For high-net-worth individuals and their families, the strategic acquisition of a second residency is a crucial tool for global planning, offering far-reaching residence by investment benefits. This move provides access to greater mobility, educational opportunities, and wealth diversification. As we move into 2026, the global landscape confirms that a well-chosen residency by investment is the foundation of an international life.
At FRR Immigration, we focus on finding the best residence by investment programs that fit your personal and family goals with your money. We give a full picture of four important places, three of which give you access to the Schengen Area and one of which gives you a direct path to the world’s biggest economy. These programs are the best options in a variety of Residency by Investment countries.
Pillar I: The European Residency Advantage (Greece, Spain, Malta)
The main advantage of obtaining residency in European Countries for Permanent Residency is undoubtedly access to the 27 member states of the Schengen Area; the ability to move without a visa and have permanent residency in one of the most politically stable and economically viable areas globally.
1. Greece Golden Visa: Affordability and Heritage
Greece provides perhaps the most affordable means to European residency, making it a strong contender for the cheapest residency by investment in property. The program effectively aligns a capital investment with asset ownership in a strong, stable growth real estate environment.
Investment Threshold: Minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate. Keep in mind that this investment threshold is tiered, so higher investments (up to €800,000) will be needed in strong growth central areas, such as Athens, and for high-demand islands.
Key Benefit: No min stay requirement. The only requirement is for the investor to visit Greece once to apply for residence by investment. This means that you can retain tax residency elsewhere while still having full benefit of residence by investment and the ability to travel freely in Europe.
Path to Citizenship: You can only apply for citizenship after 7 years of continuous legal residency in the country.
2. Spain Golden Visa: Flexibility and Lifestyle
Spain’s program is still very popular as it has a generous family reunification policy and very few maintenance obligations. It is the standard that Residency by Investment programs are now measured against, especially for clients looking for that lifestyle option.
Investment Thresholds: The most popular option remains an initial capital transfer of €500,000 in real estate (which also has to be unencumbered). Other options remain €1 million into shares or bank deposits in Spain, or €2 million in government bonds.
Key Benefit: The program allows for a generous initial permit period and does not require a minimum stay in the country in order to renew your visa. This is key flexibility for business and personal reasons.
Path to Citizenship: Citizenship eligibility is a ten year continuous legal residency requirement; however Ibero-American country applicants enjoy a very attractive two year option.
3. Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP): Permanent Security
Malta offers a unique proposition: the security of permanent residency status from the outset. This program is structured as a blend of contribution and investment, providing exceptional long-term stability in an English-speaking EU nation.
Investment Threshold: A combination of a Government contribution (minimum €37,000), a donation to a Maltese NGO (€2,000), and a property lease (€14,000 annually) or purchase (€375,000). The estimated total minimum outlay is approximately €169,000.
Key Benefit: Unlike many Residency by Investment Programs that require renewal, the MPRP grants a permanent status, requiring no minimum physical stay to maintain the residence permit. This grants lifetime access to European benefits.
Pillar II: The North American Gateway (USA EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program)
The United States provides an entirely different, yet incredibly powerful option for obtaining legal status, through investment. The EB-5 program circumvents the temporary nature of most of the European visas and provides a direct path to a Green Card (Lawful Permanent Residency). This is recognized as one of the greatest Leading Residence by Investment Program’s in the world.
Investment Threshold: The minimum required investment is $800,000 USD in a commercial enterprise in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA, but must also create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Key Benefit: The goal is ultimately the Green Card, which gives the Right to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S., and apply for full U.S. citizenship. Even with a higher financial investment, there is no political security or access to the economy that compares.
Process: The initial status will be granted as a conditional permanent residency (2 years) and then will be removed (the “I-829” (job creation proof) process) to grant unconditional permanent residency.
Strategic Planning for Residency by Investment
Selecting the right program from the pool of credible Residency by investment countries requires a deep understanding of your long-term goals. Do you prioritize a lower initial investment, maximum European mobility, or the ultimate stability of a U.S. Green Card? Each program is designed to deliver specific residence by investment benefits.
How FRR Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future
At FRR Immigration, our area of expertise is in making the complicated process of investment migration simple and strategically sound. We work exclusively with the world’s top Leading Residence by Investment Programs whenever we can. This ensures that our clients have the most solid and sound residency options.
Personalized Needs Analysis: We analyze your family’s needs and goals, and whether the goal is an education plan or tax planning, we guide you to the program that will deliver the best residence by investment benefits.
Application Oversight: Our global legal teams will ensure that everything—from source of funds verification to following unique country requirements—is managed in accordance to your application.
Post-Approval Compliance: We provide specialized advice on investment maintenance and minimal stay requirements (when applicable) to ensure your residency remains valid.
The world is available to those who plan in advance – let FRR Immigration be your partner in maximizing global citizenship.
Are you ready to review the Best Residence by Investment Programs 2026, and provide a truly global future for your family?
Get in touch with FRR Immigration now to schedule a private, complimentary consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main difference between Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment?
A: RBI grants the right to reside and travel (like in Schengen) with a future path to citizenship. CBI grants an immediate passport and full citizen rights. RBI is typically cheaper.
Q2: Is the Spanish Golden Visa still an option in 2026?
A: Yes, the core program remains. Spain’s RBI is active with a €500,000 minimum in real estate or capital transfer options. It offers a strong path to European Countries for Permanent Residency with minimal stay.
Q3: What is the Cheapest Residency by Investment in Europe?
A: Greece holds the title with the lowest minimum real estate investment of €250,000 in designated areas, making it the most affordable entry to the Schengen Area.
Q4: Does the USA EB-5 program offer Schengen travel?
A: No. The EB-5 is a U.S. federal program granting a Green Card (Permanent Residency) in the U.S. It does not provide the residence by investment benefits of Schengen mobility.
