The European continent offers a wide variety of options to investors and entrepreneurs who are interested in a second residence or citizenship. Depending on the country and investment type, investors can expect to receive temporary residence, permanent residence or even citizenship in exchange for their investment. What makes the European countries particularly attractive in the investment migration market is the mobility that European residence and citizenship offer. Because of rules and agreements between European countries, residence in any one of the European countries with investment immigration programs opens the door to visa-free travel throughout most or all of Europe. Furthermore, those who acquire citizenship in a European Union member country, either directly through their investment or through permanent residency as a stepping stone, will be accorded the ability to live and work anywhere in the European Union.

Before selecting an investment location, investors should consider the outcome of their investment (residency or citizenship), the type of investment required, processing times, any long-term commitments demanded by the program and any restrictions on dual nationality. Many European countries do not require investors to establish physical residency in the country, while still conferring to them the rights and benefits of legal residency, but some do. Similarly, many countries do not have language requirements, but some will require language skills as investors progress through levels of residency or citizenship. Investors may also want to consider whether the country is a member of the European Union or Schengen Zone, as these memberships offer favorable travel and establishment rights.