In the high-stakes world of global mobility, the EB-5 Visa Program remains the most direct path to a U.S. investment green card for eligible investors. But smart families don’t compare the U.S. against “doing nothing”—they compare it against the best residency by investment options in Europe, fast citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean, and (when available) founder-led business immigration routes.
This 2026 guide breaks down the real decision points: EB 5 visa minimum investment, timelines, hidden costs, and which “golden visa” options still make sense today. If your goal is freedom of movement, education opportunities, asset protection, or a credible Plan B, you want clarity—not hype.
Looking for a non-investment U.S. route? Read our guide on the H-1B Visa Lottery.
The 60-Second Summary (Choose Your Lane)
- Choose the EB-5 Visa Program if your end goal is living in the U.S. long-term with maximum flexibility (work anywhere, build anywhere).
- Choose a Golden Visa if you want a low-stay European residence permit and a long-term path that may lead to citizenship through naturalization.
- Choose Caribbean citizenship by investment if speed matters most and you want a second passport in months.
- Choose Canada (business immigration) only if you’re prepared for policy changes and program availability—Canada’s Start-Up Visa is currently closed to new applicants in 2026. (Canada)
1) The Heavyweight: EB-5 Visa Program (USA Investment Green Card)
If the U.S. is your destination, the EB-5 Visa Program (also searched as eb 5 program, eb5, and eb5 visa) is the most straightforward investor category designed to convert qualifying capital into a path toward permanent residency.
Visa Minimum Investment For EB-5 Visa Program In 2026: $800k vs $1.05M
Here’s the number most investors compare first: the EB 5 visa minimum investment.
USCIS publishes two core thresholds for modern EB-5 filings:
- $1,050,000 for standard investments
- $800,000 if the investment is in a qualifying TEA (Targeted Employment Area) or certain other qualifying categories (uscis.gov)
That’s why you’ll see terms like eb5 minimum investment and eb5 investment dominate search traffic: investors are trying to balance price, speed, and certainty.
How Investment Works For EB-5 Visa Program (The “At-Risk” Rule)
This is not a guaranteed-return product. Your EB5 investment must be at risk, meaning the money is truly deployed into a commercial enterprise and not protected like a fixed deposit. What you are “buying” is eligibility for immigration status through a compliant investment structure—not a promised ROI.
Job Creation: The Non-Negotiable Requirement For EB-5 Visa Program
EB-5 cases revolve around job creation. While project types differ, the program is built around the idea that the investment supports job creation and economic activity. That requirement is why reputable EB-5 advisors spend more time on project structure than on marketing.
Regional Center vs Direct Investment For EB-5 Visa Program
Most EB-5 investors go through a Regional Center model because the structure is built for pooled capital and formal job creation reporting. USCIS maintains an EB-5 regional center framework and explains how the model fits into the program. (uscis.gov)
Direct investment can work if you’re actively operating the business and you want deeper control, but it often requires more operational management and documentation.
Who the EB-5 Visa Program is Best For
The EB-5 Visa Program is most attractive for:
- Families planning U.S. schooling and long-term residence
- Investors who want a durable U.S. plan without employer sponsorship
- People who want “one strategy” for spouse + children under one petition structure
Not ideal for: anyone needing a passport fast, or anyone expecting guaranteed returns.
2) Golden Visa & Residency by Investment in Europe (2026)
The phrase “Golden Visa” is often used loosely—what most countries offer is residency by investment, not instant citizenship. Still, European residence permits can be incredibly strategic: Schengen mobility, lifestyle diversification, and a long-term path that may eventually become citizenship via naturalization.
Portugal Golden Visa: Portuguese Residency by Investment (Fund Route)
Portugal remains one of the most discussed Portuguese residency by investment options, but the rules changed: the real-estate route has been removed, and the investment-fund route is widely described as the main pathway today. (portugalpathways.io)
Commonly cited qualifying route:
- €500,000 into eligible, regulated investment funds (structure and conditions vary by fund). (feather-insurance.com)
Stay requirement (practical appeal): Portugal is popular because it’s commonly described as low-stay compared to full relocation programs, making it attractive for families who want flexibility.
End goal framing (premium and accurate): Think of Portugal as a top-tier European residency by investment option that can become a citizenship pathway later through legal residence + naturalization rules—not as “EU citizenship by investment” in one step.
Greece Golden Visa: Real Estate-Led European Residency by Investment
Greece is often considered one of the more affordable entry points into a residence permit, although thresholds depend on location and rules can shift. Many reputable summaries describe tiered investment zones (commonly cited ranges include €250,000 in certain cases and higher thresholds in prime areas). (Astons)
If your aim is get golden visa residency for Schengen access with minimal time in-country, Greece stays on the shortlist.
