Malta, Portugal Shine Brightest In Citizenship, Residency Programs Ranking

Tom Burroughes

28 February 2024

The data sheds light on who is top of the tree in the citizenship and residency-by-investment schemes around the world. Malta and Portugal rank top in their respective categories. Figures also show that in 2023, US citizens were the top nationality applying for alternative residence and citizenship options, according to Henley & Partners, a migration advisory firm.

The Mediterranean island of Malta tops the charts for having the most sought-after citizenship program in the world, while Portugal has the most popular residence scheme, according to data from , a group representing practitioners in the space, about trends affecting the sector, such as new forms of visa and sources of demand.