What Is Happening With Golden Visas in Europe in 2026

Last updated: March 2026

A second passport unlocks visa-free travel worldwide, providing freedom, security, and opportunity for you and your family. This guide explores the best options including Europe for maximising your global mobility.

The European golden visa landscape has undergone dramatic transformation over the past two years, and understanding what is happening with golden visas in Europe in 2026 has never been more important for high-net-worth individuals considering their residency or citizenship options. From programme closures to raised thresholds and new compliance requirements, the environment is complex — but significant opportunity still exists for informed investors who move decisively.

At Mirabello Consultancy, we work with clients across the globe to navigate these changes with precision and confidence. Whether you are seeking EU residency, a pathway to citizenship, or simply greater mobility for your family, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of where each major European programme stands today.

The European Golden Visa Landscape: An Overview for 2026

A golden visa — formally known as a Residency by Investment (RBI) programme — grants foreign nationals the right to live, work, and in many cases travel freely within a country in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution. In the European context, this typically means access to Schengen Area freedom of movement, a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after several years, and the right to include immediate family members.

Europe was once home to the most sought-after golden visa programmes in the world, with Portugal, Greece, Spain, Malta, and several other nations actively competing for international investor capital. However, responding to housing affordability concerns, political pressure from the European Commission, and anti-money-laundering directives, multiple governments have either closed their programmes outright or restructured them significantly.

Understanding what is happening with golden visas in Europe in 2026 requires examining each country individually — because the picture varies dramatically from one nation to the next. For a broader comparison of all global programmes, visit our guide to the best golden visa investment programmes currently available worldwide.

Which European Golden Visa Programmes Are Still Open in 2026?

The short answer is: fewer than before, but the ones that remain open are well-structured, credible, and genuinely valuable. Here is the current status of the key programmes:

Greece Golden Visa

Greece's golden visa programme remains one of the most active in Europe in 2026. Following significant reforms in 2024 and early 2025, the minimum investment threshold for real estate in high-demand areas — including Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini — increased to €800,000. Investment in lower-demand regions requires a minimum of €400,000. Despite higher entry costs, Greece continues to attract strong investor interest due to its Schengen access, Mediterranean lifestyle, and relatively straightforward application process. Processing currently takes approximately 6 to 9 months. Learn more on our dedicated Greece Golden Visa programme page.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta's Permanent Residence Programme is widely regarded as one of the most structured and compliance-robust golden visa offerings in Europe. It requires a combination of a government contribution from €28,000, a property purchase from €375,000 (or rental from €14,000 per annum), and a donation of €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO — bringing the total minimum investment to approximately €150,000 to €300,000 depending on the route. Malta is an EU member state and provides access to Schengen Area travel. Processing takes between 4 and 6 months. Explore the full details on our Malta Permanent Residence Programme page.

Hungary Guest Investor Programme

Hungary relaunched its residency by investment initiative in 2024, offering a 10-year renewable residency permit in exchange for investments from €250,000 in approved real estate funds or from €500,000 in direct residential property. The programme is positioned as a long-term residency solution with the ability to include dependants. Hungary's EU membership means investors gain access to the Schengen Zone, and the programme has proven popular among Middle Eastern and Asian applicants in particular. Processing time is approximately 3 to 6 months.

Italy Investor Visa

Italy's Investor Visa programme remains available for non-EU nationals making qualifying investments in government bonds (€2 million), Italian companies (€500,000), innovative start-ups (€250,000), or philanthropic donations (€1 million). This programme is primarily a two-year investor visa renewable for a further three years, with a pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship after 10 years of legal residence. It does not offer the same expedited timeline as Caribbean citizenship programmes but provides access to one of the world's most coveted passports in the long term.

Which European Golden Visa Programmes Have Closed or Changed?

Understanding what has closed is just as important as knowing what remains open. Several high-profile programmes have either shut their doors or removed their most popular investment routes.

