Country Comparison: Where Should Chinese Citizens Live in the EU?

Over the last decade, the European Union has become a popular destination for Chinese investors, entrepreneurs and families seeking stability, high-quality education and global mobility. Every year, EU countries issue millions of residence permits to non-EU citizens, with Chinese nationals now forming one of the fastest-growing groups.

However, choosing which EU country to live in is far more complex than it may seem. Immigration rules, tax regimes and day-to-day lifestyle can differ dramatically between countries such as Portugal and Greece or Estonia and Ireland. For Chinese citizens – especially those with international business activities or significant investment income – tax planning and selecting the right residence route are as important as climate, culture and schools.

This is why it makes sense to approach the decision strategically. In practice, most Chinese clients compare EU countries along several key dimensions:

• Immigration route and timeline
• Path to long-term residence and eventual citizenship
• Taxation of worldwide and foreign income
• Cost of living and property prices.
• Language, environment, education, and the local Chinese community
• Business, banking and investment opportunities

When Chinese citizens evaluate different EU options, the immigration route is often the starting point. Some countries offer residence by investment programmes, whereby a residence permit can be obtained through qualifying real estate investments, investment funds, government bonds or business activities. Others emphasise business and entrepreneur visas, which require job creation or a clear economic benefit, while many also offer highly qualified employment routes, such as the EU Blue Card. For families, study visas and family reunification can also be relevant, especially when children are planning to attend European schools or universities.

Closely connected to this is the path to long-term residence and citizenship. According to EU regulations, many non-EU nationals can apply for long-term residence after five years of legal residence, but the conditions and benefits differ from one country to another. Some countries offer a relatively straightforward route to permanent residence and citizenship, while others impose stricter language requirements, integration tests and physical presence rules. Understanding these nuances in advance helps Chinese citizens to align their choice of country with their long-term goals, such as obtaining an EU passport, planning for their children’s futures or securing mobility across the Schengen Area. The tax system is another crucial element that Chinese investors and entrepreneurs cannot ignore. EU countries use very different tax models: some apply progressive tax rates with higher bands for top earners, while others rely on a flat personal income tax rate. Some countries have introduced special regimes for new residents or non-domiciled individuals which may offer favourable tax treatment for foreign income, dividends, interest, capital gains or pensions. For clients who hold assets and businesses in several jurisdictions, choosing a country with an appropriate tax regime and structuring income flows correctly can significantly impact overall wealth preservation.

Beyond tax considerations, practical cost factors also come into play. The cost of living and property prices vary widely across the EU. Many Mediterranean countries still offer relatively affordable everyday living costs and attractive real estate compared to major global cities, although prices in prime areas have increased in recent years due to tourism and foreign demand. Meanwhile, several Central and Eastern European countries remain comparatively competitive in terms of housing, office space and labour costs, making them attractive for business owners looking to establish or relocate operations.

When considering long-term settlement, factors such as language, education and community are equally important. English is widely used in countries such as Portugal, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, as well as in many international business environments across the EU. By contrast, larger countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain often require a stronger command of the local language for full integration into the job market and public sector. The presence of established Chinese communities, including Chinese schools, businesses and cultural associations, can ease the transition for new arrivals by providing practical support and a familiar social environment. Finally, Chinese entrepreneurs pay close attention to the business and banking environment. Some EU jurisdictions have become particularly popular with sectors such as FinTech, cryptocurrency, electronic money institutions, payment service providers, and cross-border trading structures. These countries typically offer clear regulatory frameworks, access to the EU single market, and experienced professional service providers. For Chinese clients looking to build or expand an international structure, it is often essential to coordinate residence planning with company formation, licensing, banking and compliance in one or more EU countries. As all these factors interact, there is rarely a single ‘best’ country for everyone. For example, a family focused on education and lifestyle may choose one jurisdiction, while a high-net-worth individual prioritising tax efficiency, or a technology founder looking for a digitally friendly environment, may choose another.

