If you last surveyed the world’s golden visas three years ago, the map you remember no longer exists. 2026 has redrawn the residency by investment landscape at remarkable speed, closing doors that once seemed permanent and opening others in unexpected places. For wealthy families weighing their options, understanding the new geography is essential.
The era of buying a Mediterranean apartment and collecting a residence permit is drawing to a close. Spain ended its golden visa programme in 2025 and accepts no new applications. Portugal, once the poster child of the industry, has withdrawn its real estate route entirely, pivoting to fund based investments of around 500,000 euros in venture capital or private equity, or 250,000 euros for cultural projects. Brussels continues to press member states toward active economic contribution and away from passive property purchases.
The consequence is that demand does not disappear when programmes close; it relocates. Greece has been among the clearest beneficiaries in Europe, while the United Kingdom, having closed its Tier 1 Investor Visa in 2022, is now reported to be exploring a high value, invitation only investor route. New entrants are emerging too, with Mauritius preparing a golden visa aimed at investors committing one million US dollars.
While Europe retrenches, the southern hemisphere is demonstrating how investment migration is done well. New Zealand relaunched its Active Investor Plus Visa in April 2025 with two streamlined categories: a Growth option requiring five million New Zealand dollars invested for three years, and a Balanced option of ten million over five years. The English language requirement was removed and residence obligations eased.
The response has been extraordinary. Official government figures show 730 applications covering 2,390 applicants by late May 2026, representing a potential minimum investment of 4.26 billion New Zealand dollars. Nearly 300 families have already been approved, committing 1.69 billion dollars to the New Zealand economy, with approvals in principle averaging just 35 working days.
Australia, characteristically, has taken its own path. Rather than auctioning residency, it now courts the world’s most accomplished investors and entrepreneurs through the National Innovation Visa, a permanent residency programme with no fixed investment threshold that selects on the quality of your record rather than the size of your cheque. For business minded families, Australia pairs this with a suite of skilled and business pathways, all leading to permanent residency in one of the world’s most liveable countries.
The lesson of 2026 is that the market for residency has matured. Governments no longer sell postcodes; they select people. Capital still opens doors, but track record, expertise and genuine engagement now matter as much as the balance sheet.
A residency decision made this year will shape your family’s tax position, your children’s education and your own lifestyle for decades. It deserves better than a brochure comparison. Our advisors track every major programme worldwide and specialise in the pathways to Australia and New Zealand that are defining this new era. Complete our free eligibility assessment below and discover where your family’s next chapter could begin.