Real estate as a pathway to EU residency
Over the last decade, the European Union has become one of the most attractive destinations for Chinese investors seeking stability, a high quality of life and long-term opportunities. While traditional routes such as business immigration or employment sponsorship remain popular, real estate investment has emerged as a particularly secure and transparent way of obtaining a European residence permit. This approach enables investors to diversify their financial portfolios and gain residency rights for themselves and their families.
For many Chinese citizens, the motivation extends far beyond property ownership. It provides access to Europe’s world-class education systems, advanced healthcare and political stability — factors that are becoming increasingly important for families planning for future generations. Furthermore, European residency permits offer unparalleled freedom of movement within the Schengen area, enabling visa-free travel for business and leisure.
RUE has established itself as a leading legal advisor for Chinese clients seeking to navigate this complex process. With years of experience in cross-border legal structuring, real estate transactions and immigration law, the firm has developed a seamless system that simplifies what would otherwise be an overwhelming bureaucratic process. The RUE team provides comprehensive legal and administrative support, from the initial consultation and property selection to the residency application process and post-approval compliance.
This holistic approach ensures that clients acquire qualifying property with full legal protection, risk assessment and strategic foresight. Whether helping a family to relocate to Portugal, assisting an investor to purchase property in Greece or supporting a business owner in Spain, RUE’s mission remains constant: to transform real estate investments into a gateway to secure and lawful residence in the European Union.
By combining legal expertise with local partnerships and an understanding of the needs of Chinese investors and European legal requirements, RUE has successfully bridged the gap between East and West, enabling many clients to start a new chapter of life and opportunity in Europe.
Understanding the EU Real Estate Residency Programmes
The European Union offers a diverse range of real estate–based residency programmes, each shaped by national legislation, investment thresholds and long-term benefits. For Chinese investors, these programmes offer more than just property ownership — they provide a legal gateway to residence, often with the potential for eventual permanent settlement or citizenship. Understanding these differences is the first and most crucial step in making the right investment decision.
Some of the most prominent countries offering property-linked residence permits across Europe include Portugal, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, and Malta. Each of these countries has developed a distinct investment migration framework designed to attract foreign capital while ensuring compliance with EU and local regulations.
In Portugal, the well-known Golden Visa Programme remains one of the most popular options for Chinese investors. With a minimum investment threshold traditionally starting from €500,000 (and sometimes lower for rehabilitation projects), investors can secure a renewable residence permit granting the right to live, work and study in Portugal. More importantly, it provides visa-free access to the entire Schengen zone, which is one of the most highly valued features among international investors.
Greece, on the other hand, offers one of the most affordable real estate pathways in the EU. The Greek Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of just €250,000 in residential or commercial property. The process is relatively fast, often taking only a few months from purchase to residence permit issuance. Investors and their family members can enjoy unrestricted travel across the Schengen area while benefiting from Greece’s growing tourism and rental market — a major advantage for those seeking a change of lifestyle or an additional source of income.
Another attractive option is Spain, where an investment of €500,000 in real estate qualifies for a residence permit. Spain’s programme is particularly appealing to those who plan to spend more time within the EU, given its strong economy, vibrant lifestyle and the possibility of eventually transitioning from residency to long-term or even permanent status.
Cyprus and Malta are also noteworthy for their flexible residence and citizenship programmes. Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) enables non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residence through a combination of property purchase or rental and government contributions. Meanwhile, Cyprus has offered various residence schemes tied to real estate acquisition, attracting many Chinese investors who value the country’s proximity to both Europe and Asia.
RUE’s legal team specialises in evaluating these programmes based on each client’s objectives. Some investors prioritise mobility and Schengen access, while others focus on low maintenance costs, tax efficiency or pathways to citizenship. RUE’s experts help clients to understand not just the surface-level criteria, but also the deeper implications, such as renewal requirements, stay obligations and inheritance or tax considerations.
