In Which European Countries Do Chinese Citizens Obtain Residence Permits?

In recent years, Europe has become one of the most popular destinations for Chinese citizens looking to obtain a residence permit. Political stability, developed infrastructure, a high standard of living, a transparent tax system and freedom of movement within the Schengen Area make the European Union an attractive choice for wealthy investors, entrepreneurs and families seeking a reliable and prosperous future.

Chinese nationals are actively taking advantage of residence-by-investment programmes available in several European countries. The most popular destinations remain Greece, Malta and Cyprus – countries that continue to operate residence permit programmes based on real estate investment in 2025. Each country offers unique conditions tailored to investors willing to invest in property, business ventures or government funds.

Greece is one of the leading countries in terms of the number of residence permits issued to Chinese citizens. The Greek Golden Visa Programme enables investors to obtain residency by purchasing real estate worth €250,000 or more. However, in certain regions such as Athens and Thessaloniki, the minimum threshold is €500,000–€800,000. A Greek residence permit grants visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area and does not require permanent residence in Greece – a major advantage for investors managing businesses across multiple jurisdictions.

Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) attracts Chinese investors by offering the possibility of obtaining EU residency status without requiring permanent residence. To qualify, applicants must contribute to a state fund, purchase or rent real estate, and demonstrate a stable income. Advantages of the programme include strong investor protection, a highly developed financial system and an English-speaking environment, making Malta one of the most convenient and investor-friendly jurisdictions in Europe.

Despite recent legislative changes, Cyprus remains a favoured destination among Chinese citizens. The Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme requires a real estate investment of at least €300,000. The application process is straightforward and transparent, and the island’s stable banking system and flexible tax regime make it appealing to investors and business owners alike. Chinese citizens choose Europe as a destination for obtaining residency not only for investment opportunities, but also to diversify their assets, secure quality education for their children and create an alternative residence in a stable and safe environment. Residence-by-investment programmes enable them to combine personal and business goals, providing access to the European financial market and the freedom to travel throughout the EU.

In practice, most residence permit applications are submitted through professional advisors and legal firms that provide full support throughout the process. These lawyers analyse the applicant’s financial profile, select the most suitable programme, conduct due diligence on real estate properties and ensure that all documentation complies fully with the legal requirements of the chosen country.

Consequently, Europe remains a key destination for Chinese investors seeking to preserve capital stability and access new opportunities. Residence-by-investment programmes in Greece, Malta and Cyprus continue to be in high demand thanks to their balanced requirements, legal transparency and the opportunity they offer for long-term residence within the European Union.

For Chinese citizens, obtaining European residency has become a vital part of their global strategy for personal and business development, as well as a means of protecting assets.

Cyprus

One of the most popular and transparent programs in the European Union is obtaining a residence permit in Cyprus through investment in real estate, governed by Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations. This programme grants investors and their families the right to permanent residence in the country, provided that the investment is maintained and all eligibility criteria are met. The program is designed for foreign nationals seeking long-term EU residency and the chance to reside in a stable, secure and tax-efficient jurisdiction.

The main requirement is the purchase of new residential property directly from a developer (first sale only), with a minimum value of €300,000 (excluding VAT). Resale properties are not eligible for the fast-track procedure. When applying, applicants must submit a registered purchase agreement to the Department of Lands and Surveys and provide proof of payments covering at least the minimum investment amount.

All payments must come exclusively from the applicant’s or their spouse’s overseas accounts, and proof of the source of the funds must be provided, along with SWIFT confirmations.

In addition to meeting the investment threshold, applicants must demonstrate that they have a stable and legal annual income from abroad of at least €50,000, plus an additional €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child. Income sources must be verified through tax declarations, audited financial statements and certificates from accountants. All funds must have a lawful origin, and income cannot be derived from employment in Cyprus.

Applicants must also provide:

• Police clearance certificates from their country of residence
• A valid health insurance policy
• A declaration of non-employment in Cyprus
• Proof of financial independence for the entire family

While ownership of shares in a Cypriot company and receipt of dividends are permitted, salaried employment is strictly prohibited.

Applications are handled by the Civil Registry and Migration Department. Once approved, the applicant and their family members will receive permanent residence cards which are valid indefinitely, provided that all programme conditions are maintained. However, status will be revoked if the holder does not visit Cyprus for more than two consecutive years or sells the investment property without purchasing another qualifying one.

