1.) Portugal
Portugal residence permit is issued to foreign citizens, valid for a period of 1 year from the date of its issuance, renewable for successive periods of two years. The minimum you can get away with in Portugal, one of the oldest countries in Europe, is €500,000 (£450,000); buy a house for that price and you’re in. Alternatively, transfer €1 million (£846,000) into a Portuguese bank account or create 10 jobs in the country.
2.) Italy
Italian residence permits can be issued with a validity date of six months, one year, or two years, depending on the type of permit you have. Invest, invest, invest.

3.) Malta

Anyone non-Maltese intending to reside legally in Malta for more than 3 months is required to apply for a residence permit. Low tax rates (permanent residents pay I just 15 per cent) and a sunny climate make Malta an attractive destination for those seeking EU citizenship. Buying a €275,000 (£232,000) property is enough to get your foot in the door. And could this country be Europe’s most underrated culinary destination? Our expert thinks so.
4.) Belgium
Foreign nationals who want to reside in Belgium for more than go days in 6 months must apply for a temporary residence visa, also known as a type D Visa. Foreigners who obtain a Visa D must register at the municipality (commune) in which they will reside.

Here, merely securing a job in Belgium can be enough to qualify f ( 1 residency, thus negating the need to invest. The process is on a case-by-case basis and takes from three months to complete.