8 Countries to Immigrate To in 2026 - 2027: Residency and Citizenship Routes

What is the best country to immigrate to in 2026-2027?

The best countries to immigrate to will depend on the applicant's circumstances, available funds and long-term objectives. For many applicants, investment- and ancestry-based routes can provide some of the most straightforward options because they do not depend on securing conventional employment first.

Some countries also offer citizenship by investment (CBI), allowing eligible applicants to obtain citizenship directly through a qualifying investment. For others, citizenship by ancestry may provide a route without the need to invest.

What makes a country easy to immigrate to?

A country may be easier to immigrate to when the requirements are clearly defined and applicants have a clear understanding of what is expected before starting the process. Important factors include the level and type of investment required, how much time the applicant must spend in the country and whether there are language or integration requirements. For applicants considering their long-term options, the ability to obtain permanent residence or retain their existing nationality may also be important.

Which countries are easiest to move to from the United States?

For Americans looking to move abroad, Portugal, Greece and the UAE are among the options to consider. Portugal provides access to residence in Europe with relatively limited time spent in the country, while Greece may appeal to Americans looking to combine European residence with a property investment. The UAE offers a different option for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish themselves in an international business hub.

Can you immigrate to Europe without a large investment?

Yes. Applicants do not necessarily need to make an investment to establish themselves in another country. Those with a qualifying parent or grandparent may be eligible to claim citizenship by ancestry. Rather than meeting an investment requirement, the applicant must demonstrate the family connection and provide the documents needed to support their claim.

How is "easy" measured in this ranking?

There is no single immigration programme that will be suitable for every applicant. An option that works well for an international investor may not suit someone planning to relocate permanently, work locally or eventually apply for citizenship.

For this reason, this guide considers six factors that can affect how straightforward an immigration route is.

The first is processing time. The time required to obtain approval can be important for applicants planning a relocation, investment or move with their family.

The second is the financial requirement. Investment programmes can differ significantly in both the amount and type of investment required. Depending on the programme, this may involve real estate, investment funds, a business or another qualifying investment.

The third is physical presence. Some residence programmes allow applicants to maintain their status without living in the country full-time. This can be particularly important for business owners and investors who need to continue spending time elsewhere. However, different residence requirements may apply if they later pursue permanent residence or citizenship.

The fourth is dual nationality. Applicants who may want to become citizens in the future should check whether they can keep their existing citizenship. The rules on dual nationality vary between countries, so this should be considered separately from obtaining residence.

The fifth is language and integration requirements. A programme may not require applicants to meet these requirements when obtaining residence, but they may become relevant when applying for permanent residence or citizenship later.

Finally, there is predictability. Programmes with clearly defined eligibility requirements can make it easier to assess whether an applicant qualifies before they commit significant time or capital. This does not guarantee approval, but it can provide greater clarity about the application process.

The scorecard below compares each programme using these six factors. “Low” means the route generally requires less from the applicant in that particular category.

Which countries are easiest to move to with a residency-by-investment programme?

Residency by investment programmes can be an option for people who want to establish residence in another country without needing to secure a local job or employer. Instead, applicants qualify by meeting the programme's investment and immigration requirements.

Each programme works differently. Some provide permanent residence from the beginning, while others provide temporary or long-term residence that can be renewed and may lead to permanent residence later. The investment required, physical-presence obligations, family eligibility and long-term residence options should therefore all be considered when comparing programmes.

Why is Greece one of the easiest countries to immigrate to?

Greece is a popular option for investors who want to establish residence in Europe without needing to relocate there full-time. The Golden Visa allows qualifying non-EU nationals to obtain a renewable residence permit through an eligible real estate investment, making it particularly relevant for applicants who are also considering property ownership in Europe.

There is no minimum stay requirement to maintain the Golden Visa, giving investors considerable flexibility over how much time they spend in Greece. Qualifying family members can also be included, including a spouse, eligible children and the parents of both the investor and their spouse.

The residence permit is renewable while the relevant programme conditions continue to be met. Applicants whose longer-term objective is permanent settlement or citizenship should consider the separate residence requirements, as simply holding a Golden Visa without living in Greece does not satisfy them.

Learn more about the Greece Golden Visa programme.

Why is Hungary one of the easiest countries to immigrate to?

Hungary's Guest Investor Programme may suit investors who want long-term residence in an EU and Schengen country without being required to relocate there. Applicants can qualify through approved investment funds or another eligible investment option rather than having to purchase and manage residential property directly.

