Thinking about a backup plan? You’re not alone. In an increasingly unpredictable world, many investors and international families are exploring Golden Visa programs in Europe as a way to secure residency, expand global mobility, and create long-term opportunities for themselves and their families.

Golden Visa programs allow non-EU nationals to obtain residency in exchange for qualifying investments. These programs are particularly attractive because they often provide access to the Schengen Area, flexible residency requirements, and potential pathways to citizenship.

Below is an overview of some of the top Golden Visa and residency-by-investment programs in Europe in 2026, highlighting their main features and investment requirements.

What Is a Golden Visa Program?

A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows foreign investors to obtain residence rights in a country by making a qualifying investment.

Common investment options include:

  • purchasing real estate
  • investing in government bonds or regulated funds
  • creating jobs or investing in businesses
  • contributing to cultural or scientific initiatives

In return, investors typically receive temporary or permanent residency, which may eventually lead to citizenship depending on the country and residency requirements.

For many applicants, a Golden Visa is not just about residency. It can serve as a Plan B strategy, offering greater mobility, financial diversification, and access to European education and healthcare systems.

Best Golden Visa Countries in Europe

Several European countries offer residency-by-investment programs. Each program has different investment thresholds, residency requirements, and citizenship timelines.

Below are some of the most notable options.

Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal’s Golden Visa program is widely considered one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe.

Known for its high quality of life, mild climate, and political stability, Portugal continues to attract investors seeking a flexible path to European residency.

While real estate investments were removed from the program in 2023, Portugal still offers several qualifying investment routes, including:

  • €500,000 investment in regulated venture capital or private equity funds
  • €500,000 contribution to scientific research or technological development
  • €250,000 donation supporting cultural heritage or artistic production
  • creation of 10 full-time jobs in Portugal (8 in low-density areas)

One of the main advantages of the Portuguese program is its minimal residency requirement, typically averaging about seven days per year.

Investors may also become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years, subject to language and legal requirements.

Greece Golden Visa

Greece offers one of the most popular Golden Visa programs in Europe, particularly for investors interested in real estate purchases.

The program allows residency through property investments, with minimum thresholds depending on location:

  • €800,000 in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini
  • €400,000 in many other regions
  • €250,000 for certain renovation or conversion projects

The Greek Golden Visa does not require a minimum stay to maintain residency, making it attractive for investors who want flexibility.

However, obtaining citizenship requires seven years of actual residence in Greece. If you’re considering both programs, you can read our detailed comparison of the Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa to understand the key differences between the two options.

Malta Residency by Investment

Malta offers a residency-by-investment program that combines property investment with government contributions.

Applicants must typically:

  • purchase property worth at least €375,000 or rent property with a minimum annual lease
  • make a government contribution
  • complete a charitable donation

Malta’s program appeals to investors seeking residency in a stable, English-speaking EU country with a strong financial sector.

Cyprus Permanent Residency Program

Cyprus offers a permanent residency program through investment, often grouped with European Golden Visa programs.

Investors can qualify through:

  • €300,000 investment in residential real estate
  • €300,000 investment in commercial property or companies
  • €300,000 investment in Cyprus investment funds

Cyprus remains attractive for investors interested in a Mediterranean lifestyle and strategic access to both Europe and the Middle East.

Hungary Golden Visa

Hungary recently relaunched its residency-by-investment program, offering investors a new route to obtain residency in the Schengen Area.

Investment options include:

  • €250,000 investment in an approved real estate fund
  • €500,000 direct real estate purchase
  • €1 million donation to public-interest foundations

Hungary’s program appeals to investors seeking relatively competitive entry thresholds and fast processing times.

Hungary

Italy Investor Visa

Italy’s Investor Visa allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency by investing in the Italian economy.

Investment options include:

  • €2 million in Italian government bonds
  • €500,000 in an Italian company
  • €250,000 investment in innovative startups
  • €1 million philanthropic donation

Italy’s program is particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and investors interested in establishing a presence in one of Europe’s largest economies.

Latvia Golden Visa

Latvia offers one of the more affordable entry points into the European residency-by-investment landscape.

Investment options include:

  • €50,000 investment in a Latvian company
  • €250,000 real estate investment
  • €250,000 investment in government bonds
  • €280,000 bank deposit

Latvia’s program provides access to the Schengen Area and a relatively straightforward application process.

Which Golden Visa Program Is Best?

The best Golden Visa program depends on your investment goals, lifestyle preferences, and long-term plans in Europe.

Investors primarily interested in real estate may prefer programs such as Greece or Cyprus. Others looking for flexible residency requirements and a faster path to EU citizenship often consider Portugal one of the most attractive options.

