Golden visa programs let high-net-worth individuals secure residency through investment — but the price of entry varies enormously. From Luxembourg’s ultra-exclusive multi-million-euro scheme to Portugal’s revamped fund-based route, here is how the world’s most expensive golden visa countries compare in 2026.
golden visa programs that cover the whole family
List of Most Expensive Golden Visa Countries in 2026:
Portugal’s golden visa for families
1. Luxembourg – Minimum Investment: €20 Million:
Luxembourg tops the list with a staggering €20 million investment requirement. This sum is typically a lump-sum deposit into a qualifying financial institution. Unlike other programs, Luxembourg’s scheme is designed for billionaire investors rather than individuals seeking a simple second residency.
Why It’s Expensive:
Exclusively for ultra-high-net-worth individuals
Investment benefits the banking and financial sector
No lower investment threshold available
More Information
2. Australia – Minimum Investment: US$2.5 Million:
Australia closed its Business Innovation and Investment visa program in 2024 and replaced it with the National Innovation visa for exceptionally talented migrants — so the old AUD 3.75 million threshold no longer applies. Always check the current Home Affairs guidance before planning an investment-migration route to Australia.
Why It’s Expensive:
Restrictive investment categories
Business turnover or management experience required
No direct citizenship pathway without extended residency
More Information
3. Italy – Minimum Investment: €2 Million:
Italy’s Investor Visa program includes an option requiring at least €2 million in government bonds. While other investment paths exist, the bond option remains one of the most expensive in Europe. Investors enjoy visa-free Schengen travel, but citizenship requires ten years of residency.
Why It’s Expensive:
Capital locked in government bonds
Long pathway to citizenship
Extensive due diligence process
More Information
4. Jersey (Channel Islands, UK) – Minimum Investment: £1.75 Million (US$2.2 Million):
Jersey’s High-Value Residency Programme mandates a minimum real estate purchase or lease of £1.75 million (US$2.2 million). While it offers British Isles residency benefits, it does not provide a direct path to UK citizenship.
Why It’s Expensive:
Strict financial scrutiny of applicants
No direct UK citizenship pathway
High real estate prices
More Information
5. Singapore – Minimum Investment: S$2.5 Million (US$1.8 Million):
Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) requires a minimum investment of S$2.5 million (~US$1.8 million) into approved businesses or funds. This highly selective program ensures only high-caliber investors gain residency.
Why It’s Expensive:
Highly selective vetting process
Stringent background checks
Investment required in high-growth sectors
More Information
6. United States (EB-5 Visa) – Minimum Investment: US$1.05 Million:
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires an investment of US$1.05 million in standard areas or US$800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs). It offers a pathway to U.S. permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Why It’s Expensive:
Long processing times (up to five years)
Must create 10 full-time U.S. jobs
Higher investment in urban centers
More Information
7. Malta – Total Cost: Up to €750,000:
Malta’s Residency and Citizenship by Investment Programme requires a mix of government contributions, real estate purchases, and fund investments, totaling up to €750,000. It provides EU residency and visa-free Schengen access.
Why It’s Expensive:
High government donation requirement
Long processing time (over 12 months)
Strict background checks
More Information
8. Portugal – Minimum Investment: €500,000 in Funds:
Portugal’s Golden Visa program underwent reforms, removing real estate as an investment option. The new minimum investment of €500,000 must be placed in qualifying venture capital funds. The program remains attractive due to its low residency stay requirement (seven days per year) and fast-track citizenship after five years.
Why It’s Expensive:
Investment must be sustained for five years
No more real estate investment option
Strict compliance and fund selection process
More Information
Conclusion:
Golden Visa programs offer unparalleled opportunities but come with steep financial barriers. From Luxembourg’s €20 million requirement to Portugal’s revamped €500,000 investment threshold, these programs are tailored for the global elite. If you’re considering residency through investment, understanding these financial commitments is crucial. Are you ready to invest in your future and unlock global mobility? Choose your destination wisely!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Golden Visa?
A residency-by-investment scheme called a Golden Visa gives resident rights to anyone who invests a substantial amount of money in a nation.
Which country has the most expensive Golden Visa?
Luxembourg tops the list with a minimum investment requirement of €20 million, making it the most exclusive program.
How to Choose the Right Golden Visa Program
Greece’s golden visa with family
What is a golden visa?
A golden visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants residence rights to foreign nationals who make a substantial qualifying investment — typically in real estate, government bonds, approved funds, or local businesses.
Which country has the most expensive golden visa?
Luxembourg tops the ranking with a minimum investment of €20 million, structured as a lump-sum deposit into a qualifying financial institution. It is designed for ultra-high-net-worth investors rather than typical second-residency seekers.
Do golden visas lead to citizenship?
It varies by country. Some programs offer a pathway to citizenship after several years of residency (Portugal, for example, after five years), while others, such as Jersey’s high-value residency, provide residency benefits without a direct route to citizenship.
Has Portugal’s golden visa program changed?
Yes. Portugal removed real estate as a qualifying investment, so the route now centers on qualifying venture capital funds with a minimum investment of €500,000. The program keeps its low physical-presence requirement of about seven days per year.
