2026’s Most Affordable Golden Visa Programs

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TL;DR In 2026, securing one of the most affordable Golden Visa is more achievable than ever, with options starting from under $100,000. Whether you’re seeking second residency for mobility, asset diversification, or future citizenship, there are tailored solutions for a range of budgets. Programs like and Malta (residency via lease) offer strong value.

Golden Visas have become a popular choice for high-net-worth individuals and their families seeking improved global mobility, long-term security, and new opportunities. Whether your goals include greater international travel, access to world-class healthcare and education, or a structured route to citizenship, Residency-by-Investment (RBI) programs offer an attractive solution.

While some programs require significant financial commitments, several countries now offer more accessible entry points, starting from under $100,000, without compromising on benefits or quality of life. These residency options are particularly attractive to investors seeking flexibility, stability, and value-driven global positioning.

What is a Golden Visa?

Essentially, a Golden Visa is a formal Residency-by-Investment (RBI) program that grants eligible individuals and their families the legal right to reside in a host country in exchange for making a qualifying economic contribution. These programs are designed to attract foreign capital, promote economic development, and stimulate local investment.

There are several common investment pathways, each offering its own advantages:

Real Estate Investment

Real estate remains one of the most attractive investment options for Golden Visas or  Residency-by-Investment (RBI) programs. This popularity is due to investments in real estate offering a combination of lifestyle, financial, and legal benefits. 

In most countries that offer a Golden Visa, buying approved real estate is one of the easiest ways to qualify for residency. It not only meets the program’s investment requirement but also gives you ownership of a physical asset.

Real estate investments offer investors the following benefits:

  • Residency Security: Eligible property purchases grant legal residency rights, enabling investors and their families to live, travel, and in most cases work or study in the host country.
  • Asset Growth & Passive Income: Depending on the location and market conditions, the property may appreciate over time, delivering long-term capital gains. Furthermore, leasing the property can provide rental income.

Capital Investment

Capital investments typically involve placing funds into a government approved financial program, such as sovereign bonds, national development funds, or designated accounts with regulated financial institutions. 

These investments are designed to support public initiatives while offering a straightforward path to residency for qualifying applicants.

Business Investment

The business investment pathway involves investing in a new or existing business within the host country. In most cases, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as creating local employment, contributing to economic development, or operating within priority sectors identified by the government. This option is particularly suited to entrepreneurs or investors seeking both residency benefits and active engagement in the local economy.

It’s important to understand the difference between Residency-by-Investment (RBI) and Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs. RBI programs allow you and your family to live, sometimes work or study, in another country, but they don’t automatically give you citizenship or a passport.

CBI programs, like those in Dominica or Antigua & Barbuda, are different. They offer a much faster route, typically just a few months, to full citizenship and a second passport.

This distinction is very important. For example, the Greek Golden Visa, may grant residency, you’d need to live in Greece for at least seven years and meet other requirements before becoming eligible for citizenship. Without knowing this upfront, investors looking for a quicker path to a second passport might be caught off guard.

Who Is It For?

Golden Visa applicants come from a variety of backgrounds, each with their own goals and motivations, including: 

Global Investors & High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs)

For many High-Net-Worth Individuals, a second residency is part of a broader wealth strategy. It offers asset diversification, potential tax advantages, and a reliable backup plan in case of political or economic uncertainty at home.

Retirees

More and more retirees are using Golden Visas to settle in countries with a better quality of life, warmer climates, and more affordable access to healthcare. Residency makes it easier to enjoy retirement abroad without visa hassles.

Entrepreneurs

Business owners see Golden Visas as an opportunity to expand into new markets, like the European Union or business-friendly hubs such as the UAE. Residency through a Golden visa offers a stable base for international operations and easier access to cross-border movement.

Key Benefits of a Golden Visa

A Golden Visa isn’t just receiving the right to live in another country, it’s an opportunity to gain more freedom, protect your finances, and plan for the future with greater flexibility.

Travel & Mobility

Golden Visas offer significantly more efficient global mobility by offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to key markets. For example, European programs grant access to the Schengen Zone, while Caribbean CBI travel documents offer broader global reach, including the UK, Hong Kong, and parts of Asia. 

