As the investment migration industry has been flooded with countless new programs over the past years, Malta has continued to lead the charge within the global citizenship program index, maintaining its popularity for the 10th consecutive year. In 2026, Greece topped all the other programs within the global residency index. To better understand how this data is collected, and what it means, we will look at the scoring for both Malta and Greece, as well as look at other programs that have garnered a lot of attention in 2026, and how you can use this information to make an informed decision to find the perfect migration spot for you!

Citizenship: Malta Continues To Set the Standard

We will examine the top 10 countries and their rankings, using studies that collect and compare data on internationally recognized citizenship programs, as reflected in the Global Citizenship Program Index. For the 10th year, out of the 14 CBI programs, Malta continues to be the first choice, and has been the most favorable, scoring 76 out of 100, with a wide array of options to obtain your citizenship and processes that are much simpler than rival programs. Citizenship in Malta can be granted under the Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulation, which allows investors and their families to obtain citizenship through a certificate of naturalization.

With a necessary stay of 36 months (or 12 months with an exception) within Malta, cementing Malta as the industry standard that all other CBI (citizenship by investment) programs are constantly compared to.

While Malta is the country that most investors are clamouring for, we have to examine our list further to better understand the industry and the people it serves. In a close second, Austria and its citizenship-by-investment program, scoring 75 out of 100, one point shy of Malta. The reason is that the financial contribution is much higher for Austria than for Malta. To round out the top five, we have two Caribbean countries, Grenada in 3rd with 69 points and Antigua & Barbuda in 4th with 67 points out of 100.

Taking the 5th position is actually a three-way tie between 3 small island states. Nauru, St. Lucia, and St Kitts & Nevis, all scored 66 out of 100 on the Global Citizenship Program Index. Among the three, Naura’s citizenship program offers key advantages, enabling investors to obtain an alternative safe passport for travel, with international connections and visa-free access to some of the world’s most prominent wealth hubs. To a greater benefit, investors get the satisfaction in knowing that their contributions towards Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are funding research and development to address the climate crisis. The aforementioned three countries have faced contentious climate disasters, such as biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. The funds help to develop renewable energy projects, and further push boundaries with infrastructure improvements.

Residence Programs: Greece Leads The Pack

For the first time in nearly a decade, the landscape of global residency has a new pioneer. According to the Global Residence Program Index, Greece has claimed the top spot with an impressive score of 73 out of 100. This shift marks the end of Portugal’s nine-year reign at the summit, as its iconic Golden Visa program now shares third place with Italy and the UK.

Rising quietly into second place is Switzerland with 72 out of 100, bolstered by its unique tax-efficient residency options. Meanwhile, the middle of the leaderboard remains a competitive arena where innovation meets investment. Joint in 4th place are Australia, Canada, and Spain, all scoring 69 points. Closing out the top five is the UAE, with 58 points, which continues to lure global talent through its expanded Golden Visa framework.

Fresh Faces in the Top 10

The 2026 index welcomes two notable newcomers that are quickly becoming favorites for savvy investors. Hungary has made a bold entrance at 6th place, offering a “Guest Investor” permit that grants families seamless access to the Schengen Area.

Further down, the tropical appeal of Costa Rica has secured it the 10th spot. Known for its business-friendly climate and high safety ratings, it serves as a compelling alternative to traditional European hubs.

Beyond the Rankings: Where Countries Excel

Success in the index isn’t just about the final score; it’s about how these programs cater to specific lifestyle and financial needs. Here is a breakdown of the “category champions” for 2026:

Strategic Shifts Across the Globe

From the shores of the Indian Ocean to the tech hubs of the Pacific, nations are recalibrating their offerings to stay relevant:

• New Zealand has refined its Active Investor Plus visa to better incentivize direct foreign capital.
• Mauritius and Malaysia continue to serve as essential gateways for those seeking to diversify their presence in Asia and Africa.
• The Caribbean Nations (such as St. Lucia and Grenada) remain the gold standard for those prioritizing minimal physical residency requirements.

As global borders become more fluid yet more regulated, the index highlights a clear trend: investors are no longer just looking for a “plan B”; they are seeking jurisdictions that offer a blend of high quality of life, tax transparency, and administrative ease. While the program index’s we used should give you a good idea of what the best country to invest and migrate to would be, our team at Fast Passport Boutique want to help you achieve unparalleled global mobility regardless of the country of choice.

Our specialist will provide a comprehensive program breakdown, and help you better understand what needs to be done to get the citizenship/residency you desire. Let us help you get the access, financial freedom, and mobility that you deserve!

Last Updated on 22 January 2026