The countries where you can still get a golden visa - for less than the price of a UK home
Anyone who has started a new life abroad will know just how difficult it can be to secure residency, but several European countries are now making it easier to gain permanent status with Golden Visas.
These visas have opened the door for those wanting to settle overseas, allowing applicants to gain temporary or permanent residency in return for a major financial investment - often for less than the cost of an average UK home.
And with average house prices in the UK now hovering around £301,000, many homeowners are starting to realise their money could stretch much further abroad - offering not just a property investment, but the chance to secure a long-term backup plan in the sun.
While Spain decided to end its Golden Visa programme in 2025, there are still a few other European destinations offering the chance to have a second home.
And a new study, by Philippou Law, has ranked those five countries offering Golden Visas - looking at factors such as investment cost, the cost of living, and the time needed to secure residency.
Read on to find out which country you could pick up a Golden Visa in...
1. Hungary
Since Spain's exit from the Golden Visa scheme, Hungary has emerged as one of the surprise favourites for 2026, offering a European lifestyle at almost half the cost of living in the UK.
The country's Golden Visa is initially granted for 10 years, and can be renewed for a further decade.
Those who live in Hungary full-time have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after three years.
The minimum investment starts at €250,000 (£216,363), while the route to a Hungarian passport takes around eight years.
Golden Visas are granted to an applicant's spouse, dependent children under 18 and dependent parents, as well as themselves.
Alongside its lower living costs, with the average family of four spending around €2,265 (£1,960) a month, Hungary is known for its strong healthcare system, quality education, low crime and tax rates, and relaxed pace of life.
Holders of Hungary's Golden Visa, as well as their families, are given full access to the country's national healthcare services.
2. Greece
Although Greece has increased the threshold for standard entry, a €250,000 'Historic Restoration' visa has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to settle.
Applicants who make qualifying investments - like purchasing Greek real estate - can secure a five-year residence permit that becomes renewable every five years.
Family members, like a spouse, children or parents, can be included in the application.
Successful applicants can also travel freely across Greece and the 29 Schengen countries without needing an additional visa.
Minimum investment starts at €250,000 (£216,363), though now specifically for historic restorations or commercial-to-residential conversions.
However, the pathway to citizenship takes seven years, and living costs are roughly 30 per cent lower than in the UK.
3. Cyprus
Cyprus has become a firm favourite among British expats, thanks to its familiar Common Law system, transparent property rules and more than 3,400 hours of sunshine each year.
While some countries offer lower entry costs, Cyprus is often seen as a safer option for property buyers in the Mediterranean.
The minimum investment is €300,000 (£259,644), the route to a passport takes eight years, and living costs are estimated to be 25 per cent cheaper than in the UK.
Unlike some schemes, successful applicants receive permanent residency rather than a temporary visa.
There is also no requirement to live full-time in Cyprus, with residents only needing to visit once every two years to maintain their status.
The scheme also allows spouses and children to be included in the application - with dependent children up to the age of 25 often eligible if they are in full-time education.
With a high standard of living, optimal climate and healthcare, and a wide use of the English language across the island, Cyprus is an ideal choice for Brits on the hunt for a secondary home abroad.
4. Italy
Italy's Golden Visa is not a fast track to citizenship, but it does offer long-term residency, beginning with a two-year permit that can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained.
Permanent residency can usually be secured after five years, while citizenship is possible after 10 years of legal residence.
Minimum investment starts at €250,000 (£216,363), while the cost of living is estimated to be around 15 per cent lower than in the UK.
Holders of an Italian Golden Visa can also travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area, making it attractive for those who regularly travel for both business and leisure.
The country's high quality of life, good healthcare and education systems, rich, traditional culture and world-renowned cuisine are all major draws for overseas buyers.
The visa can also cover immediate family members, including spouses, children, and in some cases, dependent parents.
5. Portugal
Portugal's Golden Visa has become especially attractive for families, with some schemes allowing residency rights to extend across multiple generations - including children, parents and grandparents - all under a single investment.
Since launching in 2012, Portugal's Golden Visa programme has drawn more than 15,000 investors, alongside almost 22,000 family members.
The scheme is particularly popular with UK investors thanks to its access to visa-free travel across the Schengen area, along with its relatively quick path to EU citizenship.
The minimum investment is higher than other countries listed at €500,000 (£432,725), though the pathway to a Portuguese passport takes just five years - one of the shortest timelines in Europe.
Living costs are also estimated to be around 20 per cent lower than in the UK.
Applicants are only required to spend an average of seven days per year in the country to maintain residency status, meaning they have the option to either continue to live in the UK, relocate to Portugal. or split their time between both.
With excellent weather year-round, quality, affordable healthcare, a variety of international schools with British curricula, and English being widely spoken, Portugal is most certainly a lucrative choice for UK families looking for a new life in the sun.
Are there any things to be mindful of when applying for a Golden Visa?
As EU regulations continue to tighten, Golden Visa schemes are evolving just as quickly.
Experts at Philippou Law say applicants should make sure their investment is 'grandfathered' in, meaning their residency rights remain protected even if governments later change the rules for new applicants.
It is also important to remember that the headline investment figure is rarely the final cost, with legal fees, due diligence, stamp duties and private health insurance potentially adding to the overall bill.
Experts also warn there is a notable difference between holding residency status and becoming a tax resident.
While some visas only require a short annual stay to maintain residency, spending longer in the country could trigger wider tax obligations.
Nikolas Avgousti, Associate at Philippou Law, finishes: 'In 2026, we are seeing a shift in why families seek a Golden Visa. It's no longer just a "holiday home" dream; it's about having options and freedom.
'Following years of global volatility, a secondary residency has become the ultimate insurance policy.'
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