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Best golden visa in Europe 2026: eight programs compared

There is no single best golden visa in Europe; there is a best fit for your budget, your family and what you want the permit to do. In October 2026 eight EU programs still accept investors: Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia and Bulgaria. Their entry tickets run from €50,000 in a Latvian company (plus a €10,000 state fee) to €511,292 in Bulgarian investment funds[23][27]. Some ask for no stay at all, three grant permanent residence on day one, and one, Cyprus, is outside the passport-free Schengen Area[30]. Spain closed its program on 3 April 2025[31], and Latvia dropped its property route on 15 September 2026[21].

This comparison puts the eight side by side in nine tables: routes and minimums, total cost, stay rules, processing, family, years to permanent residency and citizenship, tax, Schengen access, and the recent changes and political risks. It then sets out which program fits which investor, and briefly covers the wealth-led options in Monaco, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and France. Figures are as verified on 2 October 2026; euro amounts are converted at the ECB rate of $1.1298[37].

Last verified:

EU golden visa comparison: the eight programs at a glance

All eight programs give a non-EU investor a residence permit in an EU member state in return for a qualifying investment or contribution. They differ in four ways that matter far more than the headline price: what kind of asset you must buy (property, fund units, a company or a donation), whether the money comes back, whether you must actually live there, and whether the permit is temporary or permanent. A cheap permit you must renew every two years is a different product from a dearer one that is permanent from day one.

Two notes on scope. First, these are residence programs, not passports: since the Court of Justice ruled against Malta's investor citizenship in case C-181/23 and Malta repealed it by Act XXI of 2025[12], no EU state sells citizenship. Our guide to whether EU citizenship can still be bought covers that question. Second, each country has its own detailed page, starting with the Portugal investor residence permit (ARI) and Greece's property-led golden visa; this page compares them and does not repeat every rule.

Routes and minimum investment by country

Qualifying routes and minimums for new applicants, 2 October 2026
CountryCheapest routeOther routesMoney returned?
Portugal€250,000 cultural donation (€200,000 in low-density areas)€500,000 non-real-estate fund; €500,000 research; €500,000 company + 5 jobs; 10 jobs. Property and capital transfers ended 7 Oct 2023[1]Fund: yes, after exit. Donation: no
Greece€250,000 commercial-to-residential conversion or listed-building restoration€400,000 property (most regions); €800,000 property in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and large islands; €350,000 in funds investing only in Greece; €500,000 deposit or bonds[4][5]Yes, on resale (subject to market)
Italy€250,000 in an innovative start-up€500,000 in an Italian company; €1,000,000 philanthropic donation; €2,000,000 Italian government bonds[7]Investments: yes. Donation: no
Malta€99,000 fixed fees and contribution + rent from €14,000/yrOr buy property from €375,000; plus €500,000 assets (€150,000 financial) or €650,000 (€75,000 financial)[11]Fees, contribution and rent: no
Hungary€250,000 in a qualifying real estate fund, held 5 years€1,000,000 donation to a university foundation[13]Fund: yes, after 5 years. Donation: no
Cyprus€300,000 + VAT in a new home or other qualifying asset€300,000 in commercial property, a Cypriot company with staff, or a Cypriot investment fund; plus €50,000 a year secured income[16][17]Yes, on resale
Latvia€50,000 in a smaller Latvian company + €10,000 state fee€100,000 in a larger company + €10,000; €150,000 state-managed fund + €10,000 (in law, not yet operational). Property and bank routes ended 15 Sep 2026[21][22]Capital: at risk. Fee: no
BulgariaBGN 1,000,000 (€511,292) in Bulgarian collective investment schemes or alternative investment fundsBGN 500,000 (€255,646) company capital + 10 jobs for Bulgarian citizens; larger listed-share and company routes from BGN 2,000,000[27]Fund: yes, after exit
Bulgaria's amounts are still written in leva in the Foreigners Act; Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026 at BGN 1.95583 per euro. Latvia's company route carries further conditions, including tax paid by the company; see below.

European residency by investment in 2026: what changed

European residency by investment has been shrinking and getting dearer for three years. Portugal removed property in 2023[1]. Greece raised its property thresholds to €400,000 and €800,000 from 1 September 2024 under Law 5100/2024[5]. Spain abolished its program with effect from 3 April 2025 under Organic Law 1/2025[31]; see our page on what replaced Spain's investor visa. Ireland closed its scheme in February 2023 (Ireland's former investor program).

