By Journal Frame | June 2025
For decades, Canada was the go-to destination for Indians dreaming of permanent residency (PR) abroad. But with growing backlogs, stricter point systems, and longer wait times, the tide is turning.
Now, in 2025, a new list of countries is opening their doors to skilled Indians—faster, easier, and sometimes with fewer requirements than Canada.
If you’re ready to build a life overseas, here are five countries where getting PR is quicker than ever, and why thousands of Indians are making the switch.
1. Portugal – PR in Just 5 Years (or Less with the Golden Visa)
Portugal has quietly become Europe’s fastest-track PR destination for Indians—especially digital nomads and remote workers. If you live in Portugal for five consecutive years on a valid visa, you’re eligible for permanent residency—and later, even EU citizenship.
Even better? Through the Golden Visa route, you can invest in property or funds and get residency without staying in the country full-time.
Why Indians love Portugal:
- Affordable cost of living
- English-friendly cities like Lisbon and Porto
- Friendly immigration officers and fewer rejections
Time to PR: 5 years (or less via investment)
2. Australia – New Regional Visas Make PR Faster Than Ever
In 2025, Australia introduced key reforms to speed up its PR process, especially for Indians with work experience in healthcare, IT, teaching, and trade skills.
Under the Subclass 191 visa (Regional Permanent Residency), skilled migrants living in regional areas for just 3 years can now apply for PR—bypassing the traditional 5-year wait under older systems.
What’s changed in 2025:
- Priority processing for regional skilled migrants
- Streamlined English requirements
- Easier family sponsorship rules
Time to PR: 3–4 years (if on regional or skilled visa)
3. Germany – Fast PR for Skilled Workers and Graduates
Germany is facing a massive worker shortage, and it’s responding by making its immigration system more welcoming—especially to Indian engineers, healthcare professionals, and STEM graduates.
Under Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act, workers can apply for PR in just 33 months, or 21 months with strong German language skills. International graduates can apply for PR just 2 years after landing a job.
Why it works for Indians:
- High demand in IT and engineering
- Free or low-cost education for dependents
- Strong job market and stable economy
Time to PR: 21 to 33 months
4. New Zealand – Easier PR Pathway for Healthcare and Trade Workers
New Zealand launched its Green List in 2024 to fast-track residency for workers in high-demand roles. This includes nurses, teachers, mechanics, electricians, and IT professionals—with many Indians among the top applicants.
With the new policy, eligible applicants can apply for PR after just 2 years of working in New Zealand under an accredited employer.
Why Indians are choosing NZ:
- Safe, family-friendly society
- Easy-to-understand PR process
- No age limit in some categories
Time to PR: 2 years (Green List roles)
5. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – The 10-Year Golden Visa Boom
The UAE is no longer just a work destination. With the Golden Visa program, skilled professionals, investors, and even students can now secure long-term residency for up to 10 years, with renewability and eventual citizenship discussions underway.
While it’s not traditional PR, the UAE’s residency system is now functionally similar, offering stability, tax benefits, and family sponsorship.
Who qualifies in 2025:
- Salaried professionals earning over AED 30,000/month
- Real estate investors
- Graduates from top universities
Time to long-term residency: Immediate, renewable every 5 or 10 years
Why Indians Are Ditching Canada in 2025
Canada’s immigration backlog is at an all-time high. With PR processing times now exceeding 24 to 36 months for many categories—and more stringent proof of funds requirements—applicants are looking elsewhere.
These five countries offer something that many Indians are prioritizing today: speed, simplicity, and long-term security.
Final Thoughts: New Doors Are Opening
If you’re feeling stuck in the Canada immigration queue, you’re not alone. Thousands of Indians are now exploring faster PR alternatives that offer better work-life balance, job stability, and family-friendly pathways.
Whether it’s the cobblestone streets of Portugal, the open skies of New Zealand, or the cutting-edge cities of Germany and Australia—the world is still welcoming Indians with open arms.