Golden Visa Countries List 2026: Residency & Citizenship by Investment

Golden Visa programs—also known as residency or citizenship by investment—have become a cornerstone of global mobility and wealth planning for investors, entrepreneurs, and families. In 2026, these programs are more popular than ever, offering a legal pathway to live, work, study, and travel in some of the world’s most desirable countries.

According to Henley & Partners – Citizenship by Investment Programs, the global demand for Golden Visas has surged, with over 100,000 applications submitted annually and billions of dollars in foreign direct investment flowing into participating countries.

Golden Visa programs are not just about a second passport or residency card—they are about security, lifestyle, business expansion, and access to world-class education and healthcare. Whether you’re seeking visa-free travel, a safe haven for your family, or a strategic base for international business, understanding the complete list of Golden Visa countries and their requirements is essential for making an informed decision.

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What Is a Golden Visa and How Does It Work?

A Golden Visa is a government-backed program that grants residency or citizenship to foreign nationals in exchange for a qualifying investment. These investments typically include real estate, government bonds, business creation, or donations to national development funds. The process is legal, transparent, and regulated, with strict due diligence to ensure only reputable applicants are approved.

How Golden Visa Programs Work:

• Residency by Investment (RBI): Grants the right to live (and often work or study) in the host country, usually with a path to permanent residency or citizenship after a set period.
• Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Offers direct citizenship (and a passport) in exchange for investment, often with no or minimal residency requirement.

Golden Visa programs are available in Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Each country sets its own eligibility criteria, investment thresholds, and benefits [Investment Migration Insider – Global Golden Visa News].

Also Read: Qatar Golden Visa Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply Step-by-Step 2026

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Benefits of Golden Visa Programs

Golden Visa programs offer a wide range of advantages for investors and their families:

• Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140+ countries, including the EU Schengen Area, UK, and more.
• Security and Stability: A safe haven in times of political or economic uncertainty.
• Business Opportunities: Access to new markets, favorable tax regimes, and the ability to own and operate businesses abroad.
• Family Inclusion: Most programs allow you to include your spouse, children, and sometimes parents or grandparents.
• Education and Healthcare: Access to world-class schools and medical facilities.
• Wealth Planning: Asset diversification, tax optimization, and succession planning.
• Lifestyle: Enjoy high quality of life, cultural experiences, and the freedom to live where you choose.

For a deeper dive into the advantages, see Global Citizen Solutions – Golden Visa Services.

Also Read: Best Travel Agency for Japan Trip from United States of America 2026

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Complete List of Golden Visa Countries (Grouped by Region)

Below is the most up-to-date list of Golden Visa countries for 2026, grouped by region and program type. Note that some countries offer only residency, while others offer direct citizenship.

Europe

Country	Program Type	Min. Investment	Main Route(s)	Residency/Citizenship	Schengen Access	Family Inclusion
Portugal	RBI	€250,000–€500,000	Funds, donation, R&D	Residency, path to citizenship (5–10 yrs)	Yes	Yes
Greece	RBI	€250,000–€800,000	Real estate, bonds	Residency, path to citizenship (7 yrs)	Yes	Yes
Malta	RBI/CBI	€150,000+	Real estate, donation	Residency, separate CBI program	Yes	Yes
Italy	RBI	€250,000–€2,000,000	Startups, business, bonds	Residency, path to citizenship (10 yrs)	Yes	Yes
Cyprus	RBI	€300,000	Real estate, business	Permanent residency, path to citizenship (7 yrs)	No (EU only)	Yes
Latvia	RBI	€50,000–€250,000	Business, real estate	Residency, path to citizenship (10 yrs)	Yes	Yes
Hungary	RBI	€250,000+	Fund, donation	Residency, path to citizenship (8 yrs)	Yes	Yes

Spain’s Golden Visa program was closed to new applicants in April 2026. Existing permit holders retain their rights [Portugal Immigration Portal – Residency by Investment].

Caribbean

Country	Program Type	Min. Investment (USD)	Main Route(s)	Residency/Citizenship	Visa-Free Countries	Family Inclusion
St. Kitts & Nevis	CBI	$250,000+	Donation, real estate	Citizenship (4–6 mo)	150+	Yes
Dominica	CBI	$200,000+	Donation, real estate	Citizenship (6–9 mo)	140+	Yes
Grenada	CBI	$235,000+	Donation, real estate	Citizenship (6 mo)	140+	Yes
Antigua & Barbuda	CBI	$230,000+	Donation, real estate	Citizenship (6 mo)	150+	Yes
St. Lucia	CBI	$240,000+	Donation, real estate, bonds	Citizenship (12–15 mo)	140+	Yes

For a full comparison, see Global Citizen Solutions – Golden Visa Services.

Middle East

Country	Program Type	Min. Investment	Main Route(s)	Residency/Citizenship	Family Inclusion
UAE	RBI	AED 2M (~$545,000)	Real estate, business	5–10 yr residency	Yes
Oman	RBI	OMR 200,000 (~$520,000)	Real estate, business	10 yr residency	Yes
Qatar	RBI	QAR 730,000+ (~$200,000)	Real estate, business	5 yr residency	Yes
Turkey	CBI	$400,000+	Real estate	Citizenship (3–6 mo)	Yes
Jordan	CBI	$750,000+	Business, bonds	Citizenship (6–12 mo)	Yes
Egypt	CBI	$250,000+	Real estate, business	Citizenship (6–12 mo)	Yes

For official details, visit the UAE Golden Visa Program – Official Portal.

