🌍 Fastest Countries to Obtain Permanent Residency in Under 2 Years (2025 Edition)

In an increasingly globalized world, securing permanent residency (PR) in a foreign country has become an attractive goal for many seeking better opportunities, security, and quality of life. Fortunately, several countries have streamlined their immigration processes, allowing eligible individuals to obtain PR in under two years. This guide explores the top 14 countries offering such fast-track PR options in 2025.

1. Canada

   • Pathways: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

   • Processing Time: 12–24 months

   • Requirements:

     • Skilled work experience

     • Proficiency in English or French

     • Educational credentials

     • Job offer or provincial nomination (optional but beneficial)

   Canada's Express Entry system is points-based, favoring younger applicants with strong language skills and work experience. Provincial Nominee Programs cater to specific regional labor needs, offering additional pathways to PR.

2. Australia

   • Pathways: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

   • Processing Time: 15–18 months

   • Requirements:

     • Occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List

     • Points-based assessment (age, education, experience, language proficiency)

     • Health and character assessments

   Australia's General Skilled Migration program targets individuals with skills in demand, facilitating a relatively quick PR process for qualified applicants.

3. New Zealand

   • Pathway: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

   • Processing Time: Approximately 11.5 weeks (median)

   • Requirements:

     • Job offer in a shortage field

     • Points-based selection

     • Health and character standards

   New Zealand offers a streamlined process for skilled workers, especially in sectors facing labor shortages.

4. Portugal

   • Pathways: Golden Visa, D7 Visa

   • Processing Time: Approximately 2 years

   • Requirements:

     • For Golden Visa: Investment in funds, job creation, or cultural heritage

     • For D7 Visa: Proof of passive income or retirement funds

   Portugal's Golden Visa program has evolved, focusing on investments that benefit the country's economy and culture.

5. Uruguay

   • Pathway: Direct Residency Application

   • Processing Time: Typically 1–2 years

   • Requirements:

     • Proof of stable income

     • Physical residence in the country

   Uruguay offers a straightforward path to PR, with the added benefit of potential citizenship within 3–5 years.

6. Paraguay

   • Pathway: Permanent Residency Program

   • Processing Time: Under 2 years

   • Requirements:

     • Proof of economic solvency

     • Clean criminal record

   Paraguay's residency program is known for its simplicity and low cost, making it an attractive option for many.

7. Mexico

   • Pathway: Temporary to Permanent Residency

   • Processing Time: 2 years

   • Requirements:

     • Proof of economic solvency or job contract

     • Clean criminal record

     • Continuous residency

   Mexico allows individuals to transition from temporary to permanent residency after maintaining legal status for two years.

8. Dominican Republic

   • Pathways: Investor Residency, Pensioner Residency

   • Processing Time: Around 6–12 months

   • Requirements:

     • Investment in real estate or business

     • Proof of retirement income

   The Dominican Republic offers expedited residency options for investors and retirees seeking a tropical lifestyle.

9. Malta

   • Pathway: Malta Permanent Residence Programme

   • Processing Time: Approximately 12 months

   • Requirements:

     • Investment in government bonds or real estate

     • Contribution to the national development fund

     • Proof of financial self-sufficiency

   Malta's program offers a gateway to European residency with the added benefit of visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

10. Cyprus

    • Pathway: Cyprus Permanent Residency Program

    • Processing Time: Approximately 6 months

    • Requirements:

      • Investment in real estate

      • Proof of stable income

      • Clean criminal record

    Cyprus offers one of the fastest PR processes in Europe, with a focus on attracting foreign investment.

11. Greece

    • Pathway: Golden Visa Program

    • Processing Time: Approximately 6 months

    • Requirements:

      • Real estate investment (minimum €250,000)

      • Clean criminal record

      • Health insurance

    Greece's Golden Visa program provides residency through property investment, granting access to the Schengen Zone.

12. Hungary

    • Pathway: Guest Investor Program

    • Processing Time: Approximately 6 months

    • Requirements:

      • Investment in real estate or business

      • Proof of financial means

      • Clean criminal record

    Hungary's program offers a temporary residence permit with the possibility of obtaining PR after three years.

13. United States

    • Pathways: Family-Based, Employment-Based, EB-5 Investor Program

    • Processing Time: Varies; some pathways under 2 years

    • Requirements:

      • Family sponsorship or job offer

      • Investment of $900,000–$1.8 million for EB-5

      • Compliance with immigration regulations

    The U.S. offers multiple avenues to PR, with certain categories allowing for expedited processing.

14. Vanuatu

    • Pathway: Citizenship by Investment Program

    • Processing Time: As little as 2 months

    • Requirements:

      • Minimum investment of $130,000

      • Clean criminal record

      • Due diligence checks

    Vanuatu offers one of the fastest citizenship programs globally, providing visa-free access to numerous countries.

Note: Processing times and requirements are subject to change. It's essential to consult official immigration websites or authorized consultants for the most current information.