2026 brought further moves. Portugal's Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026, doubled the residence needed for naturalisation to 10 years for most non-EU nationals[2]. Italy raised its flat tax on foreign income for new residents from €200,000 to €300,000 a year from 1 January 2026[9]. Latvia's new Immigration Law took effect on 15 September 2026, ending the property and subordinated-deposit routes[21]. Greece announced on 6 September 2026 a plan to raise property transfer tax for non-EU buyers from about 3% to 15%, provisionally from 1 July 2027; it is not yet law[6]. In Hungary, the Tisza government that took office in May 2026 has not said what it will do with a program built by its predecessor[15].

The direction is clear: passive property routes are disappearing, and fund, company and donation routes are taking their place. For the full list of what has ended, see our tracker of closed and ending golden visa programs.

Total realistic cost by program

Realistic cost of the cheapest practical route, single applicant unless stated, before adviser fees
CountryInvestmentGovernment and program feesRealistic total
Portugal€500,000 fund (or €250,000 donation)AIMA fees about €14,500–€19,400 per person over 5 years (2026 table)[3]≈ €521,000–€548,000 on the fund route, before annual fund fees
Greece€400,000 home (most regions)€2,000 investor permit + €150 per adult relative + €16 per card[42]≈ €422,000–€432,000 incl. ~3% transfer tax, notary and legal
Italy€250,000 start-up equityAbout €242 in state fees for visa and first two-year permit[8]≈ €260,000+ with legal and due-diligence costs (not regulated)
MaltaRent €14,000/yr, or buy from €375,000€60,000 admin fee + €37,000 contribution + €2,000 NGO donation; €7,500 per adult dependant; €500 per card[11]≈ €171,000 non-refundable renting 5 years (family of 4); ≈ €500,000 buying
Hungary€250,000 fund unitsUnder €200 per person in permit and visa fees[13]≈ €284,000 incl. fund-side and custody costs, before adviser fees
Cyprus€300,000 + VAT (new home)€500 application fee; €70 per alien registration certificate[16]≈ €300,000 + VAT + transfer and legal costs; secured income €50,000/yr
Latvia€50,000 company capital€10,000 state fee (non-refundable)[22]≈ €60,000 + company running costs and the tax the company must pay
Bulgaria€511,292 fund unitsBGN 1,000 (€511.29) standard fee; BGN 150 (€76.69) per family member[27]≈ €515,000+ before fund and legal fees
Adviser and legal fees are unregulated in every country and are excluded unless stated. Portugal and Greece totals come from our fact-checked country pages; Italy, Cyprus, Latvia and Bulgaria totals are our estimates from the official fees.

Stay requirements and processing times

What you must do to keep the permit, and how long a first decision takes
CountryMinimum stay to keep the permitPermit lengthProcessing (official vs real)
Portugal7 days in year 1, then 14 days per 2-year period2 years, then 2-year renewals[1]90-day legal deadline; about 18–36 months to first card in practice
GreeceNone5 years, renewable while the investment is held[42]50–60 days target; about 4–6 months, longer in Attica
ItalyNone (no continuity-of-presence obligation)2 years, then 3-year renewals[8]Committee clearance within 30 days; investment within 3 months of entry
MaltaNonePermanent from day one; cards renewed every 5 years[11]About 6–12 months (law-firm estimates; no official standard)
HungaryNoneUp to 10 years, renewable once for up to 10[13]21-day statutory permit deadline; about 3–6 months end to end
CyprusReported: visit at least once every 2 yearsPermanent; no renewal[16]About 2 months published target
LatviaNot set as a day count; real residence needed for permanent statusCompany route 2 years; fund route up to 5 years[22]Statutory maximum 4 months[21]
BulgariaNot stated for investors; long absences can put permanent status at riskPermanent residence[27]Up to 2 months, extendable by 2 months[27]