Furthermore, RUE ensures that every step fully complies with the local laws of the selected jurisdiction. The firm collaborates closely with licensed agents, notaries, and financial institutions to provide clients with verified and transparent investment opportunities that qualify under the specific residency framework.
Essentially, RUE transforms the seemingly confusing landscape of EU investment options into a clear, structured and legally secure strategy, ensuring that each client’s decision is well-informed and aligned with their long-term residency and financial goals.
The Role of RUE: From Legal Strategy to Property Acquisition
When it comes to obtaining EU residency through real estate investment, success depends not only on financial resources, but also on precise legal coordination. This is where RUE’s role becomes pivotal. Unlike typical real estate agencies or migration consultants, RUE is a licensed European legal and corporate advisory firm, meaning that every step of the process is conducted under strict legal supervision to ensure full compliance and maximum client protection.
The process starts with a strategic consultation, during which RUE’s experts evaluate the client’s specific objectives. Some clients aim to relocate their families, while others seek to expand their businesses or diversify their investments. Based on these objectives, RUE designs a bespoke legal strategy identifying the most suitable EU jurisdiction, property type and investment amount.
Once the destination country has been selected, the RUE team begins the property due diligence phase. This stage is crucial. The firm carries out thorough checks on the property’s legal status, ownership history, existing encumbrances and zoning restrictions. By collaborating with local notaries, registries and real estate agencies, RUE ensures that clients only purchase legally verified, programme-compliant properties.
Once due diligence is complete, RUE assists with the contract preparation and signing process. All documents, from the purchase agreement and deposit contract to notarial deeds, are drafted and reviewed by RUE’s legal experts. Clients receive clear explanations in their preferred language to ensure they fully understand their rights and obligations.
Once the purchase is finalised, RUE manages the residency application process. This includes preparing and submitting all the necessary documents, such as proof of investment, property registration, health insurance, a clean criminal record and proof of funds. The firm coordinates directly with the immigration authorities and local government institutions, representing the client throughout the review and approval process.
For clients who cannot be present in person, RUE can also arrange remote property purchases and representation through a power of attorney. This enables busy entrepreneurs and overseas investors to complete the entire process without the need for unnecessary travel, while ensuring full legal validity and compliance.
In addition to legal procedures, RUE provides financial and administrative assistance, such as opening local bank accounts, guiding clients through currency transfer regulations and ensuring that funds are moved transparently and in accordance with EU and Chinese regulations.
What truly sets RUE apart is its comprehensive service. The firm remains involved long after the residence permit is issued, providing post-residency support such as assistance with renewals, tax advisory coordination, property management and local registration services.
By offering a fully integrated system — from strategic planning and real estate purchase to residency application and long-term compliance — RUE transforms a potentially complicated legal process into a smooth, secure and well-managed investment journey.
Clients working with RUE can rest assured that their investment is safe and optimised to help them achieve their personal and financial goals within the European Union.
Case Study 1: A Family Relocates to Portugal
One of the most inspiring examples of RUE’s work is that of a successful Chinese entrepreneur from Shanghai, his wife and their two children, who dreamed of relocating to Europe for a safer environment and better educational opportunities. After building a strong business in China over many years, they wanted to establish a new home in Europe that would give their children access to world-class schools and provide the family with long-term stability and visa-free travel throughout the EU.
When the family approached RUE, they only had a general understanding of Europe’s “Golden Visa” options. RUE’s legal experts began with a detailed consultation, analysing their financial capacity, lifestyle preferences and long-term intentions. After comparing various EU programmes, Portugal emerged as the ideal destination. The country’s Golden Visa Programme is one of the most reputable in Europe, offering a straightforward process, low minimum stay requirements and access to permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
RUE’s legal and real estate departments then coordinated the entire process from start to finish. First, the team presented a curated selection of properties that met the client’s lifestyle needs and Portugal’s legal investment criteria. Following virtual tours and in-person visits, the family selected a contemporary apartment in Lisbon, valued at €520,000. It is situated in a district renowned for its excellent international schools and proximity to the city’s cultural and business centres.
