Europe’s Golden Visa landscape continues to evolve in 2026, with changes to investment requirements, qualifying assets and residence conditions influencing the options available to international investors and their families.
While some European countries have restricted or discontinued certain investment routes, others continue to offer residence programmes designed to attract foreign capital and internationally mobile individuals.
Among these, Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) remains an established option for non-EU nationals seeking long-term residence in Europe.
The Changing European Golden Visa Landscape
Golden Visa programmes generally allow eligible non-EU nationals to obtain residence rights through qualifying investments or financial contributions. However, the requirements, benefits and long-term residence conditions vary significantly between countries.
Several European destinations continue to offer investment-based residence routes in 2026.
Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), continues to operate, although property purchases are no longer a qualifying investment route.
Eligible options include investments in qualifying non-real-estate funds, scientific research, cultural heritage and job creation. A commonly used investment route requires a minimum of €500,000 in qualifying investment funds.
Portugal’s programme provides temporary residence, with limited physical presence requirements and the possibility of applying for permanent residence or citizenship, subject to the applicable legal conditions.
Greece
Greece continues to operate a property-focused Golden Visa programme, with investment thresholds varying according to location and property type.
The principal real estate investment thresholds are €800,000 in high-demand areas, including Attica, Thessaloniki and certain islands, and €400,000 in other regions. Specific qualifying property categories may benefit from a lower €250,000 threshold.
The programme offers a renewable residence permit, with no general minimum stay requirement to maintain the investment residence status.
Italy
Italy’s Investor Visa programme offers several qualifying investment routes, including:
- €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup.
- €500,000 in an Italian limited company.
- €2 million in Italian government bonds.
- €1 million in a qualifying philanthropic initiative.
The programme initially provides a two-year investor visa, with residence rights and subsequent renewals subject to the applicable requirements.
These programmes illustrate the different approaches European countries take towards attracting international investors, from property ownership to business investment and financial contributions.
Where Does Malta Stand?
Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme differs from several other European Golden Visa programmes by offering permanent residence status rather than an initial temporary residence permit.
The MPRP is available to eligible non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who meet the programme’s financial, property and due diligence requirements.
Applicants must satisfy a combination of government fees, contributions, a charitable donation and qualifying property requirements.
The principal financial requirements include:
- A non-refundable administrative fee of €60,000.
- A government contribution of €37,000.
- A €2,000 donation to a registered local non-governmental organisation.
- The purchase of a qualifying property valued at a minimum of €375,000, or rental of a qualifying property for at least €14,000 annually.
The qualifying property must be maintained for a minimum of five years, after which beneficiaries must continue to maintain a residential property in Malta.
Additional fees and eligibility requirements apply, including financial asset thresholds, health insurance and due diligence checks.
Key Advantages of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
One of the main distinctions of the MPRP is the permanent residence status granted to successful applicants, subject to continued compliance with the programme’s conditions.
Other features include:
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to applicable entry rules.
- No general minimum annual physical residence requirement.
- The option to include eligible family members.
- A choice between purchasing and renting qualifying property.
- An English-speaking environment, international schools and access to healthcare services.
For internationally mobile families, the ability to establish a long-term residence base in Malta while maintaining personal and business interests abroad may be an important consideration.
The MPRP does not automatically grant Maltese citizenship or the right to live and work throughout the European Union.
Malta’s Position in the European Residence Market
As European residence programmes continue to change, investors are increasingly required to consider more than the initial financial commitment.
Factors such as residence status, family inclusion, physical presence requirements, qualifying investments and long-term obligations can influence which programme is appropriate for an individual’s circumstances.
Malta’s MPRP offers a distinct combination of permanent residence, property flexibility and family inclusion within an EU and Schengen Area member state.
For applicants seeking a long-term European residence solution without a general minimum annual stay requirement, Malta remains an option worth considering alongside other established European programmes.
Find Out More
Choosing a European residence programme requires an understanding of the different eligibility criteria, financial commitments and ongoing obligations.
Vertex Alliance provides guidance on Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme, assisting individuals and families with the application process and associated residence requirements.
To find out more about the MPRP and whether it may be suitable for your circumstances, contact Vertex Alliance at info@valtd.com.
