Residency-by-investment — often called a "golden visa" — lets foreign nationals gain the right to live in a country in exchange for a qualifying investment. The landscape has shifted in recent years: some routes have closed, others have raised their thresholds, and a few new options have emerged. This guide gives a general, plain-language picture as of 2026, but rules in this area change frequently, so always confirm the current figures and eligibility with a qualified local lawyer before committing.
What a golden visa actually gives you
A golden visa is usually a residence permit, not citizenship. It typically grants the right to live in the country, travel within associated regions (in the EU, often the Schengen Area), and in many cases bring close family members. Some programmes can lead to permanent residence or citizenship after a number of years, but that is a separate, longer process with its own requirements that vary by country.
It helps to be clear about the distinction:
- Residency by investment — you obtain the right to reside, often with low physical-presence requirements.
- Citizenship by investment — a passport in exchange for investment, offered by far fewer countries and increasingly scrutinised.
Many applicants are drawn to residency routes for lifestyle, business access, mobility, or as a long-term "plan B." The right choice depends heavily on your own goals and circumstances.
Europe: which routes remain in 2026
Europe has long been the centre of golden-visa activity, but the picture is uneven. Several well-known programmes have been narrowed or ended, while others continue under revised terms. The notes below are general and current as of 2026 — treat them as a starting point, not a final answer.
Portugal
Portugal's programme remains active but has moved away from residential real estate. Qualifying routes now tend to focus on investment funds, business creation, and cultural or scientific contributions. Minimum amounts generally start in the mid hundreds of thousands of euros, but the exact qualifying categories and figures have changed more than once, so verify the current rules before relying on any number.
Greece
Greece continues to offer one of the more accessible real-estate routes, though minimum amounts have risen, particularly in high-demand areas such as Athens and the islands. Thresholds tend to vary by location, with higher floors in popular zones. Expect a tiered system rather than a single national figure, and confirm the band that applies to the area you have in mind.
Italy
Italy's investor visa offers several paths, including government bonds, company investment, innovative start-ups, and philanthropic donations, with required amounts ranging roughly from the low hundreds of thousands into the millions depending on the category. It is often chosen for its flexibility across asset types, but the categories and amounts can be adjusted, so check what currently applies.
Spain and others
Spain's residential real-estate golden visa has been wound down — a reminder that programmes can close with limited notice. Other countries, including some outside the eurozone, maintain or have introduced investor residence schemes, so the menu is broader than the headline three. Availability and terms shift, so it is worth checking the present position country by country.
Beyond Europe
Investment-linked residence is not limited to the EU. The United Arab Emirates offers long-term residence visas tied to property or business investment, often noted for a favourable personal-tax environment. Several countries in the Caribbean run citizenship-by-investment programmes, typically via a donation or real-estate purchase. The United States maintains an investor route that requires a substantial capital commitment and job creation. Asian and other hubs offer their own variants. Each operates under very different tax, residence, and disclosure rules — and those rules change — so cross-border advice from a qualified professional matters before you act.
Family inclusion
One of the biggest practical attractions is the ability to include relatives in a single application. Most programmes allow a spouse or registered partner and dependent children. Many also permit dependent parents, and some extend to adult children who are still studying or financially dependent.
The details differ widely:
- Age limits for dependent children vary, and definitions of "dependency" are not uniform.
- Some routes add a per-person fee or a higher investment for larger families.
- Documentary proof of relationships and dependency is usually required and must be properly legalised or translated.
Because these conditions change and differ between countries, confirm what your chosen route currently allows with a local lawyer.
How to choose
There is no single "best" golden visa — only the one that fits your situation. A few questions help narrow the field:
- What is your goal? Mobility, a future home, business access, a long-term safety net, or a path to citizenship.
- How much presence can you commit? Some routes require little physical stay; others expect meaningful residence, especially if citizenship is the aim.
- What are the tax consequences? Becoming resident somewhere can change where and how you are taxed, so this deserves careful, country-specific analysis from a tax adviser.
- How stable is the programme? Recent history shows routes can be revised or closed, so weigh durability, not just today's terms.
- What is the total cost? Beyond the headline investment, factor in government fees, legal and administrative costs, and ongoing requirements.
Because amounts, qualifying assets, and eligibility rules genuinely do change — sometimes within a single year — treat any figure you read, here or elsewhere, as approximate and subject to change.
A final word
Golden visa programmes can be a powerful tool, but they are legally and financially significant decisions with long-term consequences for your residence, taxes, and family. This guide is general information only and not advice for your specific case. Before you commit funds or sign anything, speak with a qualified lawyer in the country you are considering — and ideally a tax adviser too — to confirm the current rules and make sure the route genuinely fits your circumstances.