Before any transaction could take place, RUE’s local legal team in Portugal performed a comprehensive due diligence review. They verified the property’s ownership, checked for any liens or unpaid taxes, and ensured the title was clean and transferable. Once this was complete, RUE assisted with opening a Portuguese bank account, arranged tax number (NIF) registration and supervised the signing of the promissory and final purchase agreements.
Following the successful purchase of the property, RUE prepared and submitted the Golden Visa application for the entire family. This included gathering all the necessary supporting documentation, including health insurance, proof of clean criminal records and evidence of financial means. RUE’s immigration specialists liaised directly with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to monitor each step of the approval process.
Within five months, the family received their Portuguese residence cards, granting them the right to live, work and study in Portugal, as well as to travel freely across the entire Schengen zone. RUE continued to support the family by introducing them to local partners for school enrolment, tax advice and assistance with annual renewals.
Today, the family is enjoying their new life in Lisbon. The children attend a bilingual international school, the father manages his cross-border business remotely and the family frequently travels across Europe without having to apply for visas. The property they purchased has also increased in value, providing an additional financial benefit alongside their residence rights.
For this family, RUE’s guidance transformed a complex bureaucratic process into a smooth, transparent and life-changing experience. What began as an investment decision has turned into a complete relocation success story, built on trust, professionalism and RUE’s ability to connect Chinese families with genuine opportunities in Europe.
Case Study 2: Investing in Greece for Passive Income and Residency
Another remarkable success story in RUE’s portfolio involves a retired couple from Shenzhen who wanted to find a peaceful yet profitable way to spend their retirement. Their goals were clear: they wanted a comfortable home in a mild European climate, a safe legal pathway to EU residency and an investment that could generate a steady passive income.
When they reached out to RUE, the couple had already heard of the Greek Golden Visa Programme, which is renowned for its low entry threshold of €250,000 — making it the most affordable property-linked residency programme in the EU. However, they were unsure how to identify a legally safe investment, manage the transaction remotely or handle the visa application. This is where RUE’s comprehensive, legally guided approach became invaluable.
The process began with a series of online consultations with RUE’s Athens-based legal and property team. The couple described their preferences: they wanted a home near the sea with easy access to healthcare and a property suitable for seasonal rental. Based on these criteria, RUE’s real estate specialists compiled a shortlist of villas and apartments along the Athenian Riviera and on the island of Crete.
After reviewing the options, the clients chose a two-storey seaside villa near Vouliagmeni, valued at €280,000. RUE then initiated full legal due diligence, verifying property ownership and confirming that there were no mortgages or legal disputes. They also ensured that the property met the official Golden Visa criteria. The couple granted RUE power of attorney, enabling the legal team to complete all local formalities in their absence.
The property purchase was finalised without the clients having to travel to Greece. RUE’s lawyers handled setting up a bank account, registering a tax number, and notarising the purchase deed. Payment was made securely via an EU-regulated escrow system to ensure transparency and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
Following the acquisition, RUE’s immigration department prepared and submitted the Greek residence application for both spouses. This included proof of the property purchase, tax documents, medical insurance and clean criminal records from China, all of which were certified, translated and notarised according to Greek legal standards.
Within three months, the couple received their Greek residence permits, granting them legal residency and visa-free travel across the Schengen zone. RUE continued to assist the couple with post-approval services, including property management and rental arrangements. Today, the villa is rented seasonally to European tourists, providing the couple with a steady income that covers their living expenses in Greece and beyond.
This case is particularly meaningful because it perfectly combines lifestyle and financial goals. The couple spends several months a year in Greece enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle while their investment generates consistent returns, even when they are in China.
RUE continues to be their trusted advisor, handling property taxes and residence renewals and offering ongoing financial compliance support. This partnership exemplifies the firm’s comprehensive approach, which combines legal precision, investment security and immigration expertise to transform property acquisition into a sustainable, long-term European opportunity.