Residency Without Relocation

Many Golden Visa programs allow you to maintain residency status without relocating full-time. This means you can establish a legal presence in another country, often with minimal or no physical stay requirements, while continuing your lifestyle and business elsewhere. 

Pathway to Citizenship

Select programs offer a route to citizenship and a second passport over time, but with very different timelines and requirements. Countries like Portugal offer one of the most flexible paths, while others, such as Greece or Spain, require significant physical presence.

Understanding which programs offer eventual citizenship and the requirements for doing so allows you to choose a program that matches your long-term goals, for example future citizenship or simply permanent residency.

Investment Diversification

Investing through a Golden Visa also allows investors to spread their assets across different markets. Whether it’s property, capital held in a foreign currency, or a stake in an overseas business, this kind of diversification helps protect your wealth from currency swings, regulatory changes, and political uncertainty.

Countries Offering the Most Affordable Golden Visas in 2026

Investment migration is always changing, with programs regularly updating their rules and benefits. Below, is a look at nine of the most accessible Golden Visa options to consider in 2026.

Portugal 

Portugal’s Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most flexible and attractive residency-by-investment programs. Launched in 2012, it provides a legal pathway to EU residency for non-EU nationals through qualified investments, offering long-term benefits for global investors and their families.

Application Requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa

To qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa, investors must make a minimum investment in one of the following eligible categories:

  • Fund Subscription: Invest at least €500,000 in a qualified Portuguese investment fund. The selected fund must focus on the capitalization of Portuguese companies, have a minimum maturity of five years, and allocate at least 60% of its portfolio to businesses headquartered in Portugal.
  • Company Creation: Establish a Portuguese company that creates at least ten jobs (or eight new jobs in a designated low population density area).
    • A €500,000 investment to incorporate a commercial company that is registered and headquartered in Portugal, creating a minimum of five permanent jobs for at least three years. Alternatively, the investment can involve increasing the share capital of an existing company, creating at least five permanent jobs or maintaining at least ten jobs for a three-year period.
  • Scientific Research or Tech Projects: Donate a minimum of €500,000 to public or private scientific research institutions. A reduced investment of €400,000 is available if the funds are invested in projects located in designated low population density areas, supporting regional development and innovation.
  • Cultural Heritage Support: Donate €250,000 to preserving Portugal’s cultural heritage or support artistic production. This contribution must be directed through approved public institutions or private foundations recognized for their public utility status

Timeline and Path to Citizenship

Residence permits are renewable every 2 years. After five years, investors may apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship, subject to basic language proficiency and a clean criminal record.

Please note, applicants must maintain the investment for a minimum of five years. To maintain eligibility for the program, applicants are only required to spend a minimum of 14 days in Portugal in every 2 years period (including at least 7 days in the very first year).

Portugal permits dual citizenship, making the program especially attractive for global mobility and second passport planning.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

  • Legal residence in one of Europe’s most stable and welcoming countries
  • Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180-day period
  • Access to Portugal healthcare and education systems
  • Opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years
  • Minimal physical stay requirements: 14 days in every 2 years period (including at least 7 days in the very first year)
  • Family reunification: Spouse, dependent children, and parents may be included

Portugal’s Golden Visa offers a well-balanced and forward-looking residency option, combining investment flexibility with access to the EU and an exceptional quality of life. 

Malta

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), often referred to as Malta’s Golden Visa, allows non-EU nationals to obtain indefinite residency in Malta through a qualifying investment. Introduced in 2021, the program is designed to attract foreign capital and support economic growth while offering investors a secure base within the European Union.

Investment Options & Contributions for the Malta Golden Visa

Applicants must either purchase real estate in Malta with a minimum value of €375,000 or lease property for at least €14,000 per year, both of which must be maintained for five years. 

In addition to the real estate investment, investors must make a government contribution of: 

  • Make a government contribution of €37,000, 
  • donate €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO, and;
  • pay a non-refundable administration fee of €60,000 (covering the main applicant, spouse and minor children). 
  • An additional €7,500 administration fee is charged for each additional adult dependent included in the application.

