For the first time in history, Greece’s Golden Visa program has claimed the No. 1 position in Henley & Partners’ prestigious 2025 Global Residence Program Index, reaffirming Europe’s dominance in the investment migration landscape. This annual ranking, compiled by the globally renowned wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners, evaluates the world’s most influential residence-by-investment programs based on key economic, legal, and lifestyle factors.
Greece’s Golden Visa Leads the Global Rankings
Greece’s Golden Visa program has secured the top position with an impressive score of 73 out of 100, marking a significant shift in global investment migration trends. Portugal, which had held or shared the top ranking for the past nine years, has now been surpassed. The Henley Residence Program Index measures the relative value of residence-by-investment programs by assessing key criteria such as reputation, quality of life, visa-free travel benefits, processing efficiency, compliance, and investment attractiveness.
2025 Global Residence Program Index Rankings
| Rank | Country/Region | Score | Key Advantage |
| 1 | Greece | 73 | Market Leader in Golden Visas |
| 2 | Switzerland | 72 | Premium European Residency |
| 3 | Portugal, Italy, UK | 70 | Competitive Investment Options |
| 4 | Australia, Canada, Spain | 69 | High-Demand Residency Destinations |
| 5 | UAE | 68 | Business-Friendly Tax System |
| 6 | Hungary | 67 | Schengen Access via Real Estate Investment |
| 7 | Luxembourg | 66 | Strong Financial and Economic Hub |
| 8 | Singapore | 65 | Asia’s Premier Residency Destination |
| 9 | Jersey, Panama | 64 | Favorable Tax Structures |
| 10 | Costa Rica | 63 | Emerging Investment Destination |
Investment Migration Trends & Future Outlook
The Henley & Partners Index evaluates investment migration programs based on 10 key factors, with variations in weightage depending on the region. These include:
✔ Reputation of the Program
✔ Quality of Life for Investors
✔ Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access
✔ Processing Time and Efficiency
✔ Regulatory Compliance
✔ Investment Requirements
A New Era of Investment Migration
For the second consecutive year, U.S. nationals have been the largest group seeking alternative residence and citizenship options through investment migration programs. The demand for such programs is projected to reach new heights in 2025, with an estimated 142,000 high-net-worth individuals expected to relocate—surpassing the 134,000 recorded in 2024 and 120,000 in 2023.
Conclusion: Greece’s Strategic Ascent
Greece’s emergence as the leading destination in the 2025 Global Residence Program Index signifies a broader shift in global investor sentiment. With an attractive real estate market, strong EU access, and streamlined residency procedures, Greece’s Golden Visa program is now the gold standard for investment migration.
This new ranking not only cements Greece’s position as a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals but also underscores Europe’s continued dominance in the residence and citizenship by investment industry.
