This list focuses on the lowest-cost legal entry points in 2026, because the cheapest golden visa is not always the same as the cheapest citizenship.

Golden visa programs give foreign investors a residence permit or legal residence in a foreign country after a qualifying investment. Citizenship by investment programs grant a passport.

Before comparing the cheapest golden visa countries, keep one rule in mind: Golden visas typically require more than wiring money.

Latvia: A Low-Cost EU Golden Visa Entry Point

Vanuatu: A Cheapest Citizenship, Not a Golden Visa

Dominica: A Low-Cost Citizenship by Investment Route

Antigua and Barbuda: Lower-Cost Citizenship for Families

Grenada: Slightly Higher Cost With a Strong Passport Angle

Saint Lucia: Another Caribbean Budget Contender

Hungary: Another Active Golden Visa in Central Europe

Greece: Cheap on Paper, More Limited in Practice

Portugal: Still Prestigious, No Longer Cheap for Property Buyers

UAE: Expensive Ticket, Strong Lifestyle Appeal

Deciding Which Golden Visa or Citizenship-by-Investment Option Is Right for You

The Latvia Golden Visa can start at €50,000 through a share-capital route, though applicants also pay a €10,000 state budget fee.

That route is really a business investment, not a real estate investment. For people who want EU residency without committing to a large real estate purchase, that matters.

Additionally, Latvia has a government bonds path at €250,000, plus a €38,000 payment into the State budget when receiving a first time temporary residence permit.

Vanuatu offers a citizenship-by-investment option, so it's not strictly a golden visa.

For wealthy investors who care more about a second passport than a residence permit, Vanuatu often beats most golden visa programs on price and speed.

Dominica sits above Vanuatu on price but remains a citizenship by investment route.

This route can broaden travel flexibility.

Antigua and Barbuda starts at $230,000 through a contribution route tied to national development funds.

This option gets attention from applicants who want to include family members from day one.

Grenada now starts at $235,000 through its National Transformation Fund route.

Grenada is not one of the EU golden visa countries.

The Saint Lucia program starts at $240,000 through its National Economic Fund contribution.

Like the other Caribbean programs, Saint Lucia is closer to a passport-first product than a residence permit.

The Hungary Golden Visa now starts at €250,000 through fund investment in an approved real estate fund.

This is not the same as purchasing real estate directly.

For foreign investors comparing EU residency paths, Hungary looks appealing on price.

Greece still advertises a €250,000 floor, but that minimum real estate investment applies only to specific categories.

In many popular areas, the minimum investment requirement is far higher.

That is why Greece ranks below Hungary here.

Portugal's golden visa remains one of the best-known golden visa programs, but it is no longer a cheap real estate route.

Portugal still offers a strong path to citizenship and modest physical presence requirements by investment-program standards.

The UAE Golden Visa is no longer a bargain-basement option for property buyers.

Still, the UAE draws applicants who prioritize business access, personal income tax planning and regional mobility over EU residency.

When you compare investment options, the best deal usually depends on your actual goal.

Some buyers want a residence permit and eventual permanent residence in the European Union.

That is also why a digital nomad visa should not be confused with a golden visa.

A few final filters help separate good marketing from good planning.

Check the minimum investment requirement against all fees, confirm the physical presence rules, ask how long you must hold the asset.

Also ask whether the asset is a donation, real estate, business equity, or investment funds.

Tax and status questions matter just as much as price.

A lower upfront number can still look expensive if local personal income tax rules are unfavorable.

Finally, remember that programs move.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.