Residency Solutions for
Americans Moving to Europe

Portugal, with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and attractive visa programs, has become a top destination for Americans relocating to Europe. Whether you’re moving to Portugal from the US or exploring its real estate opportunities in areas like Porto, Braga, or the Silver Coast, Portugal offers something for everyone. With pathways like the Golden Visa and D7 Visa, and benefits such as dual citizenship and favorable tax treaties, it’s no wonder expat life in Portugal is flourishing.

For all Visas to Portugal you will need to complete and sign the National Visa Form, be in possession of a valid and unexpired passport (min 3 month validity after the date of return), have at least 2 passport-sized photos, comprehensive medical insurance, a clean criminal record (must be apostilled) and proof of financial resources. No matter what visa you’re ultimately applying for these steps have to be taken first.

Portugal Investor Visa or Golden Visa (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento – ARI)
The most straightforward path to residency in Portugal as an American is through investing at least:

1) €500,000 in participation units in investment funds (non-real estate collective investment entities) or venture capital funds, or;

2) €500,000 to incorporate a commercial company with the creation of at least 5 permanent jobs, or;

3) €500,000 in research activities carried out by public or private scientific institutions that are part of the national scientific and technological system, or;

4) €250,000 or more to support artistic production, recovery or maintenance of a national cultural heritage, or;

5) create at least 10 jobs. You must be free from debts in Portugal and the source of your capital made for the investment must be from outside of Portugal.

Portugal D6 – Family Reunification Visa (Visto para Reagrupamento Familiar)
For family members of Portuguese residents or citizens. The applicant has to show a notification of Family Reunification approval issued by SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – SEF). In addition, you will need to provide original documents that are duly attested and show the proof of the relationship (example marriage or brith certificates), financial means to support family members, sufficient housing in Portugal as well as a comprehensive and valid health insurance.

Portugal D1 Visa – Work Visa (Visto de Trabalho por Conta de Outrem)
For Americans that have or looking to secure employment with a Portuguese company. You will need to have a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer, proof of professional qualifications (if required for the role) and a labor market test approval (when applicable). Often it must also be officially recognized that the role cannot be filled by a local or an EU national.

Portugal D2 Visa – Entrepreneur Visa (Visto de Residência para Atividade de Investimento)
This visa is perfect for entrepreneurs or those starting a business in Portugal. The D2 Visa is key for Americans aspiring to open a business in Portugal or for real estate investors. Applicants for the D2 Visa will need to provide a clear description of their business or startup, the business plan and the economic benefits for Portugal as well as proof of sufficient income while staying in the country. If you’re doing a startup you also need to provide a declaration issued by the Portuguese Agency for Competition and Innovation (IAPMEI) that certifies the signing of an incubation contract with a certified incubator.

Portugal D3 Visa (Visto para Atividade de Alta Qualificação)
The D3 Visa is ideal for Americans that meet the description of being either 1) highly skilled professionals, 2) researchers or university professors, 3) involved in certain cultural activities. The applicant must present a work contract, invitation letter by the institution or professional training center (if applicable in your case). If your purpose is a certain cultural activity you must have an invitation letter from a company or institute for this and the activity has to be recognized by the government agency responsible for cultural activities.

Portugal D7 Visa – Retirement Visa (Visto de Residência para Titulares de Rendimentos Próprios)
Ideal for American retirees or individuals with passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends, company profits). The D7 also allows for family members of the applicant. If you’re a retiree you must submit proof from the official authority from which you receive your pensions or retirement benefits. It’s also necessary to submit proof of all your other passive incomes (if you don’t have pensions or retirement benefits). Proof of accomodation in Portugal (example a rental agreement or property ownership) is also required. The minimum monthly income for the main applicant is €820.

Portugal D8 – Digital Nomad Visa (Visto de Residência para Trabalhadores Remotos)
Perfect for remote workers or freelancers relocating to Portugal. The Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa attracts expats looking to work remotely in cities like Lisbon or Porto. The applicant must present either 1) a work contract or a declaration from the employer confirming the relationship in the case of subordinate work, or 2) in the case of independent professionals (mostly common), you must present either a contract of the services, society contract or document of the services provided to one or more entities. In addition, the applicant must provide proof of monthly income that is equivalent to four monthly minimum guaranty remuneration. This works out to be around €3,280 per month.

Lancier helps Americans moving to Portugal throughout the entire relocation process.

Italy’s rich heritage, world-class cuisine, and thriving cities make it a top choice for Americans seeking a new life in Europe. Whether you’re pursuing a professional career, launching a business, or enjoying a peaceful retirement, Italy offers various residency pathways to align with your ambitions and lifestyle needs.

