Italy
Greece
Grenada Citizenship by Investment
2026 Edition
Golden Visa Comparison Index
The most comprehensive, data-driven comparison of every active residency-by-investment and citizenship-by-investment program worldwide. 25 programs. 22 countries. One page.
By Dean Fankhauser · MovingTo.com · Last updated: January 30, 2026
25+
Active Programs Tracked
$100K
Cheapest CBI (Dominica)
6
Programs Closed Since 2022
$25-30B
Annual Industry Size
Key Findings
Five data points that define the 2026 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?
Residency by Investment (Golden Visa) Programs
Active RBI programs that grant residency permits through qualifying investments. Sorted by minimum investment (USD).
← Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Country | Program | Min. Investment (USD) | Investment Types | Processing Time | Min. Stay | Path to Citizenship | Tax Benefits | Family Inclusion | 2026 Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇵🇹 Portugal |
Golden Visa (ARI) RBI | $540,000 €500K fund investment |
VC/PE funds, research capital, company shares, cultural donations (€250K), job creation | 8–12 months AIMA backlog common |
7 days/year avg | ✓ 5 years A2 Portuguese required |
NHR 2.0: 20% flat on qualifying foreign income. No wealth tax. | Spouse, minor children, dependent adult children, dependent parents | RE route removed Oct 2023. Fund investment now primary. Nationality law changes proposed June 2025 — monitor. |
🇬🇷 Greece |
Golden Visa RBI NEW ROUTE | $290,000 €250K (restoration/startup) |
Real estate (€250K–€800K by zone), startup investment (€250K), securities/bonds (€400K), bank deposit (€400K) | 2–6 months | None | ◐ 7 years Must physically reside |
Non-dom flat tax: €200K/yr on worldwide income for new residents. | Spouse, children under 21, parents of both applicant & spouse | NEW Jan 2026: €250K startup route via Elevate Greece registry. RE tiered since Sept 2024: €800K prime, €400K non-prime, €250K restoration. |
🇪🇸 Spain |
Golden Visa CLOSED | — Was €500K RE |
Was: real estate, company shares, bank deposit, govt bonds | — | — | — | — | — | Closed April 3, 2025. Housing crisis cited. Existing holders retain rights. Alternatives: Non-lucrative visa, Digital Nomad visa. |
🇮🇹 Italy |
Investor Visa RBI | $270,000 €250K startup |
Startup (€250K), company shares/bonds (€500K), govt bonds (€2M), philanthropic donation (€1M) | 3–6 months | No mandatory minimum | ✓ 10 years | €200K/yr flat tax on worldwide foreign income. +€25K per family member. Extended in 2026 budget. | Spouse, minor children, adult dependent children, dependent parents | €200K flat tax extended in 2026 budget. Growing tech ecosystem for startup route. |
🇲🇹 Malta |
MPRP RBI | $205,000 ~€190K rent route (5yr total) |
Property purchase (€300K+) or rental (€10K+/yr) + govt contribution (€68–98K) + NGO donation (€2K) | 4–8 months | None (maintain property) | ◐ 8–10 years MEIN CBI suspended |
Non-dom: 15% on remitted income, 0% non-remitted. Min €5K/yr. No inheritance tax. | Spouse, children, parents, grandparents | MEIN (CBI) suspended April 2025. MPRP residency continues. No current investment path to citizenship. |
🇭🇺 Hungary |
Guest Investor Programme RBI NEW | $270,000 €250K fund |
Real estate fund (€250K), residential RE (€500K), donation (€1M) | 3–6 months | Flexible | ✓ 8 years Naturalization |
15% flat income tax. No wealth tax. | Spouse, children | Launched 2024. New EU golden visa entrant. 10-year permit renewable. |
