Residence by Investment Programs in 2026: A Practical Guide to Your Global Mobility Options
June 18 2026 | Residency By Investment Programs
Residence by investment has quietly become one of the most reliable ways for globally minded individuals and families to secure a stable foothold abroad. Rather than promising a passport overnight, these programs offer something more durable: legal residency in a country of your choosing, in exchange for a qualifying investment in real estate, government funds, or local enterprise. As we move further into 2026, the landscape has matured considerably. Several flagship programs in Europe have tightened their rules, Hong Kong has re-entered the conversation with a revamped scheme of its own, and due diligence standards across the board have become noticeably stricter.
For investors, this is not a reason to stay on the sidelines. It is a reason to plan more carefully. Below, we break down where the major residence by investment programs stand today, what has changed, and how to think about choosing the right one for your goals.
Would you like us to check your eligibility for Residency by Investment Program?
Please get in touch with us and our experts will guide you!
Why Residence by Investment Still Matters in 2026
A residence permit obtained through investment is not the same as citizenship. It does not come with a new passport, and in most cases it does not require you to give up your existing nationality. What it does provide is the legal right to live, and often work, in a new country for as long as you maintain the underlying investment. For many of our clients, that is precisely the point. A second residency creates a genuine Plan B: a place to relocate a family, a base for international business, access to a different healthcare or education system, and in several cases, a pathway toward Schengen Area travel or eventual citizenship.
The programs that remain active in 2026 share one common thread: governments are now treating investment migration as a long-term economic tool rather than a quick source of capital. That shift has made the strongest programs more durable, but it has also made professional guidance more important than ever, since rules can change with little warning.
Portugal: Still a Top Choice, Minus the Real Estate Shortcut
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most recognized residence by investment programs in the world, but it looks different than it did a few years ago. Direct real estate purchases were removed as a qualifying route in 2023, shifting most applicants toward investment funds or business-related options, typically starting around €500,000. A lower-cost route exists for those willing to support qualifying cultural or heritage projects, with minimums closer to €250,000.
What has not changed is the appeal. Portugal does not require investors to live in the country full-time to maintain their status, and after seven to ten years of holding residency, the program can lead to full citizenship. For investors who want EU access without uprooting their lives immediately, Portugal continues to make a strong case for itself.
Greece: Affordable Entry, But Location Now Matters More
Greece has solidified its position as one of the more accessible European residency options, but the program is no longer one-size-fits-all. Since rule changes took effect, the country has been split into investment zones. Properties in high-demand areas, including Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with larger populations, now require a minimum investment of €800,000. Outside those areas, the threshold drops to €400,000, and a narrower €250,000 option still exists for heritage restorations and commercial-to-residential conversions.
Despite these changes, Greece retains some real advantages: there is no minimum stay requirement, family members can typically be included without raising the investment amount, and residency does not automatically trigger Greek tax residency. For investors comfortable looking beyond the most famous addresses, Greece still offers some of the best value in Europe.
Malta: A Different Kind of Permanent Residency
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, often shortened to MPRP, works differently from a typical golden visa. Rather than a renewable temporary permit, it grants permanent residency from the outset, provided the qualifying property and government contributions are maintained. Investors can choose to rent or purchase real estate, alongside a government contribution and an administrative fee, with total costs that can be more accessible than other EU programs depending on the option selected.
Malta’s appeal lies in its strategic position within the EU and the relative simplicity of the permanent, rather than periodically renewed, status. It is worth noting that Malta’s separate citizenship by investment scheme has faced legal challenges at the EU level, but this has not affected the MPRP residency program, which remains a distinct and active option.
Hong Kong: The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
Outside Europe, Hong Kong’s relaunched Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, known as the New CIES, has generated significant interest since its 2024 reintroduction. The program requires a minimum investment of HK$30 million, including at least HK$3 million placed into a government-managed investment portfolio supporting Hong Kong’s long-term economic development. Real estate can now count toward part of this total as well, broadening the appeal for investors who prefer tangible assets over financial instruments.
Hong Kong’s program is not a path to citizenship, but after seven years as a resident, investors typically become eligible to apply for permanent residency, after which the investment requirement can be released entirely. Given Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to mainland China and its broader Asian markets, the program has quickly become one of the more closely watched options in the region.
What Has Changed Across the Industry in 2026
A few broader trends are worth keeping in mind heading into the rest of the year:
- Rising thresholds: Several programs, particularly in Europe, have increased minimum investment amounts in their most popular locations, pushing savvy investors toward secondary regions or alternative investment categories.
- Stricter due diligence: Banks and immigration authorities alike are applying more rigorous scrutiny to the source of funds, regardless of which program is chosen.
- Citizenship programs under pressure: While residency programs remain broadly stable, some citizenship by investment schemes have faced legal and political challenges at the EU level, reinforcing the distinction between residency and full nationality.
- Diversification of options: New or relaunched programs, including Hong Kong’s CIES, are giving investors more geographic diversity than the traditional Europe-only conversation allowed a decade ago.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Goals
There is no universally ‘best’ residence by investment program. The right choice depends on what you are actually trying to achieve. Some investors want the shortest possible path to a renewable EU residence permit with minimal stay requirements. Others are focused on eventual citizenship for their children, tax efficiency, proximity to specific markets, or simply a comfortable backup plan in case circumstances at home change. The investment amount matters, but so do the stay requirements, the inclusion of family members, the renewal conditions, and the realistic timeline to citizenship, if that is even part of the goal.
This is where experienced guidance makes a measurable difference. Rules shift, investment categories close without much warning, and what counted as a qualifying asset two years ago may no longer apply today. Working with advisors who track these programs daily, rather than researching them once, helps avoid costly missteps.
Why you should choose Simard & Associates as your Immigration Lawyer?
Global mobility decisions deserve thoughtful analysis. If you’d like to explore your options further, our team can provide structured, expert guidance based on current policy and your long‑term objectives.
At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.
For more details & questions, Kindly contact us and one of our Immigration Consultant & Immigration Lawyers will respond to you.
Latest Immigration News
- All Posts
- Immigration News
- Latest News
- 最新动态
- 最新動態
- 未分类
- 未分類
- 移民新聞
- 移民新闻
Share this post:
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