Taxation and VAT considerations

When purchasing new property, the standard VAT rate is 19%, though a reduced rate of 5% may apply if the property is to be used as the applicant’s main residence. This reduction is not available for investment purchases intended for rental or resale.

The application package must include:

• The sale and purchase agreement
• Proof of payment
• Evidence of the origin of the funds
• Police clearance
• Health insurance
• Income documentation
• Certified translations into English or Greek

Accompanying lawyers typically carry out thorough due diligence on the property to verify legal ownership, construction permits, any encumbrances and that the purchase agreement is correctly registered with the Land Registry.

Once residency is granted, the investor must maintain the property, refrain from using it for short-term rentals and demonstrate continued financial solvency. Selling the property without replacing it with another qualifying property will result in the residence permit being cancelled.

Tax residency is determined separately and is not automatically granted alongside permanent residence. Applicants remain non-tax residents if they spend fewer than 183 days per year in Cyprus. Non-domiciled tax residents benefit from exemptions on dividends and interest income, which makes the programme particularly attractive for high-net-worth individuals.

Professional assistance and legal support

In practice, the process requires careful preparation, including selecting a qualifying property, structuring payments correctly, transferring funds from abroad and preparing full supporting documentation for the relevant authorities. Common mistakes, such as purchasing resale property, making incomplete payments, providing unverified income sources or applying VAT incorrectly, often lead to applications being refused.

Therefore, professional legal support is essential.

Regulated United Europe (RUE) provides a comprehensive service to investors from China and other Asian countries. This includes assistance with property selection (first-sale units only), legal due diligence, payment structuring, document preparation, application submission and representation before Cypriot authorities.

Thanks to its expertise and in-depth knowledge of local regulations, RUE helps clients to obtain Cyprus permanent residence quickly and securely while minimising legal risks and maintaining full control over their investment.

The Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme remains one of Europe’s most reliable and transparent residence-by-investment schemes. It offers investors stable legal status, access to the EU financial system and excellent living and business conditions in a safe, business-friendly environment.

Malta

Relocating to Malta is becoming an increasingly popular choice among Chinese citizens who view Europe as a destination for comfortable living, investment, and business development. Malta combines the benefits of the European lifestyle with a stable economy and favourable immigration policies, offering Chinese families access to a high standard of living, quality education and a safe environment. Thanks to its investment programmes and transparent legal framework, Malta is now considered one of the most convenient and reliable entry points into the European Union.

One of Malta’s main advantages is its EU membership and participation in the Schengen Agreement. Residents enjoy visa-free travel across 29 European countries, making Malta a strategic choice for those who value mobility and the freedom to travel for business, education, or tourism. Furthermore, cooperation between China and Malta reached a new level in 2025: China has added Malta to the list of countries whose citizens and residents can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. This greatly simplifies business travel, strengthens trade relations, and promotes cultural exchange.

Thanks to its location between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Malta is becoming an important international trade and logistics hub. For Chinese entrepreneurs working in exports, technology, fashion, and e-commerce, the country offers ample opportunities for business expansion. Participation in the European economic system enables investors to benefit from the single market and the protection of investments under the law, while maintaining a low level of corporate taxation.

Malta’s high quality of life and favourable climate are also noteworthy. The island enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, mild winters and clean sea air – a clear contrast to the polluted megacities of Asia. Developed infrastructure, safety and accessible healthcare make Malta an attractive place for families with children and elderly relatives. The cost of living remains moderate; for example, renting a house on the island of Gozo averages around €550 per month, and food and essential goods are significantly cheaper than in major Chinese cities.

Malta’s cultural environment also facilitates the integration of Chinese expatriates. English is an official language, which simplifies daily communication, business operations and education. The local population is friendly towards foreign residents and Maltese culture is a harmonious blend of European, North African and Mediterranean traditions.

Malta offers two main immigration programmes suitable for Chinese citizens.
The first is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), which involves investing in or renting real estate. The minimum cost is €80,000, including government contributions and charitable donations. Investors receive the right to permanent residence without the need for annual renewals by purchasing property worth at least €375,000 or renting accommodation for €14,000 per year.

The second programme is the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) programme, which grants citizenship through investment within 12–18 months. To qualify, applicants must make a government contribution starting from €600,000, donate to a charitable fund and purchase or rent real estate. Upon obtaining citizenship, investors and their families gain visa-free access to over 180 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, as well as the right to live and work in any EU country.