Successful applicants can receive a long-term residence permit that can be renewed while the relevant programme conditions continue to be met. There is no minimum physical-residence requirement to apply for, maintain or renew the permit, and a spouse and eligible dependent children can be included.

The programme can also provide a longer-term route towards permanent residence for investors who subsequently decide to make Hungary their home. However, permanent residence has separate continuous-residence requirements, so applicants who spend little or no time in Hungary should not assume that maintaining the Guest Investor residence permit alone will qualify them for permanent status.

Learn more about the Hungary Guest Investor Programme.

Why is the UAE one of the easiest countries to immigrate to?

The UAE may suit investors and business owners who want long-term residence in a major international business centre without being required to live there throughout the year. One option is the UAE Real Estate Investor Visa, commonly known as the Golden Visa, which provides a renewable ten-year residence permit through qualifying real estate investment.

There is no minimum physical-residence requirement, and qualifying family members can be sponsored. Golden Visa holders can also live, work, study and establish a business in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor, making the route particularly relevant for entrepreneurs and internationally mobile families.

Unlike several European programmes, however, the UAE Golden Visa is primarily a long-term renewable residence option rather than a conventional progression from temporary residence to permanent residence. Applicants should therefore consider it based on the long-term residence and business opportunities it provides rather than as a direct route to permanent status.

Learn more about the UAE Real Estate Investor Visa.

Why is Malta one of the easiest countries to immigrate to?

Malta may suit investors who want permanent residence in an EU country without first spending several years on temporary residence permits. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme allows qualifying non-EU nationals to obtain permanent resident status after meeting the programme's property, contribution, financial and due diligence requirements.

Applicants can satisfy the property element through an eligible purchase or rental arrangement, while qualifying family members can also be included. The programme does not impose a minimum physical-residence requirement, allowing applicants to maintain their status while continuing to live and work elsewhere.

Unlike programmes that require applicants to progress from temporary to permanent status, successful MPRP applicants receive permanent residence directly. This can make the programme particularly relevant for families looking for long-term certainty in Europe. Citizenship is separate and is not automatically obtained through the programme, even after holding permanent residence for several years.

Learn more about the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.

Why is Cyprus one of the easiest countries to immigrate to?

Cyprus may suit investors who want permanent residence in an EU country while retaining the flexibility to continue living and working elsewhere. The Cyprus Permanent Residence Programme provides permanent status directly rather than requiring applicants to hold and renew temporary residence for several years first.

Applicants can choose from several qualifying investment categories, including residential or commercial property, an eligible Cyprus company or qualifying investment funds. They must also demonstrate sufficient secured annual income. A spouse and eligible dependent children can be included in the application.

There is no minimum annual stay requirement, although permanent residents must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain their status. As the programme grants permanent residence directly, there is no separate progression to PR. Applicants who eventually want Cypriot citizenship must instead meet the separate naturalisation requirements, which require substantially greater physical presence in Cyprus.

Learn more about the Cyprus Permanent Residence Programme.

Why is Italy one of the easiest countries to immigrate to?

Italy's Investor Visa may suit non-EU investors who want European residence while retaining flexibility over where they spend most of their time. Applicants can qualify through several investment categories, including investments in eligible Italian companies and other approved assets, without needing to purchase real estate.

A useful feature is that the qualifying investment is made after the initial approval and entry into Italy, reducing the amount of capital committed before there is greater certainty over the immigration process. There is also no minimum physical-presence requirement simply to maintain the investor residence permit, and qualifying family members can accompany the main applicant.

The residence permit can be renewed while the qualifying investment and other programme conditions continue to be met. Investors who genuinely settle in Italy may subsequently become eligible for permanent residence, subject to satisfying the applicable legal and continuous-residence requirements.

Learn more about the Italy Investor Visa.

Why is Portugal one of the easiest countries to immigrate to?

Portugal's Golden Visa may suit investors who want residence in an EU country without immediately relocating there full-time. Although real estate is no longer an eligible investment, applicants can qualify through approved investment categories, including qualifying investment funds and certain cultural contributions.

The programme requires relatively limited physical presence in Portugal, with applicants generally required to spend seven days per year (or fourteen days every two years, with at least seven days in the first year) in the country. Qualifying family members can also be included, making the route relevant to investors looking to establish residence rights for their wider family while continuing to live or conduct business elsewhere.

