Golden Visa Countries 2026: Spain, Portugal, UAE, Greece — Which Is Worth It?
Golden visa programs offer residency (and eventually citizenship) in exchange for investment. In 2026, Portugal, Greece, UAE, Malta, and other countries offer pathways to residency that can lead to EU or global mobility.
Top Golden Visa Programs
| Country | Minimum Investment | Residency Requirement | Citizenship Path | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €500K (fund) | 7 days/year (14 days avg) | ✅ 5 years | 6–12 months | Best overall |
| UAE (Dubai) | AED 2M (~$545K) | None | ❌ No citizenship | 2–4 months | Zero tax |
| Greece | €250K | 7 days/year | ✅ 7 years | 2–4 months | Best value |
| Malta | €350K (rental) | None | ✅ 12–36 months | 6–12 months | Fastest EU citizenship |
| Spain | €500K | 183 days/year | ✅ 10 years | 6–12 months | EU access |
| USA (EB-5) | $800K | 183 days/year | ✅ 5 years | 2–3 years | US green card |
Program Details
Portugal — Best Overall Golden Visa
Portugal offers the best balance of accessibility, value, and EU access.
| Minimum investment | €500K (investment funds) |
|---|---|
| Physical stay | 7 days/year (first year), 14 days/2 years |
| Citizenship | ✅ After 5 years |
| Investment type | Real estate funds, venture capital, or job creation |
Recent change (2023): Real estate purchases no longer qualify for the Golden Visa. Investment funds are now the primary path.
UAE (Dubai) — Best for Tax Optimization
The UAE Golden Visa offers 10-year residency with zero income tax.
| Minimum investment | AED 2M (~$545K) in property |
|---|---|
| Physical stay | None |
| Citizenship | ❌ Not available |
Best for: High earners seeking tax-free residency.
Greece — Cheapest Entry
Greece offers the cheapest EU Golden Visa at €250K.
| Minimum investment | €250K (property) |
|---|---|
| Physical stay | 7 days/year (varies) |
| Citizenship | ✅ After 7 years |
Note: Greece increased the minimum from €250K to €500K in popular areas in August 2024, but €250K options remain in less densely populated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best golden visa?
Portugal offers the best overall program (€500K, 7 days/year stay requirement, 5-year path to EU citizenship).
Which golden visa is the cheapest?
Greece offers the cheapest entry at €250K (property in select areas).
Which golden visa has no physical stay requirement?
The UAE (Dubai) Golden Visa has no physical stay requirement. Malta also has no minimum stay for its Permanent Residence Programme.
Can I get EU citizenship through a golden visa?
Yes — Portugal (5 years), Greece (7 years), and Spain (10 years) all offer citizenship paths.
Last updated: June 2026. Golden visa programs are subject to change. Consult an immigration lawyer for current regulations.