The era of easy passports is over. What you should be doing is acquiring durable sovereign optionality.
The global investment migration landscape in 2026 is defined by three macro-trends: rising minimum thresholds, increased due diligence scrutiny, and political pressure to close or restrict programs. For investors who have been deferring the decision to acquire a second citizenship or residency, the window of current pricing is narrowing.
The Three Forces Reshaping the Market
1. Threshold Inflation. Greece raised its Golden Visa minimum from EUR 250,000 to EUR 800,000 in prime locations. St. Kitts increased its sustainable contribution. Malta's contribution requirements have climbed steadily. The direction is clear: programs that once offered accessible entry are now pricing out all but serious investors.
2. Enhanced Due Diligence. Following the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding and EU pressure on member states, due diligence processes have become significantly more rigorous. This is, on balance, a positive development: it protects program integrity and investor value. But it also means that applicants with complex financial structures or multi-jurisdictional histories need expert guidance more than ever.
3. Political Headwinds. Ireland closed its investor program in 2023. Portugal restricted its real-estate routes. The European Commission continues to push for harmonization across member states. Programs that survive these pressures emerge stronger, but the landscape is consolidating.
Our Strategic Framework for 2026
We advise clients to focus on programs with strong legal foundations, bipartisan political support, and a track record of stability. The Caribbean programs, particularly St. Kitts and Grenada, remain the gold standard for speed and reliability. Portugal and Greece continue to offer the best European pathways despite restrictions. And emerging programs in Hungary and Sao Tome present early-mover opportunities at favorable pricing.
The key insight for 2026 is this: the question is not whether to act, but when. Every year of delay has historically resulted in higher costs, fewer options, or both. Strategic investors are securing their positions now while current terms hold.