Golden Visa holders can become eligible for permanent residence after five years, subject to meeting the applicable requirements. Applicants should, however, factor the administrative timeline into their plans, as the time required to obtain residence cards can affect when certain longer-term residence and citizenship periods begin.

Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa programme.

Why is Thailand one of the easiest countries to immigrate to?

Thailand Privilege may suit frequent visitors and financially independent applicants whose main objective is to spend extended periods in Thailand without relying on employment, retirement or family-based immigration status. Unlike a conventional residency-by-investment programme, applicants pay a membership fee in exchange for a long-term multiple-entry visa and additional membership benefits.

Different membership options provide long-term stays of between five and twenty years, depending on the package selected. There is no requirement to make an investment in a Thai business or property, and applicants are not required to maintain a minimum number of days in Thailand each year.

Thailand Privilege does not provide the right to work, and family members generally require their own qualifying membership rather than being automatically included as dependents. It is also not a route to permanent residence or citizenship, making it most suitable for applicants primarily seeking convenient long-term stays in Thailand.

Learn more about Thailand Privilege.

Which countries offer citizenship directly to investors?

Residency is not the only option for applicants prepared to make a qualifying investment. Certain countries offer citizenship-by-investment programmes that allow eligible applicants to obtain citizenship directly, without first living in the country for several years or progressing from temporary to permanent residence.

The Caribbean is home to several established programmes, including those offered by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia. Turkey and Vanuatu also provide routes through which qualifying applicants can obtain citizenship by investment.

These programmes may suit applicants whose primary objective is to secure an additional nationality rather than establish long-term residence in another country. Depending on the programme, applicants may be able to qualify through options such as a government contribution, approved real estate or other eligible investments, with qualifying family members also able to apply.

Citizenship-by-investment should therefore be considered separately from residency-by-investment. Someone looking to establish a home, business base or longer-term connection with Europe may find a residence programme more aligned with their objectives, while an applicant primarily seeking a second citizenship may prioritise factors such as family eligibility, physical-presence requirements, processing, due diligence and the available investment options.

For a detailed comparison of citizenship programmes, see Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship.

Could your ancestry make you eligible without any investment?

For some applicants, the easiest immigration route may already exist through their family history. Citizenship by ancestry is different from residency-by-investment and citizenship-by-investment because eligibility is based on an existing family connection rather than making an investment, securing employment or establishing residence first.

Depending on the country and the applicant's family history, eligibility may arise through a parent, grandparent or, in some cases, an earlier generation. Countries with potential ancestry routes include France, Italy, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Slovakia, Poland and Canada.

For applicants who qualify, this can provide a more direct route to citizenship than obtaining residence and later becoming eligible for naturalisation. The challenge is often establishing the claim. Applicants may need to trace historical birth, marriage, death and naturalisation records across several jurisdictions, demonstrate the connection between generations and arrange certified translations or legalisation where required.

Having an ancestor from a particular country does not automatically mean that citizenship can be claimed. Nationality laws vary considerably, and eligibility can depend on factors such as when citizenship was acquired, lost or retained, whether an ancestor naturalised in another country and how citizenship was transmitted to subsequent generations.

For someone with a qualifying family connection, it is therefore worth assessing ancestry before committing to an investment-based immigration route. They may already have a legal basis for citizenship without making a qualifying investment or spending several years progressing from temporary residence to permanent residence and naturalisation.

Applicants who believe they may qualify can begin with the citizenship by ancestry assessment tool. Those comparing citizenship options more broadly can also read Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship.

Which countries are easiest to move to from the United States?

For Americans considering a move abroad, the most suitable immigration route depends on what they want to achieve. Some applicants want a second home while retaining strong ties to the United States, while others are looking for a European base, international business opportunities or a longer-term path towards permanent residence or citizenship.

Portugal may suit Americans who want to establish a European base without immediately relocating full-time. Its location also provides relatively convenient connections between Europe and the US East Coast, while its longer-term residence options may appeal to applicants considering a more permanent move in the future.

Greece may appeal to Americans looking for a second home in Europe while retaining considerable flexibility over where they spend their time. This can be particularly useful for applicants who expect to continue dividing their personal or professional commitments between the United States and Europe.

Malta can be attractive to US families because English is an official language and widely used in everyday life, education and business. The programme also provides permanent residence directly, which may appeal to applicants looking for greater long-term certainty from their European residence status.