🇲🇪 Montenegro |
Residence by Investment RBI | $270,000 €250K approved RE |
Real estate in development zones (€250K) or coastal/Podgorica (€450K) | 2–4 months | Flexible | ◐ EU candidate CBI closed Dec 2022 |
9% flat income tax — one of Europe's lowest. | Spouse, children | CBI closed Dec 2022 (EU accession condition). RBI continues. Potential EU upside. |
🇮🇪 Ireland |
IIP CLOSED | — Was €1M |
Was: enterprise, fund, REIT, endowment | — | — | — | — | — | Closed 2023. No replacement announced. Existing holders retain rights. |
🇦🇪 UAE |
Golden Visa RBI | $545,000 AED 2M |
Real estate (AED 2M), public investment/bonds (AED 2M), business (AED 2M capital), entrepreneurs, specialized talent | 2–4 weeks | None | ✗ No standard path Citizenship extremely rare |
ZERO income tax. 9% corporate above AED 375K. No capital gains tax. | Spouse, children (no age limit for unmarried daughters), parents | 2025: Mortgaged properties now qualify (min down payment removed). 10-year renewable visa. |
🇹🇭 Thailand |
LTR Visa RBI | $500,000 Thai bonds, FDI, or property |
Government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property, OR income-based ($80K/yr) | 1–3 months | Flexible | ✗ Extremely difficult | 17% flat tax (vs. progressive up to 35%). | Spouse, dependents | LTR visa launched 2022. 10-year visa. Multiple categories including wealthy pensioner and remote worker. |
🇲🇾 Malaysia |
MM2H RBI | $110,000–$220,000 RM 500K–1M fixed deposit |
Fixed deposit (RM 500K–1M+ by tier) + income requirement (RM 40K/month+) | 3–6 months | 90 days/year | ✗ Very difficult | Remittance-based: foreign income taxed only if remitted to Malaysia. | Spouse, children | Reformed 2021, updated 2024 with tiered system (Silver/Gold/Platinum). |
🇸🇬 Singapore |
GIP RBI | $7,400,000 S$10M business investment |
Business (S$10M), GIP-select fund (S$25M), family office (S$50M AUM → S$200M in 5yr) | 6–12 months | Must maintain economic activity | ✓ 2 years after PR Discretionary |
Progressive up to 24%. Many business exemptions and incentives. | Spouse, children under 21 | Minimums quadrupled 2023-24 (from S$2.5M). Ultra-HNWI only. |
🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Second Home Visa RBI | $130,000 IDR 2B in savings/investment |
Bank deposit or investment equivalent to IDR 2 billion | 1–2 months | Flexible | ✗ No direct path | No tax on foreign income if not tax resident (183-day rule). | Spouse, children | Second Home Visa launched 2022. 5-year stay permit for HNWI. Bali-focused demand. |
🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Active Investor Plus RBI | $3,000,000 NZ$5M |
NZ equities, bonds, growth investments, philanthropy | 6–12 months | 117 days over investment period | ✓ 5 years after PR | No capital gains tax (no CGT in NZ). Worldwide income taxed for residents. | Spouse, dependent children | Reformed April 2025: NZ$5M minimum. Simplified categories. |
🇦🇷 Argentina |
Rentista / Investor Visa RBI | ~$100,000 Varies; passive income path available |
Productive activity investment, passive income proof, or business establishment | 1–3 months | Must reside | ✓ 2 years One of the fastest |
Progressive income tax. New large taxpayer incentives under Milei reforms. | Spouse, minor children | Milei government promoting investment-friendly policies. Peso volatility remains a factor. |
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs
Programs that grant direct citizenship and a passport through qualifying investments. Sorted by minimum investment.
← Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Country | Program | Min. Investment (USD) | Investment Types | Processing Time | Visa-Free Countries | Physical Presence | Tax Benefits | Family Inclusion | Key Notes / 2026 Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇩🇲 Dominica |
CBI CBI | $100,000 EDF donation (single) |
Economic Diversification Fund ($100K), real estate ($200K hold 3yr) | 3–6 months | ~145 | None | No income, capital gains, or inheritance tax. | Spouse, children under 30, parents/grandparents 65+ | Cheapest legitimate CBI. FT #1 ranked. China visa-free. No US E-2 treaty. |
🇱🇨 St Lucia |
CBI CBI | $100,000 NEF donation (single) |
National Economic Fund ($100K), real estate ($240K), govt bonds ($300K), enterprise ($3.5M) | 3–6 months | ~146 | None | No worldwide income tax. | Spouse, children under 21, parents 55+, dependent siblings | Tied cheapest CBI. Government bond option for capital preservation. |
🇻🇺 Vanuatu |
DSP/VCP CBI | $130,000 Govt contribution (single) |
Government contribution only | 1–3 months Fastest CBI globally |
~112 | None | Zero tax jurisdiction: no income, capital gains, or corporate tax. | Family of 4: ~$180K | ⚠️ EU suspended Schengen visa-free 2023. Value collapsed for EU access. Asia-Pacific mobility remains. |
🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda |
CBI CBI | $230,000 NDF donation (up to family of 4) |
National Development Fund ($230K), real estate ($300K), business ($300K), UWI ($260K) | 3–6 months | ~151 | 5 days in 5 years | No income, capital gains, or inheritance tax. | Most generous: spouse, children under 30, parents 55+, siblings under 30 | Best value for large families (flat NDF fee). UWI option includes tuition. |
🇬🇩 Grenada |
CBI CBI | $235,000 NTF donation (single) |
National Transformation Fund ($235K), real estate ($270K), UWI fund ($235K) | 4–6 months | ~148 | None | No income tax on foreign-sourced income. | Spouse, children under 30, parents/grandparents 55+, siblings under 30 | ⭐ ONLY Caribbean CBI with US E-2 Treaty. Critical for US market access. China visa-free. |
🇰🇳 St Kitts & Nevis |
CBI CBI | $250,000 SISC donation (single) |
SISC donation ($250K), real estate ($325K–$400K), Public Benefit ($250K) | 3–6 months | ~157 | None | No income, capital gains, or wealth tax. | Spouse, children under 30, parents/grandparents 55+, siblings under 30 | Oldest CBI (est. 1984). Strongest passport of Caribbean programs. Premium pricing. |
🇹🇷 Turkey |
CBI CBI | $400,000 Real estate (hold 3yr) |
Real estate ($400K), bank deposit ($500K), govt bonds ($500K), fixed capital ($500K) | 3–6 months | ~110 | None | Territorial for non-residents. Progressive 15-40% for residents. | Spouse, children under 18 | RE is returnable asset (unlike donations). US E-2 treaty. Lira volatility risk on property value. |
🇯🇴 Jordan |
CBI CBI | $1,000,000 Bonds, RE, deposit, or business |
Government bonds ($1M/6yr), real estate ($1M+), bank deposit ($1M/5yr), business ($1M + 20 jobs) | 3–6 months | ~51 | None | Territorial tax — foreign income generally not taxed. | Spouse, children | Limited passport power (51 visa-free). Rarely recommended unless specific regional ties. |
Quick Comparison: Budget to Best Program
Match your investment budget to the optimal program.
| Budget (USD) | Best RBI (Residency) | Best CBI (Citizenship) | Processing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| < $150K | 🇮🇩 Indonesia Second Home ($130K) 🇦🇷 Argentina Investor (~$100K) |
🇩🇲 Dominica ($100K) 🇱🇨 St Lucia ($100K) |
1–6 months | Budget-conscious. Second passport. Plan B. |
| $150K–$300K | 🇬🇷 Greece (€250K restoration/startup) 🇮🇹 Italy (€250K startup) 🇭🇺 Hungary (€250K fund) |
🇦🇬 Antigua ($230K) 🇬🇩 Grenada ($235K) 🇰🇳 St Kitts ($250K) |
2–6 months | EU residency seekers. US E-2 access (Grenada). Families (Antigua). |
| $300K–$600K | 🇵🇹 Portugal (€500K fund) 🇦🇪 UAE (AED 2M) 🇹🇭 Thailand ($500K) |
🇹🇷 Turkey ($400K RE) | 2 weeks–12 months | EU citizenship path (Portugal). Zero tax (UAE). Returnable asset (Turkey). |
| $600K–$1M | 🇺🇸 EB-5 ($800K TEA) 🇬🇷 Greece (€800K Athens RE) |
🇯🇴 Jordan ($1M) | 6–36 months | US green card. Greek prime real estate. |
| $1M+ | 🇳🇿 New Zealand (NZ$5M) 🇸🇬 Singapore (S$10M+) |
🇦🇹 Austria (€3M+ discretionary) | 6–36 months | Ultra-HNWI. World's strongest passports. Premium lifestyle. |
Programs Closed or Suspended (2020–2026)
The golden visa landscape is shrinking. These programs are no longer accepting new applications.
