5 Easiest Countries to get Permanent Residency in Europe Without Investment

4. Estonia

Labor Market Mobility: 69

Family Reunion: 76

Permanent Residence Certainty: 7

Average Score: 74

If a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national is planning an extended stay in Estonia beyond one year, the applicant can apply for a temporary residence permit, with a processing time of two to three months. This permit grants the applicant the ability to work, study, and live in Estonia for up to five years, after which the applicant can renew it or apply for permanent residency. To qualify for permanent residency, the applicant needs to meet specific criteria, including having a temporary residence permit, residing in Estonia for five years with said permit, maintaining valid Estonian health insurance, demonstrating knowledge of Estonian culture and language at least at a B1 level, having legal income in Estonia, and ensuring the applicant’s address is registered in Estonia’s population register.