they comply with the applicable absence limits and other conditions.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Applications may be refused because of:
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Insufficient financial resources.
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Poorly documented savings.
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Unclear source of funds.
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Evidence that the applicant intends to work.
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Health insurance that does not meet consular requirements.
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Missing apostilles or translations.
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Incomplete criminal-record documentation.
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Contradictions between the documents and the stated relocation plan.
Read the Complete Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Guide.
Passive Income Visas: Spain Non-Lucrative Visa vs Portugal D7
Spain and Portugal both offer residence routes for people who can support themselves without relying on a local salary. However, the programs are not identical.
Spain uses the name Non-Lucrative Visa. Portugal’s comparable program is commonly known as the D7 Passive Income Visa.
The two routes differ in their financial thresholds, work rights and residence procedures.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
The Spanish program is intended for applicants who do not plan to work.
It is often used by:
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Retirees.
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People receiving rent.
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Investors living on dividends.
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Applicants receiving royalties.
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People supported by substantial savings.
The main applicant generally needs to demonstrate at least €2,400 per month in 2026, with an additional amount for every dependent.
Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa is commonly used by retirees and people receiving stable income from their own resources.
Qualifying income may include:
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Pensions.
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Rental income.
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Dividends.
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Interest.
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Investment distributions.
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Royalties.
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Other recurring personal income.
The financial benchmark is linked to Portugal’s national minimum wage, which is €920 per month in 2026.
In practice, applicants are normally expected to show suitable accommodation, additional savings and sufficient financial resources for accompanying family members.
The initial D7 visa allows entry into Portugal so that the applicant can complete the residence permit process.
Once the residence permit is granted, the holder generally has broader access to employment and self-employment than a holder of Spain’s Non-Lucrative residence status.
Applicants whose income comes mainly from active remote work should normally consider Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa vs Portugal D7 Visa
Which Route Is More Suitable?
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa may be the better option for applicants who want to live specifically in Spain, have sufficient savings or passive income and do not intend to work.
The Portugal D7 Visa may appeal to people looking for a lower initial income benchmark and broader work rights after receiving residence.
The choice should not be based only on the minimum income figure. Taxation, accommodation, residence obligations, healthcare, family plans and long-term citizenship goals should also be considered.
Compare Passive Income Visas
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Requirements
Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa Requirements
Digital Nomad Visa vs Golden Visa vs Passive Income Visa
Which Visa Should You Choose?
A Digital Nomad Visa May Suit You If:
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You need to continue working.
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Your work can be performed remotely.
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Most of your income comes from foreign employers or clients.
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You can demonstrate stable professional income.
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You want to relocate with your family.
A Golden Visa May Suit You If:
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You have capital available for a qualifying investment.
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You want flexibility over the amount of time spent in the country.
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You intend to retain your main business or home outside Europe.
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You want residence rights for family members.
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You understand that citizenship may require significantly more physical presence.
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa May Suit You If:
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You want to live in Spain.
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You do not need to work.
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You receive pension, rental, dividend or royalty income.
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You have sufficient accessible savings.
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You intend to spend most of the year in Spain.
Portugal’s D7 Visa May Suit You If:
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You receive recurring personal or pension income.
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You want to establish genuine residence in Portugal.
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You can demonstrate accommodation and sufficient savings.
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You want broader work flexibility after obtaining residence.
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Portugal matches your plans for permanent residence or citizenship.
From Visa to Residence
1. Review Your Immigration Profile
We examine your nationality, work arrangements, income sources, family situation, available capital and preferred destinations.
2. Compare the Available Routes
We identify the Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa or passive-income route that most closely matches your circumstances.
3. Prepare a Document Strategy
You receive a practical list of the documents needed to demonstrate employment, income, investment, experience, accommodation, insurance and family relationships.
4. Submit the Application
The application is prepared according to the requirements of the relevant consulate, immigration authority or investment program.
5. Complete the Residence Process
After approval, the final steps may include entry into the country, address registration, biometric appointments, residence card issuance and tax or social security registration.