For many Chinese retirees, this model offers the ideal balance of peace of mind, a profitable investment and an elegant lifestyle in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries.
Case Study 3: Combining Business Expansion and Real Estate in Spain
Among RUE’s many success stories, one case stands out in particular: that of a Chinese technology entrepreneur from Guangzhou who wanted to obtain EU residency and establish a foothold for his business in Europe. His company specialises in e-commerce logistics and fintech software. Recognising the growing importance of the European digital market, he wanted to establish a physical presence within the EU while also securing legal residence for himself and his immediate family.
When he approached RUE, the firm recognised that his goals extended beyond personal relocation — this was a strategic move involving corporate expansion and real estate investment. RUE’s multidisciplinary team, combining expertise in corporate law, immigration, and real estate, developed a dual-path legal strategy specifically tailored to his situation.
The first step was corporate structuring. RUE assisted in registering a new company in Spain that would act as the European branch of his existing Chinese business. This company was incorporated as an SL (Sociedad Limitada), enabling him to legally operate within the EU and issue invoices to European partners. RUE’s corporate lawyers handled the entire registration process, including preparing the Articles of Association, coordinating with the local notary, obtaining the Spanish tax number (NIE) and registering with the Chamber of Commerce.
Once the corporate foundation had been established, RUE turned to the real estate component of the plan. Under Spain’s Golden Visa Programme, a property investment of at least €500,000 qualifies a non-EU national for residency. Having analysed the client’s needs, RUE recommended investing in a commercial property in Barcelona that could serve as both an office and a source of rental income.
The client opted for a contemporary office space in Barcelona’s innovation district, valued at €650,000. RUE’s Spanish legal team conducted thorough due diligence, reviewing property records, verifying title ownership, checking for encumbrances and ensuring compliance with local zoning laws. With RUE’s support, the purchase was securely completed through an escrow transaction and all related documentation was translated, notarised and legalised according to Spanish legal requirements.
Simultaneously, RUE began preparing the residency application. The client’s investment met all the eligibility criteria and the firm compiled the necessary documentation for the investor and his family. This included proof of investment, business ownership documents, health insurance and clean background checks. RUE’s immigration department submitted the application to the Spanish Ministry of Migration and followed up regularly to ensure it was processed in a timely manner.
Within four months, the entrepreneur and his family had received their Spanish residence permits, granting them full Schengen mobility and the right to reside, study and conduct business in Spain. The client’s new company soon began collaborating with local fintech firms and EU-based partners, opening up new markets and revenue streams.
RUE continued to provide assistance after approval by offering accounting, tax and business compliance services for the client’s new Spanish entity. The real estate investment also began generating rental income during periods when the property wasn’t being used by the client’s team, effectively turning the investment into a profitable asset and business hub.
This case study exemplifies how RUE’s comprehensive legal approach transcends mere residency acquisition. The firm secured EU residency for the client and his family, and built the legal and operational foundation for his company’s long-term European success.
For many Chinese entrepreneurs, this “business plus real estate” model is the ideal way to combine strategic expansion with personal mobility and security. With RUE’s guidance, the client gained everything he was looking for: a European business presence, legal residency and a solid investment, all achieved efficiently and in full compliance with the relevant regulations.
Legal and tax guidance at every step
Navigating real estate investment and immigration law across European jurisdictions can be highly complex, especially for foreign investors unfamiliar with EU legal systems, property regulations and tax implications. This is precisely why RUE’s comprehensive legal and tax guidance is at the heart of every successful residency project.
For Chinese investors, every stage of the real estate–residency process requires careful attention to detail and compliance. Property laws, taxation frameworks, and immigration procedures can vary significantly from country to country. A misstep in documentation, payment structure or compliance reporting could easily delay or invalidate a residency application. RUE’s role is to eliminate these risks by ensuring that every transaction and legal act fully aligns with national and EU legal standards.
