Portugal
Spain
Italy
Greece
Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Best Golden Visa Programs in 2026: Quick Answer
Key Takeaways
QUICK SUMMARYPortugal — €500k investment, citizenship in 5 years, only 7 days/year stay
Greece — From €250k (conversions only), zero stay requirement
UAE — 1-3 months processing, zero income tax
Dominica or St. Lucia — Full citizenship in 3-6 months from $200k
Malta — Includes 4 generations (grandparents to grandchildren)
Thailand Privilege — ~$19,000 for 5-year residency (no citizenship path)
Active Golden Visa Programs by Region (2026)
| Region | Active Programs | Investment Range |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Portugal, Greece, Malta, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Latvia | €50k - €2M |
| Caribbean (CBI) | Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Grenada, Antigua | $200k - $400k |
| Middle East & Asia | UAE, Thailand, Malaysia | $18k - €500k |
| Americas | USA (EB-5), Panama, Canada* | $300k - $1M+ |
*Canada requires active business involvement — no passive investor route. Spain, Ireland, Australia, and UK programs are now closed.
Golden Visa programs offer high-net-worth individuals and their families a legitimate pathway to residency—and in most cases, eventual citizenship—through qualifying investments. Whether you're seeking a Plan B, global mobility, tax optimization, or simply a better quality of life for your family, these programs provide a structured route to call a new country home.
This guide covers every active Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment program worldwide, with verified February 2026 investment thresholds, processing timelines, and family inclusion policies. We track program closures in real-time so you never waste time researching dead options.
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Book a Free ConsultationBest Golden Visa Countries in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Rank | Country | Min. Investment | Citizenship | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | €500,000 | 5 years | EU citizenship, minimal stay |
| 2 | Greece | €250k-€800k | 7 years | Real estate, zero stay |
| 3 | Malta | €150,000+ | CBI closed* | 4-generation families (residency) |
| 4 | UAE | ~€500,000 | No path | Zero tax, fast approval |
| 5 | Dominica | $200,000 | Immediate | Fastest passport |
EUROPE
Europe remains the gold standard for Golden Visa programs, offering access to the Schengen Area, world-class healthcare and education, and pathways to EU citizenship. While some countries have closed their programs due to housing concerns, several excellent options remain for investors seeking European residency.
Portugal 🇵🇹
Portugal's Golden Visa has earned its reputation as Europe's most attractive residency-by-investment program. Since launching in 2012, it has attracted billions of euros in foreign investment while offering one of the clearest pathways to EU citizenship available anywhere. The program's minimal physical presence requirement—just 7 days per year—makes it particularly appealing to global entrepreneurs and families who aren't ready to relocate full-time but want to secure their European foothold.
The program underwent significant changes in October 2023 when direct real estate purchases were removed as a qualifying investment option. This shift was designed to address housing affordability concerns in Lisbon and Porto. Today, investors must choose from fund-based options: €500,000 in qualifying investment funds, €500,000 contribution to scientific research activities, or €250,000 donation to arts and cultural heritage preservation. Business investment creating 5-10 jobs also qualifies.
What sets Portugal apart is its combination of lifestyle and practicality. The country consistently ranks among Europe's safest nations, boasts 300+ days of sunshine annually, and maintains a cost of living significantly lower than Western European counterparts. English is widely spoken, the expat community is thriving, and the food and wine are world-class.
Investment options:
- €500,000 in qualifying investment funds
- €500,000 for scientific research activities
- €250,000 donation to arts or cultural heritage
- Business investment creating 5-10 jobs
Spain 🇪🇸 [CLOSED]
Spain's Golden Visa program officially closed on April 3, 2025, ending over a decade of investor residency through real estate purchases. The closure came as part of the government's broader housing reform package, which aimed to address skyrocketing property prices in Barcelona, Madrid, and coastal regions.
For those who already hold Spanish Golden Visas, existing permit holders retain their residency rights and can continue renewing their permits under the original terms. Those with pending applications submitted before the deadline are also being processed.
