In recent years, obtaining a European residence permit without a condition of presence has become one of the most popular immigration methods for people who do not intend to live permanently in a European country but want to enjoy its benefits. This type of residence allows applicants to benefit from the freedom of travel in the Schengen area, European financial and banking facilities, investment opportunities and even a path to citizenship without the need for permanent residence. Programs such as the Golden Visa, self-sponsored visas and investment in government bonds are among the options offered in different countries. Today and in this article, we are going to review the European residence permit without a condition of presence from 0 to 100. Follow us until the end.
European residence without a condition of presence is a type of residence that does not require the holder to be constantly present in the issuing country and can live outside that country without time restrictions. This type of residence is usually attractive to people who intend to benefit from the benefits of European residence, such as freedom of travel in the Schengen area, facilitating international trade, improving living conditions and the future of their children, but cannot permanently reside in the country of interest due to their job, business or lifestyle. Some of the common methods of obtaining this type of residence include investment programs, purchasing property, registering a company and even some self-supporting (financial means) methods that various European countries such as Portugal, Spain, Greece and Malta offer.
The benefits of European residence without a condition of presence are very significant, as individuals can benefit from the legal rights of a European resident without having to spend a certain period of time in the country of interest to maintain their residence. This advantage is especially important for entrepreneurs, investors and people with an international lifestyle who require frequent travel. In addition, in some cases, this type of residence can lead to obtaining citizenship and a European passport after a few years. However, each country has its own rules and to obtain this residence, it is necessary to review the conditions and choose the best option based on individual needs.
Benefits of European residency without presence requirements
1. Freedom of travel within the Schengen area
One of the most important benefits of a European residence permit without a presence requirement is the ability to travel freely to the Schengen area member states without the need for a visa. Holders of this type of residence permit can travel to more than 26 European countries without facing visa restrictions. This advantage is especially important for businessmen, entrepreneurs and people who need to travel frequently to European countries. In addition, this freedom of travel provides more opportunities to expand international business, participate in trade fairs, meet partners and benefit from European financial and banking services.
2. No need for mandatory residence in the exporting country
Unlike many immigration methods that require the applicant to be continuously present in the destination country, residence without a presence condition allows the individual to maintain their lifestyle and work in different countries without worrying about losing their residence. This feature is particularly important for those involved in international trade, managing cross-border businesses or traveling frequently. Also, individuals can benefit from the legal and economic benefits of a European country without changing their primary residence.
3. The possibility of benefiting from European financial and banking services
Having a European residence permit without a presence requirement allows you to use international bank accounts and advanced European financial services. This advantage is especially important for investors and entrepreneurs, as they can access Europe’s safe and stable banking system and conduct their transactions with greater confidence. This type of residence also allows individuals to benefit from lower tax rates, lucrative investment opportunities and credit facilities, which is a competitive advantage compared to many other countries.
4. Possibility of obtaining European citizenship and passport in the long term
In many countries that offer residency without a condition of presence, it is possible to convert this residency into citizenship after a few years. For example, countries such as Portugal and Malta allow you to apply for a European passport after five to seven years of residence. Having an EU passport means unrestricted access to all EU countries, the ability to live and work in any of these countries, and the rights and benefits of European citizenship. This advantage is particularly important for people looking for a more secure future for themselves and their families.
5. Use of the European quality education and healthcare system
People who receive European residence without a condition of presence can benefit from the high-quality education and healthcare systems in European countries. This means that their children can study in top European schools and universities and benefit from modern educational facilities and high scientific standards. Also, the possibility of using European health insurance and advanced medical services increases the level of well-being and security of the family. This is especially valuable for families seeking a quality life and a brighter future for their children.
European countries offering residency without presence conditions
1. Portugal
Portugal, with its Golden Visa program, is one of the most popular destinations for people seeking European residency without presence requirements. The program was launched in 2012 and allows foreign investors to obtain Portuguese residency by investing in real estate, creating jobs or transferring capital. One of the outstanding advantages of this program is the minimum presence requirement in the country. Applicants only need to stay for seven days in the first year and fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period. This feature allows investors to enjoy the benefits of European residency without having to permanently reside in Portugal. In addition, after five years, it is also possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
2. Greece
But Greece, like Portugal, offers a golden visa program to those seeking to reside in Europe without the need for a permanent presence. The program allows foreign investors to purchase property worth at least €250,000 and obtain a five-year Greek residency, which can be extended. One of the outstanding features of the program is that it does not require residency in Greece to maintain the residence permit. In other words, applicants can maintain their residency without having to be in the country continuously. This advantage is particularly attractive for those who have an international lifestyle or work in other countries. In addition, holders of this residency can travel freely within the Schengen area.
3. Spain
Spain offers a Golden Visa program that allows foreign investors to obtain residency in the country by investing in real estate. The minimum investment required for this program is 500,000 euros. One of the important advantages of this program is that it does not require continuous residence in Spain to maintain a residence permit. So that applicants can extend their residency without being constantly present in the country. This feature is especially useful for people who cannot permanently reside in Spain due to work or family obligations. In addition, after five years, it is possible to obtain permanent residency and after ten years, it is possible to apply for Spanish citizenship.
