2026 Residency Guide Tailors Options to Personal Goals
For those seeking a second residency, several countries offer surprisingly straightforward options in 2026. According to Passportivity's analysis, the best route depends on individual goals, whether it's accessing the EU, starting a business, or enjoying tax benefits. Latvia stands out as the most affordable entry point into the EU, requiring just €50,000 invested in a local company or €250,000 in real estate, though some routes will close by May 2026.
Portugal and Greece remain popular choices for investors. Portugal's Golden Visa requires a €250,000 investment with a minimal stay requirement of just 7 days annually. Greece offers flexibility with no residency requirement, and investments range from €250,000 to €800,000 depending on the property location. Meanwhile, the UAE provides a 10-year visa for a property worth at least $545,000, with no strict residency obligations.
For those without large investments, digital nomad visas in Portugal, Malta, and Croatia require only a steady remote income, starting at €3,295 monthly. Retirees and passive-income earners can explore Portugal's D7 Visa, which needs just €920 monthly in passive income. Entrepreneurs may find Hungary's €7,700 business investment threshold appealing, while the U.S. EB-5 Investor Visa remains an expensive but direct path to a green card.
The key takeaway is that the 'easiest' residency option depends on personal objectives, whether it's securing a backup plan, tax benefits, or a path to citizenship. Matching the right country to these goals makes the process far more manageable.