7 Best Countries for Expats to Get a Golden Visa and Live Abroad

March 30, 2026By maverickbirdPosted in Travel Extras, Travel Guides, Travel Tips

Picking up and moving to another country used to mean finding a job first, learning the language, and hoping everything worked out. Not anymore. Golden visa programs have changed the game completely. Now, high-net-worth individuals can secure residency (and sometimes citizenship) in attractive countries simply by making a qualifying investment. The global landscape for residency by investment programs has shifted dramatically since 2024. Portugal ended its popular real estate option. Greece raised minimum thresholds in Athens. Spain is facing potential phase-out discussions. Meanwhile, new programs have emerged in places like the Philippines. With so many changes happening, expats need current information to make smart decisions. This guide breaks down the seven best golden visa countries as of early 2026, based on affordability, processing speed, family benefits, and overall expat appeal.

What Makes a Golden Visa Program Worth Considering?

Before diving into specific countries, understanding what separates good programs from great ones helps narrow the options. The best golden visa programs share several characteristics. They offer reasonable minimum investments without hidden fees that double the actual cost. Processing times stay under a year, not dragging on for 18+ months. Family inclusion extends beyond just spouses and minor children. Physical residence requirements remain minimal or non-existent. Tax efficiency matters too. Programs that provide pathways to favorable tax treatment or territorial taxation systems add significant value beyond just the residency permit itself. EU programs deserve special attention because of Schengen access. A single golden visa from Portugal, Greece, Malta, Spain, or Cyprus grants visa-free travel across 27 European countries. That mobility advantage often justifies higher investment thresholds compared to non-EU alternatives.

Photo by CALIN STAN on Unsplash

1. Greece: The Most Family-Friendly Golden Visa

Greece’s program stands out for two reasons: broad family inclusion and affordable entry points. The base investment starts at €250,000 (approximately $270,000) for real estate, though Athens and some islands now require higher amounts. The family benefits are exceptional. Greece includes parents-in-law and recognizes same-sex relationships, offering more flexibility than most European programs. Permanent residency comes with no stay requirements, making it ideal for those who want the option to live in Greece without the obligation. Processing typically takes four months or more. After seven years of maintaining residency, citizenship becomes possible. The cost of living in Athens or Thessaloniki runs around $2,800 monthly for a family, significantly lower than most Western European cities. One important change: Greece restricted short-term rentals on golden visa properties in 2025. Real estate investments now work better as long-term rentals or personal vacation homes. Fund investments of €350,000 provide an alternative path without property management headaches.

2. Portugal: Best Path to EU Citizenship

Portugal’s golden visa underwent major changes. Real estate investment ended in 2023. The program now requires €500,000 (roughly $540,000) in qualifying investment funds, business creation generating ten jobs, or cultural heritage projects. Despite higher costs, Portugal remains attractive because citizenship is achievable after just five years. The requirements include basic Portuguese language proficiency and minimal physical presence (seven days annually). Family coverage extends to spouses, children under 26, and parents. Lisbon and Porto have established expat communities with excellent infrastructure. Monthly living costs for families average around $3,000. Healthcare ranks among Europe’s best, though private insurance typically covers expats until permanent residency arrives. The Non-Habitual Resident tax regime ended in 2024, but favorable flat tax rates on Portuguese-source income remain possible. For those seeking full EU citizenship with passport strength (190+ visa-free countries), Portugal delivers results worth the investment.

Photo by CALIN STAN on Unsplash

3. Malta: Lowest EU Entry with Indefinite Status

Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme offers the most affordable EU golden visa entry point. The minimum investment combines a €169,000 property lease with government fees and fund contributions, totaling approximately $182,000. What makes Malta special? The residency permit is permanent from day one—no renewals needed. Family inclusion extends to grandparents. English serves as an official language, eliminating language barriers that complicate life in other EU countries. Tax benefits add appeal. Malta offers a 15% flat tax option for qualifying individuals, with no capital gains tax on non-Malta assets. The Mediterranean island provides stable property yields and a comfortable lifestyle, though monthly costs run higher at $3,200 for families. Processing takes six months or more. Malta doesn’t offer a direct citizenship path through the residence program, but the indefinite status provides security and Schengen access without ongoing investment requirements.

