Golden Visa Programs: 8 Countries in Europe That Still Offer Residency Through Investment in 2026

The European Union has been cracking down on golden visa programs, but some countries still offer residency in exchange for a minimum investment of $250,000. According to the 2026 Expatriation Survey by Apex Capital Partners, 61% of Americans earning at least $200,000 are considering leaving the country for a new life elsewhere, with 74% citing concerns over the impact of the Iran War and 68% citing taxes and cost of living as reasons for moving abroad. Europe remains a preferred destination due to its quality of life, healthcare systems, and golden visa programs, which grant legal residency in exchange for a specific economic contribution to the host country. The reduction in golden visa programs across the European Union is largely due to criticisms that these programs have been used for money laundering and corruption. Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), stated that 'criminal exploitation of citizenship and residency programs is a multi-billion-dollar business to launder the proceeds of fraud and corruption, evade justice or access third countries.' European governments are also concerned that golden visas have inflated housing prices, gentrified local communities, and priced out long-time residents. An analysis of the real estate market in Spain by the International Sustainable Development Observatory shows that the price per square meter has risen by 33% in the last decade, affecting affordability for locals. The reduction in golden visa programs means that some options for obtaining residency through investment are closing, but some countries still offer these programs. It is crucial for those interested in obtaining residency through investment to carefully examine the countries offering these programs and avoid unnecessary risks. Sonuc: Altın vize programlarının azaltılması, yatırım yoluyla ikamet izni almak isteyenler için bazı seçeneklerin kapanması anlamına geliyor. Ancak, hala bazı ülkeler bu tür programları sunmaya devam ediyor. Yatırım yoluyla ikamet izni almak isteyenler için, bu programları sunan ülkeleri dikkatlice incelemek ve gereksiz risklerden kaçınmak önemli.