Eligibility & Maintenance Requirements for the Malta Golden Visa

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a clean criminal record, and demonstrate. maintaining for the first five years, one of the following financial criteria:

  • A minimum net worth of €500,000, including at least €150,000 in liquid financial assets; or;
  • A minimum net worth of €650,000, including at least €75,000 in liquid financial assets.

While the program does not require physical residence in Malta, applicants must travel to the country for administrative purposes, such as biometric registration.

Benefits of the Maltese Golden Visa

Successful applicants and their family members are granted permanent residency in Malta, which allows them to live, work, and study in the country. They also enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Malta is known for its high quality of life, strong healthcare system, political stability, and English-speaking environment.

Long-term residents may still pursue naturalization under standard conditions, typically after residing in Malta for several years.

Greece

Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment programs, offering a five-year, renewable EU residence permit to non-EU nationals who invest in Greek real estate. 

Following significant reforms in 2024, the program has shifted toward higher-value investments, while aiming to reduce speculative buying and preserve local housing access.

Investment Structure

As of 2024, Greece has introduced a tiered investment system. The previous €250,000 minimum now applies only in limited cases, specifically for projects that involve converting commercial properties into residential units or restoring listed historic buildings. 

The new standard thresholds are €400,000 for most areas in Greece and €800,000 for premium zones such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. 

These thresholds apply per property, not per applicant, and the investment must be in a single asset.

Program Benefits

The Greek Golden Visa grants successful applicants a five-year renewable residence permit with no physical presence requirement, offering investors flexibility. 

The Greek Golden visa also includes full family dependency options, including the main applicant’s spouse (including same sex couples), children up to age 21, and both sets of parents. 

Processing times are generally fast, although government delays and backlogs have been reported in high-demand areas.

Also, a path to citizenship does exist, although it requires the applicant to satisfy strict qualification requirements. For example, applicants must reside physically in Greece for at least 183 days per year for seven consecutive years, and pass Greek language and cultural knowledge exams.

Limitations of the Greek Golden Visa

Major changes to the program were introduced between 2024 and 2025 have significantly reshaped the program’s attractiveness. 

Most notably, properties acquired through Greece’s Golden Visa program can no longer be used for short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb or similar platforms. This restriction was introduced as part of the country’s 2024 reforms aimed at reducing housing pressure on local residents and curbing speculative property investments.

Under the new rules, Golden Visa holders are prohibited from offering their investment property as a short-term rental, and substantial fines apply for non-compliance. This change in the policy is a significant change from previous years, where short-term leasing was a common way for investors to generate passive income.

As a result, prospective applicants must now approach the Greek Golden Visa more as a residency and asset preservation option, rather than a short-term income strategy.

Hungary 

Hungary reintroduced its residency-by-investment scheme on July 1, 2024, under the name Guest Investor Program (GIP). The program offers a 10-year residence permit to non-EU/EEA nationals in exchange for a qualifying investment. 

The Hungary Golden visa is designed to attract long-term capital and promote economic development, particularly in the real estate and education sectors.

Investment Routes

There are two primary options for applicants:

  • Fund Investment: Invest €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund, with at least 40% of the fund’s assets allocated to Hungarian residential property. The investment must be held for at least five years.
  • Donation: Make a €1 million non-refundable contribution to a Hungarian public trust that supports higher education. This option has no holding period.

A previous option allowing direct real estate investment of €500,000 was discontinued as of January 15, 2025.

Requirements & Conditions

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a clean criminal record, and hold valid health insurance. 

There is no minimum stay requirement under the program, though investors must travel to Hungary for administrative processes such as biometric data collection. 

Immediate family members, including a spouse, minor children, and dependent parents can be included in the application.

Rights & Mobility

Successful applicants receive a 10-year renewable residence permit, granting the right to live, work, and study in Hungary. The permit also allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. 

Route to Permanent Residency & Citizenship

After five years of legal residence under the Guest Investor Program, applicants may apply for permanent residency. 

Citizenship may be available after eight years of continuous legal residence, subject to passing a Hungarian language and cultural knowledge exam.

Italy

Italy offers a range of residency options for foreign nationals seeking to live in the country. While it does not offer a traditional Golden Visa, Italy provides three primary pathways: the Investor Visa, the Elective Residency Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa. Each option is designed to attract different types of applicants, from high-net-worth individuals to retirees and remote professionals.