Current alternatives for Spain-focused investors:
- Portugal — Similar lifestyle, fund-based investment, faster citizenship path
- Greece — Real estate still available, lower thresholds outside Athens
- Italy — Prestige and no stay requirement, but longer citizenship timeline
- Malta — Permanent residency with English language
Greece 🇬🇷
Greece's Golden Visa underwent its most significant transformation in August 2024, introducing a tiered investment system that replaced the flat €250,000 threshold. Despite the higher thresholds, Greece remains highly competitive—and uniquely, it still allows direct real estate investment.
One of Greece's standout features is its zero physical presence requirement. Unlike Portugal's 7-day minimum, Greek Golden Visa holders have no obligation to spend any time in the country. The family inclusion is also exceptionally generous, extending not just to spouse and children but also to parents and in-laws of both the main applicant and spouse.
Investment tiers (August 2024):
- €800,000 — Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, islands
- €400,000 — Other mainland regions (minimum 120 sqm)
- €250,000 — Commercial-to-residential conversions or historical restoration only
Malta 🇲🇹
Malta's Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) occupies a unique position in the European Golden Visa landscape: it's one of the few programs that grants permanent residency from day one, rather than a temporary permit requiring renewals.
What truly distinguishes Malta is its four-generation family inclusion—the most comprehensive in Europe. Main applicants can include their spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and in some cases great-grandparents on a single application.
Investment structure:
- Government contribution: €68,000 (with property purchase) or €98,000 (with rental)
- Property: Purchase €375,000+ OR rent €14,000+/year
- Donation: €2,000 to approved NGO
- Admin fees: ~€40,000
Ireland 🇮🇪 [CLOSED]
Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) closed to new applications in February 2023, ending one of Europe's most substantial investor visa programs. Existing IIP holders retain their status.
Alternatives for Ireland-focused investors:
- Malta — English-speaking, EU member, permanent residency available
- Portugal — EU citizenship path, large English-speaking expat community
Italy 🇮🇹
Italy's Investor Visa offers something rare in the Golden Visa world: prestige paired with flexibility. There's no physical presence requirement, processing takes just 3-4 months, and investors gain access to one of the world's most culturally rich nations.
Italy's flat-tax regime for new residents allows qualifying individuals to pay a fixed €100,000 annual tax on worldwide income (plus €25,000 per family member), regardless of actual earnings.
Investment options:
- €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup
- €500,000 in an established Italian company
- €2,000,000 in Italian government bonds
- €1,000,000 philanthropic donation
Cyprus 🇨🇾
Cyprus stands out for having one of the fastest processing times in Europe—just 2-3 months from application to approval—combined with permanent residency status from the outset.
The tax system is another draw. Cyprus has one of Europe's lowest corporate tax rates at 12.5%, no inheritance tax, and a non-domicile regime that exempts qualifying individuals from tax on dividends and interest for 17 years.
Requirements:
- Purchase new residential property worth €300,000+ (from developer)
- Demonstrate annual income of €50,000+ from abroad
- Additional €15,000 for spouse, €10,000 per child
Hungary 🇭🇺
Hungary relaunched its Guest Investor Program in 2024, creating a fresh opportunity in Central Europe at €250,000—one of the more affordable entry points for Schengen residency.
Budapest has emerged as a vibrant European destination combining Habsburg grandeur with contemporary energy. Living costs are significantly lower than Western Europe.
Investment options:
- €250,000 in Hungarian real estate investment fund
- €1,000,000 donation to higher education institution
Latvia 🇱🇻
Latvia offers what no other EU country can match: a Golden Visa-style residency permit from just €50,000. This makes it by far the most affordable entry point into the Schengen Area.
Processing speed of 1-3 months is among the fastest in Europe. Combined with no physical stay requirements, this makes Latvia particularly attractive for digital nomads and remote workers.
Investment options:
- €50,000 in a Latvian company (<50 employees)
- €250,000 in real estate
AMERICAS
United States (EB-5) 🇺🇸
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program stands alone as the only investor pathway to permanent US residency. Unlike most Golden Visa programs, EB-5 requires a genuine economic impact: every approved application must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
Investment thresholds: $900,000 for Targeted Employment Area (TEA) projects, or $1,800,000 for standard investments.