Family members: who is covered and what they cost

Dependants who can join the main applicant
CountryWho qualifiesExtra cost per dependant
PortugalSpouse/partner, minor children, dependent adult children in education, dependent parents; exempt from the 2-year family reunification wait[1]Same AIMA fees as the investor
GreeceSpouse/partner, children under 21, parents of both spouses[42]€150 per adult + €16 card; no extra investment
ItalyFamily reunification under arts. 29–30 of the immigration act (spouse, children, dependent parents), with income and housing tests[8]Standard permit fees
MaltaUp to four generations: spouse, children, dependent unmarried children 18–28, parents and grandparents[11]Spouse and minors free; €7,500 per adult dependant; €500 card each
HungarySpouse/partner, minor children, dependent parents (family permits up to 10 years)[13]HUF 26,000–39,000 or about €110 per person
CyprusSpouse, minor children, dependent students aged 18–25; adult children need their own application[17]Income test rises €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child; no extra investment[17]
LatviaSpouse, minor children and persons in the investor's custody; permits for the investor's term (s. 27(3), 2026 Immigration Law)[45]€160 review + €75 registration each; the €10,000 fee is charged per investor only[46]
BulgariaFamily members of the permanent resident[27]BGN 150 (€76.69) per person

Path to permanent residency and citizenship in years

Earliest permanent status and naturalisation under current law
CountryPermanent residencyCitizenship by naturalisationDual citizenship
PortugalAfter 5 years (A2 Portuguese)10 years from first permit (7 for EU and Portuguese-speaking nationals) since 19 May 2026[2]Allowed
GreeceLong-term EU status after 5 years of real residence7 years of real residence, separate processAllowed
ItalyEU long-term permit after 5 years of residence10 years of residence for non-EU nationals[10]Allowed
MaltaDay oneNo investor route; discretionary ordinary naturalisation only[12]Allowed
HungaryNational residence card after 3 years' uninterrupted residence + culture exam[14]8 years' continuous residence + exam in HungarianAllowed
CyprusDay one8 of the last 11 years' legal residence, last 12 months continuous, Greek B1[18]Allowed
LatviaPermanent residence after 5 years' continuous residence (s. 31, 2026 law), with A2 Latvian and a culture/history course[45]5 more years as a permanent resident, Latvian language and history tests (about 10 years in total)[25]Only for EU, EFTA, NATO and a few other nationalities
BulgariaDay one (fund route)[27]5 years after permanent residence, Bulgarian language[28]Generally requires renouncing a non-EU nationality[28]
Every naturalisation route needs genuine residence. A no-stay golden visa rarely counts in full; check how absences are treated before relying on a timeline. See our ranking of the golden visa routes with the fastest naturalisation.

Tax regimes for investors who relocate

Headline personal tax rules and special regimes; the permit alone does not make you tax resident
CountryStandard income taxSpecial regime for newcomers
PortugalProgressive to 48% + surcharge; 28% on most investment incomeNHR closed 2024; IFICI 20% for 10 years applies only to qualifying work, not passive investors[41]
GreeceProgressive; 15% withholding on Greek deposit interestArticle 5A: €100,000 a year flat on foreign income (+€20,000 per relative) for 15 years with a €500,000 investment; 7% for foreign pensions[38]
ItalyProgressive IRPEF€300,000 a year flat tax on foreign income (+€50,000 per relative) for residents arriving from 2026, for up to 15 years[9]
MaltaProgressive to 35%Non-doms taxed on remittance basis; €5,000 minimum tax if foreign income ≥ €35,000[40]; new Individual Tax Programme from 2027[44]
HungaryFlat 15%No special regime needed; no wealth tax[39]
Cyprus0% to €22,000, then 20–35% (2026 bands)[19]Non-dom: no Special Defence Contribution on dividends and interest for 17 years; 60-day residence rule; 2026 reform adds paid extensions[19][20]
Latvia25.5% to €105,300, 33% above, +3% over €200,000[26]None for investors
BulgariaFlat 10%[29]None needed

EU residency by investment with Schengen access

For many buyers the point of a European permit is travel: a valid residence card from a Schengen state lets you move through the other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180. Seven of the eight programs here qualify. Bulgaria became a full Schengen member, with land-border checks lifted, on 1 January 2025[30].

Cyprus is the exception. It applies Schengen rules but the Council has not yet lifted its internal border controls, so a Cypriot residence permit is not a Schengen travel document[30]. A Cyprus permit holder who needs a Schengen visa still needs one after investing. That makes the Cyprus permanent residence permit a good choice for living in Cyprus and a weak one for travel.