Asia

Country	Program Type	Min. Investment	Main Route(s)	Residency/Citizenship	Family Inclusion
Singapore	RBI	SGD 2.5M (~$1.85M)	Business, funds	Permanent residency	Yes
Thailand	RBI	THB 600,000+ (~$16,000)	Elite Visa (fee)	5–20 yr residency	Yes
Malaysia	RBI	Varies (deposit/income)	MM2H program	Long-term residency	Yes
Hong Kong	RBI	HKD 10M (~$1.28M)	Permissible assets	Residency	Yes
Indonesia	RBI	Varies	Second Home Visa	Long-term residency	Yes

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Eligibility Criteria and Investment Requirements

While each country sets its own rules, most Golden Visa programs share common eligibility criteria:

General Requirements

• Minimum Investment: Varies by country and route (see tables above).
• Clean Criminal Record: Police clearance certificate required.
• Proof of Funds: Legal source of investment funds.
• Health Insurance: Required in many countries.
• Residence: Some programs require a minimum stay; others do not.
• Due Diligence: Enhanced background checks and interviews, especially in the Caribbean and EU.

Also Read: The Best International Travel Agencies for Booking Trips Abroad

Investment Types

• Real Estate: Purchase of property in the host country.
• Government Bonds: Investment in national bonds or securities.
• Business/Job Creation: Investment in or creation of local businesses.
• Funds: Investment in approved venture capital or private equity funds.
• Donation: Non-refundable contribution to a government fund or national project.

For a detailed breakdown, see Henley & Partners – Citizenship by Investment Programs.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a Golden Visa or citizenship by investment typically involves the following steps:

1. Choose Your Program and Investment Route
   • Research countries, compare benefits, and select the best fit for your goals.
2. Engage a Licensed Agent or Legal Advisor
   • Many countries require applications to be submitted via authorized agents.
3. Prepare Documentation
   • Gather passports, proof of funds, police clearance, health insurance, and investment documents.
4. Submit Application
   • Complete forms and submit all documents to the relevant government authority or portal.
5. Due Diligence and Background Checks
   • Undergo security screening and financial verification.
6. Make the Investment
   • Transfer funds, purchase property, or make the required donation.
7. Receive Approval in Principle
   • Conditional approval pending final checks.
8. Final Approval and Issuance
   • Receive your residency permit or citizenship certificate and passport.
9. Fulfill Ongoing Requirements
   • Maintain investment, meet physical presence (if required), and renew permits as needed.

Processing Times:

• Europe: 2–12 months (Portugal, Greece, Malta)
• Caribbean: 4–15 months (St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.)
• Middle East/Asia: 1–6 months (UAE, Turkey, Singapore, Thailand)

For more on the process, see Portugal Immigration Portal – Residency by Investment.

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Costs, Risks, and Things to Consider

Costs

• Investment Amount: Varies by country and route (see tables).
• Government Fees: Application, processing, and due diligence fees.
• Legal/Agent Fees: Professional fees for licensed agents or lawyers.
• Taxes: Some countries offer tax incentives; others may tax global income.

Risks and Considerations

• Policy Changes: Programs can change or close with little notice (e.g., Spain 2026).
• Investment Risk: Real estate and funds can fluctuate in value.
• Due Diligence: Rejection possible for incomplete or inaccurate applications.
• Physical Presence: Some countries now require a minimum stay (e.g., Caribbean: 30 days in 5 years).
• Reputation: Some programs face international scrutiny for money laundering or tax evasion risks.
• Processing Delays: High demand can lead to backlogs (notably in Portugal and Greece).
• Family Inclusion: Check age and dependency limits for children and parents.

For a critical analysis, see Financial Times – Investment Immigration Insights.

Also Read: Digital Nomad Visa Countries Where to Work Remotely Next

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Golden Visa Countries Comparison (2026)

Country/Region	Program Type	Min. Investment	Main Route(s)	Residency/Citizenship	Processing Time	Family Inclusion	Schengen/EU Access
Portugal	RBI	€250k–€500k	Funds, donation	Residency, path to citizenship	8–12 mo	Yes	Yes
Greece	RBI	€250k–€800k	Real estate	Residency, path to citizenship	2–6 mo	Yes	Yes
Malta	RBI/CBI	€150k+	Real estate, donation	Residency, separate CBI	6–12 mo	Yes	Yes
Cyprus	RBI	€300k	Real estate, business	Permanent residency	2–6 mo	Yes	EU only
Italy	RBI	€250k–€2m	Startups, bonds	Residency, path to citizenship	2–4 mo	Yes	Yes
Hungary	RBI	€250k+	Fund, donation	Residency, path to citizenship	2–6 mo	Yes	Yes
St. Kitts & Nevis	CBI	$250k+	Donation, real estate	Citizenship	4–6 mo	Yes	No
Dominica	CBI	$200k+	Donation, real estate	Citizenship	6–9 mo	Yes	No
Grenada	CBI	$235k+	Donation, real estate	Citizenship	6 mo	Yes	No
UAE	RBI	AED 2M+	Real estate, business	5–10 yr residency	1–3 mo	Yes	No
Turkey	CBI	$400k+	Real estate	Citizenship	3–6 mo	Yes	No
Singapore	RBI	SGD 2.5M+	Business, funds	Permanent residency	6–12 mo	Yes	No

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FAQs About Golden Visa Programs Worldwide

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Choosing the Right Golden Visa Program in 2026

Golden Visa programs in 2026 offer unparalleled opportunities for global investors seeking security, mobility, and a better quality of life. With dozens of countries to choose from, each with unique benefits and requirements, it’s crucial to compare your options, understand the risks, and seek expert advice.

For more on investor visas and citizenship by investment, explore our Investor Visa Guide and Citizenship by Investment Hub.

Ready to take the next step?
Consult with a licensed advisor, review the latest program updates, and start your journey to global residency or citizenship today.