Regulated United Europe (RUE) assists Chinese investors, entrepreneurs and families in navigating this complexity. By comparing immigration options, residence conditions and tax regimes across more than ten EU countries, RUE helps clients to identify the most suitable jurisdiction – or combination of jurisdictions – and then supports them with residence permit applications, company formation, licensing, banking and ongoing compliance.

Making an informed choice at the outset enables clients to establish a stable, efficient and future-proof base in the European Union that aligns with their personal and business objectives.

Top EU Countries for Chinese Citizens – Big Picture Overview

Once the decision to move to the EU has been made, the next question is practical: which country should I choose?

For Chinese investors and families, the answer often starts with the Mediterranean. Countries such as Cyprus, Greece and Portugal offer residence-by-investment programmes alongside a pleasant climate, access to the Schengen Area and favourable tax regimes for new residents. Many clients also consider other destinations that excel in business, technology or education, including Spain, Malta, Italy, Ireland and several Central and Eastern European hubs.

To help you navigate this landscape, here is a simplified overview of the 12 EU countries that Chinese citizens frequently consider. The focus is on four practical elements:

• What are the main residence routes that Chinese citizens actually use?
• What are the key lifestyle and business advantages of each jurisdiction?
• Which type of client does each country suit best?
• How might a country fit into a broader international structure, for example where the residence, holding and operational companies are in different jurisdictions?

The table below is not intended to replace personalised advice, but it provides a quick way to compare the most popular options.

This overview is deliberately high-level. While it does not capture all the nuances of each immigration route or tax system, it illustrates an important reality: there is no single ‘best’ EU country for all Chinese citizens.

For example:

• A family focused on long-term residence and education, for example, might prioritise Portugal, Greece or Cyprus, attracted by their investment routes, lifestyle, and relatively straightforward residence conditions.
• A high-net-worth individual with substantial international income, however, could be better served by the non-dom or lump-sum regimes in Cyprus, Malta, Italy or Ireland, depending on where assets are held and how income is structured.
• Technology founders and FinTech projects may naturally gravitate towards Estonia, Lithuania, Ireland or the Czech Republic, where digital infrastructure, licensing options and talent pools are strongest.
• Cost-conscious entrepreneurs who want a simple tax rate and access to the EU market sometimes consider Hungary or Poland, combining residence there with holding companies or investment structures in other EU jurisdictions.

The key point for Chinese citizens is that their choice of country should not be based solely on one parameter, such as the minimum investment amount or headline tax rate. A thoughtful decision considers immigration, tax, business and family needs together, and often uses more than one EU country within the same overall strategy.

Mediterranean Residence-by-Investment Hubs

Mediterranean and Southern European countries remain at the centre of attention for many Chinese families and investors looking to the EU. These countries offer residence-by-investment programmes, popular tourist destinations, relaxed lifestyles and, in several cases, favourable tax regimes for new residents. From a strategic point of view, these jurisdictions often form the ‘first layer’ of an EU plan, providing residence rights and a convenient base while enabling business structures and investments to be diversified across the wider Union.

For many Chinese clients, Portugal, Greece, Spain, Malta, Cyprus and Italy form a natural comparison group. They are all popular with international investors and offer different types of residence routes. They have also introduced special tax mechanisms or incentives that can be highly relevant for individuals with foreign income or assets.

Portugal is generally considered a balanced option, offering a good quality of life, security and a relatively straightforward path to citizenship. Historically, it was one of the most popular destinations for Chinese investors through the Golden Visa programme. Although the programme has changed and no longer focuses on residential real estate, Portugal still offers appealing residence options through investment funds, business projects and innovation-driven structures. The country offers Chinese families high personal safety, a mild climate, good international schools and decent English proficiency in urban areas. The path to long-term residence and citizenship is relatively straightforward, typically taking five years of legal residence provided basic conditions are met. From a tax perspective, Portugal has a progressive income tax system with higher rates for top earners. The former Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme, which attracted many foreign pensioners and investors with generous tax breaks on foreign income, is now closed to most new residents and has been replaced by more targeted incentives. Consequently, Chinese investors’ planning now focuses less on receiving automatic tax breaks and more on correctly structuring income and assets – for instance, by using suitable corporate vehicles and coordinating tax residence across jurisdictions. Portugal remains an attractive option for clients whose main priorities are lifestyle, education and eventual EU citizenship rather than minimising their tax bill.