Italy Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)

The Italian Investor Visa Program is the most straightforward path to residency in Italy for Americans. It offers a 2-year visa (renewable for 3 year periods) for applicants through investing either:

1) €250,000 in an innovative startup (the Italian Chambers of Commerce system maintains a list of startups that are considered innovative and qualifies an applicant for the visa), or;

2) €500,000 in an Italian limited company. Stakes or shares of limited companies, incorporated and resident in Italy pursuant to article 73 of the TUIR (DPR 917/1986), or;

3) €1 million in a philanthropic initiative (in the field of culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, preservation of cultural and natural
heritage) or;

4) €2 million in Italian government bonds. They must be either Treasury Certificates (CCT/CCTeu), Zero-coupon Treasury Bonds (CTZ), Long-term Treasury Bonds (BTP), Long-Term Treasury Bonds index-linked to Eurozone inflation or BTP ITALIA. A minimum maturity of at least 2 years is required.

Italy Elective Residence Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva)
Ideal for American retirees and individuals with passive income (i.e. no subordinate work). The visa is issued for 1 year (at the end of each year it will be revised whether the applicant still meets the income requirements in which case it can be prolonged again for another year). The Italian Elective Residency Visa does not allow for working in Italy so the applicant must demonstrate strong and stable passive income (either in the form of pensions, retirement benefits, annuities, dividends or other forms of non-work income). The annual income requirement is typically above €32,000.

Italy Entrepreneur / Start Up / Self-Employment Visa
Perfect for business owners or those who are planning on having a startup. You will have to provide proof of income for the preceding fiscal year of at least €8,500. Additionally, you need to provide a Declaration of parametri di riferimento (a list of specific assets to perform commercial or professional activity) which cannot be less than triple the minimum social welfare yearly income which translates to €14,000.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa (Visto per Lavoratori da Remoto)
Ideal for Americans who are either remote workers (defined here as someone who employees of a company but can do their work remotely) or ditigtal nomads (defined as someone who is a freelancer, consultant or an independent specialist). The Italian Digital Nomad Visa is reserved only for highly specialized workers (+3 years of professional training or experience, post secondary degrees or other as listed in article 27-quater of the Legislative Decree n. 286 of 25 July 1998).

Lancier helps Americans moving to Italy throughout the entire relocation process.

Renowned for its rich history, vibrant expat life, and sunny climate, Malta is a top destination for Americans seeking a fresh start in Europe. Known for its favorable residency programs, thriving real estate market in Valletta, and accessible pathways for relocation, Malta combines culture, convenience, and community. Whether you’re considering living in Malta as an American, exploring long-term rental properties, this island nation offers plenty of options to match your lifestyle and needs.

Malta Golden Visa (Malta Permanent Residence Programme – MPRP)
The MPRP offers the most direct path to residency in Malta for Americans. There are two options that US citizens can choose from;

1) is to contribute €68,000 to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) and buy property with a minimum value of €300,000 in the South of Malta and the region of Gozo or €350,000 in any other parts of the country, or;

2) make a contribution of €98,000 to the NDSF and rent a property in Malta with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in the South of the country and Gozo or €12,000 in any other part of Malta. No matter the option you pick you’ll also need to do a mandatory charity donation of €2,000.

Malta Work Visa
For those planning to move to Malta from the US for employment, the Malta Work Visa requires a job offer from a Maltese employer and an approved employment license, proof of address (can be a rented house or apartment) and sufficient financial means.

Malta Self-Employment Visa
This pathway caters to American entrepreneurs and freelancers. You will need a proof of business registration in Malta, financial means to support business operations and personal living costs and detail what positive contributions to the Maltese economy you’re planning to make (example employing local talent)

Malta Digital Nomad Visa
This visa is ideal for Americans who are planning to live in Malta and do remote work outside out of the country. A minimum income of around €2,700 per month is required.

Lancier helps Americans moving to Malta throughout the entire relocation process.

Cyprus combines sunny weather, a rich culture and modern conveniences making it an appealing option for those Americans considering moving to Cyprus. Whether you’re relocating for work, investing in property in Limassol, or enjoying retirement in this Mediterranean paradise, Cyprus offers pathways tailored to diverse needs.

Cyprus Investor’s Permanent Residence Permit (Category F)
This is the most straightforward way to obtain residency in Cyprus as a US citizen. You can fast track for permanent residency if you invest €300,000 in either:
1) a NEW house / apartment (multiple properties may be allowed) from a land development company, or;

2) in real estate (excluding houses or apartments) such as offices, shops, hotels or similar developments (or a combination) with a total value of at least €300,000, or;

3) in share capital of a company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus, which is headquartered and operated in the Republic of Cyprus, has a proven physical presence in Cyprus and employs at least five (5) employees, or;

4) in securities of Cyprus Collective Investment Funds (eg AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).

Lancier helps Americans moving to Cyprus throughout the entire relocation process.