What Our Clients Say

Tim Evans
Tim EvansUSA
We began working with Portugal Residency Advisors (PRA) in April 2024 to consider residency in Portugal. Pedro Branco and Beatriz Garcia provided critical incite and information in helping us decide how best to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa Program. The most wonderful thing was that their advice was completely independent and they were not trying to sell us any investment scheme that they would benefit PRA. They provided professional advice and let us decide what worked best for us. We completed the process in less than two months. I highly recommend that you talk with them regardless of who you have talked with already.
Phyllis Kynas
Phyllis KynasCanada
My experience with Portugal Residency Advisors has been exceptionally good. Pedro Branco (client manager) provided me with clearly set out details of their services and costs and timeline. Right from the start, Beatriz Garcia (immigration lawyer) has promptly set out clearly what steps I needed to take for my visa application. She was always helpful and supportive (when I was feeling stressed by the process) and guided me through it with patience and a quick response. Portugal Residency Advisors took me through a complicated and detailed process efficiently and clearly, and I am sure that it would have taken me much longer, and with much more stress, without them.
Lyssa Adkins
Lyssa AdkinsUSA
I recommend to Beatriz Garcia and Portugal Residency Advisors completely. They helped us with our immigration meetings scheduling and preparation. I am quite sure that without Beatriz we would still be waiting for our immigration appointment. The onboarding process and documents collection process was incredibly smooth and professional.
Chyntia Sutton
Chyntia SuttonUSA
The best team of immigration attorneys in Portugal! Pedro and Fernanda were so attentive to every single question, nothing was too small or too big to handle for them. They guided us through every stage to the point of arrival in Portugal. They continue to be available to us whenever we have questions. We highly recommend them and we will add their contact information on one of our podcast episode as well. Thank you for your excellent expertise!
Ann-Marie Giustibelli
Ann-Marie GiustibelliUSA
Beatriz and Pedro were professional, kind most importantly (to me) is they were effective. They promptly answered all of my questions; even after my case was finished. I would hire them again in a second!
Francis Miles
Francis MilesUK
Pedro helped us through the legal minefield when purchasing a property in Portugal, along with the residency aspects as well. He is always on call, professional and extremely patient, and we are happy to recommend him and his company.
Andrew Symons
Andrew SymonsUK
Portugal Residency Advisors provided an excellent service. They took control of the whole residence permit application process, explained to me what was going on, gathered and presented all the required documentation. I received my permit 20 days after the application.
Mehmet Kidman
Mehmet KidmanTurkey
They are a highly successful team that you can completely trust and always get support from throughout our residency application process. We were very pleased with their immediate support regarding our issues.
Alejandro Castellano
Alejandro CastellanoSpain
Thank you, Pedro, for making my experience of moving to Portugal so lovely!
Piero Colafranceschi
Piero ColafranceschiItaly
Perfect assistance all along the process!

Why Work With Us

Local Expertise

We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information. 

Holistic Approach

One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your investment and Golden Visa application. 

Transparent Service

We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.

Simple Process

Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.

Your Questions Answered

The best Golden Visa program depends on your goals. Portugal is often considered one of the most attractive options because it offers a five-year path to citizenship and minimal stay requirements, while countries like Greece appeal more to investors interested in real estate.

Some of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe can be found in programs like Latvia or certain Greek real estate projects. However, the cheapest option is not always the best long-term choice, as requirements, processing times, and citizenship eligibility can vary significantly.

In many cases, yes. Several European Golden Visa programs can lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship if applicants meet the required conditions, such as maintaining the investment, meeting residency rules, and passing language or integration requirements.

Not always. Some Golden Visa programs require little or no physical presence to maintain residency. However, if you want to eventually apply for citizenship, most countries require actual residence for a number of years.

Yes. Most European Golden Visa programs allow investors to include spouses, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents in the same application, giving the entire family residency rights.

Several European countries still offer residency-by-investment programs in 2026, including Portugal, Greece, Malta, Italy, Hungary, Latvia, and Cyprus. Each program has different investment thresholds, residency requirements, and timelines for permanent residency or citizenship.

Yes. Several European countries have updated their residency-by-investment programs in recent years. For example, Portugal removed real estate investments from its Golden Visa program in 2023, while Greece increased minimum property investment thresholds in certain areas. Because regulations can change, it’s important to review the latest requirements before applying.

 
 

Golden Visa and residency-by-investment programs continue to offer valuable opportunities for international investors seeking access to Europe. While each country has its own requirements and investment structures, the right program ultimately depends on your personal goals — whether that means real estate investment, lifestyle relocation, or long-term European citizenship.

Excellent

4.9  |  54 Reviews

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Passport

Why Work With Us on Your Portugal Golden Visa Application

Read More
Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal Golden Visa Pros and Cons: Is It Still Worth It in 2026?

Read More