Greece, by contrast, tends to appeal to property-oriented investors and those who want Schengen access with relatively light physical presence requirements. Its Golden Visa programme remains one of the most recognised in the EU, with Chinese citizens making up a large proportion of all approvals. The minimum investment threshold remains comparatively accessible in many regions, although some prime areas now require a higher amount. Residence permits linked to this programme are typically issued for five years and can be renewed as long as the qualifying investment is maintained, with no requirement for the family to live in Greece full-time. This is particularly convenient for Chinese investors, many of whom continue to spend significant time in China or other regions. In terms of taxation, Greece operates a progressive system for residents, but has also introduced a non-dom regime aimed at high-net-worth individuals with substantial foreign income. Under this framework, qualified individuals can opt to pay a fixed annual charge on their foreign-source income instead of normal progressive rates for a defined number of years, providing a high degree of predictability. Special rules also apply to foreign pensioners and individuals relocating to Greece for work. Consequently, Greece is an especially attractive option for those with substantial and stable foreign income who value the combination of a Mediterranean lifestyle, property investment and a clear, fixed tax burden.

Spain, on the other hand, offers large, dynamic cities, sizeable existing Chinese communities, and a strong mix of tourism, services, and technology sectors. Chinese citizens often gain access to Spain through investor visas (including those based on real estate, business or financial assets), entrepreneur visas, or employment with Spanish or international companies based there. For families, the combination of high-quality universities and international schools, not to mention a globally recognised lifestyle in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, is a major draw. Ordinary residents face progressive taxation, which can be relatively high in some autonomous regions. However, Spain is also known for its special ‘Beckham’ regime: a beneficial tax status for certain individuals who qualify and move to Spain for employment. If the conditions are met, newcomers can be taxed more like non-residents on their employment income, typically at a flat rate on Spanish-sourced salary up to a substantial threshold, while much of their foreign-sourced income remains outside the Spanish tax net for a limited number of years. For Chinese professionals relocating on an employment contract in sectors such as technology, finance, sports, or high-level management, this regime can be highly advantageous. It is not automatic, does not apply to everyone and requires careful planning, but when applicable, it makes Spain a strong contender.

Malta is often viewed through the lens of language and tax. It is a fully English-speaking EU member state with a legal and business culture that blends continental and common-law elements. Over the years, Malta has developed a reputation as a centre for financial and online services, with many gaming, digital and financial companies operating there. For Chinese investors, its residence programmes, together with ordinary residence options, provide flexible entry points. The key feature, however, is the resident non-dom tax model. Individuals who are resident but not domiciled in Malta are generally taxed on income and capital gains arising in Malta, as well as on foreign income remitted to Malta. Foreign income kept abroad and foreign capital gains, even if brought into Malta, can fall outside Maltese taxation, subject to certain rules and minimum tax requirements. In practice, this enables investors and families with international portfolios to decide when and how funds are transferred, coordinating their Maltese residence with holding companies and investment structures in other jurisdictions. For Chinese clients with international businesses and financial assets, Malta can therefore be a useful addition to a broader global structure.

Another jurisdiction that Chinese clients increasingly consider is Cyprus, particularly when they want flexibility in their tax residence and a favourable investment income regime. Residence can be obtained through investment, long-term temporary residence, or employment and business activities. Cyprus stands out due to its 60-day tax residence rule: under specific conditions, an individual can become a tax resident of Cyprus by spending as little as 60 days in the country, provided they are not a tax resident of any other country, do not spend too much time in any other single country, and maintain appropriate local ties, such as accommodation and business or employment connections. Many forms of foreign investment income for non-dom tax residents, such as dividends and certain interest, enjoy preferential treatment or exemptions from particular local taxes, often for long periods. This can significantly reduce the overall tax burden on investment portfolios. For Chinese entrepreneurs and families with mobile lifestyles and diversified international assets, Cyprus offers a combination of flexible tax residence, professional services, and relatively straightforward immigration procedures – especially when aligned with well-designed corporate structures.

