Here are 10 countries leading the way with some of the fastest and most accessible permanent residency pathways this year. 

1. Canada

• Pathways: Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
• Processing Time: Approximately 5–6 months for Express Entry programs; PNP via Express Entry takes about 6 months, while non-Express Entry PNP can take up to 21 months .
• Requirements: Skilled work experience, language proficiency (IELTS/TEF), educational credentials, and sometimes a job offer or provincial nomination.

2. Australia

• Pathways: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Processing Time: Subclass 189 visas are processed in approximately 8–9 months, while Subclass 190 visas take about 6.5–8 months .
• Requirements: Points-based system considering age, work experience, occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, and English proficiency.

3. Portugal

• Pathways: D7 Visa (for retirees and passive income earners), Golden Visa (investment-based)
• Processing Time: Typically 2 years to qualify for permanent residency.
• Requirements: For the D7 Visa, proof of passive income; for the Golden Visa, investment in property or funds. Note that some European countries are phasing out Golden Visa programs .

4. Paraguay

• Pathway: Investment Residency through the SUACE program
• Processing Time: As little as 3 months for investors .
• Requirements: Establishing a business with a minimum investment of $70,000 over 10 years.

5. Mexico

• Pathway: Transition from Temporary to Permanent Residency
• Processing Time: After 4 years of temporary residency, one can apply for permanent residency.
• Requirements: Proof of income or employment, clean background check, and continuous legal residency.

6. New Zealand

• Pathway: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Processing Time: Median processing time is approximately 57.5 workdays (about 11.5 weeks) .
• Requirements: Job offer in a shortage field, points-based selection, and meeting health and character standards.

7. Uruguay

• Pathway: Direct Residency Application
• Processing Time: Typically 1–2 years.
• Requirements: Proof of stable income and physical residence in the country.

8. Panama

• Pathway: Friendly Nations Visa
• Processing Time: Approximately 6–12 months.
• Requirements: Citizenship from one of the “friendly nations,” a local business setup, employment contract, or proof of financial means.

9. Dominican Republic

• Pathways: Investor or Pensioner Residency
• Processing Time: Around 6–12 months.
• Requirements: Retirement income or proof of investment, such as real estate.

10. Argentina

• Pathways: Rentista (for those with passive income) or Employment Residency
• Processing Time: Approximately 2 years to qualify for permanent residency.
• Requirements: Proof of income, local employment, or economic self-sufficiency. No language tests required