John
2w ago
34
Find all countries with passive income visas, then rank them in order of largest proportion of cash transactions.
Other
Researched2w ago
Passive Income Visa Countries Ranked by Cash Transaction Usage
Based on the available data, here's a ranking of countries that offer passive income/retirement visas, ordered by their proportion of cash transactions (highest to lowest):
High Cash Usage Countries with Passive Income Visas
| Country | Cash Transaction Rate | Visa Type |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | 70%+ | Digital Nomad Visa available [14] |
| Bulgaria | 63% | Digital Nomad Visa available [11] |
| Peru | High (57% unbanked) | Retirement visa options [11] |
| Malta | 77% | Nomad Residence Permit - 1 year, renewable up to 4 years total [6][8] |
| Italy | High | Elective Residency Visa - renewable 12-month visa requiring €32,400/year income [3][4] |
| Spain | High | Non-Lucrative Visa - up to 5 years with path to permanent residency, plus "Beckham Law" tax benefits [3][4] |
| Greece | Mediterranean region (high cash) | Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa [4] |
| Portugal | Mediterranean region | D7 Passive Income Visa - requires ~€3,680/month, renewable up to 5 years with PR pathway [3][4][13] |
| Hungary | Moderate | White Card - €3,000/month income requirement, 1 year renewable once, no local tax if under 183 days [3][6] |
Key Takeaways for You
- If you prefer cash-heavy societies: Romania, Bulgaria, and Malta stand out as EU options where cash remains dominant [8][11][14]
- Best overall packages: Spain and Portugal combine relatively high cash usage with excellent visa terms including paths to permanent residency [3][4]
- Budget-friendly: Hungary offers lower cost of living with favorable tax treatment for shorter stays [6]
- Latin America: Peru and Mexico are also cash-reliant societies with accessible passive income visa options [7][11]
Note that Mediterranean and Eastern European countries generally maintain higher cash usage rates compared to Northern Europe or Asia [2][8].
Always verify current requirements with official sources as immigration rules change.
Sources (15)
High Confidence
Immigration Information Disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.