Residency by Investment Countries & Programs List in 2026
Discover the best residency-by-investment programs worldwide.
What is a Golden Visa?
Golden Visa programs are designed to give residency-by-investment for investors and their family members. Beyond residency rights, they enable high-net-worth individuals to strategically curate a global portfolio of assets, mobility, and lifestyle options.
In an era of growing social, political, and economic uncertainty, Golden Visas serve as a powerful “Plan B,” combining wealth preservation, international diversification, and long-term security.
Key Benefits of Residency by Investment Programs
Accordingly, the most popular Golden Visa countries include Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Latvia. These programs emerge as a strategic EU residency by investment option as they provide:
Family inclusion
Global mobility across the Schengen Area
Ability to live, study, and work in the host country
Access to healthcare and education services
Potential path for permanent residency or citizenship
Additional tax benefits
Who is Eligible to Apply for Residency by Investment Programs?
To qualify for a Golden Visa program, you may require:
Being a non-EU / EEA / Swiss national
Being at least 18 years old
Holding a clean criminal record from your home country
Making a qualifying investment
Showing a reliable source of funds or assets
Golden Visa Countries
Top 10 European Golden Visa Countries
1. Portugal Golden Visa
Launched in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa, also known as the Portugal Investment Visa, remains a top residency-by-investment program in Europe for 2026. Following the removal of real estate options, it now provides a 5-year residency in exchange for a minimum investment of €500,000 in a qualifying fund or a €250,000 (€200,000 in low-density areas) cultural donation.
Once obtained, the residence permit can be renewed as long as you maintain your investment and comply with the 7-day-per-year residency requirement. Foreign investors can apply for permanent residence after 5 years without needing to retain their investment. Notably, the path to citizenship is now more efficient, as the 5-year eligibility clock starts ticking from the date your initial application is submitted.
2. Greece Golden Visa
Among the other Golden Visa countries, Greece stands out as one of the few European countries that still offer EU residency by real estate investment. Under this, the Greek Golden Visa allows investors to obtain Greek residency by purchasing real estate valued at at least €250,000 and includes their family members, such as their spouse and unmarried children up to 21, and parents. The other real estate investment thresholds include €400,000 and €800,000 for qualifying projects.
3. Italy Golden Visa
The Italy Golden Visa or Investor Visa for Italy is another residency-by-investment program favored by many for investment and lifestyle perks. It is most preferred by those seeking lifestyle appeal and considering relocation.
The minimum investment amounts for the Italy Golden Visa are €250,000 for an innovative start-up and €500,000 for an Italian limited company. Once granted, the visa initially provides a 2-year residence permit, which can be extended for an additional 3 years, offering a steady path toward permanent residency and citizenship.
4. Latvia Golden Visa
Introduced in 2010, the Latvia Golden Visa is recognized as one of the most affordable residency-by-investment programs in Europe. With a minimum investment starting at €50,000 in a Latvian company, it provides a cost-effective entry point for non-EU nationals seeking EU residency and visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
5. Malta Residency by Investment
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) was established under the Maltese Immigration Act. It offers investors a pathway to permanent residency for life through a combination of real estate and government contributions.
Applicants must either purchase property valued at at least €375,000 or rent a property for at least €14,000 per year (totaling €70,000 for 5 years), together with a €37,000 government contribution, €60,000 in administrative fees, and a €2,000 charitable donation.
6. Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungary Golden Visa, also known as the Hungarian Guest Investor Program (GIP), offers a residency-by-investment pathway through either a €250,000 investment in an eligible fund or a €1,000,000 non-refundable donation to a public trust. Once granted, the residence permit is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10 years, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.
7. Bulgaria Golden Visa
Located in the Schengen region, Bulgaria launched its Golden Visa in 2023. What sets Bulgaria’s Golden Visa program apart from other European Golden Visa programs is that it grants direct permanent residency upon investment of €512,000 in AIF or EFT funds in Bulgaria.
In other words, it is a permanent-residency-by-investment program that issues successful applicants a permanent residency card in advance.
8. Cyprus Golden Visa
The Cyprus residency-by-investment program requires a minimum investment of €300,000 in real estate, a business, or an approved fund. Cyprus Golden Visa offers applicants EU residency, with benefits such as family inclusion, favorable tax incentives, and no minimum stay requirements.
Residency is granted for life, provided the holder visits Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain their status. Cypriot citizenship may be obtained after eight years of legal residence, subject to demonstrating a basic understanding of the country’s language, history, and culture.
9. Swiss Golden Visa
The Swiss Golden Visa, also known as residency by investment in Switzerland, allows non-EU investors to obtain Swiss residence. Foreign investors make a significant financial contribution, either through a lump-sum tax agreement (typically ranging from CHF 200,000 to CHF 600,000 per year, depending on the canton) or by investing substantially in a Swiss business.
10. Luxembourg Golden Visa
The Luxembourg Golden Visa program offers non-EU investors several paths to obtain a Luxembourg residence permit by making a substantial economic contribution to the country. Eligible applicants can choose from multiple investment options:
- Investing at least €500,000 in an existing Luxembourg company (maintained for five years)
- A new company that creates jobs, contributing €3 million to a management or investment structure,
- Placing €20 million on deposit with a Luxembourg financial institution, also held for at least five years.
Once approved, investors and their families gain residence rights, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and access to Luxembourg’s strong economy and financial services.
Other Residency by Investment Programs
11. Panama Residency by Investment
The Panama Residency by Investment program allows investors to obtain legal residency through qualifying real estate investments or fixed-term bank deposits. Once approved, investors receive a temporary residency permit that can lead to permanent residency, provided the investment is maintained.
12. UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa program grants long-term residency to investors through qualifying real estate or business investments. Successful applicants receive a 5 or 10-year renewable residency visa without the need for a local sponsor, as long as the investment criteria continue to be met.
13. US – EB-5 Visa
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides investors and their families with permanent residency through an approved investment that creates jobs in the United States. By meeting the minimum investment and employment requirements, they can obtain a conditional Green Card, which becomes permanent once program requirements are met.
14. New Zealand Golden Visa
The New Zealand Golden Visa program enables high-net-worth individuals to gain residency by making approved investments in the country. Investors are granted residency status upon maintaining their investment for the required period. It provides a route for long-term settlement in a stable, well-regulated economy.
15. Canada Residency by Investment
Canada offers two options for residency-by-investment: The Canada Start-Up Visa and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program. The Canada Start-Up Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business in Canada. As of December 19, 2025, the program is no longer accepting applications. However, investors can still go for the Quebec Investor Immigration Program. This scheme allows investors and entrepreneurs get a work permit and apply for permanent residency after one year.
Residency-by-Investment Program Comparison Tool
Compare residency and citizenship by investment requirements globally.
| Criteria |
|---|
How to Apply for a Golden Visa in 2026?
Your Golden Visa journey starts with expert guidance. Since 2014, Get Golden Visa has helped thousands of investors secure residency and citizenship through smart, compliant investment strategies.
Why investors choose us:
investors advised
nationalities served
foreign direct investment facilitated
global offices worldwide
With a strong focus on transparency, speed, and trust, our experienced advisors make your investment migration process seamless, from strategy to approval.
Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward your Golden Visa.