Cheapest EU Residency in 2026: A Budget-Friendly Country Guide
Living in Europe does not necessarily require hundreds of thousands of euros. In 2026, we compared EU countries that offer residency permits on a low budget and their actual costs.
"When thinking of 'residence in Europe,' people usually imagine Golden Visa investments of 250,000-500,000 euros. However, in 2026, it is possible to obtain legal residence in the EU with much more modest budgets. In this guide, we list the most economical residence paths without locking your money into real estate.
Ranking by Budget (2026)
| Path | Country | Approximate starting cost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup Visa | 🇱🇹 Lithuania | No fixed capital required | Innovative business idea required |
| Residence via Company | 🇷🇴 Romania | Low — company + fees | Neighbor to Turkey |
| Commercial Representation (TRO) | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | ~€1,000-2,500 fees + existing company | 10% flat tax |
| Startup / Company | 🇪🇪 Estonia | Startup: low · Company: ~€65,000 capital | Fully digital process |
| Elective Residence | 🇮🇹 Italy | No investment, proof of income ~€32,000/year | Passive income required |
1. Lithuania Startup Visa — entry without capital
If you have a scalable, innovative business idea, the Lithuania Startup Visa does not require you to invest specific capital. This is one of the lowest-cost entry gates to the EU for tech entrepreneurs. Details.
2. Romania — neighbor and economical
Company establishment and executive residence in Romania are quite low cost compared to Western Europe. Being an EU member and its proximity to Turkey are additional advantages. Details.
3. Bulgaria TRO — with existing company
If you already have an active company for at least 2 years, you can obtain EU residence by opening a Commercial Representation in Bulgaria without injecting new capital. Fees do not exceed a few thousand euros. Details.
4. Italy — income, not investment
Italy's Elective Residence requires income, not an investment: if your regular passive income (rent, dividends, pension) is at a sufficient level, there is no need to lock up a large amount of capital. Details.
Beware of hidden costs
The advertised official fees are only the tip of the iceberg. When planning your budget, consider the following: health insurance, apostilled/sworn translations, notary fees, proof of accommodation, consulting fees, and potential tax liabilities. Resida Global transparently calculates the total cost of ownership for you when choosing a country.
To see all paths side by side, check out our comparison page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country offers the cheapest EU residence?
If you have an innovative startup, the Lithuania Startup Visa has the lowest entry cost as it does not require fixed capital. For those with active companies, Bulgaria TRO and Romania are economical.
Does cheap residence mean low quality?
No. These are official, legal residence programs of EU member countries. Despite the low cost, rights (Schengen area travel, transition to permanent residency) are the same.
Do I have to buy property?
No. None of the paths in this guide require purchasing property; they are based on income, companies, or startups.
Related Property Pages
Get a Free Consultation
Let our expert team assess the right country and property for your overseas property, residency or citizenship goal — free of charge, end to end.