The process begins with a legal due diligence phase, during which RUE’s experts analyse the chosen property from multiple perspectives, including ownership verification, encumbrance checks, building permits and zoning compliance. This guarantees that the property is free from hidden liabilities or disputes and meets the eligibility criteria of the selected residency programme. RUE also assists with drafting and reviewing sale and purchase agreements, ensuring that all clauses protect the investor’s interests and comply with local legislation.
Meanwhile, RUE’s tax advisory coordination helps clients to understand and manage the fiscal consequences of their investment. For instance, the firm clarifies the differences between personal income tax, property tax, and capital gains tax in various EU countries. RUE’s specialists also coordinate with certified accountants and tax consultants in each relevant jurisdiction to help clients structure their ownership in a tax-efficient manner, whether through a personal name, a family trust or a corporate vehicle.
For investors acquiring property through companies, RUE offers corporate structuring services to ensure ownership and profit distribution comply with EU corporate law and Chinese outbound investment regulations. This is particularly relevant for clients who wish to combine residency with business operations, as it minimises double taxation and ensures transparent reporting.
RUE also provides guidance on cross-border banking and financial compliance. All transactions, from transferring funds from China to Europe to making final property payments, are monitored to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. This protects clients from future complications and guarantees the legitimacy of their investment under European and Chinese financial laws.
The firm’s tax and legal guidance continues once the residence permit has been granted. RUE continues to provide long-term compliance support, including assistance with property tax declarations, visa and residency renewals, and coordination with local authorities. Clients also receive reminders about programme obligations, such as maintaining ownership for a minimum number of years or fulfilling residence requirements for citizenship eligibility.
In practice, every RUE client has a dedicated legal partner who handles paperwork and ensures that every action taken today will remain valid and beneficial in the future. By working proactively with local tax offices, notaries and immigration authorities, RUE guarantees transparency, security and compliance from the initial consultation to the issuance of the residence card — and beyond.
For Chinese investors, this peace of mind is invaluable. They can rest assured that a European legal team is safeguarding their interests at every step, protecting both their property and their pathway to European residency.
Long-Term Benefits for Chinese Investors
For Chinese citizens who invest in European real estate with RUE‘s support, the rewards extend far beyond property ownership or even the initial residence permit. The long-term benefits touch nearly every aspect of life, including financial growth, family well-being, education, healthcare and global mobility. RUE’s clients often describe the experience as not merely a relocation, but a strategic transformation of their future.
One of the most valuable advantages is freedom of movement. Holding an EU residence permit — particularly one granted through a programme in Portugal, Greece, or Spain — enables investors and their family members to travel freely across the 27 countries of the Schengen area without visas. For many entrepreneurs and executives conducting business in Europe, this mobility offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility. It opens doors to meetings, exhibitions, trade fairs and investment opportunities across the continent, bypassing the delays and bureaucracy of visa applications.
Another major advantage is access to education. Many EU clients pursue residency not only for themselves, but also for their children’s future. European residence status provides access to prestigious international schools and universities, often at reduced tuition fees compared to those for non-residents. Countries such as Portugal, Spain and Malta offer bilingual education systems that blend European academic traditions with global standards, making them an ideal choice for Chinese families seeking a world-class education in a multicultural environment.
Access to healthcare is another important factor. Residence permit holders in most EU countries have access to high-quality public healthcare systems that are renowned for their safety, affordability and professionalism. This benefit is particularly valued by families with elderly or young members, as it offers peace of mind that comes with reliable medical care in a stable environment.
From a financial perspective, real estate investments in Europe are often secure and appreciating assets. Markets in Portugal, Greece and Spain have shown steady growth over the past decade, particularly in urban centres and coastal regions. Investors benefit from both property value appreciation and rental income, the latter being a key component of RUE’s investment strategy for many clients. By carefully selecting locations with strong tourism and rental demand, RUE ensures that properties remain profitable while also qualifying for residency programmes.