4. UAE: Tax Haven with Zero Income Tax

The UAE golden visa requires AED 2 million (approximately $545,000) in real estate for a five or ten-year renewable residency. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become major expat hubs, attracting entrepreneurs and investors seeking tax efficiency. Zero income tax represents the UAE’s biggest advantage. Combined with world-class infrastructure, excellent schools, top-tier healthcare, and a thriving business environment, the Emirates offer comprehensive benefits beyond just residency. Processing speed is impressive—roughly three months from application to approval. The cost of living in Dubai averages $3,500 monthly for families. While high, the tax savings for income earners often offset living expenses. The program expanded across more emirates in 2025, providing additional real estate investment options. No citizenship path exists, but renewable long-term residency serves many expats’ needs, especially those running international businesses or managing investments.

Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Photo by David Rodrigo on Unsplash

5. Spain: Lifestyle and Culture for Families

Spain’s golden visa requires €500,000 (around $540,000) in real estate, government bonds, or business investment. Despite rumors of a potential phase-out in 2026, the program remains active and accepting applications. Spain excels at lifestyle appeal. Madrid and Barcelona offer world-class culture, excellent healthcare, strong education systems, and year-round pleasant weather. Valencia and smaller cities provide similar benefits at lower costs. Monthly family expenses run approximately $3,500 in major cities. Family coverage includes spouses, children, and parents. Renewals occur every two, five, or ten years, depending on investment type. Citizenship becomes possible after ten years (just two years for citizens of Ibero-American countries). Processing takes three to six months. Some regions impose wealth taxes, so tax planning matters when choosing Spanish residency. For families prioritizing quality of life and cultural richness over pure financial optimization, Spain delivers exceptional value.

6. Turkey: Fastest Route to Citizenship

Turkey offers something unique: immediate citizenship through a $400,000 investment in real estate or government bonds. No waiting period. No language tests. No lengthy residency requirements. The Turkish passport provides visa-free access to 110+ countries. Family members receive citizenship simultaneously. Istanbul’s cost of living ($2,000 monthly for families) makes it the most affordable option on this list. Modern private healthcare, a growing economy, and Turkey’s geographic position, bridging Europe and Asia, add appeal. Real estate in major cities generates 5-7% rental yields, higher than most European markets. The program has remained stable since the $400,000 threshold took effect in 2024. For those wanting a second passport quickly without committing to European residency timelines, Turkey provides the fastest legal path to citizenship.

Photo by Mar Cerdeira on Unsplash

7. Cyprus: Quick EU Permanent Residency

Cyprus requires €300,000 (approximately $324,000) in real estate plus proof of €50,000 annual income. The program delivers permanent residency in just two to three months, among the fastest EU processing times. Family coverage includes spouses and children, though grandparents aren’t eligible. The Mediterranean lifestyle, English prevalence, and 12.5% corporate tax rate attract entrepreneurs and small business owners. Monthly costs for families average $2,900. Cyprus provides immediate EU access through permanent residency, though citizenship isn’t available through this investment route. The quick processing and Mediterranean climate make it attractive for those wanting rapid EU establishment.

Choosing the Right Golden Visa Program

Each program serves different priorities. Retirees often prefer Malta’s affordable healthcare and permanent status. Entrepreneurs gravitate toward the UAE’s zero-tax environment. Families choose Greece for broad inclusion and reasonable costs. Portugal suits those committed to eventual EU citizenship. Turkey works for anyone wanting immediate passport benefits. Spain appeals to lifestyle-focused families. Cyprus attracts business owners wanting a quick EU establishment. Investment amounts matter, but total costs run 5-10% higher than stated minimums due to legal fees, due diligence checks, and administrative expenses. Processing times vary based on application completeness and government workload.

Working with experienced golden visa and citizenship specialists significantly improves approval odds. Pre-screening catches issues before submission. Government relationships accelerate processing. Expert guidance navigates complex documentation requirements that trip up self-filers. The golden visa landscape will continue evolving. Programs that exist today might tighten requirements or close entirely within a few years. Portugal’s real estate ban and Greece’s threshold increases demonstrate how quickly rules change. For high-net-worth individuals considering international mobility, starting the process now makes sense. Application backlogs grow when programs announce closures. Getting in before potential restrictions arise protects against future uncertainty. The best golden visa depends entirely on personal circumstances, family structure, business needs, and long-term goals. There’s no universal “best” choice—only the best choice for each situation.

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