Where is it easiest to obtain residency by investment in 2026?

How we evaluate the easiest countries to obtain a residence permit

The ease of obtaining a residence permit largely depends on the investor themselves, specifically the amount they are willing to invest, their travel and immigration history, and whether they intend to relocate alone or with their family. For example, a history of visa or residence permit refusals can result in a more rigorous and lengthy application review process. Failure to prove the source of funds may result in complete denial of residency. At the same time, it is crucial to select a destination and program that facilitate obtaining a “Golden Visa.”

Mirsatori lawyers use the following criteria to assess how easy it is to obtain an investor residence permit:

• Minimum investment amount. A lower entry threshold makes a program accessible to a wider range of investors. Many countries also offer multiple investment options, allowing individuals to choose the simplest or most affordable option for their situation. Greece, for example, offers 3 distinct real estate investment options.
• Speed of obtaining the residence permit. We consider the time required both to process the visa and residence permit and to complete the investment itself. Investing in bonds, for instance, takes just a few days. In contrast, a real estate investment can take months because it involves finding a property, signing a purchase agreement, and transferring the title.
• Relocation requirements. Many of our clients are not looking to immigrate permanently; rather, they simply want residency status for travel, access to banking, or business operations. In such cases, it is easier for the investor to obtain a residence permit in a country that does not require relocation.
• Family status. Most countries allow investors to relocate with their families, usually through a family reunification process. First, the investor obtains residency, and then family members apply for their own visas and residence permits. However, some countries allow family members to be included in the initial Golden Visa application, thereby simplifying and accelerating the immigration process.
• Compliance complexity. Every country conducts background checks on immigrants and, in the case of investment-based programs, verifies the lawful source of funds. For this article, we have selected destinations where the vetting process is relatively straightforward. The key is to simply prepare all the necessary supporting documentation.

Top easiest residency-by-investment programs

Greece

You can obtain a Greek residence permit through an investment starting at EUR 250,000. The program offers a streamlined process: enter the country on a Schengen visa, then apply for the residence permit. Residency is initially granted for 5 years, and investors are not required to relocate to Greece. Your absence will not affect your status or its renewal.

Greece offers 8 main investment options for obtaining a residence permit:

Who is the Greek Golden Visa suitable for?

• Investors who need a residence permit for travel within the EU rather than immigration;
• Families who wish to live or travel in Europe and provide their children with a European education;
• Those seeking low-risk investment options can diversify their capital by investing in 3 areas in Greece simultaneously (beyond just residential real estate and startups);
• Entrepreneurs who wish to retain their current tax residency.

Hungary

Hungary offers one of Europe’s most accessible residence-by-investment programs. It grants a 10-year permit for an investment starting at EUR 250,000. You can live abroad permanently without affecting your status or the ability to renew your residence permit. While most people need a visa to obtain residency, those eligible for visa-free entry can apply directly within the country.

As of 2026, there are 2 investment options in Hungary:

• Invest at least EUR 250,000 in shares of a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank;
• Making a non-refundable contribution of at least EUR 1 million to a Hungarian university to support educational, research, or artistic activities.

The Hungarian program has both advantages and disadvantages:

Who is the Hungarian residency by investment program suitable for?

• Those who wish to live in their home country while enjoying the benefits of EU residency;
• Novice investors who lack the time to purchase real estate or business shares;
• Families dreaming of moving to a relatively affordable EU country.

Cyprus

In Cyprus, you can obtain permanent residency through an investment starting at EUR 300,000. The primary investor’s family receives residency status at the same time. You may leave the country for up to 2 years; otherwise, your status will be revoked.

Investment options in Cyprus:

• Houses and/or apartments (only new builds, limited to 2 properties);
• Commercial real estate: multiple properties may be purchased;
• Share capital of a new or existing Cyprus-registered company. This option requires proof of actual physical presence (substance) and the employment of at least 5 staff members;
• Units in a local investment fund, specifically AIF, AIFLNP, or RAIF types.

Funds can be withdrawn at any time (e.g., by selling fund units) and reinvested elsewhere without having to revoke permanent residency status.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a stable income of at least EUR 50,000 per year for an individual or EUR 65,000 for a married couple. If immigrating with children, an additional EUR 10,000 per child is required.

Every year, the investor must submit proof that the investment in Cyprus is being maintained and that the entire family has valid health insurance. Furthermore, every 3 years, a criminal record check (police clearance certificate) from the country of citizenship or permanent residence must be provided.

Who is the Cyprus Golden Visa suitable for?

