Programme guides · Cyprus Permanent Residency · Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) · Portugal Golden Visa (Fund Investment)
European Permanent Residence Compared: Cyprus, Malta and the Portugal Golden Visa
Global Immigrate consultants · Published · Updated
Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Oscar Yip, Founder & Managing Director
Summary
Cyprus and Malta grant permanent residence directly; the Portugal Golden Visa grants residence first, with permanent residence after five years. We compare investment, stay rules, family and processing times, with suggestions by goal.
The three compared
Cyprus PR
Malta MPRP
Portugal Golden Visa
Investment
New home EUR 300,000 (plus VAT)
Buy from EUR 375,000 or rent, plus EUR 99,000 in government fees
Fund EUR 500,000
Status
Direct PR
PR
Residence; PR after five years
Stay requirement
A visit every two years
No minimum stay
7 days in year one, then 14 every two years
Family
Spouse and dependent children
Spouse, children, parents and grandparents
Spouse, dependent children and parents
Processing
Usually about 2–6 months
Depends on due diligence
Usually 18–24 months or more
What sets each apart
Cyprus: the fastest direct PR with no renewals; you must show a stable foreign income.
Malta: covers three generations, buying or renting; applications go through a licensed agent with due diligence.
Portugal: the lowest stay requirement and Schengen travel; citizenship generally needs ten years of legal residence.
Choosing by goal
Goal
Suggestion
Direct PR, fastest
Cyprus
Three generations together
Malta
Citizenship and Schengen life later
Portugal
Points to note
Residence or permanent residence does not necessarily include the right to work — check each country’s rules.
FAQ
Which is fastest?
Cyprus, usually about 2–6 months to permanent residence.
Can I work there?
Residence or PR doesn’t necessarily include the right to work; check each country’s rules.
Which lets me bring my parents?
Malta covers parents and grandparents; Portugal also covers parents.
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