Comparing EU Residency by Investment Programs in 2026

Key Takeaways

• EU residency by investment offers a structured way to secure a Plan B for mobility, security, and family stability.
• Portugal’s Golden Visa combines a clear path to residency with low physical presence requirements of 14 days every two years.
• Greece, Latvia, Hungary, and Cyprus provide alternative residency options, but they differ in investment types, minimums, and paths to citizenship.
• Portugal is currently one of the only European countries offering access to citizenship without requiring a full relocation, although citizenship now typically takes 10 years of residency.
• VIDA Capital advises investors on accessing Portugal’s Golden Visa through the VIDA Fund; speak with the team to review whether this route fits your objectives.

The Critical Decision: Why Compare EU Residency by Investment Programs for Global Mobility?

Political and economic instability is rising worldwide, so many families now prioritize a clear Plan B for security and long-term wealth preservation. High-net-worth individuals increasingly diversify not only portfolios, but also residency and citizenship options.

EU residency by investment programs typically offer visa-free travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, access to healthcare and education in the country of residence, business and lifestyle options in stable environments, and, in some cases, a path to citizenship for future generations. The details differ significantly by country.

When comparing programs, most investors focus on:

• Security and capital preservation of the qualifying investment
• Minimum investment thresholds and total costs
• Processing timelines and administrative complexity
• Family inclusion rules
• Physical stay requirements
• The long-term path to permanent residency and citizenship

Aligning these factors with your family’s objectives is essential before committing capital.

Head-to-Head: A Comparison of Leading EU Residency by Investment Programs

The European residency by investment landscape has shifted. In 2026, the main active programs are in Portugal, Greece, Latvia, Hungary, and Cyprus. Each follows its own rules on minimums, investment types, and the route to citizenship.

Portugal Golden Visa: Flexible Residency With a Route to Citizenship

Portugal’s Golden Visa offers residency through qualifying investment funds from €500,000. Personal properties in Portugal no longer qualify for the program, so most investors now use eligible investment funds that meet the legal criteria.

The physical presence requirement is low at 14 days in each two-year period, which suits globally mobile families. Family inclusion generally covers spouses, dependent children, and financially dependent parents or in-laws.

The current framework, introduced in October 2025, sets a 10-year residency period before most applicants can request citizenship, with a reduced seven-year timeline for nationals of Portuguese-language countries (CPLP) and EU citizens.

Portugal is currently one of the only countries in Europe that offers access to citizenship without requiring a full relocation, as long as residency and other legal requirements are met.

Golden Visa holders receive a temporary residency permit valid for 2 years. They then renew it for two additional 2-year periods, maintaining both the qualifying investment and the minimum stay requirement throughout the 5-year period, after which they can apply for permanent residency. As the approval card issuance usually takes about a year, applicants will most likely only need to complete a single renewal instead of two during the 5-year period.

Greece Golden Visa: Attractiveness Through Property Investments

Greece grants residency through qualifying property investments, with minimums that can start at €250,000 for renovation properties in certain areas. Many investors value the ability to hold a tangible asset in the Mediterranean region.

The program grants a 5-year renewable residence permit. There is no minimum stay requirement to renew the permit. For long-term residency and citizenship, investors must complete 7 years of tax residency, pass a language test, meet integration criteria, and respect limits on time spent abroad. In practice, this means living in Greece to maintain long-term status.

Hungary Golden Visa: Relaunched With Multiple Options

Hungary has relaunched a residency by investment framework that offers several qualifying investment routes. Investment amounts, residence rules, and the path to citizenship can vary, so applicants should review current official guidance before proceeding.

Cyprus and Latvia: Business-Focused and Fast-Track Options

Cyprus remains known for residency routes that can lead to permanent residency after qualifying investments, while Latvia offers a business-oriented residency by investment approach. In both cases, investors should confirm current requirements on minimum investment amounts, permitted asset types, stay obligations, and citizenship timelines with updated legal sources.