Another long-term benefit lies in citizenship opportunities. While each country sets its own timeline, programmes such as Portugal’s Golden Visa can lead to permanent residence or full EU citizenship after five years, provided the investor maintains their investment and fulfils the necessary residence requirements. This opens the path to holding one of the world’s most powerful passports — granting the right to live, work and study anywhere in the European Union.
RUE also assists clients in understanding the tax and residency implications of their new status. By collaborating with certified tax advisors, the firm helps clients to optimise their global tax structure, ensuring compliance while avoiding unnecessary burdens. For many, this results in a more favourable tax environment than in their home jurisdiction, particularly with regard to inheritance, wealth or income taxation.
Beyond the practical benefits, RUE’s clients often emphasise the lifestyle transformation that European residency brings. Clean air, cultural diversity, safety and a slower pace of life all contribute to a sense of balance and well-being. Many clients describe this transition as the beginning of a new chapter — one that combines professional achievements in China with personal freedom and stability in Europe.
Essentially, RUE helps Chinese investors secure more than just a residence card: it provides them with a bridge to a new way of living — one that offers opportunity, stability and a legacy for future generations. By guiding each client with professionalism and foresight, RUE ensures that their investment in European real estate becomes a long-term foundation for prosperity, mobility and peace of mind.
RUE’s Competitive Advantage
Many firms in the field of European immigration and investment consulting offer assistance with residence permits and real estate transactions, but few can match the depth, professionalism and legal credibility that RUE brings to each client relationship. RUE is distinguished not only by its comprehensive service model, but also by its regulated legal status, EU-wide presence and deep understanding of the needs of Chinese investors and of European legal systems.
RUE operates as a licensed European legal and corporate advisory firm, rather than as a marketing intermediary or real estate broker. This legal foundation is crucial, ensuring that every aspect of a client’s residency process — from property purchase to immigration application — is handled in accordance with strict European legal standards. The firm’s lawyers are registered within the EU, enabling them to represent clients before local authorities, notaries, tax offices and immigration departments with full legal authority.
One of RUE’s greatest strengths lies in its multijurisdictional structure. With offices and partners across several EU member states, including Portugal, Greece, Spain, Lithuania and Malta, RUE can provide on-the-ground representation wherever clients need it. This pan-European presence enables the firm to handle cross-border cases seamlessly and provide real-time support during property viewings, document signings and residence application procedures.
RUE also takes pride in its personalised and confidential approach. Each client’s case is treated individually, not as part of a standardised package. From the initial consultation, RUE’s lawyers and advisors strive to grasp the client’s long-term goals, family circumstances, financial background, and risk tolerance. Based on this information, the team creates a bespoke legal strategy balancing immigration goals, investment value and tax efficiency.
Another defining advantage is RUE’s culture of due diligence. In an industry where unverified property deals and unauthorised agents are unfortunately commonplace, RUE stands out for its commitment to transparency and compliance. Every property is vetted through official registries, ownership records and municipal databases before any funds are transferred. Clients receive written reports confirming that the property is legally compliant and eligible for residency purposes. This legal oversight minimises risks and protects clients from fraud or non-qualifying investments.
RUE’s integrated team structure also sets it apart. RUE does not outsource critical stages of the process; instead, the firm brings together specialists in law, real estate, finance, taxation, and immigration. This interdisciplinary approach ensures each client receives comprehensive guidance — legal contracts are reviewed by lawyers, tax implications verified by accountants, and immigration submissions managed by licensed experts.
Furthermore, RUE’s extensive experience of working with Chinese investors provides the firm with a distinct cultural and linguistic advantage. The firm employs Mandarin-speaking consultants who facilitate communication between Chinese clients and European institutions, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the process. RUE understands the expectations, business ethics and priorities of Chinese entrepreneurs and families, enabling it to provide bespoke solutions that align with their values and long-term plans.
Equally important is the firm’s post-residency support. Unlike many agencies, which end their services once the residence card has been issued, RUE continues to assist clients with renewal procedures, property tax management and even future citizenship applications. This approach to building long-term relationships has resulted in strong client loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals within the Chinese investment community.