4. Malta
Malta offers foreigners the opportunity to obtain European residency through its residency by investment program without the need for continuous presence in the country. The program involves a combination of a non-refundable grant to the government, investment in real estate, and payment of administrative fees. One of the outstanding features of this program is that there is no need to physically reside in Malta to maintain a residence permit. In other words, applicants can maintain their residency without being continuously present in the country. This is especially attractive for people who have an international lifestyle or work in other countries. In addition, Malta is a suitable destination for investors due to its strategic geographical location and stable financial system.
5. Cyprus
But Cyprus also offers a permanent residency program through investment, allowing foreigners to obtain permanent residency in the country by investing in real estate worth at least 300,000 euros. One of the advantages of this program is that there is no need to be constantly present in Cyprus to maintain a residence permit. As a result, applicants only need to visit at least once every two years. This feature allows people who cannot permanently reside in Cyprus to benefit from the benefits of European residency. In addition, Cyprus is an attractive destination for international investors due to its favorable tax system and convenient geographical location.
6. Ireland
Ireland offers an Immigrant Investor Programme, which allows foreigners to obtain residency in the country by investing in approved projects. The minimum investment required is €1 million, which must be maintained for at least three years. One of the advantages of this programme is that there is no requirement for continuous residence in Ireland to maintain a residence permit. Applicants only need to stay for at least one day a year. This feature allows people who cannot permanently reside in Ireland to benefit from the benefits of European residency. In addition, Ireland is an attractive destination for international investors due to its dynamic economy and English as an official language.
Steps to obtain European residency without presence requirements
Obtaining European residency without a presence requirement is one of the best options for people who want to enjoy the benefits of residency in a European country without having to live permanently in it. This type of residency is usually possible through investment programs, company registration, property purchase, or other specific methods. Below, we will examine the main steps to obtain this type of residency:
1. Choosing the right country and appropriate residency program
The first and most important step in obtaining European residency without a presence requirement is choosing a country that offers attractive residency programs that suit your needs. Countries such as Portugal, Greece, Malta, Spain, and Cyprus offer programs that do not require permanent residence in that country. For example, the Portuguese Golden Visa program is one of the most popular options, which allows you to obtain permanent residency and even citizenship with just a few days of presence per year. At this stage, it is essential to carefully examine the financial conditions, investment amount, and laws of each country.
2. Choosing the right method to obtain residency
There are various ways to obtain European residency without a presence requirement, including investing in real estate, starting a business, buying government bonds, or special programs such as the “self-support visa” (a visa for people with independent income). For example, in Greece, you can obtain residency by purchasing a property worth at least 250,000 euros. In some countries, such as Austria and France, self-support programs are available for people with a fixed monthly income. Choosing the right method depends on the amount of capital, your long-term goals, and your personal circumstances.
3. Preparing and submitting the required documents
Each country requires a specific set of documents to issue a residence permit, which usually includes a valid passport, proof of financial means, investment documents (such as property or stock certificates), health insurance, a criminal record certificate, and sometimes a language certificate. For example, in the Spanish Golden Visa program, tax documents and a property certificate are required. It is crucial to complete and submit these documents correctly, as the slightest mistake may result in the rejection of the application. It is best to seek the help of professional immigration consultants at this stage.
4. Complete legal procedures and apply for a residence visa
Once you have your documents ready, you will need to file your formal application through the embassy or immigration office of your destination country. This process usually involves completing the relevant forms, paying an administrative fee, and conducting an in-person interview (in some countries). Investment programs may require a specific amount to be transferred to government accounts or an investment to be verified. The processing time for your application varies depending on the country and the method chosen, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
5. Obtaining a residence card and meeting minimum attendance requirements
Once your application is approved, you will be issued a residence card and can enjoy its benefits without having to permanently reside in the country. However, some programs may require you to be present in the country for at least a few days a year. For example, in the Portugal Golden Visa program, being present for 7 days a year is sufficient. It is very important to comply with these requirements, as failure to do so could result in the cancellation of your residence.
6. Extension of residence and the path to obtaining European citizenship
Most residency programs without attendance requirements initially offer temporary residency, which can be extended or converted into permanent residency after a few years. For example, in Portugal, citizenship can be applied for after 5 years and in Spain after 10 years. During this time, tax and legal requirements of the respective country must be met. If you are applying for a European passport, you may need to prove your connection to the country (such as learning the language or having economic ties).
4. Possibility of obtaining European citizenship and passport in the long term
In many countries that offer residency without a condition of presence, it is possible to convert this residency into citizenship after a few years. For example, countries such as Portugal and Malta allow you to apply for a European passport after five to seven years of residence. Having an EU passport means unrestricted access to all EU countries, the ability to live and work in any of these countries, and the rights and benefits of European citizenship. This advantage is particularly important for people looking for a more secure future for themselves and their families.
Final Words
As you can see, in this article, we have thoroughly introduced and reviewed the European residence without the condition of presence. We learned that obtaining European residence without the condition of presence is a great opportunity for people who are looking to benefit from the facilities of Europe without having to leave their country. By choosing a suitable country, reviewing the residence methods, completing the required documents and complying with the legal requirements, you can easily obtain this type of residence. In addition, many programs lead to permanent residence and even citizenship after a few years. Therefore, if you are looking for financial security, freedom of travel and new opportunities in Europe, this path can be an ideal option for you. To succeed in this path, it is highly recommended to consult with immigration lawyers and carefully study the laws of the country in question. Thank you for your support.
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