Schengen access by program

Does the permit give visa-free travel in the Schengen Area?
CountrySchengen member?Travel on the permit
PortugalYes90/180 days in other Schengen states
GreeceYes90/180 days in other Schengen states
ItalyYes90/180 days in other Schengen states
MaltaYes90/180 days in other Schengen states
HungaryYes90/180 days in other Schengen states
CyprusNo (border controls not yet lifted)No Schengen travel rights
LatviaYes90/180 days in other Schengen states
BulgariaYes, fully since 1 Jan 202590/180 days in other Schengen states
Source: European Commission, Schengen Area page [30].

Recent changes and risks by program

Main legal changes since 2023 and the risks we would weigh today
CountryRecent changesMain risk
PortugalProperty removed 2023; Lei 61/2025 family rules; Lei Orgânica 1/2026 (10-year naturalisation, 19 May 2026)[1][2]AIMA backlogs; further tightening of naturalisation
GreeceZone thresholds 1 Sep 2024; ban on short-term letting; Law 5275/2026 (Feb 2026)[5]15% transfer tax announced for July 2027[6]
ItalyFlat tax raised to €300,000 from 1 Jan 2026; program suspended for Russian and Belarusian nationals[7][9]Start-up risk: you may lose the capital
MaltaLN 146/2025 new fee structure; investor citizenship ended (Act XXI of 2025)[11][12]High non-refundable cost; EU scrutiny
HungaryProgram open since 1 Jul 2024; property route repealed before launch; change of government May 2026[13][15]Political: possible closure during the 5-year fund lock
CyprusStricter criteria from May 2023; naturalisation rules amended Dec 2023[17][18]Not in Schengen; income test every year
LatviaProperty and deposit routes abolished 15 Sep 2026; company permit cut to 2 years[21][22]Fund route may be deleted; Cabinet can suspend company and fund routes for nationals of named third countries
BulgariaSchengen 1 Jan 2025; euro 1 Jan 2026; citizenship by investment repealed 2022[28][30]Few fund products and little track record

Program by program: what each one is really for

Portugal: fund investors willing to wait

Portugal's ARI is now a €500,000 fund product with a light 7-and-14-day stay rule and permanent residency after five years[1]. Its weaknesses are time (first cards typically take 18 months to three years) and the new 10-year naturalisation clock[2]. Readers focused on islands should also see the Azores low-density option. For the passport angle, see Portuguese naturalisation rules after 2026.

Greece: the last mainstream property route

Greece is the one large program that still sells residence for real estate, with no minimum stay, five-year renewable permits and cover for both sets of parents[4][42]. Prices now depend heavily on location, and short-term letting is banned. Those planning to settle should read how Greek naturalisation works.

Italy: entrepreneurs and the very wealthy

The Italy investor visa is cheap to enter at €250,000 in a start-up, fast to clear, and has no stay rule[7][8]. It suits people who want to back Italian businesses, and, paired with the €300,000 flat tax, ultra-high-net-worth families moving for real[9].

Malta: permanent status from day one

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme costs more in money you never get back, but it gives permanent residence immediately, in English, in the euro zone and Schengen, for up to four generations[11]. Malta's passport route is gone; see what happened to Malta's investor citizenship.

Hungary: cheapest Schengen fund route, highest political risk

The Hungary guest investor permit gives a permit of up to 10 years for €250,000 in a real estate fund held five years, with no stay rule and a 15% flat tax for residents[13][39]. The open question is whether the new government keeps it[15].

Cyprus: living on the island, not travelling

Cyprus grants permanent residence for €300,000 plus VAT, but adds an income test and gives no Schengen travel[16][30]. It suits families who will actually live there and want the non-dom tax regime[19]. Investor citizenship closed in 2020; see Cyprus naturalisation after the passport scheme.

Latvia: low cost, short permits, real business

The Latvia business investor permit is now the lowest entry ticket in the EU, but it is a two-year permit tied to a company that must pay meaningful tax, with a maximum of 10 foreign investors per company[22][23]. It is a business visa, not a passive one.

Bulgaria: direct permanent residence, little infrastructure

The Bulgaria investor residence route gives permanent residence for €511,292 in licensed funds, with low fees and a 10% flat tax[27][29]. Few fund products exist and naturalisation usually means giving up your other passport[28]. The old fast-track citizenship is covered on our Bulgarian citizenship page.