Investor Visa (Italy’s Investment Residency Program)

The Italy Investor Visa is aimed at non-EU/EEA nationals who are at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, can show legal ownership of sufficient funds, and hold private health insurance. 

Applicants must choose one of four investment options: 

  • €250,000 in an Italian innovative startup, 
  • €500,000 in a qualifying Italian company, 
  • €1 million in a philanthropic donation supporting public interest projects, or; 
  • €2 million in government bonds. 

The visa is initially valid for two years and can be extended for three more years at a time. 

Although there is no minimum physical stay requirement, the investment must be maintained throughout the permit’s validity. Permanent residency can be applied for after five years, and citizenship after ten.

Elective Residency Visa (“Italy Retirement Visa”)

Italy’s Elective Residency visa is designed for financially independent individuals who want to live in Italy without engaging in any employment or commercial activity. 

Applicants are required to provide proof of passive income from sources like pensions, rental income, or investments. 

The official minimum amount of passive income is around €31,000 per year for a single applicant, but most consulates expect a figure closer to €100,000. 

Applicants must also demonstrate long-term accommodation, hold health insurance, and provide clean background checks. 

The visa is typically issued for one or two years and is renewable. Permanent residency is possible after five years of continuous residence, with the option to apply for citizenship after ten  years.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) 

The United Arab Emirates offers long-term residency visas through real estate investment. The program is designed to attract foreign investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs by offering a stable, long-term residency option in one of the world’s leading economic and financial hubs.

Investment Requirements

There are two main pathways for property investors. The most prominent is the 10-year renewable Golden Visa, which requires a real estate investment of at least AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). 

For those seeking a more accessible option, a 2-year residency visa is available with a minimum property investment of AED 750,000 (approximately USD 204,000). 

Property investments made in respect to the Golden Visa application must also meet specific ownership and financing criteria. 

Firstly, the property must be registered in the name of the investor, joint ownership is allowed in certain cases, such as between spouses, but corporate or nominee ownership structures are not typically accepted.

Additionally, the property must not be excessively mortgaged. While financing is permitted, most emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, require the investor to have paid at least 50% of the property’s value before they become eligible to apply for the Golden Visa. This ensures that applicants have a meaningful equity stake in the asset.

Off-plan properties can qualify in some cases, but only if approved by the relevant land department and developer, and depending on payment milestones.

UAE Golden Visa Benefits

The UAE residency program offers the right to live, work, and study in the UAE, and no personal income tax. 

Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases parents, and there is no minimum stay requirement, meaning the visa remains valid even if the holder spends extended periods outside the UAE.

However, it is important to note that this is strictly a residency program. The UAE does not offer a formal path to citizenship through investment. Citizenship is granted only in very rare cases and typically based on exceptional merit or national contribution. Therefore, this visa is best suited to those seeking long-term residence and tax-efficient living, rather than a second passport.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Golden Visa?

Choosing the right investment migration program requires the applicant to carefully consider their main objectives, whether that means securing a second passport quickly, relocating with family, or establishing a long-term presence in Europe. 

The decision between the choice of whether citizenship or residency is the priority is one of the most important decisions, as it narrows your options and ensures your chosen program aligns with your lifestyle and legacy goals.

Residency vs. Citizenship 

If your goal is immediate access to a second passport for greater mobility or geopolitical risk mitigation, a Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) program offers the most direct route. 

These programs typically grant full citizenship within a few months to a year and require no physical presence. 

Alternatively, if you’re planning to relocate, retire, or secure future EU citizenship, a Residency-by-Investment (RBI) program, such as those in Portugal, Hungary or Greece may be more appropriate. These programs offer long-term residence and the possibility of citizenship after several years of physical presence and cultural integration.

Total Cost and Hidden Fees

The advertised investment amount is just the beginning. A realistic budget must include government application and due diligence fees, legal and advisory fees, and, for real estate investment routes, property transfer taxes, stamp duties, notary fees, and VAT. 

These can add 5–10% or more to the overall cost. Ongoing expenses such as property maintenance, insurance, and utilities should also be factored in, particularly for those purchasing real estate abroad.

