How To Get A European Passport?

When planning international travel, it’s essential to know how a passport and a visa differ. A passport serves as your primary identification document, issued by your country of citizenship and typically valid for up to ten years. A visa, on the other hand, is an authorization granted by the country you intend to visit, usually stamped or affixed to your passport and valid for a much shorter stay.

Main Distinctions

• Issuing Authority

  • Passport: National government of your home country

  • Visa: Embassy or consulate of the destination country

• Primary Function

  • Passport: Confirms identity and citizenship

  • Visa: Grants permission to enter and stay in a foreign country

• Validity Period

  • Passport: Generally issued for five to ten years

  • Visa: Typically valid from a few days up to several years

Understanding the difference between a visa and a residence permit is essential for anyone planning to travel, study, work, retire or settle abroad. While both documents relate to your legal status in a foreign country, they serve distinct functions and grant different rights.

What Is a Visa?

• Issuing Authority: Embassy or consulate of the destination country

• Purpose: Grants permission to enter a country for a specific purpose (tourism, business, study, transit)

• Duration: Short-term stays ranging from a few days to several months

• Format: Stamp, sticker, or electronic authorization linked to your passport

• Terms: May limit entries (single, double, multiple) and impose conditions (no work, limited study)

What Is a Residence Permit?

• Issuing Authority: Immigration or internal affairs department of the host country

• Purpose: Authorises long-term stay, often tied to work, study, family reunification, or investment

• Duration: Typically valid for one to five years, renewable and sometimes convertible to permanent residency

• Format: Biometric card or resident visa placed in your passport

• Rights: Allows living, working, and accessing public services (healthcare, education) under local law

A Golden Visa is an immigration-by-investment program that grants foreign nationals long-term residency in a host country in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution, such as real estate purchases, government bonds, business investments, or donations to their national fund.

Golden Visa programs typically require applicants to make a pre-defined investment and then submit documentation to the country’s immigration authorities. Once approved, holders receive:

• A residence permit valid for several years, often renewable

• The right to live, work, and study in the host country

• The option to include family members under the same visa

To qualify for a Golden Visa, applicants generally need to make qualified investments.

Each country sets its own minimum amounts, eligible asset types, and background checks. Always confirm current thresholds and documentation rules with the official immigration portals before applying.

At MJR Associates, our expert advisors guide you through each stage of the investment process with a focus on meeting residency eligibility criteria. From identifying qualifying assets like appreciating classic cars or university-backed R&D ventures, to crafting a portfolio that aligns with visa requirements, we deliver tailored opportunities designed to grow your wealth while supporting your application. Every strategy is built to reflect your unique profile and maximise your chances of approval.