• Investors seeking profitable investment opportunities in Europe;
• Entrepreneurs can register a holding company and avoid paying tax on dividends received from abroad;
• Those looking to reduce their tax burden: business tax is just 15%, while personal income tax ranges from 0% to 35%;
• Families wishing to relocate to a warm EU country and travel within the Schengen Area;
• Those seeking a long-term residency option that does not require constant status renewal.

Portugal

To obtain a Golden Residence Permit in Portugal, you must invest at least EUR 250,000 in the economy or create jobs for at least 10 specialists. In the latter case, there is no minimum investment threshold. The process for investors has been streamlined. You can enter the country on a Schengen visa and then apply for residency. The permit is initially issued for 2 years and can be renewed. The most attractive feature is that you do not need to relocate to Portugal; you only need to spend 7 days in the country during the first year of residency and at least 2 weeks in subsequent years.

Portugal offers 5 investment options:

Who is the Portuguese Invest Residence Permit suitable for?

• Investors interested in EU residency rather than immigration to Europe;
• Entrepreneurs who wish to launch a business in the EU or who have already created jobs there;
• Families planning to settle in one of the most popular EU countries with a relatively low cost of living;
• Couples wanting to secure EU citizenship for their children should note that if parents have lived in the country for at least 5 years, a newborn child receives a Portuguese passport;
• Startup founders can benefit from a preferential corporate tax rate of 12.5%, compared to the standard rate of 19%.

Real estate purchases no longer qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa. This option was discontinued in October 2023. Foreigners now typically invest in businesses or investment funds.

Malta

Malta offers investors the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), which grants permanent residency to the entire family, including grandparents. The minimum cost is EUR 474,000 for a property purchase or EUR 169,000 for a rental. The investment must be maintained in the Maltese economy for at least 5 years. Afterward, the property can be sold. However, to retain permanent residency, you must still own a home in Malta, even if it is less expensive. There is no requirement to live in Malta permanently.

Investors are required to make several payments:

• Invest at least EUR 375,000 in real estate OR rent a property for EUR 14,000 per year;
• Pay a government fee of EUR 60,000 + EUR 7,500 for each adult dependent relative;
• A government contribution of EUR 37,000;
• Make a donation of EUR 2,000.

When applying for permanent residence, you must demonstrate assets totaling at least EUR 500,000, of which at least EUR 150,000 must be in financial assets. Alternatively, you may show assets worth EUR 650,000, of which EUR 75,000 must be in the form of cash savings.

Who is the Malta residency program suitable for?

• Investors ready to make significant investments over a 5-year period. This is a promising move, given that local housing prices rose by 3.71% (adjusted for inflation) over the past year;
• Those interested in EU permanent residency rather than a standard residence permit;
• Entrepreneurs operating in Europe who wish to travel freely within the Schengen Area;
• Those seeking an English-speaking EU country for work, living, or leisure;
• Families wishing to settle in a country with a warm climate.

The UAE

In the UAE, investors can obtain a 5-year Green Visa (a form of residence permit) by investing at least EUR 238,749 in a business. This requires registering a new company on the UAE mainland or in a free economic zone (FEZ). Relocating to the UAE is not mandatory; Green Visa holders may travel abroad for any duration without losing their status. The residence permit is also renewable.

Who is the UAE residency suitable for?

• Entrepreneurs looking to reduce their tax burden. Companies in free zones can pay 0% corporate tax, while rates on the mainland range from 0% to 9%;
• Investors seeking a reliable market will find that the UAE is ranked the world’s most stable economy by US News & World Report;
• Business owners looking to expand into Middle Eastern and African markets;
• Those primarily seeking residency status rather than mandatory immigration.

Italy

In Italy, investors can obtain a 2-year residence permit by investing at least EUR 250,000 in the economy. This permit can be renewed for a subsequent 3-year term. The residence permit remains valid for renewal as long as the investment is maintained.

There are 4 options for investing in the Italian economy, and you may choose only one—combinations are not permitted:

The investor residence permit process requires obtaining a Nulla Osta, a certificate confirming the absence of impediments, which is issued within a month. Once approved, you can apply for a long-term visa and, upon arrival, a residence card.

Who is the Italian investor residence permit suitable for?

• Entrepreneurs who wish to live and work in one of the EU’s largest economies;
• Major investors interested in Italian tax residency can pay a fixed tax of EUR 300,000 on their worldwide income. Family members pay EUR 50,000 on their foreign-sourced income;
• Families wanting to settle in an economically developed EU nation and provide their children with a prestigious European education.

Which program is easiest for you?

A country where it’s objectively easy to obtain a residence permit through investment might not be the best choice for you. After all, your specific goals, budget, and timeline are crucial factors.

If a low minimum investment amount is a top priority

Consider destinations with low investment thresholds, such as Malta, the UAE, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, and Italy.