The education system in Malta is of particular interest to Chinese families considering relocation. Schooling is compulsory from the age of 5 to 16 and includes preschool, primary and secondary education. Public schools offer free education in English and Maltese, facilitating the integration of children. Private schools such as Verdala International School, St. Edward’s College, and San Anton School follow British and international curricula for those seeking international standards. Tuition fees range from €6,000 to €10,000 per year and class sizes are small to ensure a personalised approach to education.

Higher education institutions include the University of Malta, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), and the American University of Malta. All of these institutions are accredited and recognised throughout Europe, making them attractive to both local students and foreigners seeking internationally recognised qualifications.

Another key advantage of relocation to Malta is its favourable tax system. Personal income tax rates range from 0% to 35%, with the highest rate applying only to income exceeding €60,000. Malta’s tax refund mechanism allows companies to reduce their effective corporate tax rate to as low as 5%. There are also no taxes on wealth, inheritance or property, which is particularly appealing for high-net-worth families planning intergenerational wealth transfer.

Malta’s economy is dynamic and diversified. Alongside traditional sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and tourism, industries such as fintech, digital finance, and blockchain are developing rapidly. The government fosters the growth of innovative companies by supporting entrepreneurship through grants, investment programmes, and tax incentives.

Malta is also renowned for its high-quality healthcare system: public hospitals provide free treatment to EU residents and employed foreigners, and private clinics offer state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional service at affordable prices.

Thus, Malta offers a balanced combination of a high European quality of life, tax and investment advantages, educational opportunities and a pleasant climate. For Chinese citizens relocating from the United States or China, Malta is becoming an increasingly popular choice – offering professional opportunities, family security and access to the European Union’s single market.

Greece

Obtaining a residence permit through investment in Greek real estate is one of the most popular programmes in the European Union and is a key attraction for foreign investors, including those from China. The Greek ‘Golden Visa’ programme combines transparent requirements, a flexible procedure and the opportunity to live in one of the most stable jurisdictions in southern Europe, with access to the Schengen Area. The main condition for obtaining a residence permit through the investment programme is purchasing residential or commercial real estate worth at least €250,000; however, since 2024, the minimum threshold in several regions has increased to €500,000. These zones include Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini and Mykonos, where high property demand has led to an increase in the investment minimum. In other regions of the country, including mainland areas and islands with lower tourist numbers, the minimum investment remains at 250,000 euros. Unlike similar schemes in other EU countries, Greek law permits ownership of real estate either individually or through a legal entity, provided the applicant is the sole shareholder of that entity.

The purchased property must be registered with the Land Registry and have no legal encumbrances. After signing and notarising the sale and purchase agreement, the investor must make payment by bank transfer from a personal account abroad to confirm the legality of the funds’ origin. Cash payments are not permitted. The document package must also include bank statements and SWIFT codes confirming the cross-border origin of the investment. After registering the transaction in the Land Registry, the application for a residence permit is submitted. This includes the notarised sale and purchase agreement, proof of payment, certificate of ownership registration, a copy of the passport, health insurance, a certificate of no criminal record and proof of financial solvency. Unlike the Cypriot programme, Greek law does not stipulate a minimum annual income requirement; however, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to live in the country without being employed.

The residence permit is initially issued for five years and can be renewed provided that the investment is maintained. There is no obligation to reside permanently in Greece – it is sufficient to retain ownership of the property. The permit also covers the applicant’s spouse, children under 21 years of age and parents. Family members are issued with separate residence cards that are valid for the same period as the main investor’s card. A key advantage of the Greek programme is the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area without visa restrictions. Investors also have the right to conduct business in Greece, be a shareholder or establish a company, although salaried employment is not permitted under the residence permit.

The residence permit application process includes several stages: preliminary property selection, legal verification (due diligence), signing the sale and purchase agreement before a notary, registering ownership with the Land Registry, opening a bank account and transferring funds from abroad, submitting the application to the migration department and issuing residence cards. On average, the procedure takes two to three months from when the complete set of documents is submitted. Special attention is paid to issues of taxation and property ownership. In Greece, property purchase tax is 3% of the contractual value for resale properties and 24% VAT for new properties purchased from a developer. The annual property tax (ENFIA) depends on the property’s area, location and cadastral value, but remains moderate for foreign investors. Income derived from renting out real estate is taxed progressively, ranging from 15% to 45%.