Which is best for your situation

Best for the lowest outlay with Schengen travel

Latvia (€60,000 including the state fee) if you will run a real business; otherwise Hungary or Italy at €250,000, or Greece's €250,000 conversion route. Our ranking of the lowest-cost residence programs goes beyond Europe.

Best for a passive investor who wants their money back

Greece (property you can resell) or Portugal and Hungary (funds). Malta's fees and Italy's donation route are sunk costs.

Best for permanent residence immediately

Malta (with Schengen), Bulgaria (with Schengen, larger capital) or Cyprus (no Schengen).

Best for an eventual EU passport

No program shortcuts naturalisation. If you will genuinely move, Greece (7 years), Bulgaria (5 years after permanent residence, with renunciation) and Hungary or Cyprus (8 years) are shorter than Portugal or Italy (10 years). See which residence routes lead to naturalisation fastest.

Best for tax relocation

Italy's €300,000 flat tax for very high foreign income; Greece's €100,000 non-dom regime; Cyprus's 17-year non-dom; Malta's remittance basis; and Bulgaria's 10% or Hungary's 15% flat rates for simpler cases[9][38][19][40][29][39].

Best for a large family including parents

Greece (parents of both spouses at no extra investment) and Malta (four generations, €7,500 per adult dependant)[42][11].

Best for low political and legal risk

Malta and Greece have the most established, legislated frameworks; Hungary and Latvia carry live closure risk[15][24].

How to choose and apply

The sequence is broadly the same everywhere, although timing differs widely.

  1. 1

    Define the goal

    Decide whether you need travel, a home, a tax base, permanent status or a future passport. That alone rules out several programs, for example Cyprus if you need Schengen travel.

  2. 2

    Fix the budget and the money you can lose

    Separate recoverable capital (property, funds, bonds) from sunk costs (Malta's contribution, donations, Latvia's €10,000 fee).

  3. 3

    Check source of funds and family documents

    Every program runs due diligence. Apostilled civil documents and a clear source-of-funds file save months.

  4. 4

    Make or commit the investment

    Some programs want the investment first (Greece, Hungary, Cyprus); Italy approves you first and lets you invest within three months of entry.

  5. 5

    File, give biometrics, collect cards

    Expect to travel at least once for biometrics. Plan renewals and the conditions for keeping the investment from the start.

Golden visa Europe 2026: pros and cons of the route

Pros

  • Residence in the EU for the whole family, mostly with Schengen travel
  • Several programs have no minimum stay (Greece, Italy, Malta, Hungary)
  • Permanent status from day one in Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria
  • Recoverable capital on property, fund and bond routes
  • Tax regimes that suit internationally mobile families

Cons

  • No EU program sells citizenship; naturalisation still takes 5–10 years of genuine residence
  • Rules change quickly, and usually against new applicants
  • Processing can take years (Portugal)
  • Fund and start-up investments carry real investment risk
  • Political risk in Hungary and Latvia, tax risk in Greece

Beyond the eight: wealth-based residence elsewhere in Europe

Five more European states offer residence to wealthy people without a classic golden visa. They mostly ask you to live there, so they suit relocation rather than a Plan B.

Monaco, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and France

Brief comparison of wealth-led residence routes
CountryWhat you needNotes
MonacoHousing in Monaco plus a bank reference; banks usually expect about €500,000 on deposit[36]Deposit set by banks, not law; real residence expected; no personal income tax for most residents
SwitzerlandLump-sum taxation on a deemed base of at least CHF 435,000 (federal floor, 2026); no gainful activity in Switzerland[35]Available in 21 of 26 cantons; abolished in Zurich and four others
AustriaSettlement permit excluding employment: €2,616.78 a month for a single person in 2026, quota place, German[34]Very few quota places; no work allowed
Luxembourg€500,000 business investment[33]; other routes reported at €3M (investment structure) and €20M (deposit)Bill to abolish reportedly pending since Sept 2025 (adoption unconfirmed)[33]
FranceTalent Passport economic investor: €300,000 in a French company's fixed assets plus job creation or retention[32]Card up to 4 years, renewable; family included

Closed and ending routes

Several well-known routes no longer take new investors. Spain's golden visa ended on 3 April 2025[31]; Ireland's in 2023; Malta's and Cyprus's investor citizenship programs closed in 2025 and 2020; Bulgaria repealed fast-track citizenship for investors in 2022[28]; and Latvia's property route ended on 15 September 2026, with applications filed by 14 September still decided under the old rules[23]. Existing holders generally keep their permits. Outside the EU, Montenegro's property residence is one non-Schengen alternative. For the bigger picture, compare citizenship by investment versus a golden visa or browse the full list of golden visa programs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best golden visa in Europe in 2026?