Italy deserves particular attention for Americans with Italian family history. Before considering an investment-based route, applicants should determine whether their ancestry may already provide a basis for citizenship. For other applicants, Italy remains an option for establishing residence and a longer-term connection with Europe.

The UAE may be particularly relevant to American entrepreneurs, investors and business owners who want a base between major markets in Europe and Asia. English is widely used in business, while its position as an international commercial hub can make it practical for applicants whose professional interests extend beyond the United States.

Whichever destination is being considered, immigration status should not be assessed in isolation from tax planning. US citizens generally remain subject to US federal tax obligations even while living abroad. Applicants should therefore consider the immigration and tax consequences separately when deciding where and how to establish residence overseas.

What makes immigration harder than it looks?

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not necessarily mean an immigration programme will be straightforward or suitable for a particular applicant. The investment amount and initial residence requirements are important, but they should be considered alongside the applicant's finances, family circumstances and longer-term plans.

The total financial commitment can be higher than the actual investment. Applicants should consider whether they are comfortable committing capital for the required period and whether the investment fits their wider financial plans. Depending on the programme, government charges, property-related costs, professional fees and the inclusion of family members can also affect the overall cost.

Meeting the investment requirement does not guarantee approval. Immigration authorities may conduct due diligence on the applicant and eligible family members, including reviewing their background, source of funds and supporting documentation. Applicants must also continue to satisfy the relevant programme conditions throughout the application process and for as long as they intend to maintain their residence status.

The level of predictability can also vary between programmes. Programmes with clearly published eligibility requirements can make it easier to assess an application before committing significant time or capital. Where authorities retain greater discretion or the criteria are less clearly defined, satisfying the headline requirements may provide less certainty over the outcome.

Physical-presence requirements should be considered against the applicant's long-term objective. Some programmes allow investors to maintain residence while spending relatively little time in the country. However, applicants who eventually want permanent residence or citizenship may need to satisfy significantly different residence requirements. A programme that works well for maintaining a second residence may be less suitable for someone planning to naturalise.

Language and integration requirements may become important later. An investor may not need to pass a language test when obtaining their initial residence permit, but language or other integration requirements can apply when progressing to permanent residence or citizenship. Applicants considering a longer-term immigration strategy should therefore look beyond the requirements for the first visa or residence permit.

Programme rules and processing conditions can change. Governments can amend eligible investments, financial requirements, qualifying criteria and administrative procedures. Processing times can also change independently of the formal programme rules. Applicants should base their strategy on the requirements and conditions in force when they are ready to apply rather than relying on information from an earlier version of a programme.

The easiest immigration route is therefore not necessarily the programme with the lowest investment or fewest initial requirements. A suitable route should also work with the applicant's family needs, financial position, business and personal commitments, preferred level of physical presence and plans for permanent residence or citizenship.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest country to immigrate to without a job offer?

Applicants do not necessarily need a job offer to immigrate. Investment-based programmes in countries such as Greece, Hungary, Malta, Cyprus and the UAE provide routes based on qualifying investment rather than local employment. Applicants with the right family background may also qualify for citizenship by ancestry without relying on employment or investment.

Which country has the fastest path to permanent residency for investors?

There is no single answer because investor programmes provide different types of status. Malta and Cyprus are notable because their qualifying programmes provide permanent residence rather than requiring investors to begin with temporary residence and later convert their status. Processing times and individual eligibility should be considered separately.

Can I immigrate to Europe without an investment?

Yes. Applicants with qualifying European ancestry may have a citizenship claim without making an investment. Depending on the relevant nationality law and family history, eligibility may arise through a parent, grandparent or earlier ancestor. Applicants generally need to prove the family connection through civil and nationality records.

Which countries let you keep your original citizenship?

Several countries covered in this guide permit dual nationality, but whether an applicant can retain their original citizenship depends on the laws of both countries involved. This becomes relevant when considering naturalisation rather than simply obtaining residence and should be checked as part of the applicant's longer-term immigration planning.

Do I need to speak the language to get residency?

Not always. Several investment programmes do not require applicants to pass a language test when obtaining their initial residence status. Language or integration requirements may apply later when pursuing permanent residence or citizenship, so applicants should consider their long-term objective rather than looking only at the initial visa requirements.

How long does the residency application take in the easiest countries?

There is no standard processing period across investment migration programmes. Timelines depend on the country, programme, government processing capacity and the complexity of the individual application. Applicants planning a relocation around approval should therefore check the current processing position for their chosen programme rather than relying on historical timelines.