The 14 Easiest and Cheapest Second Residencies in 2025

Taxes April 22, 2025
The 14 Easiest and Cheapest Second Residencies in 2025

Introduction
Obtaining a second residency in the European Union (EU) can open doors to better travel freedom, tax optimization, business opportunities, and enhanced lifestyle options. While some EU residency programs require significant investments, there are still affordable and straightforward pathways available. This article explores the 14 easiest and most cost-effective ways to secure a second residency in the EU, highlighting their requirements, benefits, and suitability for non-EU citizens.

 

1. Belgium

Belgium offers an accessible pathway to residency for entrepreneurs and investors.

  • How to Qualify:

    • Start a business or make a significant investment in a Belgian company.

    • Apply for a long-stay visa first, then transition to residency.

  • Cost: Variable, depending on business setup and investment.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: After 5 years of legal residence.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.

    • Pathway to one of the most powerful EU passports.

 

2. Malta

Malta offers residency through the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP).

  • Investment Options:

    • Purchase property worth at least €300,000 (south Malta) or €350,000 (rest of the island).

    • Rent a property with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 (south Malta) or €12,000 (rest of the island).

  • Additional Costs:

    • €40,000 administrative fee.

    • Government contribution: €68,000 (property purchase) or €98,000 (rental option).

    • €2,000 donation to charity.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: After 5 years of permanent residency.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

    • High-quality healthcare and education.

 

3. Portugal

Portugal's Golden Visa Program remains one of the most popular residency routes in Europe.

  • Investment Options:

    • €500,000 in venture capital or private equity funds.

    • €500,000 donation to scientific research.

    • €250,000 donation to arts or cultural preservation.

  • Residency Duration: 5 years before applying for permanent residency.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: After 5 years of residency.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.

    • Flexible stay requirements.

 

4. Spain

Spain's Golden Visa program offers residency through real estate investment.

  • Investment Requirement: Minimum investment of €500,000 in Spanish real estate.

  • Renewal Period: Every two years.

  • Permanent Residency: After 5 years.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: After 10 years.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Family inclusion.

    • No mandatory stay to renew residency.

 

5. Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers an affordable pathway to EU residency with flexible investment options.

  • Residency Process:

    • Apply for a long-term stay permit (renewable annually).

    • No fast-track citizenship available.

  • Schengen Membership: As of 2024, Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: After 5 years of permanent residency.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Visa-free travel across the EU.

    • Simple application process.

 

6. Cyprus

Cyprus provides permanent residency through property investment.

  • Investment Requirement:

    • €300,000 minimum in real estate.

    • Deposit at least €30,000 from abroad into a Cypriot bank.

  • Annual Income Requirement: Proof of stable income.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: After 7 years.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Stable legal framework.

    • Residency extends to family members.

 

7. Austria

Austria offers residency through investment or demonstrating financial independence.

  • Investment Options:

    • As a person of independent means, prove access to at least €40,000 in liquid assets.

    • As a key manager, earn a minimum monthly salary of €2,500.

  • Residency Permit Cost: Approximately €120 per adult.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: After 10 years.

  • Key Benefits:

    • High-quality living standards.

    • Access to Schengen countries.

 

8. Greece

Greece offers one of the most affordable Golden Visa programs.

  • Investment Requirement: Purchase property worth at least €250,000.

  • Renewal Period: Every 5 years.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: After 7 years of residency.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Visa-free Schengen access.

    • No stay requirement for maintaining residency.

 

9. Latvia

Latvia offers residency through investment or property purchase.

  • Investment Options:

    • €250,000 in real estate.

    • €280,000 in a bank deposit.

  • Additional Fees: Government fees ranging from €12,000 to €25,000.

  • Renewal: Every 5 years.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Simple renewal process.

    • Flexible residency terms.

 

10. Montenegro

Montenegro offers residency through simple property acquisition.

  • Investment Requirement: Any property purchase, regardless of value.

  • Residency Requirements: Must spend part of the year in Montenegro.

  • Citizenship Eligibility: Not automatically available through this route.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Low tax rates.

    • Simple application process.

 

11. Albania

Albania offers one of Europe’s most affordable residency options.

  • Investment Requirement: Purchase property (no set minimum value).

  • Residency Requirements: Must occupy the property for part of the year.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Affordable real estate.

    • Friendly environment for US citizens.

 

12. Serbia

Serbia offers residency through property investment.

  • Investment Requirement: Purchase property of any value.

  • Residency Monitoring: Authorities may check occupancy.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Competitive tax rates.

    • Affordable living costs.

 

13. Armenia

Armenia offers residency through investment or business formation.

  • Investment Options:

    • Real estate investment.

    • Establishing a functioning business with local employment.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Stable currency environment.

    • Access to a growing economy.

 

14. Georgia

Georgia provides residency through real estate investment.

  • Investment Requirement:

    • Minimum investment of US$100,000 for temporary residency.

    • US$300,000 for permanent residency.

  • Key Benefits:

    • Low taxation.

    • Simple residency process.

 

Conclusion

Securing a second residency in the EU offers significant advantages, from improved travel freedom to wealth protection and lifestyle enhancement. While some programs require substantial investment, others provide affordable pathways for long-term benefits.

If you are considering a second residency in the EU or beyond, Block3 Finance can help you navigate the application process and develop a personalized strategy. Our experts offer tailored advice to ensure your residency goals align with your financial objectives.

 

If you have any questions or require further assistance, our team at Block3 Finance can help you.

Please contact us by email at inquiry@block3finance.com or by phone at 1-877-804-1888 to schedule a FREE initial consultation appointment.

You may also visit our website (www.block3finance.com) to learn more about the range of crypto services we offer to startups, DAOs, and established businesses.

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