Greece offers a lifestyle that combines stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, making it a prime destination for Americans. From vibrant cities like Athens and Thessaloniki to serene islands like Milos, Naxos, and Santorini, the country caters to diverse lifestyles and ambitions. Whether you’re looking to invest, retire, or work, Greece provides flexible pathways for Americans considering to move there.

Greece Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
Ideal for Americans looking to settle down in Greece in the most straightforward way possible and that have the assets to do so. This visa also allows US citizens to work while in Greece. There are two ways to qualify for the Greece Investment Visa:

1) buy real estate worth at least €250,000 in areas of Greater Athens including Piraeus (West, East and Great Suburbs), the majority of the Greek Islands and the mainland of Greece or;

2) €500,000 investment in 1 estate/property in Athens Central, South, North, the municipality of Thessaloniki, Mykonos or Santorini. It’s possible for Americans to rent out their properties after making the investment for the Greece Investment Visa, making it attractive as you can earn passive rental income. Another highly attractive aspect is that you can buy properties jointly with other buyers or buy multiple properties making up the total €250,000 for the first option.

Greece Work Visa
For American professionals with a job in Greece. You must present a valid employment contract with a Greek employer.

Greece Self-Employment Visa
This visa is for American freelancers or entrepreneurs seeking to work in Greece. You will need to show at least €250,000 in capital, a strong business plan as this has to be approved the Greek government.

Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Ideal for Americans who have remote work and want to move to Greece. You will need to show a monthly income of €3,500 or enough financial resources to support your stay while in Greece. In addition, you need to prove that the employment or the clients you have come from outside of Greece.

Lancier helps Americans moving to Greece throughout the entire relocation process.

Latvia Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
Perhaps one of the best kept secrets and most overlooked residency options in Europe. Latvia’s Golden Visa offers Americans a rather inexpensive and easy path to residency. The applicant has to invest in the share capital of a company with the intention of increasing it or founding a company and has paid at least €10,000 into the State budget. There are 3 options that the applicant can pick from:

Option 1) investment is at least €50,000 in a company whose employee count is less than 50 and whose revenue is less than €10 million a year. No more than 10 residency permits will be given for this option and each one (if many) must have paid the minimum €10,000 into the State budget.

Option 2) the required minimum income to demonstrate is €500 per month for each adult and €150 per month for each dependent minor.

Lancier helps Americans moving to Latvia throughout the entire relocation process.

Luxembourg Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
The Luxembourg Investment Residency program gives Americans a direct path to obtaining residency in an EU country. There are four options available:

1) invest at least €500,000 in an existing company with its registered office in Luxembourg an commit to keep the investment for at least 5 years, or;

2) at least EUR 500,000 in a new business still to be created, with its registered office in Luxembourg and at least 5 work positions which must be created within 3 years of the incorporation of the business. The employment must be done in collaboration with the Luxembourg National Employment Agency (ADEM), or;

3) at least EUR 3 million in a management and investment structure, either existing or still to be created, with its registered office in Luxembourg where it must have and maintain the necessary substance, or;

4) at least EUR 20 million in the form of a deposit of funds with a financial institution established in Luxembourg, and with the commitment to keep said deposit for at least 5 years. What’s important to note is that for the first two options the Minister of Economy is responsible and for the other two options the Minister of Finance is responsible.

Lancier helps Americans moving to Luxembourg throughout the entire relocation process.

Monaco Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
Americans looking to move to Monaco must first apply for a Long-Stay Visa (D-Visa) through a French consulate unless you have already lived in France for over a year. It’s important to note that you must first have the Long-Stay D-Visa in order to apply for residency in Monaco. The applicant must show proof of accommodation. In addition, you also need to show sufficient funds. Moving to Monaco is not a simple process, however, it is possible.

Lancier helps Americans moving to Monaco throughout the entire relocation process.

Switzerland Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
For Americans looking to relocate to Switzerland there are two primary pathways:

Option A) The first option is a lump sum tax where the applicant agrees to a predetermined annual tax starting at CHF 200,000 (about 220,000 USD) paid to the canton in which you seek residency. It’s important to note that the amount can range significantly between different cantons and can be as high as CHF 600,000 per year (about 680,000 USD).

Option B) The second option is the entrepreneurship scheme where the applicant will need to establish a new business in Switzerland with an annual minimum investment of at least CHF 1,000,000.

Lancier helps Americans moving to Luxembourg throughout the entire relocation process.

Hungary Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
The Hungary Investment Visa offers a direct path for Americans looking to relocate to Hungary and becoming EU residents. There are three options available that applicants can pick from:

1) invest least EUR 250,000 in investment shares issued by a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank, or;

2) invest at least EUR 500,000 in a residential property located in the geographical territory of Hungary and registered in the Land Registry of Hungary, or;

3) make a donation of at least EUR 1,000,000 for the purpose of educational, scientific research or artistic creation activities, to a higher education institution maintained by a public trust with a public-service mission.

Lancier helps Americans moving to Hungary throughout the entire relocation process.