MIGRS

Fastest countries to get residency?

I'm looking to establish residency in a new country as quickly as possible, ideally within a few years. I'm open to different regions and investment levels, but speed is a primary factor for me. Which countries offer the most expedited pathways to permanent residency or citizenship, and what are the typical requirements and timelines involved in these programs?

1 answer

Here are countries where you can get residency fastest:

⚡ Under 1 Month:

  • UAE Golden Visa: 2–3 weeks (with investment)
  • Panama Friendly Nations Visa: 2–4 weeks (for qualifying nationalities)
  • Paraguay: 2–3 weeks (temporary residency)

🏃 1–3 Months:

  • Portugal D7: 1–2 months (consulate dependent)
  • Mexico Temporary Residency: 1–2 months
  • Thailand Elite Visa: 2–4 weeks (but requires $15,000+ fee)
  • Malaysia MM2H: Recently streamlined

🚶 3–6 Months:

  • Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: 3–4 months
  • Greece Golden Visa: 2–4 months (with €250K property)
  • Malta Nomad Residence: 4–6 weeks
  • Estonia Digital Nomad: 1–2 months

Fastest by Category:

Fastest Investment Residency:

  1. UAE Golden Visa (2 weeks)
  2. Greece Golden Visa (2–3 months)
  3. Portugal Golden Visa (3–6 months)

Fastest Work-Based:

  1. Netherlands Kennismigrant (2 weeks!)
  2. Germany Blue Card (4–8 weeks)
  3. Singapore Employment Pass (3–4 weeks)

Fastest Digital Nomad:

  1. Barbados Welcome Stamp (1 week)
  2. Malta Nomad Permit (4–6 weeks)
  3. Croatia DN Visa (1–2 months)

Compare processing times on MIGRS.

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