Family Inclusion Policies 

Each program defines “dependents” differently, so it’s essential to understand who can be included. 

Most programs allow the main applicant, their spouse, and minor children, but rules for adult children and elderly parents vary. Some programs allow unmarried, financially dependent children up to ages 25 or 30, and parents or grandparents over a certain age (often 55 or 65). 

Tax Implications in the Host Country

Holding a residence permit does not automatically create tax residency. In most countries, tax residency is triggered by physical presence, typically spending 183 days or more in a year. 

For non-residents, taxation is often limited to income earned locally, such as rental income from property investments. Many countries with CBI programs, such as those in the Caribbean or the UAE, offer zero tax on foreign income, wealth, or inheritance. 

For investors planning to relocate to Europe, countries like Italy and Greece offer non-domicile (non-dom) regimes, allowing new residents to pay a flat tax on global income, an attractive option but it is highly recommended to seek professional tax advice.

Processing Times and Requirements

Processing times vary significantly by program. CBI programs are generally faster, with Vanuatu offering approvals in 2–3 months and Caribbean nations averaging 4–7 months. In contrast, European RBI programs often experience administrative delays. 

Although Greece cites official timelines of 4–6 months, backlogs have led to reported delays of a year or more. Portugal’s RBI program, in particular, has experienced extreme wait times exceeding three years. 

Conclusion

The rise of accessible Golden Visa and residency-by-investment programs has reshaped global mobility, transforming what was once a niche luxury into a practical, future-focused solution. 

For today’s internationally minded individuals and families, these programs offer a legitimate pathway to enhanced freedom, security, and lifestyle diversification. With options available from under $200,000 Golden visas have become a smart addition to a long-term global strategy.

While cost is an important consideration, the real value of a residency or citizenship program lies in how well it aligns with your broader objectives. Factors such as visa-free travel, family eligibility, favorable tax regimes, and future citizenship potential should weigh just as heavily in your decision. 

Some programs may offer exceptional value for families, while others provide tax efficiencies or long-term access to European residency and citizenship. The key is to match the program’s structure and benefits to your personal circumstances, including budget, family composition, professional interests, and lifestyle aspirations.

With a growing range of programs available globally, selecting the right one requires more than a comparison of investment thresholds. It is recommended to seek professional guidance. Our team at Harvey Law Group can help you identify the most suitable Golden Visa based on your financial profile, risk tolerance, and long-term plans.

FAQs

Can I get a Golden Visa without buying real estate?

Yes. Many Golden Visa programs now offer non-property-based investment options, often preferred for their simplicity and liquidity. These include:

  • Donations to national development funds or public trusts (e.g., Hungary).
  • Fund investments in regulated real estate or venture capital vehicles (e.g., Hungary, Portugal).

These options allow for greater flexibility and reduce the complications associated with owning foreign property.

Do Golden Visas lead to citizenship?

It depends on the individual country and program type. Residency-by-Investment (RBI) programs offer a path to citizenship through naturalization, typically after 5 to 10 years of residence. 

Applicants must usually meet physical presence requirements and pass language or civics tests to be eligible for citizenship. 

How long does it take to process a Golden Visa?

Processing times vary widely across programs. European RBI programs are generally slower. While countries like Greece and Italy cite official timelines of 4–6 months, actual wait times can extend beyond one year due to high demand. Portugal currently experiences the most significant delays, with new applications taking over three years to process in some cases.

Which Golden Visas include family members?

Most Golden Visa and CBI programs are designed with family inclusion included, but definitions of “dependent” vary. Typically, eligible family members include the main applicant, spouse, and minor children. 

Many programs also extend coverage to unmarried, financially dependent adult children, often up to age 25 or 30 and dependent parents or grandparents. Some programs stand out for their inclusivity. For example, Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme permits up to four generations to be included in a single application, offering unparalleled flexibility for multigenerational families.

About the Author

Jean-François Harvey

Jean-François Harvey

Founder & Managing Partner

Jean-François Harvey is recognized internationally as an expert in immigration law, and he brings a wealth of experience in providing comprehensive immigration law services to corporations and high net worth individuals.

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