Serbia also offers immigration pathways via business (including startups) and real estate with no minimum investment requirement.

While Montenegro and Serbia are not EU members, they are excellent locations for providing remote services to EU clients. They are popular choices for those who want an easy transition to a new country. Many foreign nationals do not need a visa to visit Serbia or Montenegro.

A major advantage of all these countries is that investments can often be recouped and yield a profit. For example, if you bought an apartment in Greece for EUR 250,000 in 2020, its value could have increased by 40–55% nationwide and up to 80% in tourist areas over the next 5 years. In other words, a sale could generate up to EUR 200,000 in additional income. Consequently, it is sometimes more profitable to make a substantial initial investment to realize a significant return later on.

If you require the status without a mandatory residency requirement

A number of jurisdictions offer residency without requiring physical presence, including the UAE, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Malta, Italy, and—to a certain degree—Cyprus. However, it is important to keep in mind that this option is usually only available to investors. For example, holders of standard residence permits in the UAE may stay abroad for up to 180 days, while foreigners with “Green” or “Golden” investor visas face no such restrictions.

Residency without a physical presence requirement often appeals to investors and entrepreneurs who travel frequently for business. European programs are the best choice for operating within the EU market, while the UAE is a good option for those interested in the Middle East, Africa, or Asia.

If you require permanent residency status:

Malta and Cyprus currently offer permanent residency through investment programs. The advantage of this status is that it does not require constant renewal; you only need to update your residence card every 5 to 10 years.

However, it is sometimes simpler and more cost-effective to obtain a long-term residence permit than permanent residency. For example, if you have a limited budget, you could opt for a 5-year residence permit in Greece or the UAE.

Another option is a residence permit in France, which entrepreneurs and startup founders can obtain immediately and is valid for 4 years. Importantly, this does not require a significant investment: launching a new company requires just EUR 30,000, and for a startup, you only need to demonstrate an annual income of at least EUR 22,402.

If speed is a priority

Residency can be obtained fastest in the UAE and Hungary, taking 2 days and 3 weeks, respectively. Greece and Portugal, however, allow investors to arrive on a Schengen visa and apply for residency afterward. Similar arrangements are available for residence permits in Montenegro and Serbia.

Keep in mind that obtaining a “Golden Visa” quickly can be affected by factors such as the complexity of document preparation, the logistics of transferring funds abroad, and bureaucratic hurdles during business registration or property purchases. To avoid dragging these processes out for months or years, it is advisable to engage experienced lawyers, accountants, or immigration specialists.

Risks and hidden complexities that are often overlooked

Even the simplest and most accessible programs can entail hidden risks:

• Increase in investment thresholds. The threshold may rise or fall depending on the volume of program applications and the economic climate. For example, Greece increased the minimum investment amount for residence permits obtained through business investments, bank deposits, and government bonds from EUR 400,000 to EUR 500,000 in 2024.
• Introduction of restrictions and bans. In 2024, Greece prohibited investors from using their properties for short-term rentals (for periods up to 60 days), subletting, or as offices. Meanwhile, Portugal continues to issue Golden Visas but has restricted this option for real estate investors. Spain’s Golden Visa program was popular in recent years, but it was discontinued in 2025.
• Delays in card issuance. Such delays can occur when the government receives a high volume of residency applications. Therefore, it is important to verify information regarding residence card issuance with the relevant authorities.
• Confirmation of the source of funds. Virtually all investment programs require information on the origin of funds to combat money laundering, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Therefore, documents on sources of income should be prepared in advance—ideally in consultation with lawyers—as each situation will require a different set of certificates.
• Problems with banks. Banks may restrict transfers of large sums of money. Therefore, documents on the origin and purpose of funds may be required for banking transactions. Since 2022, sanctions compliance has been in effect in Europe and the UAE. Banks and immigration services check if individuals are on lists of people subject to U.S. or EU sanctions. Therefore, it’s important to choose a country that will not refuse service due to banking issues or sanctions.
• Withdrawal restrictions. An investment residence permit is often valid as long as you keep your funds in the economy. However, some programs impose withdrawal restrictions for up to 5 years. Therefore, it’s important to assess in advance whether you’re willing to invest for such a long period and if you can change the type of investment. For example, if you initially invest in a business, can you later sell your shares and purchase real estate?

It can be very difficult to assess the risks independently because information is often disclosed during the residence permit application process or the investment transfer. To avoid these issues, it’s helpful to enlist the support of immigration lawyers who specialize in your program. These specialists have in-depth knowledge of the program and can help you avoid delays and minimize denials, thereby significantly simplifying the residence permit application process.