Program Updates

Citizenship and residency by investment programs change frequently — minimum investments rise, programmes close, and new travel rights are added. This page tracks notable changes as they happen. Bookmark it or subscribe below to stay current.

Schengen Zone Upcoming
Q4 2026 (Expected)

ETIAS launches — Schengen visa-free access changes for CBI passport holders

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in late 2026, introducing a pre-travel authorisation requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries entering the Schengen Area. For CBI passport holders from Caribbean nations currently enjoying visa-free Schengen access, ETIAS will add a mandatory online application step before each trip. The €7 authorisation lasts three years but does not affect residency rights or visa-free entry itself — it adds friction, not a barrier.

St Lucia New Access
April 2026

St Lucian passport gains UK visa-free access

St Lucia's passport now grants visa-free entry to the United Kingdom, adding a significant travel benefit to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment programme. The change takes effect from April 2026 and expands the St Lucian passport's access to over 145 destinations. For investors considering Caribbean CBI options, this materially improves the programme's value proposition relative to peers without UK access.

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Spain Closure
April 2025

Spain Golden Visa closed to new real estate applications

Spain officially terminated its Golden Visa programme for real estate investment on 3 April 2025, following a parliamentary vote in late 2024. The closure affects new applicants only — existing visa holders retain their status and renewal rights. The Spanish government cited housing affordability pressures in major cities as the primary driver. Other investment routes (business investment, government bonds, and bank deposits) may remain operational under amended regulations, though these are subject to ongoing review.

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Malta Closure
April 2025

Malta MEIN scheme closed to new applications

Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) scheme closed to new applications in April 2025. The programme, which offered a fast-track citizenship route for exceptional investors and philanthropists, was introduced in 2020 and has processed a limited number of applicants. Malta's standard MGRP (Malta Global Residence Programme) and residency options remain open. Prospective investors seeking EU citizenship should now evaluate alternative pathways, as Malta was one of the few remaining direct EU citizenship-by-investment routes.

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Greece Threshold Change
2024

Greece doubles investment threshold in prime areas

Greece raised the minimum real estate investment for its Golden Visa from €250,000 to €500,000 in high-demand zones — specifically Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other designated areas. Certain zones carry an €800,000 threshold. A reduced €250,000 route remains available for property conversions (office-to-residential or commercial-to-residential), providing an alternative entry point for investors willing to take on refurbishment risk. The changes reflect Greece's attempt to balance foreign investment inflows with domestic housing affordability.

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