Portugal

Portugal's golden visa programme — once the most popular in Europe — removed its residential real estate investment route in October 2023 under the "Mais Habitação" (More Housing) legislative package. Investment routes that remain available include investment fund contributions from €500,000, scientific research contributions from €500,000, arts and cultural heritage donations from €250,000, and job creation options. Importantly, Lisbon, Porto, and coastal areas are excluded from any remaining real estate-linked routes. The programme remains open but is considerably more restrictive than it was at its peak.

Spain

Spain formally closed its residential real estate golden visa route in April 2025, fulfilling a commitment made by the Sánchez government amid intense political debate about housing affordability. The €500,000 real estate investment that had attracted thousands of investors from China, Russia, the USA, and Latin America is no longer available. Other investment routes — including €1 million in Spanish company shares or bank deposits, or €2 million in Spanish government bonds — technically remain, but the programme's future is under ongoing review and investor interest has declined sharply.

Ireland

Ireland suspended its Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) in February 2023 following a government review, and it has not been relaunched as of early 2026. A replacement framework is under discussion but no confirmed timeline for reintroduction exists.

United Kingdom

The UK's Tier 1 Investor Visa was closed in February 2022 and has not been replaced with a comparable scheme. The UK remains outside any European golden visa consideration for the foreseeable future.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for European Golden Visas?

While each programme has its own specific criteria, the following eligibility requirements are broadly common across active European golden visa programmes in 2026:

• Nationality: Applicants must be non-EU/EEA nationals. Citizens of EU member states do not require residency by investment to live in Europe.
• Clean criminal record: A background check from your country of residence and/or nationality is universally required. Any serious criminal convictions will typically disqualify an application.
• Proof of funds: Investors must demonstrate that qualifying investment funds originate from legitimate sources. Anti-money-laundering (AML) due diligence has intensified significantly across all programmes.
• Health insurance: Valid private health insurance covering the applicant and any included family members is required in most jurisdictions.
• Minimum age: Main applicants must typically be at least 18 years of age. Dependent children and, in some cases, dependent parents can be included.
• No minimum stay: Most European golden visa programmes do not require the investor to reside in the country full-time, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals.

The Application Process: What to Expect Step by Step

The application process for European golden visa programmes follows a broadly consistent structure, though timelines and documentation requirements vary by country. Here is what a typical journey looks like when working with Mirabello Consultancy:

1. Initial consultation: We assess your personal circumstances, investment goals, nationality, and family situation to identify the most suitable programme for your needs. Book your free consultation here.
2. Due diligence preparation: We work with you to compile source-of-funds documentation, background check certificates, and other supporting materials required by the host government and any regulated agents.
3. Investment execution: Depending on the programme, this may involve purchasing a qualifying property, transferring funds to an approved investment fund, or making a government contribution. All transactions are coordinated with legal and financial advisors.
4. Application submission: Your complete application is submitted to the relevant government authority — for example, Enterprise Greece, Malta's Residency Malta Agency, or the Hungarian Immigration Authority.
5. Government processing: The authority reviews your application, conducts its own due diligence checks, and issues a decision. Processing times range from 3 months (Hungary) to up to 9 months (Greece).
6. Biometrics and permit issuance: Once approved, you typically attend a biometric appointment in the country to receive your residency card or permit.
7. Ongoing compliance: We provide post-approval support to ensure you meet any annual renewal requirements or minimum stay conditions.

Benefits of Holding a European Golden Visa in 2026

Despite the closures and restrictions that have reshaped the landscape, the benefits of holding a valid European golden visa remain substantial and, in many cases, life-changing for investors and their families.

• Schengen Area access: Residency in an EU Schengen member state allows travel across 27 European countries without border checks — invaluable for business travellers and families with international commitments.
• Pathway to EU citizenship: Most programmes provide a route to permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence and citizenship after between 5 and 10 years, granting the holder one of the most powerful passports in the world with access to 180+ countries visa-free.
• Education and healthcare: Residents can typically access public education systems and, in some cases, public healthcare, making these programmes particularly attractive for families with children.
• Political and economic security: A European residency provides a credible "Plan B" for investors from politically volatile regions, offering stability and predictability.
• Investment returns: For programmes involving real estate or fund investment, qualifying investments can generate financial returns alongside their immigration benefits.
• No mandatory residence: The majority of active European programmes do not require you to live in the country full-time, allowing you to maintain your existing lifestyle and business commitments.

