Europe is not “closed” to global investors in 2026. What has changed is the type of investor Europe is trying to attract, and the kind of investment routes it is willing to defend politically.
Across the EU, the direction is clear: less speculation, more compliance, more contribution, and more long-term alignment. That shift is why Europe still works for internationally mobile families, founders, and globally diversified investors.
Below are four practical pathways that remain relevant in 2026: Italy, Malta, Greece, and Portugal.
Italy: A Premium Option for Tax Certainty and Lifestyle Planning
Italy is still one of Europe’s most talked-about destinations for high-net-worth relocation because it offers a clear, legislated “lump sum” tax regime for new residents. But the price has moved up.
Italy’s flat tax for new residents (2026 update)
- EUR 300,000 per year for the main applicant (up from EUR 200,000)
- EUR 50,000 per year for each qualifying family member (up from EUR 25,000)
- Applies to new Italian tax residents from January 1, 2026
Importantly, Italy applies grandfathering rules for existing participants, meaning individuals who entered the flat tax regime under earlier thresholds continue to pay the amount applicable at the time of their entry, provided they remain compliant. As a result, the increase applies only to new Italian tax residents, reinforcing Italy’s positioning as a premium, stability-driven option.
Who should choose Italy in 2026
Italy is best suited for:
- HNWIs with significant foreign-source income who value predictability
- Families prioritizing education, lifestyle, and long-term settlement
- Founders and executives who want a strong EU base without constant rule changes
The industry framing around Italy right now is simple: it is still attractive, but it is no longer “cheap.” It is a pay-for-certainty proposition.
Malta: Permanent Residence With Clear Rules and Strong Demand
Malta continues to appeal to families who want long-term EU residence stability in an English-speaking jurisdiction with structured compliance.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Malta remains one of the most structured EU residency pathways for families who prioritize stability, English-language administration, and a clear process. Under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), the core financial requirements typically include:
- Administrative fee (main applicant): EUR 60,000 (EUR 15,000 within 1 month of application submission; EUR 45,000 within 2 months of Approval in Principle)
- Administrative fee (dependant): EUR 7,500 (subject to exemptions for certain dependant categories in the regulations)
- Government contribution: EUR 37,000 (payable within 8 months of Approval in Principle)
- Property requirement (held for 5 years): purchase from EUR 375,000 or rent from EUR 14,000 per year
- Donation: EUR 2,000 to a registered NGO
Temporary residence card
Following Legal Notice 146 of 2025, Malta introduced a one-year renewable temporary residence permit that can be issued at the start of the application process after standard background checks and payment of the initial administration fee. This gives families practical legal residence coverage while the permanent residence process continues.
Who Malta suits best
- Families who want permanent residence security without full relocation pressure
- People who value English administration and established service ecosystem
- Investors who prioritize predictable rules and documentation clarity
Malta’s broader appeal is reinforced by its international mobility standing. In 2026, Malta’s passport continues to rank among the top global passports, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 destinations worldwide. While the MPRP itself is a residence program, this ranking supports Malta’s positioning as a long-term, credible EU jurisdiction for globally mobile families.
Greece: Real Estate Access Still Exists, But Pricing Is Now Tiered
Greece remains a major real-estate-led residence option in Europe, but the program has been reshaped through higher thresholds in top-demand areas and new administrative reforms aimed at improving investor experience and reducing delays.
Greece Golden Visa real estate thresholds
Industry and legal summaries consistently describe three main tiers:
- EUR 800,000 in top-demand zones (examples commonly include Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and certain larger islands)
- EUR 400,000 in other areas, often with conditions such as minimum property size in many summaries
- EUR 250,000 remains available for specific categories, especially commercial-to-residential conversions and certain restoration cases, regardless of location
Backlog and processing reforms
Greece has made clear progress in clearing its Golden Visa backlog, with processing times improving significantly. By late 2025, pending applications had fallen to around 42,390, supported by higher monthly processing capacity and decentralization across regional offices, reducing wait times that previously exceeded 18 months. Authorities reported that about 88 percent of 2023 applications and roughly half of 2024 submissions have been processed, while many 2025 cases are now being approved faster, with some decisions issued in under 30 days.
Alongside this, Greece is preparing early-2026 legislative changes to ensure residence permits carry the full five-year validity from the date of card issuance, while also streamlining renewals and family reunification, and expanding online submissions through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s digital platform to further reduce bottlenecks.
Who Greece suits best in 2026
- Investors who want a tangible property asset as the core of the plan
- Buyers comfortable with location strategy and tiered pricing
- Families who want a Mediterranean base and optional EU mobility
The wider industry narrative is that Greece is trying to keep the program open while reducing housing pressure in the most saturated locations.
Portugal: Still Open, Now Built Around Funds and “Real Economy” Routes
Portugal remains available in 2026, but the story has changed. The real estate era is over, and the program has been reframed around regulated funds, research, cultural support, and job creation.
Portugal Golden Visa options (post-2023 reform)
Commonly cited qualifying routes include:
- EUR 500,000 in eligible Portuguese investment or venture capital funds, with conditions such as minimum maturity and a focus on Portuguese companies
- EUR 250,000 cultural or artistic support and heritage preservation route
- EUR 500,000 scientific research route
- Business and job creation options, generally involving a €500,000 capital transfer to start or expand a Portuguese company, creating or maintaining jobs in line with programme criteria.
Minimum stay rules are widely summarized as low presence, commonly described around 7 days per year style requirements in practitioner guidance.
Who Portugal suits best
- Investors who prefer regulated funds over property management
- Families planning a longer horizon and willing to follow compliance steps
- Advisors seeking a route that is more aligned with EU “real economy” framing
So, Is Europe Still Open in 2026?
Yes. Europe remains open in 2026, but the way investors engage with the region has become more considered and deliberate. Rather than closing doors, European jurisdictions are refining their frameworks to favor clarity, consistency, and long-term alignment. For investors and families who take a structured approach and are comfortable with clearly defined rules, Europe continues to offer meaningful opportunities. The region still stands out for its legal stability, depth of lifestyle, and the ability to build a long-term presence across multiple jurisdictions. When approached with realistic expectations and careful planning, Europe remains very much an option for global investors in 2026.
