Malta has maintained its top position for the tenth consecutive year in the 2025 Global Citizenship Program Index, while Greece has risen to lead the 2025 Global Residence Program Index for the first time. These findings are part of Henley & Partners’ annual review, which evaluates the most beneficial investment migration programs worldwide.
Diverse Clientele and Increased U.S. Interest In 2024, Henley & Partners assisted clients from 94 nationalities and responded to inquiries from over 180 countries. Notably, U.S. nationals represented 23% of all applications, a dramatic increase from five years earlier. This surge underscores a growing trend among Americans seeking alternative residencies and citizenships, reflecting a more than 1000% increase compared to 2019 figures. The UK also saw a significant uptick in applications, with a 57% rise in one year.
Comprehensive Benchmarking of Global Programs The firm’s report provides a detailed comparison of global investment opportunities in citizenship and residency, setting a benchmark in the sector. This tool is especially valuable for investors and families looking to diversify globally as much as their wealth portfolios.
Insight from Dr. Christian H. Kaelin Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, highlighted the importance of these programs for governments aiming to attract wealth and stimulate economic growth. He pointed out that investment migration is an innovative financial tool that helps mitigate sustainability and climate-related risks while funding development initiatives that benefit citizens.
Details of Citizenship and Residence Programs The Global Citizenship Program Index ranked 14 programs with Malta leading with a score of 76 out of 100. Austria remained in second place, followed by Caribbean nations like Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda. New entrant Nauru, alongside St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia, tied for fifth place, offering substantial benefits including contributions towards climate resilience projects in the Pacific.
On the residence side, Greece topped the 2025 Global Residence Program Index with a score of 73, surpassing Portugal which fell to joint third with Italy and the UK. Switzerland came in second, offering a unique tax arrangement. Other notable countries included Australia, Canada, and the UAE, which have all adapted their programs to enhance appeal and flexibility.
Emerging Programs and Rankings New entrants to the residence index include Hungary, which placed sixth, and Costa Rica, rounding out the top ten. These countries provide attractive options for investors seeking a business-friendly environment and favorable tax regimes. Other small but influential financial centers like Luxembourg and Singapore also featured prominently in the rankings.
This report underscores the dynamic nature of the global investment migration sector and highlights the strategic considerations investors must weigh when seeking alternative citizenship or residency.