Italy is somewhat different because of its strong lifestyle appeal and its focus on high-net-worth individuals. Many Chinese clients already admire Italy for its culture, fashion, food and historic cities, and some are drawn to its luxury real estate market. Immigration routes include elective residence for financially independent individuals, investor visas and standard employment permits. From a tax perspective, Italy has introduced a lump-sum regime aimed at individuals who have not been Italian tax residents for the majority of the previous decade. Under this regime, qualifying individuals can pay a fixed annual amount on their foreign-source income, regardless of the actual sums involved, for a defined number of years. Family members can often be added for an additional fixed amount per person. This makes Italy a credible option for ultra-high-net-worth families who want to enjoy the country’s lifestyle while keeping the complexity and variability of their global income taxation to a minimum. However, for clients with more modest foreign income, the regime is usually less appealing, and standard progressive taxes apply, meaning that Italy becomes more of a lifestyle choice than a tax optimisation tool.

Across all of these countries, a few themes remain constant. Chinese citizens typically consider:

• How secure and flexible the residence status will be for the whole family
• Whether the country offers a credible path to permanent residence or citizenship;
• How their existing business and investment structures can be integrated into the local tax system.
• They also consider whether everyday life – including education, language, healthcare, and community – will facilitate a smooth long-term transition.

As each jurisdiction balances these factors differently, it is common for Chinese investors to compare several of them side by side. Some will ultimately choose one primary base, such as Portugal, Greece or Cyprus, and then establish corporate or holding structures in Malta or other jurisdictions. Others might prioritise Spain or Italy for lifestyle reasons, combining residence there with tax planning elsewhere. The most important thing is that the decision is made with a clear view of both the immigration and tax consequences, rather than focusing only on property prices or a single headline tax rate.

After examining Mediterranean destinations, many Chinese clients also start looking beyond Southern Europe, exploring jurisdictions known for their business ecosystems, digital infrastructure or cost-efficient tax environments. These countries tend to appeal to entrepreneurs, tech founders, operational companies, and families who prioritise long-term business positioning within the EU single market.

Some of the most frequently considered options include Ireland, Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. While they differ culturally and economically, they all offer clear advantages for specific types of Chinese investor.

Ireland stands out as a fully English-speaking country that blends a common law tradition with one of Europe’s strongest knowledge-based economies. Tech giants, pharmaceutical multinationals, and high-value service companies have extensive European headquarters there, making Ireland an attractive destination for Chinese executives, engineers, researchers, and founders seeking to integrate into advanced industries. Chinese families also appreciate Ireland’s education system, particularly its English-language international schools, which provide access to some of Europe’s top universities. From a structural perspective, Ireland’s non-dom remittance-based taxation system can be highly favourable for individuals generating foreign income, since typically only money brought into Ireland is taxed, subject to specific rules and exceptions. This enables families with diversified international portfolios to manage their tax liability predictably. Although the investment residency programme is closed to new applicants, business, start-up and employment routes are still open, and many Chinese professionals use these to secure long-term residence in Ireland for themselves and their children.

In contrast, Estonia offers a fully digital state built around efficient online governance and an innovation-driven economy. For Chinese tech entrepreneurs, the ability to manage an EU company remotely, sign documents electronically, and access government services online is extremely valuable. Estonia’s immigration pathways for start-up founders and technology specialists make it relatively straightforward for people working in digital industries to obtain residence. The tax environment is also straightforward, with a flat rate of tax on personal income and a corporate system that only taxes profits when they are distributed, not when they are earned. While Estonia is not primarily known as a destination for lifestyle relocation, its transparency, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurial energy often make it the preferred choice for founders looking to build or expand a technology business in the EU.