Spain Golden Visa in 2026: Closed to New Applications
Spain’s Golden Visa ended for new applicants effective April 3, 2025. That means for a 2026 reader, Spain is no longer a “new application” option (though existing holders and earlier applicants may have separate renewal rules). (Fragomen Immigration)
This matters because old blog posts still rank for Spain searches—your article will feel more premium by stating the closure clearly and redirecting readers toward open alternatives.
3) Canada: Startup Visa, Entrepreneur Visa Searches, and Canadian Business Immigration (2026 Reality)
Canada gets a lot of high-intent search traffic for terms like:
- canadian investors visa
- canadian residency by investment
- canadian citizenship by investment
- entrepreneur visa
- canadian business immigration
But here’s the 2026 update that keeps your article truthful and premium:
Canada Start-up Visa (Startup Visa): Closed to New Applicants
Canada’s official guidance states that as of December 19, 2025, it is no longer accepting new applications for the Start-Up Visa optional open work permit pathway. (Canada)
So in 2026, you should treat the “Startup Visa” as:
- something that may apply to people already in process, or
- something to monitor if Canada launches replacement entrepreneur pilots (policy can change fast).
What Canada is Still Strong For: Canadian Business Immigration (Employer-Led Talent Routes)
If your goal is Canada and you’re not relying on Startup Visa intake, Canada’s employer-driven programs are often more realistic for skilled professionals (especially in tech). For example, Canada’s Global Talent Stream is an employer-facing route described by the Canadian government for eligible hires. (Canada Immigration Services)
Premium framing: Canada is still strong—but not in the “write a check, get PR” way many people imagine.
4) The Fast Track: Citizenship by Investment Programs (Caribbean)
Sometimes you don’t need a new home—you need a new travel document. That’s where citizenship by investment and citizenship via investment programs shine.
St. Kitts & Nevis: The Classic CBI Route
St. Kitts & Nevis is widely known as an established CBI jurisdiction, with official program materials describing a $250,000 contribution route (fees vary). (Investment Visa)
Grenada: Strategic Value for Some Investors
Grenada is often discussed for strategy, including U.S. treaty considerations in certain contexts. The key is not to oversell: it can be useful for mobility planning, but it is not the same as a U.S. green card.
Who this is best for: business owners and families who want speed + flexibility and don’t need full relocation.
Comparison Table: Visa Programs at a Glance (2026)
| Program | Minimum Investment | Typical Timeline | Residency Requirement | Path to Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA EB-5 Visa Program (EB5) | $800,000 / $1,050,000 | Varies by case | Must actually live in U.S. to maintain status | Possible later (after PR requirements) |
| Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 (fund route commonly cited) | Varies | Low stay commonly reported | Possible later via naturalization |
| Greece Golden Visa | Tiered (location-dependent) | Varies | Low/none commonly reported | Depends on residence rules |
| Caribbean CBI | Often ~$250,000+ | Months | None | Immediate passport |
Hidden Costs Beyond the Investment (Where Premium Readers Pay Attention)
The minimum investment is not your all-in cost. Budget for:
- Legal fees: High-quality immigration counsel is rarely “cheap,” especially for the EB-5 Visa Program.
- Government fees: Filing fees and processing costs vary by applicant and dependents.
- Fund/project fees: Fund and administrative costs can apply (Portugal fund route, EB-5 project admin fees, etc.).
- Tax planning: Changing residence can change reporting obligations. A short consult can save you far more than it costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the EB-5 Visa Program?
The EB-5 Visa Program is a U.S. immigrant investor pathway with minimum investment thresholds and eligibility requirements published by USCIS. (uscis.gov)
What is the EB-5 visa program’s minimum investment in 2026?
USCIS describes $1,050,000 as the standard amount and $800,000 for TEA/infrastructure categories (post-March 15, 2022). (uscis.gov)
Can I get American citizenship by investment directly?
No. The premium way to say it: the U.S. is an investment green card pathway first; citizenship is a later legal step after meeting residency requirements.
How do I get Golden Visa residency in Europe in 2026?
Portugal and Greece are commonly discussed. Portugal’s real-estate route has been removed, and the fund route is widely described as the main pathway today. (portugalpathways.io)
Is Spain Golden Visa still open in 2026?
No. Spain’s Golden Visa ended for new applicants on April 3, 2025. (Fragomen Immigration)
Is Canada Startup Visa available in 2026?
Canada’s official guidance states it’s closed to new applicants as of Dec 19, 2025 (with limited exceptions/extensions for certain in-process situations). (Canada)
Conclusion
In 2026, the best option depends on your real objective:
- If your target is the U.S., the EB-5 Visa Program remains the flagship EB 5 program for investors who want a durable long-term plan.
- If you want a flexible Plan B, residency by investment in Europe (Portugal/Greece) can be strategic, with the right expectations.
- If speed is everything, citizenship by investment programs can deliver travel freedom in months.
Policies shift fast. Treat this as a high-stakes legal and financial decision: verify program status, validate your source of funds documentation, and work with qualified professionals.
Disclaimer: This article is informational and not legal or tax advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making investment or immigration decisions.