Cheapest Golden Visa in Europe 2026 for UAE Residents, Ranked by Cost

“Cheapest” depends on what you count. Some routes ask for a large investment that you keep and can sell later. Others ask for a smaller amount that you never get back, or for a business that keeps paying tax. This guide ranks the European residence routes that are open to UAE residents in 2026 and give a residence card in a Schengen country, so you can travel across the Schengen Area without a visa.

The cheapest routes, ranked by entry cost

All amounts are set in euros by law and converted at the ECB rate of 3 November 2026, so the dollar figure moves with the exchange rate.

Latvia: cheapest, but only for business owners

Since 15 September 2026 Latvia only offers residence through a company. You put at least EUR 50,000 (about $55,900) into a qualifying Latvian company and pay EUR 10,000 (about $11,200) to the state. The permit lasts up to 2 years with no minimum stay, but the company must pay at least EUR 40,000 in Latvian taxes every year. It suits someone who will actually trade from Latvia. Read the full Latvia guide.

Malta: least money upfront for permanent residence

Malta gives permanent residence from day one. Government payments are about $110,700 for a couple with children under 18, plus rent from about $15,700 a year, and you must show assets of at least about $559,000. The payments are not refundable. Read the Malta guide.

Greece, Hungary and Italy: the cheapest routes where you keep the money

• Greece: property from about $279,500 for a converted or listed building, 5 year permit, parents included. A higher transfer tax for non EU buyers is planned from 2027. Greece guide.
• Hungary: about $279,500 in a Hungarian real estate fund for 5 years, permit up to 10 years. The new government may review it. Hungary guide.
• Italy: about $279,500 in an Italian startup, clearance within 30 days. Italy guide.

Routes that look cheap but do not fit

• Latvia property: closed to new applicants on 15 September 2026.
• Spain: the golden visa closed on 3 April 2025.
• Cyprus: permanent residence from EUR 300,000, but Cyprus is not yet in the Schengen Area, so the card gives no Schengen travel.
• Montenegro and Serbia: low entry costs, but neither is in the Schengen Area.

Which one is right for you

• You only travel to Europe a few times a year: a Schengen visa is far cheaper than any golden visa. We prepare those from Dubai every day.
• You run or plan a real business: Latvia is the lowest entry.
• You want an asset you own: Greece.
• You want permanent residence: Malta, if your nationality is accepted.
• You want a passport: no golden visa gives one quickly. See our second passport guide and the cheapest citizenship by investment programmes in 2026.

How Visa Doctor helps

We compare the routes honestly, check your eligibility and documents and, if you decide to proceed, help you reach an independent lawyer or, where required, a licensed agent who files the application. Visa Doctor FZC is a UAE registered immigration services company (trade licence 4417571.01, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone) and is not a government authorised agent for any programme. We give our fee in writing before you pay anything.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and last check

Checked on 5 November 2026. Sources: the Latvian Immigration Law of 20 August 2026; Residency Malta; the Greek government procedures portal; the Hungarian immigration authority; the Investor Visa for Italy platform; and the ECB euro reference rate. This is general information, not legal or investment advice.