Meanwhile, Lithuania has emerged as one of Europe’s leading FinTech and payments hubs, offering a highly developed regulatory ecosystem for electronic money institutions (EMIs), payment service providers (PSPs) and financial gateways. For Chinese FinTech entrepreneurs or companies targeting the European payments market, Lithuania is often the most practical jurisdiction for licensing and operational setup. Residence can be obtained through company formation, employment or certain investor routes, and the country remains more affordable than Western Europe. The presence of a well-educated, English-speaking workforce in Vilnius and Kaunas makes it easier for Chinese founders to recruit operational teams. While personal tax rates are not as low as in some other countries in the region, Lithuania’s appeal lies in regulatory access and business infrastructure rather than tax optimisation. Many Chinese clients use Lithuania as the operational or licensing centre for their European FinTech activities, while using other EU states for residence or personal tax structuring.

The Czech Republic, located at the geographic centre of Europe, serves as an important industrial and logistical hub. Chinese manufacturing groups, import-export businesses, automotive suppliers and technology companies often choose the Czech Republic because of its reliable infrastructure, stable business environment and skilled workforce. Company formation is straightforward, and residence can be obtained through business or employment routes. The combination of moderate personal income tax, strong industrial infrastructure and central positioning within the EU supply chain makes the country a logical choice for Chinese businesses requiring production facilities, warehousing or regional headquarters. While the country’s cost structure remains significantly lower than in Western Europe, it offers high-quality engineering talent and strong links to Germany, Austria and Poland – essential for export-driven businesses.

Hungary, on the other hand, has become well known for its straightforward and competitive personal tax system. With a flat personal income tax rate of 15%, combined with relatively low living and business costs, Hungary attracts entrepreneurs, consultants and remote business owners who want predictable tax obligations. Budapest has also evolved into a dynamic international city with a growing expatriate population and good connectivity to the rest of Europe. For Chinese individuals running online businesses, international consulting operations or mobile enterprises, Hungary provides a pragmatic base with minimal administrative burden and favourable tax rates. Although it does not offer the same regulatory advantages as Malta or the same tech environment as Estonia, its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it a compelling option for individuals whose income is not tied to a physical business location.

Poland is another economically active country in Central Europe with a large domestic market and a rapidly expanding technology and services sector. Chinese companies often choose Poland for factories, logistics centres, call centres, outsourcing teams and software development units. The country offers good value for skilled labour, a strong focus on engineering and IT, and a population size that supports long-term business growth. For Chinese entrepreneurs requiring teams, production lines or direct access to a large consumer base within the EU, Poland often becomes the operational hub of their European strategy. Residence can be obtained through business activity or employment. While the personal tax system is progressive, many business incentives and regional support programmes can reduce overall operational costs. Families also appreciate Poland’s stability and safety, as well as the increasingly international education options available in major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw.

A few additional themes consistently appear in Chinese clients’ decision-making across these northern and central EU states:

• The need for reliable business infrastructure and ease of company operation
• Access to skilled labour, particularly in engineering, IT and financial services, is also important
• The importance of regulatory credibility is also a key consideration, particularly for FinTech, payments and online platforms
• -Predictable taxation that allows for long-term planning rather than year-to-year uncertainty
• Connectivity to other major European markets is also important, whether through supply chains or digital networks

Many Chinese families and companies combine different jurisdictions. For example, they might choose Lithuania or Estonia to license a FinTech company, Hungary for a low-tax personal base and Portugal or Ireland for family residence and long-term settlement. Others pair an operational hub in a country such as Poland or the Czech Republic with residence in a Mediterranean country for lifestyle reasons. The most important thing is not the individual choice, but how the choices work together to ensure that immigration, tax and business structures are all aligned.