Investment options:
- $900,000 in a TEA project via Regional Center
- $1,800,000 in standard investment areas
- Direct investment requiring hands-on management
Canada 🇨🇦 [Entrepreneur Only]
Canada's Start-Up Visa program requires securing endorsement from a designated Canadian venture capital fund (minimum $200,000 investment), angel investor group ($75,000 minimum), or business incubator. The business idea must be innovative, scalable, and capable of competing globally.
Available routes:
- Start-Up Visa: Business endorsed by designated VC ($200k+), angel group ($75k+), or incubator
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Active business ownership in participating provinces
- Self-Employed Program: For those with experience in cultural activities or athletics
Panama 🇵🇦
Panama has built one of the Western Hemisphere's most efficient investor residency programs. Processing times of 30 to 90 days make Panama one of the fastest globally.
Panama's territorial tax system taxes only income earned within Panama—foreign-source income is completely tax-free.
Investment options:
- $300,000 in Panamanian real estate (most popular)
- $500,000 in Panama Stock Exchange securities
- $750,000 bank deposit (fixed term)
- Friendly Nations Visa: Citizens of 50+ countries can qualify with just $5,000 bank deposit
CARIBBEAN: Citizenship by Investment (Fast Passports)
Dominica 🇩🇲
Dominica's Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most cost-effective pathways to a second passport. Established in 1993, it's the second-oldest CBI program in the world.
Investment options:
- $200,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
- $200,000 in approved real estate with a 3-year holding period
St. Lucia 🇱🇨
St. Lucia offers more investment routes than any other Caribbean CBI program, including a unique government bond option. Family inclusion extends to parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings under 18.
Investment options:
- $240,000 donation to the National Economic Fund (NEF)
- $300,000 in approved real estate (5-year hold)
- $300,000 in government bonds (5-year hold) — unique to St. Lucia
- $250,000 enterprise investment creating at least 3 jobs
St. Kitts & Nevis 🇰🇳
St. Kitts & Nevis operates the world's oldest CBI program, launched in 1984. Nearly four decades of continuous operation have made it the gold standard.
Investment options:
- $250,000 donation to the SISC
- $325,000 (condo) or $600,000 (single family) in approved real estate (7-year hold)
Grenada 🇬🇩
Grenada carries a unique advantage: eligibility for the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. Grenadian citizens can apply for E-2 status, allowing them to live and work in America. Also offers visa-free travel to China.
Investment options:
- $235,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF)
- $270,000 shared real estate (plus $50k NTF fee)
- $350,000 sole ownership real estate (plus $50k NTF fee)
Antigua & Barbuda 🇦🇬
Antigua requires just 5 days within the first 5 years. Family inclusion is exceptionally broad: spouse, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings.
Investment options:
- $230,000 donation to the National Development Fund (NDF)
- $300,000 in approved real estate (5-year hold)
- $1.5 million business investment creating at least 3 jobs
Caribbean CBI Quick Comparison
| Country | Min. Investment | Processing | US E-2 | Visa-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica | $200,000 | 3-6 months | ❌ | 140+ |
| St. Lucia | $240,000 | 3-6 months | ❌ | 140+ |
| St. Kitts | $250,000 | 4-6 months | ❌ | 150+ |
| Grenada | $235,000 | 3-6 months | ✅ | 140+ |
| Antigua | $230,000 | 6-9 months | ❌ | 150+ |
Bottom line: Choose Grenada if US E-2 access matters. Choose Dominica for lowest cost. Choose St. Kitts for most established program. Choose Antigua for broadest family inclusion. Choose St. Lucia for government bond option.
MIDDLE EAST & ASIA
United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
The UAE Golden Visa represents one of the fastest-growing residency programs in the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have positioned themselves as global hubs for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth families seeking a tax-free base with world-class infrastructure.
Real estate investments of AED 2 million (~$545,000) grant a 5-year Golden Visa, while investments in approved public investment funds qualify for the 10-year visa.
Why UAE stands out: Zero income tax on personal earnings and capital gains. Processing times of 1-3 months are among the fastest for any Golden Visa program.
Thailand 🇹🇭
Thailand Privilege offers a simple path to long-term residency: pay a one-time membership fee, receive a multi-year visa with VIP airport services. No property purchase, fund investment, or business creation required.
Entry-level Bronze membership costs ~650,000 THB (~$19,000) for 5 years. Higher tiers extend up to 20 years with premium perks.