Family Inclusion: Who Can You Bring With You?

One of the most important considerations for HNW investors is the ability to extend golden visa benefits to their immediate family. All active European golden visa programmes allow the main applicant to include dependants in a single application, though the exact definition of "family member" varies.

Typically, the following family members can be included at no or minimal additional investment cost:

• Spouse or legally recognised partner
• Dependent children under 18 years of age
• Dependent children aged 18 to 26 who are in full-time education (programme-dependent)
• Dependent parents of the main applicant or spouse (subject to proof of dependency)

Malta's MPRP is particularly family-friendly, allowing parents and grandparents of both the main applicant and their spouse to be included as dependants. Greece also permits inclusion of parents, though specific documentation requirements apply. If family inclusion is a priority for you, our consultants will ensure you select and structure your application to maximise the benefits for every member of your household. You can also explore our broader guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes for options that offer an even faster route to full citizenship for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions About European Golden Visas in 2026

What is happening with golden visas in Europe right now?

The European golden visa landscape has contracted significantly. Portugal removed its real estate route in 2023. Spain closed its golden visa in April 2025. Ireland suspended its programme in 2023 with no confirmed relaunch. The programmes that remain active — notably Greece, Malta, Hungary, and Italy — have largely raised their thresholds and tightened compliance requirements in response to EU-level scrutiny and domestic political pressure.

Which European country currently offers the best golden visa?

The answer depends on your priorities. Malta offers the most structured EU residency programme with a clear contribution-based model starting from approximately €150,000 to €300,000 in total investment. Greece offers real estate investment from €400,000 with strong rental yield potential. Hungary provides a cost-effective entry point from €250,000 with fast processing. Each has distinct advantages, and Mirabello Consultancy's role is to match you with the programme that best fits your personal and financial circumstances.

Did Spain cancel its golden visa?

Yes. Spain officially cancelled its residential real estate golden visa route in April 2025. The €500,000 real estate investment route, which was by far the most popular pathway, is no longer available. Other financial investment routes remain on paper, but the programme's long-term future is uncertain. Investors who were considering Spain are increasingly looking at Greece, Malta, or Caribbean citizenship programmes as alternatives.

How long does it take to get a European golden visa?

Processing times vary significantly by country. Hungary currently processes applications in approximately 3 to 6 months. Malta's MPRP typically takes 4 to 6 months. Greece takes between 6 and 9 months. Italy's Investor Visa takes approximately 3 to 4 months for initial approval. These timelines assume a complete and compliant application — incomplete submissions or additional due diligence requests can extend the process.

Can my family be included in a European golden visa application?

Yes. All active European golden visa programmes allow the main applicant to include their spouse or partner and dependent children in the same application at no additional investment cost. Many programmes also permit dependent parents and in some cases grandparents. Malta's MPRP is particularly generous in its family inclusion provisions. Processing fees may apply for additional family members, and documentation requirements must be met for each dependant included.

Is a European golden visa worth it in 2026?

For many HNW investors, the answer is yes — but the value proposition has changed. With fewer low-cost entry points available and higher compliance standards required, European golden visas now represent a more substantial commitment than they did five years ago. However, the benefits — Schengen access, EU residency, a pathway to citizenship, and family inclusion — remain uniquely powerful. The key is selecting the right programme for your specific goals and ensuring your application is managed by experienced professionals to maximise your chances of approval first time.

What is the cheapest European golden visa available in 2026?

Hungary's Guest Investor Programme offers the lowest headline entry point among active EU programmes at €250,000 in an approved real estate investment fund. Malta's MPRP involves total contributions and costs from approximately €150,000 to €300,000 but requires ongoing rental or purchase of property as well. Both represent credible, well-regulated options at relatively accessible investment levels compared to Greece's €400,000 to €800,000 real estate threshold.