Italy
Greece
Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Golden Visa Comparison Index
The most comprehensive, data-driven comparison of every active residency and citizenship by investment program worldwide.
By Dean Fankhauser · MovingTo.com · Updated Monthly
🔍 Quick Answer
The cheapest golden visa program is Greece's startup route at €250K. For citizenship, Dominica offers programs from $100K. Portugal Golden Visa requires €500K minimum via fund investment, with real estate no longer available since 2023.
🔍 Key Findings
Five data points that define the current golden visa landscape.
🏠 The Real Estate Era Is Ending
Portugal eliminated RE investment (2023), Spain closed entirely (2025), Greece raised prime-area minimums to €800K. Governments are shifting to fund and donation routes to defuse housing affordability backlash.
🇦🇪 UAE Is the New #1 Destination
Zero income tax, 2-4 week processing, and a 2025 reform allowing mortgaged properties to qualify make UAE the dominant choice for tax-motivated HNWI. The only gap: no citizenship pathway.
💰 Caribbean Floor Price Is Set
The 2024 MOU between all 5 Caribbean CBI nations killed race-to-the-bottom pricing. $100K (Dominica/St Lucia donation) is now the permanent global floor for citizenship-by-investment.
🇬🇷 Greece Launches Startup Route
Greece's new €250K startup golden visa (January 2026) is the cheapest active EU residency pathway — and the only one tied to innovation rather than passive capital.
📈 EU Squeeze Continues
6 EU/European programs have closed or been suspended since 2020 (Cyprus CBI, UK Tier 1, Ireland IIP, Spain GV, Malta CBI, Montenegro CBI). Portugal and Greece survive — but for how long?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest golden visa program in 2026?
The cheapest golden visa program is Greece's new startup route at €250,000 (approximately $270,000). For citizenship by investment, Dominica and St Lucia both offer programs starting at $100,000 donation.
How much does a Portugal Golden Visa cost?
Portugal Golden Visa costs €500,000 minimum investment through fund routes, plus approximately €5,000-€8,000 in government and legal fees. Real estate investment is no longer available since October 2023.
Which golden visa program is fastest?
UAE Golden Visa is the fastest residency program with 2-4 week processing. For citizenship, Vanuatu CBI processes in 1-3 months but EU access was suspended in 2023.
What countries offer citizenship by investment?
Active CBI programs include: Dominica ($100K), St Lucia ($100K), Vanuatu ($130K), Antigua & Barbuda ($230K), Grenada ($235K), St Kitts & Nevis ($250K), Turkey ($400K), and Jordan ($1M). Malta and Montenegro programs are suspended.
Can I get EU citizenship through golden visa?
Yes, Portugal and Greece golden visas provide pathways to EU citizenship. Portugal requires 5 years residency (may change to 10), Greece requires 7 years with physical residency. Italy offers citizenship in 10 years through its investor visa.
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