Malaysia (MM2H) 🇲🇾
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) was revised in 2024 with a new three-tier system:
| Tier | Fixed Deposit | Offshore Income | Liquid Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | RM 1,000,000 | RM 1,000,000/year | RM 10,000,000 |
| Gold | RM 500,000 | RM 500,000/year | RM 5,000,000 |
| Silver | RM 150,000 | RM 40,000/year | RM 500,000 |
Why MM2H stands out: The 10-year renewable visa provides long-term certainty. Malaysia has no tax on foreign-sourced income even if you're physically present.
- Tax advice: This article provides general information only, not tax advice. Tax implications vary by individual circumstances and country of origin. Consult a qualified tax professional before making decisions based on tax benefits.
- Dual citizenship: Some countries (including China, India, and UAE citizenship) do not permit dual nationality. Acquiring a second passport may affect your existing citizenship status. Verify your home country's laws before proceeding.
- US persons: US citizens and green card holders remain subject to worldwide US taxation regardless of residency. Golden visa status does not change US tax obligations.
- Investment thresholds: Program requirements change frequently. Always verify current thresholds with official government sources before making investment decisions.
Official Sources
| Country | Official Source |
|---|---|
| Portugal | AIMA (Portuguese Immigration) |
| Greece | Greek Ministry of Migration |
| Malta | Residency Malta Agency |
| Italy | Italian Ministry of Economic Development |
| UAE | UAE Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship |
| USA (EB-5) | USCIS |
| Dominica | Dominica CBIU |
| St. Kitts | St. Kitts CIU |
Last verified: February 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which golden visa is the cheapest in Europe right now?
Latvia offers the lowest entry point at €50,000 through business investment. Hungary starts at €250,000 for investment funds. Greece still offers €250,000 options, but only for commercial-to-residential property conversions or historical restorations — standard properties now require €400,000-€800,000 depending on location.
Which golden visa has the lowest stay requirement?
Greece, Malta, Italy, and UAE require zero days of physical presence. You can maintain your residency without ever visiting. Portugal requires just 7 days per year — the lowest among programs with a stay requirement.
Which golden visa programs are closed in 2026?
Spain (closed April 2025), Ireland (closed February 2023), Australia (closed May 2024), and UK (closed February 2022). Portugal's real estate route closed in October 2023, but the fund investment route remains open.
Can I include my parents in a golden visa application?
Yes, in most programs. Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta all allow dependent parents. Greece is particularly generous — it includes parents AND in-laws of both the main applicant and spouse. Malta allows four generations (grandparents to grandchildren).
Can I rent my Greek golden visa property on Airbnb?
No. Greece banned short-term rentals (like Airbnb) for Golden Visa properties. Violations carry a €50,000 fine and potential permit revocation. You can live in the property yourself or rent it long-term, but not short-term.
How long does it take to get EU citizenship through a golden visa?
Portugal offers the fastest path at 5 years (though pending legislation may extend this to 10 years). Greece requires 7 years with actual residence. Italy requires 10 years. Malta's citizenship-by-investment program was terminated in April 2025 following an EU Court of Justice ruling — only the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) remains, which does not provide a fast-track to citizenship.
What's the difference between a golden visa and citizenship by investment?
A golden visa gives you residency (the right to live in a country). Citizenship by investment gives you a passport immediately. With a golden visa, you wait 5-10 years for citizenship. With CBI (like Caribbean programs), you're a citizen in 3-6 months.
Do I need to speak the local language to get a golden visa?
No. Language requirements only apply when you apply for citizenship, not for the initial golden visa. Portugal requires A2 Portuguese for citizenship. Greece requires basic Greek. Some countries have no language requirement even for citizenship.
Can I work in the country with a golden visa?
Yes. Most golden visas grant the right to work and conduct business in the host country. Portugal, Malta, Greece, and Cyprus all allow golden visa holders to work. UAE Golden Visa also permits employment and business activities.
What happens if the golden visa program closes after I apply?
Existing holders and pending applications are typically protected. When Spain closed its program in April 2025, all existing permit holders retained their rights and renewal eligibility. The same applied when Ireland and Portugal (real estate route) closed.
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