Let’s face it—waiting five or ten years for permanent residency can feel like a lifetime when you’re ready to build a future abroad. What if we told you that several countries around the world allow you to obtain permanent residency (PR) in just 1–2 years?
Whether you’re a skilled professional, a remote worker, a global investor, or someone just looking for a fresh start, this guide will walk you through the top countries offering PR fast, what it takes, and who benefits most from each option.
List of Countries Offering Permanent Residency in 1–2 Years
Here’s a streamlined table to help you compare PR timelines, pathways, and requirements:
| Country | Fastest PR Route | PR Timeline | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Express Entry / PNP | 1–2 years | Skilled work experience, IELTS, degree, job offer (optional) |
| Australia | Skilled Visa (189/190) | ~12–18 months | Points-based system, job in demand, English test |
| New Zealand | Skilled Migrant Category | 12–18 months | Job in skill shortage area, meet points threshold |
| Portugal | Golden Visa / D7 Visa | 2 years (under new rules) | Investment or passive income, stay requirement |
| Uruguay | Direct PR via Residency | 1–2 years | Local residence, proof of income |
| Paraguay | Investment Residency | 6–12 months | Deposit ~$5,000 USD or income proof |
| Mexico | Temporary to Permanent Residency | 2 years | Income or job contract, clean record |
| Dominican Republic | Investor Residency | 6–12 months | Investment or retirement income |
| Panama | Friendly Nations Visa | ~6–12 months | Business, job, or financial proof |
| Argentina | Rentista or Job Holder | 2 years | Income proof, local ties |
| Turkey | Investment Route | 2 years | Property or capital investment |
| Malaysia | MM2H Residency | ~1 year | Fixed deposit + passive income |
| Brazil | Marriage, Job, or Investment | 1–2 years | Ties to Brazil or business |
| Germany | EU Blue Card to PR | 21 months (with B1 German) | Skilled job, Blue Card, salary threshold |
Best Options Based on Your Profile
1# For Skilled Professionals
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- Canada: The Express Entry system can lead to PR in 1 year for high-ranking applicants.
- Australia: The Skilled Independent Visa (189) is a top route with points for experience, language, and education.
- Germany: Get the EU Blue Card and convert to PR in as little as 21 months.
2# For Investors and Entrepreneurs
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- Portugal: With a minimum investment under the new Golden Visa rules, PR is achievable in 2 years.
- Turkey: Buy real estate worth $400,000+ to qualify.
- Paraguay: Deposit only $5,000 USD to get started.
3# For Remote Workers / Passive Income Earners
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- Panama: The Friendly Nations Visa is perfect for digital nomads or remote employees.
- Uruguay: A stable haven for rentiers and freelancers looking for peaceful residency.
- Malaysia: Offers a lifestyle-friendly MM2H visa with PR track over time.
4# For Family-Based or Easy Residency Options
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- Brazil: One of the fastest routes to PR through family, childbirth, or marriage.
- Dominican Republic: A quick path for retirees and investors with simple requirements.
How to Speed Up Your PR Journey?
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- Prepare Language Certificates: IELTS for Canada/Australia, German B1 for Germany.
- Invest in Property or Business: This unlocks the investor PR route in multiple countries.
- Look for Skill Shortage Occupations: Your profession might already be in demand.
- Stay in Compliance: Ensure you meet all stay and tax requirements during the process.
- Apply through Government Portals: Avoid middlemen—save time and money!
Why Permanent Residency in 1–2 Years Matters?
Getting PR quickly means:
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- Freedom to live and work long-term.
- Pathway to citizenship in most cases (after a few more years).
- Access to public healthcare, education, and legal rights.
- Easier family reunification options.
- Stability and visa-free travel perks in regional blocks like the EU or Schengen.