The Henley Index 2025 offers a comprehensive global ranking of citizenship and residence programs, highlighting the countries that are attracting the most investment from affluent individuals seeking greater mobility and access. As more high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) explore citizenship and residency options worldwide, the Henley Index serves as a vital resource for evaluating the best countries offering these opportunities. This year’s index reveals significant shifts in the global migration landscape, with Malta maintaining its dominance in citizenship-by-investment programs, while Greece has surpassed Portugal in the residence index rankings.
What is the Henley Index?
The Henley Index is a well-known ranking system that evaluates global citizenship and residence programs based on their attractiveness to potential investors. These programs typically allow foreign nationals to obtain residency or citizenship by investing in a country’s economy, often through real estate, business investments, or government bonds.
The index provides a detailed overview of the countries that offer the most compelling opportunities for those seeking alternative residency and citizenship options. It assesses factors such as investment thresholds, political stability, and the quality of life for prospective residents.
Malta Dominates Citizenship-by-Investment
Malta continues to lead the way in citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, holding the top spot in the Henley Index 2025 rankings. With its attractive investment pathways, low tax rates, and EU membership, Malta remains the most popular destination for individuals seeking a second passport.
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) offers successful applicants the opportunity to obtain full citizenship in as little as 12 to 14 months. The program requires a significant financial contribution, including a combination of a donation to the National Development and Social Fund, an investment in government bonds, and the purchase or rental of property.
Key Benefits of Malta’s CBI Program:
Full citizenship, including access to all EU rights
Strong political and economic stability
High quality of life and healthcare
The ability to live, work, and travel freely across the EU
Greece Overtakes Portugal in Residence Index
In a notable shift, Greece has overtaken Portugal, rising in the rankings as a top choice for European residence permits.
The Greek Golden Visa requires a €250,000 real estate investment, making it one of Europe’s most affordable residency programs. This has led to a surge in demand, especially from investors in Asia, the Middle East, and Russia. Greece offers a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after seven years, making it an attractive long-term option for those seeking stability and EU access.
Why Greece’s Golden Visa Program is Gaining Popularity:
Low investment threshold compared to other European countries
Access to one of the most beautiful and historically rich regions in Europe
Option for permanent residency and citizenship after a set period
Increased political and economic stability, with a focus on economic growth
Portugal’s Decline in the Residence Index
Portugal remains a popular choice for residence-by-investment but has dropped in the Henley Index 2025 due to changes in its program. The Golden Visa was once a top route to European residency, offering options like real estate investments, job creation, and research funding.
However, new restrictions have limited the areas where real estate investments can be made. These changes have hurt the appeal of Portugal’s Golden Visa, especially for investors attracted to cities like Lisbon and Porto. Additionally, the reduced returns on investments have further weakened the program’s attractiveness. As a result, Portugal’s strong position in the residence index has declined in the Henley Index 2025 rankings.
Factors Contributing to Portugal’s Decline:
Restrictions on real estate investment areas
Changes to the Golden Visa program, reducing flexibility
Competition from other European countries offering similar programs
Key Takeaways from the Henley Index 2025
Malta remains the leader in citizenship-by-investment programs, providing a fast track to European Union citizenship and a host of other benefits.
Greece is emerging as a stronger contender in the residence index, offering one of the most affordable and attractive Golden Visa programs in Europe.
Portugal has seen a decline in its ranking, primarily due to the tightening of its residency program and increased competition from other European nations.
High-net-worth individuals seek alternative residence and citizenship options. The Henley Index is a vital tool for assessing the best programs. Countries like Malta, Greece, and Portugal are adjusting their policies to attract investment. As a result, 2025 is set to bring dynamic shifts in the global migration landscape.
Conclusion
The Henley Index 2025 provides valuable insights into the evolving world of investment migration. Whether you’re seeking second citizenship or European residence, the index highlights the best destinations for mobility and opportunity. Malta remains dominant in citizenship-by-investment, while Greece is rising in residence programs. In 2025, these shifts are shaping global migration trends.
