Greece Golden Visa Tops Global Residence Program Index for Second Year

• 5 March, 26

Greece has once again been named the world’s leading residence-by-investment destination, topping the Global Residence Program Index for the second consecutive year, according to a global wealth advisory firm.

Published annually as part of the firm’s Residence and Citizenship Programs report, the index evaluates the strength and attractiveness of leading residence-by-investment programs worldwide. The 2026 edition was compiled by academic researchers, economists, country risk specialists, and independent immigration experts.

With a score of 73, Greece retained the top position, underlining its sustained international appeal. The program stands out for its European Union access, lifestyle advantages, and competitive investment thresholds.

Italy, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates share second place with 72 points, followed by Portugal with 71 and Australia with 69.

Canada and newcomer Uruguay rank joint fifth with 68, while Luxembourg and the United Kingdom share sixth place with 67. Costa Rica, Panama and Singapore follow in joint seventh with 65, ahead of New Zealand (63).

Malta and Saudi Arabia rank joint ninth with 61, while Latvia and the United States complete the top tier with 60 points.

Key drivers behind Greece’s ranking

Report attributes the Greece Golden Visa Program’ s continued leadership to a combination of European Union access, regulatory clarity and investment flexibility.

The Golden Visa program grants residence rights through qualifying investments, offering visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and no minimum stay requirement. Permits remain valid as long as the investment is maintained, and investors may lease their property. The scheme extends to immediate family members, including a spouse, dependent children and parents.

After seven years of legal residence, participants may apply for Greek citizenship. A successful applicant may obtain a Greek passport, currently ranked among the world’s most powerful, providing visa-free access to 185 destinations.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of the company, said the results reflect a structural evolution in the global residence-by-investment landscape.

“Together, the 2026 results reflect a structural evolution: Europe remains highly attractive, but its relative dominance is declining,” he noted.

Millionaire migration trends in 2026

The ranking comes amid projections of continued cross-border movement among high-net-worth individuals in 2026.

Formal residence and citizenship frameworks are increasingly used by governments as tools to attract internationally mobile investors and entrepreneurs.

“Governments are deploying these frameworks to secure long-term advantage – attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and internationally mobile families who contribute to innovation and growth,” said Dr. Juerg Steffen, Chief Executive Officer of the company.

In this competitive and evolving landscape, Greece maintains its first-place ranking in the 2026 index.

Cre: Greek Travel Pages