It depends on the goal. For a passive Schengen permit with recoverable capital, Greece (property) and Portugal or Hungary (funds) lead. Malta is strongest if you want permanent residence from day one with Schengen travel and can absorb about €99,000 in fixed fees. Italy is best for entrepreneurs and, with its €300,000 flat tax, for very wealthy relocators. Latvia is cheapest, but it is a two-year business permit. Cyprus suits people who will live there and do not need Schengen travel.

Which European program has the lowest minimum investment?

Latvia, at €50,000 in the capital of a smaller Latvian company plus a €10,000 state fee, since 15 September 2026[22][23]. The company must meet size and tax conditions and the permit lasts only two years. The lowest passive routes are €250,000: Greece's conversion and listed-building route, Hungary's real estate fund and Italy's start-up route. Portugal's cultural donation starts at €250,000, or €200,000 in low-density areas, but that money is not returned.

Which golden visa in Europe gives permanent residency immediately?

Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria. Malta's MPRP grants permanent residence on approval, with cards renewed every five years[11]. Cyprus's Regulation 6(2) permit is permanent and needs no renewal, but you must keep the investment and the income[16]. Bulgaria grants permanent residence for BGN 1,000,000 (€511,292) in licensed funds[27]. Everywhere else you start on a temporary permit and qualify for permanent status after three to five years.

Can I still get European residency by buying property?

Yes, in Greece (€250,000, €400,000 or €800,000 depending on the property and location)[4][5] and Cyprus (€300,000 plus VAT, new homes from a developer)[17]. Malta also accepts a €375,000 purchase, on top of its fixed contribution[11]. Portugal (2023), Spain (2025) and Latvia (September 2026) have removed property routes, and Hungary's planned property route was repealed before it opened[1][31][21][13].

Does a Cyprus permit allow Schengen travel?

No. Cyprus is an EU member that applies Schengen rules, but internal border controls have not been lifted, so its residence permits do not give visa-free travel in the Schengen Area[30]. If Schengen access matters, choose one of the other seven programs, all of which are in Schengen. Bulgaria has been a full member since 1 January 2025.

Do I have to live in the country to keep the permit?

Not in Greece, Italy, Malta or Hungary, which have no minimum stay[42][8][11][13]. Portugal asks for 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each two-year period. Cyprus holders are reported to need a visit at least once every two years. Living there is a different matter: permanent residence (outside Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria) and naturalisation require genuine residence everywhere.

Which program leads to citizenship fastest?

None of them shortens naturalisation. On paper, Bulgaria is quickest: permanent residence on approval, then five years, but you normally have to give up a non-EU nationality[28]. Greece needs seven years of real residence, Hungary and Cyprus eight, and Portugal and Italy ten for most non-EU nationals[2][10]. Latvia takes about ten years in total and restricts dual citizenship[25].

Are golden visas in Europe being phased out?

They are being narrowed rather than abolished. Spain and Ireland closed their programs, Latvia and Portugal removed property, Greece raised prices and Luxembourg plans to abolish its investor permit[31][21][33]. Eight EU programs remain open. EU institutions focus most of their pressure on citizenship sales, which ended in Malta after the 2025 court ruling[12]. Expect further tightening, and apply under current rules if a program fits.