The Former Spain Golden Visa: Program Discontinued

Spain’s Golden Visa, which previously granted residency through qualifying investments, was discontinued in 2025. With Spain closed to new Golden Visa applicants and Greece requiring 7 years of living there for long-term residency and citizenship, many investors now focus on Portugal’s program for a flexible Plan B.

Comparison Table: Key Features of Leading EU RBI Programs in 2026

Why the Portugal Golden Visa Stands Out for Long-Term Flexibility

Portugal’s Golden Visa appeals to investors who want European residency, low disruption to their current life, and a defined path to citizenship without a mandatory relocation.

Low Physical Presence Requirement

The requirement of 14 days of stay in Portugal within each two-year period keeps the program practical for global executives and families who split time between multiple countries. Greece and Spain link long-term residency and citizenship to living there for many years and paying local taxes, while Portugal allows investors to keep their center of life elsewhere, as long as residency and legal criteria are met.

Security and Capital Preservation With the VIDA Fund

The VIDA Fund, advised by VIDA Capital, focuses on asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector. The fund buys existing hotels and hospitality assets with intrinsic value and then gives these properties a second life through operational improvements and repositioning. The fund does not build hospitality assets from the ground up; it acquires and transforms them.

This owner-operator model aims to preserve capital by holding tangible assets while seeking attractive returns from higher-margin operations. Note that historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns, and all investments carry risk.

VIDA Capital acts as an advisory firm, supporting investors who wish to meet Portugal’s Golden Visa requirements through the VIDA Fund and coordinating with regulated partners at each step.

A Clear Route From Residency to EU Citizenship

Golden Visa residency grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, along with visa-free travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. After meeting the current 10-year residency rule (or seven years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens) and other legal requirements, eligible applicants can request Portuguese citizenship.

Citizenship then provides the right to live, work, and study in any EU or Schengen Zone country, along with access to public healthcare and education across member states and broad visa-free travel worldwide. These benefits often matter most for children and future generations, who inherit full EU citizenship rights.

Navigating Your Residency by Investment Journey With VIDA Capital

Choosing a program is only the first decision. Successful execution requires coordination between legal, tax, banking, and fund professionals.

VIDA Capital operates as an independent advisory firm focused on Portugal’s Golden Visa and the VIDA Fund. The team:

• Helps investors assess whether Portugal and the VIDA Fund align with their goals and risk profile
• Introduces experienced Portuguese lawyers who play a central role in structuring and submitting the Golden Visa application
• Coordinates with the fund manager and service providers on documentation and compliance
• Supports investors through application submission, biometrics, residency card issuance, and renewals

Having a dedicated Portuguese lawyer is essential for every step, from preparing documentation for family members to handling submissions, renewals, and, later, permanent residency or citizenship applications.

Contact VIDA Capital to discuss how the Portugal Golden Visa and the VIDA Fund could support your Plan B strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About EU Residency by Investment Programs

Overview of Portugal’s Golden Visa program

Portugal’s Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment framework that allows non-EU investors to obtain Portuguese residency through qualifying investments of €500,000 or more in eligible investment funds. Successful applicants receive a renewable residency permit, can live, work, and study in Portugal, and can travel visa-free within the Schengen area for short stays.

Typical timeline for the Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa process usually spans 12 to 18 months from initial investment to receiving the first residency card. Key stages include choosing a qualifying fund, opening a bank account, completing the investment, preparing documentation, submitting the application with a Portuguese lawyer, and attending biometrics.

As the approval card issuance usually takes about a year, most investors will only need one physical renewal appointment during the 5-year residency period before applying for permanent residency.

Key costs beyond the €500,000 investment

In addition to the qualifying investment, applicants should budget for:

• Portuguese government fees, which often total around €13,000 per family member over the life of the program
• Legal fees, which typically range from €16,000 to €20,000 per family, depending on complexity
• Fund subscription and management fees, which vary by fund; the VIDA Fund charges a 1% subscription fee on the total investment amount

Working with a Portuguese lawyer and a specialized advisory firm such as VIDA Capital helps ensure that costs are understood in advance and that the application proceeds in a structured, compliant way.