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Top 3 countries with the most affordable European residency programs through real estate purchases

18-09-2025

In a world where migration rules, taxes, and even the geopolitical agenda change faster than vacation plans, a residence permit abroad offers freedom of choice and long-term peace of mind. A residence permit opens a backdoor and provides a "Plan B": the opportunity to live and travel without unnecessary bureaucracy, choose high-quality healthcare and education for your family, optimize taxation, and legally conduct business in a stable legal environment. Today, we'll look at three countries where this path is most accessible and transparent.

1. Latvia: A Convenient Start in the EU

Latvia remains one of the most attractive locations on the world map for investors looking to establish themselves in the European Union. Its climate, cultural heritage, educational level, and economic situation are just a few of the advantages.
Main program conditions:
  • Minimum property value: €250,000
  • One-time government fee of 5% of the transaction amount.
  • The residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed; there is no permanent residency requirement.
Pros:
  • One property for the whole family: A residence permit applies to all members of the investor's family—the spouse and children under 18 (or those dependent on their parents, such as university students).
  • Extension and citizenship prospects: A residence permit is issued for 5 years, with the possibility of an additional 5-year extension or permanent residence. After another 5 years (but with residency restrictions), one can apply for Latvian citizenship.
  • Freedom of movement within the EU and the Schengen Area.
  • Comparatively low housing prices by European/global standards.
  • Convenient geographical location between Europe and Scandinavia.
  • Educational opportunities for children and access to healthcare services on par with Latvian citizens.
  • No requirement to permanently reside in the country.
  • Opportunities for doing business in Europe (opening bank accounts, registering companies, obtaining loans, etc.).
Read more about the program here.
Real estate objects for temporary residence permits

2. Greece: mild climate and low entry barriers

Greece offers one of the most popular "golden visas" in Europe.
Key conditions:
  • The investment amount depends on the type and location of the property: a threshold of €250,000 applies to properties undergoing renovation, €800,000 applies to new properties in popular tourist areas, and €400,000 applies to new properties elsewhere in Greece.
  • Residence permits are issued for 5 years with the possibility of renewal.
Pros:
  • A residence card replaces a Schengen visa: it allows travel to Greece or other countries in the region for up to 90 days out of 180.
  • There is no mandatory residence requirement.
  • A pleasant climate and developed tourist infrastructure make real estate readily available for rental.
  • A Greek residence permit allows for asset diversification and capital preservation, passive income, and tax optimization. The investor's entire family can obtain the residence permit at once.

Cyprus Permanent Residence: Tax Benefits and Access to the European Business Market

Permanent residence in Cyprus can be obtained by investing at least €300,000 in real estate in the country.

  • Terms and conditions: Investors can purchase one or two new properties for a total of at least €300,000 plus VAT. The standard VAT rate is 19%, but for the purchase of a single residence for personal use, the rate is reduced to 5%. Investing in resale properties is not permitted.
Pros:
  • No tax on foreign income, including dividends and capital gains.
  • Cyprus is one of the best jurisdictions for transferring the tax residency of an international business or opening a new company. The corporate tax rate in the country is only 12.5%.
  • After eight years of residence on the island, you can obtain Cypriot citizenship and travel visa-free to over 170 countries, including the European Union and the UK.

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