Ireland plays a very specific role for Chinese clients who prioritise an English-speaking environment, a high-value economy, and access to strong global industries. Despite the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme, the country remains one of the most attractive destinations in the EU for Chinese entrepreneurs, employees of multinational companies, and individuals building international careers. Ireland’s use of English as its primary language gives it a natural advantage for families with school-age children, while its common law system often feels more familiar to those with experience of international business structures. Chinese investors and professionals are also drawn to Ireland because of its economic profile. Many of the world’s leading technology, pharmaceutical, medical device and financial services companies have made the country their home. Whether the focus is software development, AI research, biotech, fintech or global headquarters management, Ireland has established itself as a thriving innovation hub. This environment provides employment opportunities and a well-developed ecosystem for start-ups and scale-ups. For Chinese founders, the ability to join a globalised workforce, collaborate with international teams and access high-quality education, making Ireland a compelling option for long-term settlement. Another defining feature is that Irish citizenship offers exceptional mobility advantages. While all EU citizenships grant freedom of movement within the European Union, an Irish passport also offers residence rights and unrestricted access to live and work in the United Kingdom through the Common Travel Area. This dual access is particularly appealing to Chinese families who want flexibility across Europe’s two main English-speaking destinations. For clients who prioritise education and career development, Ireland becomes more than just a place to live; it becomes a strategic stepping stone.

Ireland’s tax system is what truly sets it apart for wealthy individuals, specifically the non-domicile, remittance-basis approach available to residents who are not considered Irish-domiciled. This framework can provide significant advantages for individuals holding assets, business interests or investment portfolios outside Ireland. Under the remittance basis, foreign income and capital gains are generally not taxed in Ireland unless they are brought into the country. This offers Chinese clients with diversified global income streams – such as dividends from Hong Kong companies, capital gains from securities elsewhere or rental income generated outside Europe – an opportunity to live in Ireland while maintaining tax-efficient control over their international wealth. However, this arrangement requires careful planning. The timing, method and purpose of transferring funds into Ireland all matter. Poorly structured remittances can trigger unexpected tax liabilities, whereas a well-designed plan allows clients to enjoy Ireland’s lifestyle and business environment without exposing all their worldwide income to Irish taxation. This is why high-income Chinese families often coordinate their Irish residence with holding companies in other jurisdictions, segregated investment accounts or multi-layered asset structures that support both tax compliance and financial efficiency.

For families, professionals, and investors who value a stable, English-speaking environment with strong global integration, Ireland offers a uniquely balanced mix of opportunity and structure. This makes it especially appealing to Chinese clients who want their children to be educated in English-speaking schools, who plan to pursue careers in advanced industries or who prefer to manage their global income under a regime that recognises and accommodates international wealth. While Ireland is not always the first choice for those seeking the lowest tax rates, it becomes a top-tier option when lifestyle, language, education and strategic mobility are considered alongside tax and business factors.

Simplified tax landscape for new residents in the EU

When Chinese citizens evaluate different EU countries for relocation, taxation naturally becomes one of the central considerations. Even when lifestyle, education and business opportunities appear favourable, the tax framework can significantly impact a country’s long-term suitability. Many Chinese families have diversified global income streams, such as dividends from Chinese companies, investment portfolios abroad, property income and business ownership in several jurisdictions, and therefore need clarity on how each EU country will tax foreign income, capital gains and global wealth.

It is important to understand that the EU presents a wide spectrum of tax environments. Some countries apply progressive taxes that increase sharply at higher income levels, while others maintain consistent flat rates. Some EU countries have introduced special programmes for new residents, non-domiciled individuals or foreign professionals with the intention of attracting global investors and highly skilled workers. These include fixed annual taxation systems, remittance-basis models and long-term tax benefits for certain types of foreign income.

For Chinese clients, it is essential to match the right tax model to their income structure and lifestyle. For example, a high-net-worth individual with substantial passive income from abroad may prefer a country offering non-domicile or lump-sum regimes, whereas an entrepreneur with active business operations in Europe may prioritise lower or more predictable income tax rates. Likewise, families with future citizenship goals may prioritise a stable, long-term tax environment over short-lived incentives.

