Golden Visa 2026: which European programmes still make sense?

The European Golden Visa landscape has changed significantly over the past two years. Several countries have raised thresholds, restricted eligible property types, or tightened processing requirements. Here's where things stand in 2026 for buyers who want residency alongside their property purchase.

Quick comparison

Country	Min. Investment	Residency	Path to Citizenship	2026 Status
Greece	€800K (prime zones) / €400K (elsewhere)	5-year renewable	7 years	Active — strong
Portugal	€500K+ (funds/business only)	2-year renewable	5 years	No residential property
Spain	€500K (real estate)	2-year renewable	10 years	Under review
Italy	€250K (innovative startups) / €500K (companies) / €1M (philanthropic)	2-year renewable	10 years	Active — niche
Malta	€375K+ (property purchase)	Permanent residency	Separate process	Active

Greece: the standout programme in 2026

Greece has emerged as the most compelling Golden Visa programme for property buyers after Portugal restricted residential property eligibility. The programme offers:

• A 5-year residency permit (renewable), covering the whole family
• No minimum stay requirement to maintain the visa
• Access to all Schengen countries
• A path to citizenship after 7 years of legal residency

The minimum investment was raised to €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini in 2024. In all other areas of Greece, the threshold remains €400,000. For buyers targeting the Peloponnese, Crete, Rhodes, or mainland secondary cities, the programme represents excellent value.

Portugal: changed but not gone

Portugal's Golden Visa still exists, but residential property no longer qualifies. Eligible investments now include:

• Qualifying investment funds (min. €500,000)
• Business creation with job creation requirements
• Capital transfer into Portugal (min. €1.5M)
• Scientific research contributions (min. €500,000)

For buyers who want to invest in Portugal purely for lifestyle reasons, the property purchase remains outstanding — but don't expect a Golden Visa to come with it.

Spain: uncertainty ahead

Spain's Golden Visa programme has been under political pressure, with the current government signalling intentions to review or abolish it. As of mid-2026, the programme is still operational, but buyers should not assume it will remain available throughout the year. Legal advice is essential before committing.

Is a Golden Visa worth the premium?

The honest answer depends on your specific situation. For buyers who genuinely want European residency — for business travel, family relocation, or long-term planning — a Golden Visa programme can deliver real value. For buyers purely chasing property returns, the visa premium is rarely justified by the investment return alone.

Our advice: buy a great property in a market you believe in, and treat any residency benefit as a valuable bonus rather than the primary thesis.