The report notes that the long-established residency-by-investment programmes in both Greece and Portugal remain highly attractive, even as the European Union increases oversight and national governments adjust their schemes in response to regulatory pressures and policy reforms.

“Notably, amongst all the uncertainty, traditional investment migration destinations have not lost their appeal,” the report states. “Greece and Portugal remain two of the most popular options in Europe, despite increased EU scrutiny, changes to the programmes, and higher investment thresholds.”

European Scrutiny and Programme Reform

Across Europe, residency-by-investment schemes, often referred to as “Golden Visas”, have faced pressure from EU institutions to strengthen due diligence procedures, anti-money-laundering frameworks and oversight mechanisms.

The report observes that regulatory tightening has become a defining feature of the sector since 2025. Rather than discouraging demand entirely, however, the report suggests that the new compliance environment is reinforcing investor confidence in jurisdictions that adapt quickly.

“Higher regulatory standards have accelerated the adoption of stronger governance and more robust oversight throughout the sector,” it notes.

The Report further noted that, in this evolving framework, Greece and Portugal have managed to revise their programmes, narrow qualifying investment categories, and increase minimum thresholds, yet remain among Europe’s most sought-after options, contributing to high investor interest.

Uncertainty Shapes Investor Behaviour

The findings emerge against a backdrop of geopolitical tension, shifting migration politics and intensifying regulatory demands across major economies. The report notes that wealthy families entering 2026 are reassessing mobility strategies in response to global instability, placing greater emphasis on governance, security and long-term planning.

According to the analysis, investors increasingly view residency and citizenship pathways as strategic tools for asset protection and generational planning rather than simple travel conveniences.

“This shift reflects a deeper transformation in investor psychology,” the report says, adding that applicants now approach programmes as part of broader wealth-structuring strategies.

Educated Investors, Expanding Horizons

The report states that the two countries’ continued popularity is within a wider trend of increasingly sophisticated investor behaviour. HNWIs, it finds, are focusing less on cost efficiency and speed and more on stability, succession planning, access to education, and geopolitical risk management.

“What ties these different countries together is a change in mindset amongst HNWIs who are growing increasingly educated about their options,” the report states.

Alongside Europe’s established programmes, the Investment Migration Watch highlights rising interest in destinations offering advanced wealth-management environments and lifestyle advantages, including parts of the Gulf, Asia and Switzerland.

At the same time, several emerging markets are expected to introduce new citizenship by investment and residency by investment in 2026, broadening the range of global mobility options available.

Traditional Destinations Retain Their Pull

Despite the proliferation of new schemes and heightened regulatory demands, the report concludes that established European jurisdictions continue to hold strategic importance for internationally mobile families.

In the Caribbean, longstanding citizenship programmes in countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica are also cited as beneficiaries of this preference for predictability and regulatory strength.

For Europe, however, Greece and Portugal remain emblematic of the sector’s resilience under scrutiny, demonstrating, the report suggests, that investor demand has not faded, but evolved.

As the investment-migration industry enters what the publication describes as a pivotal year, the endurance of the two southern European programmes underscores the continuing role of traditional destinations in an increasingly regulated and competitive global market.