Residence
through passive income

Status in exchange for documented regular income from abroad — a pension, rent, dividends. No investment or business, just proven financial stability.

A good fit if

You have stable income from abroad above the country’s threshold — from €920/month in Spain, slightly higher in Portugal.

You do not plan to work in the new country — the income must be passive by nature.

Your budget is limited: this is the cheapest category by direct cost — government fees are symbolic.

A poor fit if

Your income is unstable or tied to active work (a salary generally does not count directly).

You need a path to citizenship faster than full naturalisation — 7–10 years in most countries.

You plan to work locally — that needs a different visa category.

How it differs from neighbouring categories

Unlike NOMAD, the income does not have to come from remote work — a pension, rent, or dividends all qualify. Unlike RBI, no one-off capital is required, only a regular income stream.