The 12 Most Popular Residency & Citizenship Programs in 2026

Global mobility has never been more valuable — or more accessible. Whether you're an investor seeking EU residency, an entrepreneur building a second base, or a family planning for long-term security, residency and citizenship by investment programmes offer a structured, legal pathway to a second home.

This guide ranks the 12 most popular programmes on Jurentra by demand, covering everything from minimum investment to processing times and citizenship pathways.

1. Portugal Golden Visa — EU Residency from €500,000

Portugal's Golden Visa remains Europe's most established investor residency programme. Launched in 2012, it grants renewable residency through qualifying fund investment, with a path to Portuguese citizenship after just five years. Holders need only spend seven days per year in Portugal to maintain their permit.

• Minimum investment: €500,000 (investment fund route)
• Processing time: 6–12 months
• Path to citizenship: Yes, after 5 years

2. UAE Investor Residency — 10-Year Golden Visa

The UAE's Golden Visa programme offers long-term residency in one of the world's most business-friendly, tax-efficient jurisdictions. With 0% personal income tax and a thriving international business community, the UAE is a top choice for globally mobile investors.

• Minimum investment: AED 750,000
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks
• Path to citizenship: No (residency only)

3. Greece Golden Visa — EU Residency from €250,000

Greece offers the lowest entry point for EU residency among all Golden Visa programmes. A qualifying real estate investment of €250,000 grants Schengen-area residency with no minimum stay requirement.

• Minimum investment: €250,000
• Processing time: 3–6 months
• Path to citizenship: Yes, after 7 years

4. UK Global Talent Visa — No Minimum Investment

The UK's Global Talent Visa requires no minimum investment. It's open to leaders and exceptional talent in science, engineering, humanities, arts, and digital technology — endorsed by a recognised UK body.

• Minimum investment: None
• Processing time: 3–8 weeks
• Path to citizenship: Yes, after 5 years

5. USA EB-5 Investor Visa — Green Card from $800,000

The EB-5 programme offers a direct path to a US Green Card through investment in job-creating enterprises. It remains one of the most sought-after investor visas in the world.

• Minimum investment: USD 800,000
• Processing time: 24–48 months
• Path to citizenship: Yes, after 5 years

6. UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK's primary work visa for skilled professionals. Employer-sponsored and covering a wide range of sectors, it offers a clear path to Indefinite Leave to Remain and ultimately British citizenship after five years.

• Minimum investment: Salary-based
• Processing time: 3–8 weeks
• Path to citizenship: Yes, after 5 years

7. Spain Golden Visa — EU Residency from €500,000

Spain's Golden Visa grants EU residency through real estate investment with no minimum stay requirement. Holders gain Schengen-area access and a path to Spanish citizenship after 10 years.

• Minimum investment: €500,000
• Processing time: 2–3 months
• Path to citizenship: Yes, after 10 years

8. St Kitts & Nevis CBI — Caribbean Passport from $250,000

The world's oldest citizenship by investment programme, established in 1984. St Kitts & Nevis offers immediate citizenship with a passport granting visa-free access to over 150 countries.

• Minimum investment: USD 250,000
• Processing time: 3–6 months
• Path to citizenship: Immediate

9. Malta Citizenship by Investment — EU Passport from €600,000

Malta's MEIN programme offers full EU citizenship through a combination of government contribution, property, and bonds. A Maltese passport provides visa-free access to 180+ countries and full EU rights.

• Minimum investment: €600,000
• Processing time: 12–36 months
• Path to citizenship: Yes, after 1–3 years

10. Grenada CBI — Caribbean Passport with US E-2 Access

Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI programme whose passport holders can apply for a US E-2 investor visa — making it uniquely valuable for investors with US business interests.

• Minimum investment: USD 235,000
• Processing time: 4–6 months
• Path to citizenship: Immediate

11. UK Innovator Founder Visa

For entrepreneurs with an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea. Endorsed by a UK-approved body, the Innovator Founder Visa offers a path to settlement in just three years.

• Minimum investment: £50,000
• Processing time: 3–8 weeks
• Path to citizenship: Yes, after 3 years

12. Türkiye CBI — Citizenship from $400,000

Türkiye's CBI programme offers citizenship in 3–6 months through real estate or capital investment, with a strategically located passport bridging Europe and Asia.

• Minimum investment: USD 400,000
• Processing time: 3–6 months
• Path to citizenship: Immediate

How to Choose the Right Programme

Compare all 12 programs and register your interest with a vetted advisory firm at jurentra.com/lp/top-12-programs.