No single golden visa program leads on every metric. Portugal wins on passport quality, UAE wins on tax, Greece wins on cost, and Malta wins on permanence. Picking the right one depends on what you actually need from a second residency.
Portugal
Portugal's golden visa still issues after the 2023 rule changes, but the qualifying routes shifted away from direct real estate toward fund investments starting at EUR 500,000 and capital transfers of EUR 1.5 million. The program requires only seven days of physical presence per year during the first two years, then 14 days per renewal period, making it one of the most flexible residency-by-investment programs for people who do not want to relocate. After five years you can apply for a Portuguese passport, which opens 186 countries visa-free and full EU mobility. For a detailed breakdown of how Portugal compares against Spain, Greece, and Italy, see Best Golden Visa in Europe: Top Programs Ranked for 2025.
UAE
The UAE golden visa grants a 10-year renewable residency with no annual presence requirement and zero personal income tax. The standard investor route requires a minimum AED 2 million (roughly USD 545,000) in real estate or a public investment fund. The program also covers freelancers, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent, making it the broadest-qualifying golden visa on this list. The UAE does not offer a path to citizenship, but as a tax-free base with a strong banking infrastructure, it is hard to match.
Greece
Greece offers one of the lowest entry points in Europe at EUR 250,000 for real estate in most regions, though Athens, Thessaloniki, and several islands moved to EUR 500,000 in 2023. There is no minimum stay requirement, so it suits investors who want an EU foothold without changing their lifestyle. Citizenship becomes available after seven years of legal residency, but the program is primarily used as a long-term EU residency anchor rather than a fast passport route.
Malta
Malta's permanent residency by investment program requires a government contribution of EUR 28,000 (if renting) or EUR 58,000 (if buying), a property commitment, and a EUR 2,000 donation to a registered NGO. Permanent residency is granted outright with no renewal required, and it covers the applicant's spouse, children, and parents in a single application. Malta is an EU member, so the residency card carries Schengen access, though it does not automatically lead to a Maltese passport.
Spain
Spain's golden visa starts at EUR 500,000 in unencumbered real estate and grants two-year residency renewable every five years, with no minimum stay. The Non-Habitual Resident tax regime, which taxed qualifying foreign income at a flat 24% for the first six years, has become less favorable for high earners after recent changes, but Spain still attracts investors who want physical access to EU infrastructure and a lifestyle base. Citizenship requires 10 years of legal residency, longer than Portugal, which pushes most passport seekers toward Lisbon instead of Madrid.
Thailand
Thailand's Long-Term Resident visa, launched in 2022, is not a traditional golden visa but functions comparably: it grants a 10-year renewable visa, a work permit, and a 17% flat personal income tax rate for qualifying remote workers and investors. The wealthy global citizen route requires USD 80,000 invested in Thai government bonds, real estate, or Thai company shares. It does not lead to citizenship, but for Southeast Asia-based investors who want a legitimate long-term legal status with tax benefits, it is currently the strongest option in the region.
Things people ask first.
Which golden visa country has the lowest minimum investment?
Greece starts at EUR 250,000 in most non-major regions, making it the lowest entry point among EU golden visa programs. Malta's permanent residency contribution starts at EUR 28,000, though that excludes the required property commitment.
Which golden visa leads to a passport fastest?
Portugal allows citizenship applications after five years of legal residency, the shortest timeline among major EU golden visa programs. Spain requires 10 years, and Greece requires seven.
Do golden visa holders have to live in the country?
Most programs have minimal or no minimum stay requirements. Portugal requires just seven days per year in the first two-year period. The UAE and Greece require no minimum stay at all.
Can a golden visa reduce my taxes?
It depends on the country and your existing tax residency. The UAE offers zero personal income tax, and Thailand's LTR visa caps income tax at 17%. However, simply holding a golden visa does not automatically shift your tax residency: you need to properly exit your home country's tax system first.
Is the Portugal golden visa still available after the 2023 changes?
Yes, but the real estate route closed in most areas. The fund investment route at EUR 500,000 and the capital transfer route at EUR 1.5 million remain open. Processing times have lengthened significantly, with approvals often taking 18 to 24 months.
Which golden visa is best for families?
Malta's permanent residency program stands out because it covers spouses, children, and parents in a single application at no per-person additional cost. Portugal and Spain also allow family reunification, but Malta's all-in-one structure is the most efficient for multi-generation applicants.
Which golden visa country actually fits your passport, tax situation, and budget?
The Offshore Playbook goes deeper on every program on this list, including the exact legal structures to pair with each residency to make the tax benefits stick. Use gramps.chat to run your specific scenario against the right jurisdiction.
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