Key Takeaways: Portugal remains the EU benchmark, Greece offers speed and lower thresholds, the UAE is the top non-European choice for tax efficiency, Malta attracts families, and Botswana emerges as a strategic African destination for 2026.
So-called "golden visas" are experiencing a significant surge in popularity among America's wealthiest citizens. According to Mo Bennis, an associate vice president at the global financial advisory firm Arton Capital, these residency-by-investment programs are increasingly seen as "the ultimate insurance policy against uncertainty."
For travelers and expats, these visas represent more than just a second home—they are a gateway to European residency, Schengen Area visa-free travel, and long-term stability. Based on Arton Capital's observations, here are the top five destinations where affluent Americans are flocking.
Portugal: The EU Benchmark
Portugal's LXL Ventures Fund offers a five-year residence program for non-EU nationals. It grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, with the invaluable bonus of visa-free travel across the 27-country Schengen Area.
"Portugal continues to be the benchmark for golden visas. Even with longer processing timelines, it remains one of the most effortless ways to secure EU residency," said Bennis.
The program requires an average of just seven days per year spent in the country. For many, the long-term pathway to Portuguese citizenship outweighs any short-term administrative hurdles. Interest is skyrocketing, with one Lisbon-based firm reporting a 571% increase in U.S. traffic in early 2025.
Greece: The Breakout Star of 2025
Greece has emerged as a clear favorite this year, thanks to its attractive combination of factors.
- Lower Investment Thresholds: A two-tier system requires a minimum of about $600,000 for real estate in high-demand areas like Athens, or roughly $300,000 in most other regions.
- Faster Processing: The program is noted for its speed and clarity.
- Schengen Access: Like Portugal, it grants visa-free travel across Europe.
"It's especially attractive to investors who want clarity, speed, and lifestyle in one package," Bennis noted.
United Arab Emirates: The Premier Non-EU Choice
The UAE has firmly positioned itself as the leading alternative outside Europe. It appeals to high-net-worth individuals prioritizing long-term residency, stability, and unparalleled tax efficiency.
Key advantages of the UAE Golden Visa include:
- A generous 10-year validity.
- 0% income tax for corporations and employees.
- Exceptional processing speed.
Qualification typically requires a substantial investment, such as placing at least $545,000 in a local fund or business. Arton Capital's Passport Index ranks the UAE as the world's most stable for freedom of mobility.
Malta: Premium EU Residency for Families
Malta's program is distinguished by its appeal to families and its legal robustness within the EU.
"One of its strongest advantages is the flexibility to include adult children as dependents, which is increasingly important for multi-generational planning," Bennis explained.
Applicants must either:
- Purchase a property for at least $410,000, or
- Rent a property for about $14,000 per year.
The investment must be held for five years, accompanied by a direct government contribution ranging from $33,000 to $68,000.
Botswana: Africa's Strategic Rising Star
Looking ahead to 2026, Botswana is signaling Africa's rise as a strategic destination for investment migration. While the government does not publish a fixed minimum, applicants must demonstrate a genuine business investment.
Interest has already exceeded 1,000 applicants, with U.S. nationals now forming the largest group ahead of the program's expected launch in early 2026.
"Investors are drawn by political stability, strong governance, and the appeal of being early in a credible, well-structured program," said Bennis.
The Bigger Picture for Travelers
This golden visa boom reflects a broader trend: affluent individuals are proactively securing residency rights and travel freedom as a hedge against global uncertainty. For Americans, these programs offer a tangible way to access the Schengen Area's benefits—from seamless business travel to the right to settle anywhere in the EU—backed by a significant financial commitment.
The landscape is dynamic, with traditional EU hubs like Portugal facing more competition from faster, tax-friendly alternatives like the UAE and emerging markets like Botswana. For those considering this path, the choice increasingly depends on whether the goal is a European passport, pure tax optimization, or being a pioneer in a new market.