Residency by investment programs continue to attract high-net-worth individuals and global investors. In 2026, they are no longer just a way to obtain a residence permit, but a practical tool for expanding personal and financial mobility, gaining access to European education and healthcare, and protecting capital. EU Golden visas offer visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and provide a stable foundation for living and raising a family in Europe.
Below, we review the key programs in Greece, Portugal, Hungary, Cyprus, Malta, and Italy, outlining their investment requirements, main advantages, and eligibility conditions.
What Is a Golden Visa?
An EU Golden visa is a residence permit granted by a European country to a foreign national and their close family members in exchange for a significant economic contribution. Investment routes typically include real estate acquisition, investments in government or corporate securities, contributions to special funds, or business creation.
The main advantages of these programs include legal EU residency status, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to healthcare and education systems, and — often — a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship in the future.
Best European Golden Visa Programs in 2026
Greece
Greece continues to offer one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs due to its accessible entry threshold and flexibility. The residence permit is issued for five years, renewable, grants visa-free access to the Schengen Area, and does not require permanent residence in the country.
Investment Options
The main route is real estate acquisition. Following the 2024 changes, Greece is divided into two investment zones with different thresholds:
- From €800,000 for the purchase of a single property of at least 120 sqm in high-demand regions (Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and islands with a population above 3,100).
- From €400,000 for a single property of at least 120 sqm in all other regions.
The minimum €250,000 threshold for Golden visa Greece remains available in two cases:
- Purchase of a historical building requiring full restoration (at the investor’s expense);
- Purchase of converted commercial property (from commercial to residential use). In this case, the developer acquires and renovates the building in full compliance with safety and efficiency standards, delivering a completed residential unit comparable to a new-build property.
In both cases, there are no location or size restrictions, allowing investors to secure residency and a liquid asset in high-demand areas such as Athens or Attica.
Family members may include a spouse, children up to 21 years old (or up to 24 if financially dependent and enrolled in university), and parents of both spouses.
Citizenship eligibility arises after seven years, subject to residence and language requirements.
Portugal
Portugal has significantly restructured its program, fully removing residential real estate as a qualifying option and shifting focus to business, science, and culture.
Investment Options
- €500,000 in venture capital or private equity funds (not linked to real estate), held for at least five years.
- Non-refundable cultural contribution starting from €250,000 (reduced to €200,000 in low-density regions).
- €500,000 investment in research activities (from €400,000 in designated regions), minimum five years.
- €500,000 capital investment in a company with the creation of at least five jobs.
- Establishment of a company creating at least 10 jobs.
The residence permit is issued for one year, then renewable for two-year periods. The minimum stay requirement is just one week per year.
Family members may include a spouse, children up to 26 years old, and parents. Processing times range from one year to 18 months. Citizenship eligibility arises after 7–10 years of legal residence and language proficiency.
Hungary
Hungary relaunched its golden visa program in 2024, attracting investors with fast processing and long validity.
Investment Options
- €250,000 investment in a real estate fund.
- €1,000,000 donation to a public university support fund.
The process occurs in two stages: a six-month guest visa followed by a 10-year residence permit upon completion of the investment. The status allows employment and business activities in Hungary.
Family members may include a spouse and children. Citizenship is available after 10 years of naturalization with residence and language requirements.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers permanent residency with no renewal requirement. To maintain the status, a visit once every two years is sufficient.
Investment Option
- Purchase of new residential property from €300,000 + VAT.
Spouses and financially dependent children up to 25 years old may be included.
Citizenship eligibility arises after eight years of actual residence, subject to integration and language requirements.
Important note: Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area, so residency does not provide Schengen visa-free access.
Malta
Malta provides permanent residency status with no renewal requirement, subject to compliance.
Investment Options
Two routes are available:
- Property purchase from €375,000;
- Property rental at €14,000 per year for five years (€70,000 total).
Mandatory contributions apply in both cases:
- €60,000 non-refundable administrative contribution;
- €2,000 donation to an NGO;
- €37,000 government fee for the main applicant.
Total minimum cost:
- Purchase route: €474,000+;
- Rental route: €169,000+.
The program allows inclusion of an extended family: spouse, children up to 28 years old, parents, and even grandparents.
Non-domiciled residents are taxed only on income sourced or remitted to Malta.
Italy
Italy targets high-level investors willing to support national companies and strategic initiatives.
Investment Options
- €500,000 in shares of Italian companies;
- €1,000,000 charitable donation to public-interest projects;
- €2,000,000 in government bonds.
The residence permit is issued for two years with renewal rights. It allows employment and full Schengen access. Family members may include a spouse, children under 18, and parents over 65.
Citizenship requires 10 years of permanent residence and language proficiency.
How to Choose a Program in 2026?
Selecting the right golden visa depends on budget, relocation plans, family composition, and long-term goals such as citizenship.
For real estate investors seeking a balanced entry threshold and strong benefits, Greece remains particularly attractive in 2026.
For those looking for a “backup residence” without relocation obligations, Cyprus or Malta may be suitable due to their permanent residency status.
Business-oriented investors may consider Hungary (fast processing and work rights) or Italy (prestige and EU market access).
Portugal remains appealing for long-term citizenship planning, despite removing real estate and extending the naturalisation timeline.
Conclusion
In 2026, European Golden visa programs offer diverse and well-structured solutions for global investors. Each country provides a unique value proposition—whether Greek real estate, Portugal and Italy’s business-focused pathways, or permanent residency in Malta and Cyprus.
When making a decision, it is essential to align investment conditions not only with financial capacity but also with long-term family goals. Ultimately, the best program is the one that becomes more than an investment — it becomes a secure foundation for your family’s future in Europe.
