Residency by Investment: Minimum Requirements Across 10 Top Programs in 2026

One of the first questions every investor asks is: how much do I actually need to invest? The answer varies enormously — from under $100,000 for some Caribbean citizenship programs to over €500,000 for certain European golden visas.

This guide gives you the real numbers for 10 leading programs in 2026, along with what each investment buys you and what additional costs to budget for.

Why Investment Thresholds Keep Changing

Residency and citizenship by investment programs are government-run schemes, and their terms change regularly. Thresholds are raised to manage demand, investment categories are added or removed, and processing fees are adjusted. The figures below reflect the position as of mid-2026, but you should always verify current requirements with a licensed advisory firm before making any commitment.

Europe

Portugal Golden Visa

Minimum investment: €250,000

The lowest entry point is the cultural and heritage restoration route (€250,000). Investment fund contributions start at €500,000. The popular real estate route in major urban areas is no longer available.

Additional costs to budget: government fees (~€5,000–€8,000 per applicant), legal fees, and due diligence costs.

Greece Golden Visa

Minimum investment: €250,000

Real estate in most regions outside Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini starts at €250,000. In those high-demand areas, the threshold is €500,000 following 2023 increases.

Additional costs: notary fees, transfer tax (3.09%), legal fees, and government application fees (~€2,000 per applicant).

Malta Permanent Residency Programme

Minimum investment: €150,000 (non-refundable contribution) + property

Malta's programme requires a combination of a government contribution (€150,000 if purchasing property, or €100,000 if renting), a property purchase of at least €375,000 (or rental of €14,000/year), and a €2,000 donation to a registered NGO.

Hungary Residency Bond Programme

Minimum investment: €250,000

Hungary's programme requires a €250,000 investment into a qualifying real estate fund. The permit is valid for 10 years and renewable. There is no physical presence requirement.

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme

Minimum investment: €1,000,000

Ireland's programme has one of the highest thresholds in Europe. The standard enterprise investment route requires €1,000,000 into an Irish business.

Caribbean

St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment: $250,000 (Sustainable Growth Fund)

St Kitts & Nevis is the world's oldest citizenship by investment programme, established in 1984. Processing time: 45–60 days under the accelerated programme.

Dominica Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment: $100,000 (single applicant)

Dominica offers one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programmes globally. Processing time: 2–3 months.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment: $150,000 (National Transformation Fund)

Grenada is notable for its E-2 Treaty with the United States, which allows Grenadian citizens to apply for a US E-2 investor visa.

Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment: $100,000 (National Development Fund)

Antigua offers citizenship from $100,000 for a family of up to four. A 5-day physical presence requirement applies within the first 5 years.

Middle East

UAE Golden Visa

Minimum investment: AED 2,000,000 (~$545,000)

The UAE's 10-year Golden Visa requires a real estate investment of at least AED 2,000,000 in a completed property. The visa covers the investor and immediate family.

What the Investment Threshold Does Not Include

Every programme has costs beyond the headline investment figure. These typically include government application and processing fees, legal and advisory fees, due diligence fees, medical examinations and biometrics, and translation and notarisation of documents.

A realistic budget should add 10–20% on top of the headline investment figure to cover these costs.

Refundable vs Non-Refundable Investments

Refundable investments (real estate, qualifying funds) allow you to recover your capital after the required holding period — typically 5 years.

Non-refundable contributions (government donations, endowments) are a direct cost. The $100,000 Dominica contribution, for example, is a permanent outlay.

Programme Comparison

The cheapest programme is not always the best one. Jurentra connects you with licensed advisory firms who can map your specific goals — budget, timeline, lifestyle, tax position — to the programme that genuinely fits.

Explore the programs: Portugal Golden Visa · Greece Golden Visa · UAE Golden Visa · Malta Residency · Hungary Residency · Ireland IIP · Dominica CBI · Grenada CBI · St Kitts & Nevis CBI · Antigua & Barbuda CBI