Finally, RUE’s reputation is backed by proven results. Over the years, the firm has successfully helped hundreds of clients obtain residence permits, purchase compliant properties, and integrate smoothly into European life. The company has become synonymous with professionalism, discretion and legal excellence — qualities that have established RUE as a trusted partner for individuals seeking secure, lawful and structured access to the European Union.
In a crowded market of consultants and intermediaries, RUE’s regulated legal status, EU-wide presence and client-centred approach make it the obvious choice for investors who value efficiency and integrity. With RUE, every client gains a dedicated legal ally to ensure that their investment and their family’s future in Europe are both safe and successful.
From investment to European integration
For many Chinese citizens, the decision to invest in European real estate is not just a financial one — it is a life-changing step towards global integration, stability and opportunity. What begins as a strategic investment often evolves into a profound personal journey that transforms how families live, work and connect with the world. Through its expertise, professionalism and legal precision, RUE has become the bridge between that aspiration and its realisation.
Over the years, RUE has guided countless Chinese investors through the complex process of buying property and obtaining residence permits in the European Union. From Lisbon’s sunny avenues to the Athenian Riviera and Barcelona’s innovation hubs to Malta’s serene shores, the firm has helped clients to secure not only homes, but also a foothold in Europe’s future.
These success stories stand out not just for the outcome — the residence card or the profitable investment — but for the confidence and security that RUE provides at every stage of the process. By combining legal accuracy with local expertise and cultural understanding, RUE eliminates the uncertainty that often accompanies cross-border ventures. Every client can rest assured that a team of qualified lawyers, tax experts, and immigration specialists are working on their behalf in full compliance with EU law.
Beyond the legal and transactional aspects, RUE’s work has a deeper purpose: to help Chinese families and entrepreneurs integrate into the European community. The firm doesn’t merely assist in obtaining residency; it builds pathways to long-term settlement, citizenship and success in Europe’s dynamic economy. Many clients who first approached RUE seeking residency have since gone on to open businesses, enrol their children in European universities, or even acquire citizenship, creating new personal and professional opportunities.
This holistic approach reflects RUE’s understanding that European residency is not an end goal, but rather the start of a new chapter. Whether clients are seeking a peaceful retirement home, access to world-class education for their children, or a strategic base for international business, RUE’s mission remains the same: to turn ambition into achievement through expert legal guidance.
In today’s world of global mobility and shifting opportunities, RUE continues to serve as a trusted partner for Chinese investors seeking to establish a meaningful and secure connection with Europe. Through careful planning, ethical practice and unwavering attention to detail, the firm ensures that each investment leads to something greater: not just property ownership, but a lasting presence in Europe’s social, cultural and economic landscape.
RUE is a symbol of trust, precision and possibility, transforming real estate investments into enduring European success stories.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which EU countries offer residency in exchange for real estate investment?
Portugal, Greece, Spain, Malta and Cyprus remain the most popular choices among Chinese investors. Each country has its own minimum investment threshold and residency benefits.
How long does it take to receive the residence permit?
Typically, it takes between three and six months from the time of investment and application submission, depending on the country.
Can the whole family apply together?
Yes. Spouses, dependent children and sometimes even parents can be included under one main investor’s application.
What are the risks of buying property abroad?
Legal risks include non-compliant sellers, unclear property titles and hidden taxes, all of which can be mitigated by working with a licensed legal intermediary such as RUE.
How can RUE assist me personally?
RUE provides comprehensive legal support, from selecting a property to obtaining a residence permit, ensuring that your investment is compliant, protected and aligned with your long-term plans in Europe.
What is the cost of obtaining a residence permit for Chinese citizens in the most popular European Union countries?
Regulated United Europe is a professional corporate and immigration advisory firm that assists Chinese nationals in obtaining residence permits across the European Union. Our standard professional fee for this service is €3,000 (approximately 23,500 CNY). This fee includes an eligibility assessment, guidance on document collection and full support with preparing and submitting the application.
RUE customer support team
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