Published on
January 1, 2026
The year 2025 was a pivotal one for Golden Visa programs worldwide. From constitutional shifts in Portugal and Malta to new initiatives in New Zealand and Nauru, the landscape for investment-based visas has seen significant transformations. These programs, which offer pathways to residency and citizenship in exchange for investments, have become increasingly popular among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), particularly as political uncertainty and rising living costs drive demand.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a year of expansion and refinement for golden visa programs across the globe. In this article, we explore the trends shaping these programs, from the rise of climate-focused visas to the ongoing appeal of countries like Greece and Portugal.
The Golden Visa Boom: What It Means for Travelers and Investors
Golden visa programs allow individuals to gain residency or citizenship in exchange for a significant financial investment, typically in real estate, business, or government bonds. These programs have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, attracting people from across the globe seeking greater mobility, tax benefits, and a better quality of life.
In 2025, Portugal remained the leader in golden visa sales, even though challenges arose. Despite its popularity, Portugal’s new nationality laws have cast a shadow over its golden visa program. The country’s government voted to increase the residency requirement for naturalization from 5 years to 10 years, prompting uncertainty among many investors, particularly U.S. nationals. While this change hasn’t entirely discouraged interest, it has led to a spike in demand for alternative programs, with Greece and Italy emerging as top contenders.
Portugal’s Changing Golden Visa Landscape
Portugal has long been a favorite for investors, offering a relatively low-cost pathway to European citizenship with access to the Schengen Zone. However, October 2025 saw a major change in the country’s laws: the residency requirement for citizenship was extended, which could mean that new applicants could face up to 14 years before being eligible for naturalization. This extension has caused uncertainty, and many prospective investors are now turning their attention to other European countries.
Portugal’s economic stability and its high quality of life still make it attractive, but the future of the golden visa program remains unclear. As a result, 2026 could see a shift towards other nations with more straightforward citizenship routes. Greece, with a 7-year residency requirement, offers a more attractive option for those seeking to capitalize on their investment and gain quicker access to EU citizenship.
Greece and Italy: Emerging Golden Visa Powerhouses
As Portugal’s golden visa popularity wanes, both Greece and Italy are becoming stronger contenders. Greece, which has long offered competitive visa options, has seen increased interest from investors, particularly in 2025. Its combination of stunning coastline, rich culture, and affordable living makes it a favorite among expatriates. In fact, International Living’s 2026 global retirement index ranked Greece first, driven by its cost of living, healthcare, and climate. This growing demand for Greek residency highlights a trend that could continue through 2026 as people seek an affordable European home.
Italy’s golden visa program, launched in 2018, has also seen rapid growth, particularly among expats from the U.K. looking to relocate following Brexit. In just seven years, Italy has seen a nearly 63% increase in golden visa applicants. With its stunning cities, world-class food, and favorable tax incentives, Italy is positioning itself as an attractive destination for global citizens seeking new opportunities in Europe.
New Zealand’s Golden Visa Revamp
New Zealand, a country known for its natural beauty and high quality of life, has made significant strides in attracting foreign investment through its golden visa program. In 2025, the country revamped its visa offerings, making it more competitive by introducing two new portfolio types and reducing the English-language requirements for applicants. Digital nomad visas also became increasingly popular, with no minimum income requirement, making it an ideal destination for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.
What makes New Zealand particularly attractive is its political stability, safe environment, and excellent healthcare system. Although the country’s geographical isolation may make it less accessible for some, New Zealand remains a strong option for those seeking a fresh start in a peaceful, nature-filled environment.
Nauru’s Unique Golden Visa Program for Climate Adaptation
In a surprising move, the tiny island of Nauru launched its own golden visa program in 2025 to help fund its climate change adaptation efforts. The country, facing severe environmental challenges, aims to raise funds to relocate its population away from the coastline to avoid rising sea levels. In exchange for an investment of $130,000, individuals can receive visa-free access to several destinations, including the U.K., Hong Kong, and Singapore.
While Nauru’s program is unique and relatively unknown, it has garnered attention due to its innovative approach to using golden visas for climate resilience. This model could inspire other nations facing environmental challenges to explore similar initiatives in the future.
The Future of Golden Visa Programs: A Global Perspective
The future of golden visa programs in 2026 will be shaped by a combination of political factors, economic needs, and environmental concerns. As more countries revise their programs to make them more competitive, wealthy individuals will continue to seek new opportunities for residency and citizenship, especially in the wake of rising political instability and healthcare challenges in their home countries.
Golden visas are expected to remain a popular choice for investors looking for a Plan B in uncertain times, especially as countries like Argentina are preparing to introduce their own citizenship-by-investment programs in 2026. This move comes as Argentina strengthens ties with the U.S., making its golden visa program even more appealing.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Market for Global Citizenship
The global market for golden visas is evolving rapidly, with new developments in countries like Greece, New Zealand, and Nauru offering investors increasingly diverse options. Whether driven by tax incentives, political security, or the promise of a better quality of life, these programs are likely to grow in demand in 2026. As new legislation continues to shape the landscape, investors are looking beyond Europe, considering innovative alternatives in regions that previously may have been overlooked.