Investors considering purchasing property in Greece often combine investment goals with the intention of living there themselves. The property can be used for short- or long-term rental, providing additional income. However, if the property is sold and not replaced with one that meets the minimum investment amount within a certain timeframe, the residence permit is cancelled. The Greek Golden Visa programme is one of the most sought-after in Europe for Chinese citizens due to its relatively low entry threshold, the possibility of obtaining residence permits for the entire family, and the absence of residence requirements in the country. Chinese investors are actively buying real estate in Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki, as well as on the islands, where demand for tourist properties is growing. Greece also attracts investors with the prospect of obtaining permanent residency, and EU citizenship after seven years of legal residence, subject to conditions.

Professional support is an important element of successful application processing. Regulated United Europe‘s lawyers and tax consultants provide investors with full assistance at all stages of the process, from selecting a suitable property and conducting due diligence to submitting documents and interacting with migration and land authorities. The team ensures transparent transactions, the preparation of all legalised translations, tax optimisation and compliance with legal requirements. Thus, obtaining a residence permit in Greece through investment in real estate offers foreign investors a stable and reliable route to establishing a presence in the European Union. The programme combines accessibility, legal predictability and a high level of property rights protection, opening the way to new business, educational and living opportunities in one of Europe’s most attractive countries.

Disadvantages of life in China that do not exist in Europe

Despite the rapid development of infrastructure and impressive economic growth, life in China is accompanied by systemic problems that significantly reduce quality of life, motivating many citizens to consider Europe as an alternative place to live. Unlike European countries, which emphasise social well-being, legal protection and individual freedoms, China’s model focuses on discipline, control and collectivism, which often limits personal space and opportunities for self-realisation.

One of the most serious disadvantages of living in China is the severe air and water pollution. In major industrial centres such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, pollution levels remain far above European standards. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and industrial emissions make the air hazardous to health, while the quality of drinking water and food is often a cause for concern. By contrast, environmental legislation in Europe is among the strictest in the world, ensuring clean air, safe water sources, and efficient waste management.

The lack of work–life balance is another significant issue. Chinese corporate culture is based on the so-called ‘996’ system – working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. Overtime is seen as a sign of dedication and loyalty. This work model can lead to chronic fatigue, stress and burnout, which is in stark contrast to European labour culture, where workers’ rights are legally protected and where paid holidays and regulated working hours are seen as essential components of a healthy lifestyle.

A third factor limiting personal freedom is widespread surveillance and the absence of digital privacy. Most apps and online services in China require users to link their accounts to personal phone numbers and government-issued IDs. The internet is under constant censorship, with many foreign websites and platforms – including Google, YouTube, Instagram, and even some gaming services – being blocked or restricted. Publishing content, whether literary, artistic or journalistic, is strictly monitored. Even seemingly harmless industries such as video gaming face censorship, and platforms such as Steam are only partially accessible. By contrast, in Europe, data protection and freedom of expression are enshrined in law and safeguarded by regulations such as the GDPR, ensuring a high level of personal privacy and digital security.

The Chinese education system also deserves special attention due to its rigidity and extreme competitiveness. Learning is heavily based on rote memorisation, standardised exams and psychological pressure. Students face immense academic pressure from an early age, and university admission is considered a matter of family honour. Consequently, children and teenagers often experience high levels of stress and are deprived of a normal childhood. In contrast, the European education model emphasises an individual approach, critical thinking and a balanced workload, helping to develop academic, social and creative skills.

Another restrictive aspect is China’s household registration system, or ‘Hukou’, which has been in place for decades. This system ties citizens to a specific region, effectively limiting their social rights outside of their registered location. Without the correct ‘hukou’, individuals cannot access healthcare or welfare benefits, nor can they enrol their children in schools in another city. For families with children, this becomes a serious obstacle when trying to relocate or seek better living conditions. Such restrictions do not exist in Europe, where EU citizens and residents enjoy full freedom of movement and can choose where to live, study and work, enjoying equal rights across all member states.

Collectively, these factors make life in China more regulated, stressful and dependent on the state. By contrast, Europe offers a different model – one of personal freedom, legal security, environmental well-being and a sustainable work-life balance. This is why an increasing number of Chinese citizens are choosing to live in European countries, not only for business or investment reasons, but also for stability, self-realisation and a better future for their families.