General Information
A number of European countries have introduced special tax regimes designed to attract foreign nationals — as well as European citizens returning from abroad — who wish to relocate to Europe. These programs are tailored for a wide range of individuals, including highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, independent contractors, executives, and retirees seeking a new place to call home.
The duration of these tax benefits depends on the specific regime you qualify for. Most programs offer an initial 5-year term, which can typically be renewed for an additional 5 years, providing up to 10 years of tax advantages. For retirees, however, many of these exemptions come with no time restrictions, allowing them to enjoy the benefits indefinitely.
The tax advantages vary depending on the category you fall into. Certain regimes offer generous exemptions of 70% or even 90% on professional income, employment income, and business earnings. Retirees can benefit from a flat 7% income tax rate applied to their entire retirement income under specific programs. Additionally, high-net-worth individuals may qualify for the renowned “Res Non Dom” regime, which applies a fixed annual tax of €200,000 on all foreign-source income for up to 15 years.
Becoming a European tax resident generally involves establishing genuine ties to the region, which often includes investing in local real estate. The specific timelines and requirements depend on your individual category and circumstances. For example, some programs require the purchase of a residential property in Europe within 12 months before or after obtaining tax residency status.
Absolutely. Many of these tax regimes are family-friendly and extend their benefits to close relatives. The New Residents program, for instance — open to both foreign nationals and European citizens who have been tax residents abroad for at least 9 of the previous 10 years — allows you to include family members such as your spouse or civil partner, biological or adopted children, parents, siblings, and parents-in-law, provided they also transfer their tax residency to Europe.
At Resident EU, we take the complexity out of relocating. Our dedicated team handles all the paperwork on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition. Beyond documentation, we connect you with a trusted network of professionals — including notaries, business consultants, accountants, and local government officials — so that language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles never stand in your way.
Processing times vary depending on your specific category and personal circumstances. To ensure everything runs seamlessly, Resident EU guides you step-by-step from day one, making sure all necessary documents are prepared well in advance. Since some steps require your physical presence to sign documents at local offices, we work closely with you to coordinate travel plans and, where applicable, VISA arrangements ahead of time.
At Resident EU, we pride ourselves on delivering a true 360° concierge experience. Whether you're looking for a restaurant recommendation, planning a weekend getaway, or searching for the perfect family home, we're here to help. Need to enroll your children in a top European school? Looking to lease or purchase a vehicle? We'll connect you with the right people. Whatever your needs, just ask — and we'll go above and beyond to make it happen.
Residency Requirements
Albania does not impose a formal capital investment or minimum income threshold for residency applicants. However, applicants are still expected to demonstrate that they can financially support themselves and any accompanying dependents throughout their stay. This is typically evidenced by recent bank statements, proof of stable income, or documentation of sufficient savings. Additional supporting documents such as valid health insurance, proof of accommodation in Albania, and a clean criminal record are also required as part of the application process.
Applicants seeking residency in France are generally required to demonstrate a minimum annual income of approximately €17,000 or more, aligned with the French SMIC (minimum wage) benchmark. This income must be stable, verifiable, and sourced from outside of France — typically from pensions, rental income, dividends, or other passive revenue streams. Applicants must also provide comprehensive private health insurance valid throughout the Schengen Area, proof of long-term accommodation in France, and a signed declaration confirming they will not engage in paid employment under the visitor visa category. Higher income thresholds may apply for applicants including a spouse or dependents.
Italy's Elective Residency Visa requires applicants to demonstrate a stable and reliable passive income of at least €32,000 per year for a single applicant, with an additional 20% required for a spouse and approximately 5% for each dependent child. Crucially, this income must be passive in nature — such as pensions, annuities, rental income, dividends, or returns from investments — as the visa strictly prohibits employment or self-employment within Italy. Applicants must also provide proof of suitable long-term accommodation (either owned or leased), valid private health insurance covering all medical risks in Italy, and documentation evidencing the source and sustainability of their income.
Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa requires applicants to demonstrate a minimum passive income of approximately €32,000 per year (equivalent to 400% of Spain's IPREM index), with an additional 100% of the IPREM (~€8,000) required for each accompanying family member. Acceptable sources of income include pensions, rental income, dividends, investment returns, and other non-employment revenue, as this visa does not permit any form of work or professional activity in Spain. Applicants must also provide comprehensive private health insurance with full coverage in Spain (no co-payments or deductibles), a clean criminal record certificate, and a medical certificate confirming they are free from diseases of public health concern. Financial thresholds are reviewed annually and may be subject to change.
