In the past two decades, some EU countries have provided a range of citizenship opportunities through investment, property purchases and business immigration. One way is to invest in the country's economy (in a new or existing enterprise), purchase shares or bonds, purchase real estate, etc. Usually, a deposit of at least a certain amount is required, which may vary from country to country.

Unfortunately, in 2022, many EU citizenship investment programs, as well as residence permits and permanent residence in Europe by investment, were temporarily suspended (the Tier 1 Investor Visa program for issuing visas for investments in the economy of European countries has been closed since February 17, 2022). Malta is an EU country that still has a citizenship by investment program at the moment (to become a Maltese citizen through direct investment, you need an amount of 750,000 €). There is also a similar opportunity in Montenegro, a candidate for EU accession in 2025. The Austrian government has the right to grant citizenship to a foreigner for investing in the country's economy from 10 million euros. Cyprus canceled the citizenship by investment program, it is not valid in 2023. Whether there will be a return of this feature or not is still unknown. Now for investments you can get only a residence permit in this country.

A residence permit in Greece and Latvia is issued to those foreigners who have bought property in the country for at least 250,000 EUR. To obtain a Portuguese residence permit, you will need to make a financial contribution to real estate, business, research activities or registered securities. The amount of investment, depending on the chosen option, will be from 280,000 to 1 million EUR.

Generally, wealthy foreigners are offered a residence permit for business - an investor visa - with the prospect of further processing the status of a resident and EU citizenship. To do this, you will need to register your company and open a bank account. Starting a company may also require certain investments and a business plan. After the approval of the project, it is possible to obtain a long-term residence permit. Here are some countries in Europe that have similar programs:

• In Austria, the Red-White-Red Card program operates for highly skilled workers and specialists of rare professions - a visa and a residence permit are offered. After five years, you can apply for a lifetime residence permit, and after ten years - Austrian citizenship.
• France: The Passeport Talent program offers visa and permanent residence for investors who contribute to France's technological development. The procedure is designed for citizens of states that are not members of the European Union. Guaranteed residence permit for the whole family, citizenship in 5 years.
• Estonia, Portugal, Spain, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania - start-ups.

Startup visa is a special immigration program for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business from scratch abroad. Such a visa is a full-fledged residence permit. It is usually offered to those entrepreneurs who intend to invest in the development of their business and create jobs in the country they want to move to. However, there are a number of requirements that must be met in order to obtain such a visa. For example, many countries require a firm to have a certain amount of money in the account. It is also mandatory to provide a business plan describing the concept of a startup, its development prospects and benefits for the state economy.