Investing in the future: Residency and citizenship for financially independent individuals in 2025
Overview of residence permit and citizenship programs in Germany, Italy, Portugal, Greece, UAE, Serbia, Spain, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Mexico, Moldova, Romania, and Turkey in 2025.
This article provides an overview of the programs, conditions, advantages, and risks so that you can assess which path best suits your goals.
Ways/grounds for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship
Country | Basis / method |
Germany | Blue Card — employment for highly qualified specialists with a higher education diploma (or equivalent), provided that the job offer matches their qualifications and the salary reaches the threshold level. |
Italy | Residence permit through marriage; adoption; political asylum — if there are relevant legal grounds. |
Portugal | Self-employment/Entrepreneur Visa (e.g., type D2) — open an individual business, register as a freelancer, present a business plan, sufficient funds, and evidence that the activity is economically significant. |
Greece | Standard residence permit — based on employment or other grounds; Golden visa — through investment in real estate, for the whole family. |
UAE | Obtaining a resident visa / Emirates ID: through employment, as well as for children based on their parents' status (when the parents are residents). |
Serbia | Regular residence permit for various reasons: work, study, residence, investment. |
Spain | Residence permits for digital nomads — remote work, proof of stable income, working with clients outside Spain. |
Hungary | Residence permits on grounds including investment, entrepreneurship, possibly through real estate or business creation. |
Israel | Repatriation citizenship (right of return) for those who can prove Jewish descent under Israeli law. |
Lithuania | Repatriation if you had Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940, or if your ancestors were deported (if you can legally prove your ancestry). |
Mexico | Citizenship by naturalization or through the mother—if the mother has citizenship, or residence in the country for a certain period of time with a residence permit and fulfillment of conditions. |
Moldova | Repatriation or naturalization through a residence permit — residence, language proficiency, other requirements. |
Romania | Repatriation — restoration of family roots and origins; obtaining citizenship upon presentation of evidence. |
Turkey | Citizenship through marriage to a Turkish citizen; investment (in real estate, business) or repatriation (e.g., for ethnic groups: Uyghurs, Crimean Tatars, Akhiskaturks). |
Required documents (general requirements + specific requirements)
1. Passport — valid, with sufficient validity until expiration; copies, translations, certifications as necessary.
2. Diploma/education — recognition or equivalent in the country, if required (e.g., Germany Blue Card).
3. Job offer or contract, or business plan/proof of income if it is a residence permit through entrepreneurship or investment.
4. Documents confirming financial solvency — bank statements, proof of income, assets, investments.
5. Certificate of no criminal record — from the country of residence/origin.
6. Medical insurance/proof of medical coverage, sometimes a health certificate.
7. Documents regarding place of residence/housing — rental agreement, property, address in the country.
8. For citizenship/repatriation — proof of origin, kinship, identity, sometimes language tests.
Special features: for example, the German Blue Card requires a job offer for ≥ 6 months and a salary above the threshold level; the diploma must be recognized; the threshold may be lower for “shortage occupations.”
For Portugal D2 / Self-employment: business plan, registration, tax number (NIF), proof of funds, sometimes minimum income or investment.
Deadlines and fees
- Blue Card Germany: usually takes several weeks or months to process, depending on the embassy/department; after entry, an application is submitted; valid for up to 4 years.
- Portugal D2/Self-employment: visa application + residence permit; waiting period may be several months; the process includes an “Expression/Manifestation of Interest” stage.
Fees: depend on the country, type of visa, family size, translation services, recognition of diplomas, etc. For example, Germany charges a fee for the Blue Card; additionally, there are administrative fees and diploma verification. For Portugal, there are visa fees, registration fees, and taxes. (The exact amounts need to be checked for citizens of your country.)
Additional benefits
- The right to legally reside and work in the chosen country.
- The possibility of transferring family members (spouse, children) under certain conditions.
- Access to the social security system, healthcare, and education.
- The possibility of permanent residence/citizenship after a certain period of time, subject to certain requirements (residence, language, integration).
- For highly qualified individuals — advantages such as the Blue Card: accelerated access to permanent residence, simplified conditions for family reunification.
- For investments — the possibility of capital growth, risk diversification, real estate, etc.
Conclusion: we will make your path to a residence permit and citizenship simple and understandable.
Visa Dan can help you:
- analyze your situation (goals, financial capabilities, connection to your origins)
- select suitable countries from the list (Germany, Italy, Portugal, Greece, etc.)
- prepare all documents, translations, and diploma recognition
- accompany you at all stages: from submitting an application to obtaining a residence permit or citizenship
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.