Programs covered in this guide

  • PortugalOpen (property route closed Oct 2023)
    Portugal permanent residency by investment

    Minimum investment: €500k fund / €250k culture donation (€200k low-density)

  • GreeceOpen (zone thresholds since Sep 2024; transfer-tax rise announced)
    Greece golden visa real estate

    Minimum investment: €250k conversion/listed building · €400k regions · €800k Attica, Thessaloniki & large islands

  • ItalyOpen (thresholds unchanged since 2020; Russia/Belarus suspended)
    Italy golden visa

    Minimum investment: €250k innovative startup · €500k Italian company · €1M donation · €2M government bonds

  • MaltaOpen (MPRP, fees reformed July 2025)
    Malta permanent residency by investment

    Minimum investment: €99,000 fees + €375,000 property or €14,000/yr rent

  • HungaryOpen – political review risk after the April 2026 election
    Hungary residency by donation

    Minimum investment: €250,000 real estate fund (5-year hold) / €1,000,000 university donation

  • CyprusOpen (criteria of May 2023; tightening announced Sep 2026)
    Cyprus residency by investment

    Minimum investment: €300,000 (new home + VAT, commercial property, company or fund) + €50,000/yr income

  • LatviaOpen, narrowed: company route only since 15 Sep 2026 (property and deposit routes abolished)
    Latvia business investor visa

    Minimum investment: €50,000 company share capital + €10,000 state payment (€100,000 for larger companies; €150,000 fund route not yet operational)

  • SwitzerlandOpen in 21 of 26 cantons; non-EU permits discretionary
    Switzerland lump sum taxation

    Minimum investment: No investment; annual lump-sum tax (base ≥ CHF 435,000; non-EU usually CHF 200,000+ tax/yr)

  • FranceOpen (investor ground of the “talent – porteur de projet” card; fees raised 1 May 2026)
    France golden visa

    Minimum investment: €300,000 in business fixed assets (talent – porteur de projet, investor ground)

  • SpainClosed to new applicants since 3 April 2025
    Spain golden visa alternatives

    Minimum investment: n/a (closed); former minimum €500,000 property

  • AzoresOpen (via Portugal's ARI; property route closed Oct 2023)
    moving to the azores from abroad

    Minimum investment: €250k cultural donation / €500k fund (Azores low-density reduction unconfirmed)

  • MontenegroOpen – €150k threshold under Constitutional Court review
    Montenegro golden visa real estate

    Minimum investment: €150,000 property (tax-assessed value), since 17 Jan 2026

  • MaltaClosed (CJEU C-181/23, 29 Apr 2025; repealed Jul 2025)
    Malta passport for foreigners

    Minimum investment: n/a: no investment route; MPRP residence from €99k fees + property

  • CyprusClosed (terminated 1 Nov 2020; legal basis repealed by Law 224(I)/2025, 12 Dec 2025)
    Cyprus citizenship by investment

    Minimum investment: n/a: no investment route; permanent residence from €300,000 + VAT instead

  • PortugalNo citizenship by investment; naturalisation after 10 years (7 EU/CPLP) since 19 May 2026
    Portugal citizenship by investment

    Minimum investment: No CBI. Investor residence from €200,000 (cultural donation, low-density area); €500,000 fund route

  • GreeceNo citizenship by investment; naturalisation after 7 years' real residence
    Greece citizenship requirements

    Minimum investment: No CBI. Investor residence from €250,000 (conversion or listed building); €350k funds, €400k–€800k property, €500k deposit