Below is a simplified comparison of the tax approaches in several EU countries commonly considered by Chinese investors. This table is intentionally brief and is not designed to provide detailed tax advice. Rather, it highlights the general positioning of each jurisdiction to help families better understand how the countries differ at the initial evaluation stage.

While this table provides a compact overview, it is only the starting point. The real value for Chinese clients lies in understanding how these tax systems interact with personal circumstances. For instance, families planning to retain most of their investment income abroad may be drawn to Malta, Cyprus or Ireland due to their remittance or non-dom frameworks. Entrepreneurs expecting to earn an active income from European operations may be drawn to Hungary or Estonia because of their predictable and straightforward tax structures. Wealthy families with complex global assets may benefit from Italy’s lump-sum regime, which prioritises certainty over progressive taxation.

Equally importantly, tax planning should be coordinated with residence status, family needs, business location, and long-term mobility goals. Many Chinese clients end up designing a multi-jurisdictional strategy, such as obtaining residence in one country, conducting business operations in another and structuring their global income through a combination of EU and non-EU entities. With proper planning, the EU can offer Chinese investors a wide range of opportunities that combine lifestyle, security, and long-term financial efficiency, supporting both family stability and business growth.

Choosing the Right EU Country as a Chinese Citizen: How to Build a Long-Term Strategy

Once Chinese families and investors understand the main residency routes, tax systems, and lifestyle differences across the EU, they can make a strategic choice. This decision is rarely straightforward. The ‘best’ country depends on personal preference, long-term goals, existing business structures, family plans, mobility needs, and the nature of one’s income. What works well for an entrepreneur, for example, might not suit a high-net-worth family with global portfolios, and what suits a family seeking citizenship may not be ideal for a tech founder looking to build a cross-border company.

The most successful Chinese clients take a structured, multi-layered approach to this decision, rather than focusing on one single factor. They consider how immigration law aligns with taxation, where their children will be educated, how their business will operate across borders and which path will lead to the most stable future. As different countries excel in different areas, it is common to include more than one jurisdiction in a long-term plan. For example, one might obtain residence in a Mediterranean country for lifestyle reasons and citizenship, while conducting business operations in Northern or Central Europe.

Chinese families who prioritise long-term residency and citizenship often consider countries offering stability, good schools, safe environments, and clear pathways to permanent residence. These clients are usually thinking 5, 10 or even 20 years ahead. Mediterranean destinations such as Portugal, Spain and Greece frequently stand out because they offer investment-based residence programmes alongside family-friendly environments. They offer predictable residence renewal processes, access to international education, and importantly, credible paths to EU citizenship over time. For clients who wish to integrate gradually into European life without immediate pressure, these countries provide a comfortable and culturally accessible entry point.

On the other hand, high-net-worth individuals with substantial foreign investment income are generally less concerned about property thresholds or minimum stay requirements, and more focused on how a country will treat their global income. These families often prioritise tax optimisation, wealth preservation and privacy. In this context, Italy’s lump-sum tax regime, Greece’s non-dom model, Malta’s remittance-based system and Cyprus’s non-dom benefits all become key considerations. Ireland is also a relevant option for clients with sophisticated international income structures, thanks to its long-standing remittance-based approach. For this group, selecting the right country can have a significant impact on long-term wealth, and decisions are usually made in conjunction with professional tax planning, asset structuring, and global portfolio management.

Technology founders and FinTech entrepreneurs represent another distinct group with different decision-making criteria. Their priorities usually include digital infrastructure, licensing opportunities, access to talent and a supportive business ecosystem. Top choices include Estonia with its digital state framework, Lithuania with its FinTech licensing infrastructure, Malta with its financial services ecosystem and Ireland with its strong tech and research sectors. The Czech Republic and Poland also appeal to founders who need engineering teams, logistics networks, or scalable operational centres. For these clients, taxation is important, but it is not the only factor. Regulatory consistency, technology-friendly policies, and access to European markets often carry equal weight.

