Your legal route in
Residency is the first practical hurdle of any move. Each country offers a ladder of routes — from work permits to investment-based golden paths.
EU nationals simply register. Non-EU movers use the Pink Slip temporary permit, the Digital Nomad Visa (~€3,500/month income), or fast-track permanent residency from a €300,000 property purchase — usually approved within months.
The Golden Visa grants five-year renewable family residency from a €400,000 property purchase (€800,000 in prime areas; €250,000 for conversions or restorations), with full Schengen travel. The Digital Nomad D visa covers remote workers.
A ladder of self-sponsored routes: the ten-year Golden Visa (AED 2m property or AED 30k/month salary), the five-year Green Visa, the 55+ retirement visa, and a one-year remote-work programme.
Side by side
| Measure | Cyprus | Greece | Dubai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment route from | €300,000 (PR) | €400,000 (€250k conversions) | AED 2m (10 yrs) |
| Digital nomad route | Yes | Yes — consulate application only | Yes (1 yr) |
| 2-year property visa | — | — | No minimum value for sole owners (2026) |
| Overstay fine | Varies | Varies | AED 50/day (since Feb 2026) |
| Retirement route | Via income permits | Via pension tax regime | 55+ visa |
| Fastest approval | ~2–3 months (PR) | ~2 months (GV) | Days–weeks |
| EU/Schengen access | EU | EU & Schengen | UAE only |
These guides are general information, current to early 2026, and are not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal circumstances matter — confirm the specifics with a licensed advisor before you act.
Next step
Numbers only go so far. Tell us your income sources, family situation and timeline, and we will connect the dots for the country you are leaning towards.