Portugal Golden Visa Alternatives to Consider in 2026

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For more than a decade now, Portugal has been the key reference point for Residency by Investment (RBI) in Europe. Since the launch of the Portugal Golden Visa in 2012, the country has attracted tens of thousands of applicants and has helped shape modern mobility planning. 

But, as demand has increased and policies continue to evolve, many internationally mobile families are now asking a more nuanced question: What are the best alternatives to Portugal in 2026, and how do they compare? 

At Latitude, we increasingly see applicants approaching residency planning not as a single program decision, but as a broader evaluation of speed, permanence, flexibility, and long-term optionality. In that context, Portugal of course remains relevant… but it is no longer the only benchmark. 

Portugal’s Position Today

Portugal’s Golden Visa continues to offer a defined legal pathway: temporary residence first, followed by eligibility for permanent residence and later, potentially, citizenship. 

As Latitude Group CEO Eric Major explains, the structure is still fundamentally clear: 

“You fulfill the investment requirements, you get a temporary card… and if you provide the country with seven days a year (so 35 days over five years) in terms of physical presence, and you pass a Portuguese language requirement, they will then give you permanent residence.” 

For many years, this structure, combined with relatively modest presence requirements, made Portugal uniquely attractive. 

However, administrative backlogs and proposed legislative changes have introduced uncertainty into timelines. 

As Eric Major notes: “Like many programs that do well, they eventually become a victim of their own success.” 

This has prompted many applicants to look more closely at alternatives that offer faster access to permanent residence, or lower maintenance over time. 

Evaluating Alternatives: What Actually Matters

When comparing RBI options, the key variables are not headlines or popularity, but structure: 

• How quickly does the program lead to permanent residence? 

• What level of physical presence is required? 

• Is the investment tangible or financial, and how long must it be maintained? 

• Does the residence status remain valid even if circumstances change? 

Viewed through this lens, several jurisdictions consistently appear alongside, or instead of, Portugal. 

Greece: Property-Based Residence With Minimal Presence

Greece remains one of the most frequently considered European alternatives, particularly for applicants seeking a real estate–linked residence permit. 

Under the Greece Golden Visa, qualifying property investments can begin at €250,000, depending on location. Once approved, the residence permit is renewable every five years as long as the property is held. 

“There is no physical presence requirement. You’re invited to go there, but you’re not required to go there,” explained Eric.  

For many families, this creates a practical form of European optionality: lawful residence, Schengen access, and the ability to activate the status only if and when needed. 

Cyprus: A Similar Property-Led Model

Cyprus operates a comparable framework, with Cyprus permanent residence available through qualifying property investments starting from €300,000. 

Like Greece, Cyprus appeals to applicants who want clarity and predictability, particularly those who prefer property ownership over financial instruments. Presence requirements remain light, and the program has long been familiar to international investors. 

Malta: Permanent Residence From Day One

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) offers a different proposition: direct permanent residence, rather than a temporary-to-permanent progression. 

Applicants must demonstrate a qualifying property connection (either through leasing or purchasing) alongside other program criteria and due diligence requirements. The residence card is renewable, provided the conditions continue to be met. 

“It’s given to you in a nice little card for five years, and to renew that card every five years, you simply need to demonstrate that you have an address in place,” explained Eric.  

For English-speaking families seeking a European base with strong legal and business infrastructure, Malta often stands out as a practical option. 

Italy: Temporary Status Unless You Commit Time 

The Italy Investor Visa is often discussed alongside Portugal, but it operates very differently in practice. 

While Italy offers a renewable residence permit linked to investment, permanent residence requires significant physical presence: typically six months or more per year, for five years. 

For applicants unwilling or unable to relocate meaningfully, Italy can function as a holding option, but not necessarily as a route to permanence without lifestyle disruption. 

New Zealand: Permanent Residence With Defined Conditions

The New Zealand Active Investor Plus program offers a clear pathway to permanent residence, albeit at a higher investment threshold than many alternatives. The minimum qualifying investment under the Growth category is NZD 5 million, held for a period of three years, with a defined physical presence requirement of 21 days in New Zealand over that timeframe. 

What differentiates New Zealand is the front-loaded nature of its obligations. Once applicants have satisfied the investment and presence requirements and obtained permanent residence, the framework provides a high degree of long-term flexibility, allowing individuals and families to retain their status without ongoing residency commitments tied to annual stays. 

As Eric Major has previously noted, the appeal of New Zealand lies in the balance it strikes between structure and optionality. After meeting clearly defined initial conditions, permanent residence offers the freedom to maintain a connection to the country on terms that suit globally mobile families, rather than imposing continuous physical presence requirements. 

For applicants prioritizing stability, rule of law, and long-term security, New Zealand often features prominently in strategic discussions. 

Panama: Speed and Simplicity

The Panama Qualified Investor Visa has emerged as one of the fastest permanent residence options globally, with qualifying real estate investments starting at USD 300,000 and processing often completed in under two months. 

With minimal presence requirements and a territorial tax system, Panama is frequently used as a flexible base in the Americas, particularly for globally mobile entrepreneurs and families. 

Choosing the Right Alternative

Portugal’s Golden Visa is by no means obsolete, but it is no longer the default answer for every applicant. 

The most appropriate jurisdiction depends on individual priorities: speed versus familiarity, property versus funds, Europe versus global diversification. 

The key is not choosing the most popular program, but choosing the one that aligns best with your family’s timeline, tolerance for complexity, and long-term objectives. 

This article draws on insights discussed in a recent episode of The Global Passport Investor podcast, where Eric Major explores Portugal’s position in the market and the most relevant alternatives in detail. You can watch the full episode below.

If you are comparing residency options for 2026 and beyond, a structured conversation with a Latitude advisor can help clarify which pathways best support your broader international plans.