Cost-conscious entrepreneurs who value predictable, low personal tax rates typically consider Hungary and other Central and Eastern European countries. These countries offer simpler tax systems, lower living costs, and more accessible local labour markets. For Chinese clients running remote businesses, consulting activities or online operations, these countries can provide excellent stability while keeping personal tax liabilities manageable. In many cases, such clients also use other EU countries for corporate structures or investment platforms, balancing the benefits of each location.

One pattern emerges across all these profiles: choosing where to live in the EU should never be based on a single factor, such as real estate prices, tax rates or the ease of obtaining a residence permit. Instead, successful Chinese clients consider several aspects of their lives:

• Their immigration route and long-term residency timeline
• Their global business activities and corporate structures.
• Taxation of worldwide income and asset protection;
• Education priorities and lifestyle considerations are also important factors.
• Succession planning and future mobility for the next generation.

Taking all of these factors into account ensures that the chosen EU country will support both immediate goals and long-term stability. The most effective strategies often involve multijurisdictional planning, whereby residence, business operations, and investment structures are optimised across several EU countries. When carefully coordinated, this approach gives Chinese families the flexibility to live comfortably, protect their wealth, and secure a strong future in Europe.

How Regulated United Europe (RUE) supports Chinese citizens entering the EU market

As Chinese families, investors and entrepreneurs compare the many residency and tax options across the European Union, a common challenge emerges: while the EU offers a wealth of opportunities, the complexity of navigating immigration rules, compliance requirements, corporate structures and tax systems across multiple jurisdictions is immense. This is precisely where Regulated United Europe (RUE) can help.

RUE has developed extensive expertise in working with Chinese clients, understanding the legal and administrative demands of EU relocation, as well as the cultural expectations, business practices and long-term goals typically prioritised by Chinese families. The firm has built robust systems over the years to guide clients from the initial decision-making stage all the way to long-term settlement, citizenship planning and ongoing corporate support. Chinese clients often have highly international financial lives, with companies in Asia, investments in multiple regions, children studying abroad, and long-term mobility goals. RUE specialises in connecting all of these elements into a coherent plan. RUE designs integrated strategies that simultaneously address residence permits, asset structure, company formation, banking solutions and tax optimisation, rather than treating immigration, taxation and business setup as isolated processes.

RUE supports Chinese citizens across a wide range of EU countries, including Portugal, Greece, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Italy, Estonia, Lithuania, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. This ensures that clients receive accurate, up-to-date guidance, no matter which jurisdiction they choose. This multi-country perspective is particularly valuable for Chinese families, as the best solution often requires residence in one location, business in another, and holdings or investments in a third.

What sets RUE apart is its understanding of EU regulations and its commitment to long-term client relationships. Many Chinese clients repeatedly return to RUE as they expand their European presence, purchase property, restructure their companies or prepare their children for university. The firm becomes a trusted strategic partner rather than a one-time service provider.

RUE’s support typically includes:

• Analysing personal, business and family goals, including education, citizenship, global mobility and long-term residence
• Comparing multiple country options to identify the most appropriate residency route for each client’s profile;
• Designing the optimal residency and tax structure, often across several EU jurisdictions
• Handling company formation, corporate governance, licensing support (including FinTech/EMI/PSP structures) and business compliance.
• Organising banking and finance solutions, including assistance with opening accounts in complex jurisdictions.
• We manage residence permit applications, renewals, family reunification and pathway-to-citizenship planning.
• We coordinate with tax experts, legal advisors and regulators to ensure full compliance and long-term stability.

Clients trust RUE because the firm understands that the goal is not just to obtain a residence permit, but to secure a future in Europe. Whether they are entrepreneurs establishing a European base, high-net-worth families structuring global assets or parents preparing European education opportunities for their children, RUE offers personalised guidance grounded in practical experience and professional expertise.

Consequently, Chinese families working with RUE gain more than legal assistance – they gain a clear roadmap for building a prosperous, compliant and secure life within the European Union.