| Program | Closed | Reason | Best Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain Golden Visa | April 2025 | Housing affordability crisis | Portugal GV, Greece GV, Spain Non-Lucrative Visa |
| 🇨🇦 Canada Start-Up Visa | Dec 2025 | Program overhaul; Entrepreneur Pilot (500 spots) launching 2026 | US EB-5, New Zealand Active Investor |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland IIP | 2023 | Political pressure, low demand | Portugal GV, Malta MPRP |
| 🇲🇹 Malta MEIN (CBI) | April 2025 | EU pressure; replaced by merit-based citizenship | Malta MPRP (residency), Caribbean CBI |
| 🇦🇺 Australia BIIP | Mid-2024 | Eliminated all investor visa pathways | New Zealand Active Investor Plus |
| 🇬🇧 UK Tier 1 Investor | Feb 2022 | Money laundering concerns | UK Innovator Founder, Global Talent Visa |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus CBI | Nov 2020 | Corruption exposé (Al Jazeera) | Malta MPRP, Cyprus RBI (€300K RE, still active) |
| 🇲🇪 Montenegro CBI | Dec 2022 | EU accession condition | Montenegro RBI (€250K+), Turkey CBI |
Methodology & Sources
How This Index Was Compiled
The Golden Visa Comparison Index 2026 is an independent research publication by MovingTo.com. It is not sponsored by any government or immigration agent.
- Data sources: Official government program websites, published legislation, CMVM (Portugal), AIMA, Greek Ministry of Migration, UAE ICP, USCIS, Investment Migration Council (IMC) reports, and cross-referenced with industry publications (Henley & Partners, Arton Capital, IMI Daily).
- Currency conversions: All USD figures use approximate January 2026 exchange rates (EUR/USD ~1.08, GBP/USD ~1.25, AED/USD ~0.27, NZD/USD ~0.60, SGD/USD ~0.74, MYR/USD ~0.22, THB/USD ~0.028). Actual investment amounts are set in local currency by each government.
- Processing times: Based on official estimates and practitioner reports. Actual timelines vary by applicant circumstances, due diligence complexity, and government backlogs.
- "Approval rate" note: Most programs do not publish official approval statistics. Where available, Caribbean CBI programs report 85–95% approval rates for properly submitted applications. EU programs do not disclose rates.
- Tax information: Provided as general guidance only. Individual tax situations vary. Always consult qualified tax counsel in both origin and destination jurisdictions.
- Update frequency: This index is reviewed monthly. Last comprehensive update: January 30, 2026.
- Editorial independence: MovingTo.com may earn referral fees from immigration service providers. This does not influence program rankings or assessments.
About MovingTo.com
MovingTo.com is an independent immigration advisory platform founded by Dean Fankhauser. We provide transparent, data-driven guidance on residency and citizenship by investment — without the sales pressure of traditional immigration firms.
Our approach: honest assessments, real data, and advice that prioritizes the client's interests. We cover 50+ active programs across 30+ countries and serve clients ranging from digital nomads to ultra-HNWI families.
Contact: dean@movingto.com · www.movingto.com
For press inquiries: This index may be cited with attribution to MovingTo.com. High-resolution graphics available on request.
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