Sources

  1. 1.Lei n.º 23/2007 (Foreigners Law), consolidated text incl. Lei 56/2023, 61/2025 and 62/2026 – Procuradoria-Geral Regional de LisboaOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  2. 2.Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026, de 18 de maio (amendment to the Nationality Law) – Diário da RepúblicaOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  3. 3.Atualização da Tabela de Taxas – AIMA – Agência para a Integração, Migrações e AsiloOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  4. 4.Permanent golden visa (change of use) – Initial issuance – National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos), Hellenic RepublicOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  5. 5.Understanding the new Golden Visa Law No. 5100/2024: key points and implications – Watson Farley & Williams (October 2, 2026)
  6. 6.Golden Visa: new blow as Greece raises property transfer tax – To Vima (October 2, 2026)
  7. 7.Investor Visa for Italy – Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT)Official source (October 2, 2026)
  8. 8.Italy Golden Visa (Investor Visa): Requirements and Costs – M. Bersani Law Firm (October 2, 2026)
  9. 9.Italy flat tax 2026: who, what and how it works – Knight Frank (October 2, 2026)
  10. 10.Cittadinanza – Ministero dell'Interno (Italy)Official source (October 2, 2026)
  11. 11.Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) – legal framework, fees and requirements – Residency Malta AgencyOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  12. 12.Act XXI of 2025 – Maltese Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2025 – Legislation MaltaOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  13. 13.Vendégbefektetői tartózkodási engedély (Guest investor residence permit) – information sheet – Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság (OIF)Official source (October 2, 2026)
  14. 14.Nemzeti tartózkodási kártya (National residence card) – Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság (OIF)Official source (October 2, 2026)
  15. 15.After the Election: Is Hungary's Golden Visa on the Brink? – IMI Daily (October 2, 2026)
  16. 16.Immigration Permits for Investors (Regulation 6(2)) – Civil Registry and Migration Department, Republic of CyprusOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  17. 17.Permanent residence in Cyprus – Deloitte Cyprus (October 2, 2026)
  18. 18.Amendment of the Civil Registry Law (naturalisation) – Legal 500 (October 2, 2026)
  19. 19.Cyprus – Individual – Taxes on personal income – PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (October 2, 2026)
  20. 20.Cyprus Tax Reform 2026 – KENDRIS (October 2, 2026)
  21. 21.Spēkā stājas jaunais Imigrācijas likums: galvenās izmaiņas un prasības – Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde (PMLP), LatviaOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  22. 22.Stājas spēkā jaunais Imigrācijas likums – LV portāls (official publisher Latvijas Vēstnesis)Official source (October 2, 2026)
  23. 23.Latvia's Property Golden Visa Ends on 15 September 2026: What Replaces It – Lex & Finance (Riga) (October 2, 2026)
  24. 24.Latvia's New €150,000 Golden Visa Fund Route Faces Proposal for Complete Removal – Outbound Investment Group (October 2, 2026)
  25. 25.Obtaining Latvian citizenship by naturalisation – Society Integration Foundation / Live Latvia (Government of Latvia)Official source (October 2, 2026)
  26. 26.Latvia – Individual – Taxes on personal income – PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (October 2, 2026)
  27. 27.Предоставяне на право на постоянно пребиваване (Granting the right of permanent residence) – service 23433 – Integrated Information System of the State Administration (IISDA), Council of Ministers of BulgariaOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  28. 28.Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation: 2026 legal guide – Bulgarian.llc (October 2, 2026)
  29. 29.Bulgaria – Individual – Taxes on personal income – PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (October 2, 2026)
  30. 30.Schengen Area – European Commission, Migration and Home AffairsOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  31. 31.Ley Orgánica 1/2025, de 2 de enero (consolidated text) – Boletín Oficial del EstadoOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  32. 32.Talent Passport – economic investor status – Business France (Welcome to France)Official source (October 2, 2026)
  33. 33.Luxembourg moves to scrap investors residence programme – reports – WealthBriefing (October 2, 2026)
  34. 34.Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit – oesterreich.gv.at (Federal Chancellery of Austria)Official source (October 2, 2026)
  35. 35.Swiss lump-sum taxation 2026: guide for wealthy arrivals – Taxolution Advisory (October 2, 2026)
  36. 36.Monaco Carte de Séjour: guide to the Monaco residence permit in 2026 – Global Citizen Solutions (October 2, 2026)
  37. 37.Euro foreign exchange reference rates (1 October 2026) – European Central BankOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  38. 38.Greece – Individual – Other tax credits and incentives – PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (October 2, 2026)
  39. 39.Hungary – Individual – Taxes on personal income – PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (October 2, 2026)
  40. 40.Malta resident non-dom taxation – Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates (October 2, 2026)
  41. 41.Portugal – Individual – Other tax credits and incentives (IFICI) – PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (October 2, 2026)
  42. 42.Greek Golden Visa 2026: the complete guide under Laws 5100/2024 and 5275/2026 – Hellenic Law Firm (October 2, 2026)
  43. 43.Fast Track Permanent Residence Permit (Regulation 6(2)) – Mondaq (A.G. Erotocritou LLC) (October 2, 2026)
  44. 44.Legal Notice 195 of 2026 – Individual Tax Programme Rules, 2026 – Legislation MaltaOfficial source (October 2, 2026)
  45. 45.Imigrācijas likums (Immigration Law), adopted 20 August 2026 – Latvijas Vēstnesis (official gazette), No. 167, 1 Sep 2026Official source (October 2, 2026)
  46. 46.Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 Nov 2024: state fees for migration services – Latvijas Vēstnesis / Likumi.lvOfficial source (October 2, 2026)

This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Program rules change often; confirm every figure with the official authority or a licensed adviser before you invest.