Golden Visa Shake-Up 2026: Which Countries Raised (or Killed) Investment Requirements
- VISASUPDATE
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Golden Visa programmes — the fast path to residency or citizenship through investment — are changing fast in 2026. Several of the most popular routes have dramatically increased minimums, restricted real estate options or closed entirely. This mobile-optimised overview shows exactly what’s new, how much you now need to invest, and which options still offer good value.
Quick Comparison Table – 2026 Golden Visa Minimums
Country | Programme Status | Old Minimum (pre-2026) | New Minimum 2026 | Main Investment Type Allowed | Citizenship Possible? | Typical Processing |
Portugal | Active – heavily restricted | €280k–€500k real estate | €500k funds / €1.5M in low-density areas | Funds only in most cases | Yes (5–6 years) | 12–18 months |
Greece | Active – price doubled | €250k–€400k | €400k standard / €800k high-demand zones | Real estate or funds | Yes (7 years) | 6–12 months |
Spain | Likely closing soon | €500k real estate | €500k (bill to abolish pending) | Real estate (if survives) | Yes (10 years) | 6–12 months |
Malta | Residency open, citizenship closed | €300k–€700k residency | €600k–€750k + higher donation | Property + donation | Effectively closed | 4–8 months (residency) |
Italy | Still open | €250k–€2M | No change in 2026 | Startup / company / bonds / donation | Yes (10 years) | 6–18 months |
Hungary | Relaunched 2025 | Previously €300k | €250k real-estate fund + €30k donation | Fund investment | Yes (8–10 years) | 3–6 months |
Turkey | Fully active | $400k | No change | Real estate (3-year hold) | Yes (3–5 months) | 2–6 months |
UAE | Expanding | AED 2M (~$545k) | No major change | Property or business | No citizenship | 1–3 months |
Caribbean (St Kitts, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia) | Active | $100k–$250k donation | $200k–$250k donation / $200k–$400k real estate | Donation or real estate | Yes (3–6 months) | 3–6 months |
Biggest Changes in 2026 – At a Glance
Real-estate option removed or restricted in most popular areas
Minimum fund investment now €500k (previously lower real-estate routes gone)
Still offers one of the clearest paths to EU citizenship (5–6 years with minimal physical presence)
Greece
€250k tier eliminated in Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and other high-demand zones
New minimum €400k in most areas; €800k in prime locations
Still one of the more affordable EU residency routes
Government bill to abolish the Golden Visa programme is progressing through parliament
If passed, real-estate route (€500k) could close completely by late 2026
Existing holders unaffected
Citizenship-by-investment route suspended for most new applicants
Permanent residency programme continues but with higher property and donation requirements
Hungary
Relaunched “Guest Investor” programme in mid-2025
€250k real-estate fund + €30k donation → fast-track residency
Turkey & Caribbean
Remain the fastest and cheapest citizenship routes
No major increases announced in 2026
Why Are Golden Visas Getting More Expensive & Restrictive?
EU political pressure — Commission and several member states view low-threshold programmes as security risks and housing-market disruptors.
Local housing crisis — Foreign investment blamed for pushing up prices in Lisbon, Athens, Barcelona and other hotspots.
Shift to “active” investment — Governments now prefer funds, job creation or business setup over passive property purchases.
Quick Decision Guide – March 2026
Want EU residency quickly & affordably? → Greece (€400k most areas) or Portugal (€500k fund)
Want EU citizenship eventually? → Portugal is still the clearest path (5–6 years)
Want second passport fast & cheap? → Caribbean donation route ($200k–$250k) or Turkey real estate ($400k)
Want long-term residency without citizenship? → UAE Golden Visa (AED 2M property)
Compare every active Golden Visa programme side-by-side — updated for 2026 changes: Golden Visa & Residency by Investment Comparison 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Golden Visa still gives citizenship the fastest in 2026?
Caribbean programmes (St Kitts, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia) — citizenship in 3–6 months via donation or real estate.
Is Portugal still the best EU option?
Yes — but only through €500k+ fund investments. Real-estate route is gone in most desirable areas.
Will Spain close its Golden Visa completely?
The bill to abolish it is moving through parliament. Many experts expect closure by end of 2026.
Do existing Golden Visa holders lose their status?
No — all previously granted residence permits and citizenships remain valid.
Official starting points
Portugal: AIMA (aima.gov.pt)
Greece: Ministry of Migration & Asylum
Spain: Ministry of Inclusion
Caribbean CBI Units (stkitts-citizenship.com, cip.gov.ag, etc.)
The Golden Visa world of 2026 is more expensive, more selective, and more focused on “real” economic contribution than ever before. If you’re considering one of these programmes.
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