Start Your Visa Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A Digital Nomad Visa allows a non-EU citizen to live in a country while continuing qualifying remote work.
The applicant normally works for a foreign employer, provides services to international clients or manages an eligible business outside the destination country.
Which Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?
European countries with digital nomad or comparable remote-work residence routes include Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta and Estonia.
The programs differ in their income requirements, permit length, family rules, tax treatment and path to permanent residence.
What Is the Easiest Digital Nomad Visa in Europe?
There is no single easiest option.
A route that works well for an employee may be difficult for a freelancer or company owner. The answer depends on the applicant’s income, nationality, professional history, family situation and ability to provide the required documents.
How Much Income Is Required for a Digital Nomad Visa?
Many European programs require between approximately €2,000 and €3,500 per month for a principal applicant, although some set a higher threshold.
The required amount normally increases when family members are included.
Can Family Members Join a Digital Nomad?
Many programs allow a spouse, partner and dependent children to apply with the principal applicant or join later.
Additional income, insurance and legalized family documents may be required.
What Is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residence permit based on a qualifying investment.
The investment may involve funds, companies, government bonds, research, cultural contributions or real estate, depending on the country
Which European Countries Still Offer Golden Visas?
As of July 29, 2026, active or comparable investment residence routes remain available in countries including Portugal, Greece, Italy, Hungary and Cyprus.
Spain’s Golden Visa closed to new applicants on April 3, 2025.
What Is the Cheapest Golden Visa in Europe?
Some qualifying investment routes begin at around €250,000.
However, the total cost may be higher once government charges, taxes, legal fees, fund costs and holding requirements are included.
The lowest headline investment is not always the least expensive or lowest-risk option.
Does a Golden Visa Lead to Citizenship?
Not automatically.
Citizenship normally requires a separate period of legal residence, compliance with absence limits and, in some countries, language and integration requirements.
What Is a Non-Lucrative Visa?
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa allows qualifying non-EU citizens to live in Spain without working.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and suitable private health insurance.
Can I Work Remotely on a Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
No. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not authorize employment, professional services, self-employment or teleworking.
Remote professionals should normally consider Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa.
Can Savings Qualify for a Non-Lucrative Visa?
Yes, savings can be used to demonstrate financial resources.
Applicants should show that the funds are accessible, sufficient and lawfully obtained. Consulates may also review account history and the overall stability of the applicant’s finances.
Which Visa Is Best for Retirement in Europe?
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa may suit retirees who want to live in Spain and do not intend to work.
Portugal’s D7 Visa may suit retirees receiving regular pension or passive income who want to establish residence in Portugal.
The decision should also take taxation, healthcare, cost of living and long-term residence plans into account.
Which Visa Has the Lowest Minimum-Stay Requirement?
Selected investment residence programs generally have the lowest minimum-stay obligations.
Portugal’s ARI and other Golden Visa routes may require far less physical presence than standard residence permits.
The minimum stay needed to maintain a permit may still be insufficient for permanent residence or citizenship.
Which European Residence Permit Is Best for US and UK Citizens?
US and UK citizens generally need an appropriate residence permit to live in an EU country beyond the standard short-stay period.
Remote professionals may consider a Digital Nomad Visa. Retirees and financially independent applicants may consider Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa or Portugal’s D7 Visa.
Investors seeking greater travel flexibility may consider an active residence-by-investment program.
Start with the Right Residence Route
Choosing the wrong visa can lead to unnecessary expenses, delays, tax complications or an application that does not match the applicant’s real circumstances.
VisaToResident helps you compare the available programs before committing to a country, investment or application strategy.
Tell us how you earn your income, where you want to live, whether you plan to continue working and which family members will relocate with you.
We will help you identify the route that offers the clearest path from visa to residence.
Legal Notice
Immigration, investment and tax rules vary by country and may change.
The information on this page is general and should not be treated as individual legal, tax or investment advice.
Eligibility must be assessed under the legislation, administrative practice and consular requirements in force at the time and place of application.