Are you looking for a path to second citizenship that benefits you and your entire family? Golden Visa programs provide an ideal solution, offering security, stability, and global mobility for you and your loved ones. From world-class education and healthcare to an improved quality of life, a Golden Visa opens the door to a brighter future.
In this article, we will explore some of the most family-friendly Golden Visa programs available and help you find the best fit for you and your family.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa, or a residency by investment program, allows individuals to legally reside in the host country through economic investment, typically in real estate, business ventures, or government bonds. These programs often extend residency benefits and rights to immediate family members, making them an excellent option for securing your family’s future.
A residency permit allows you to live, work, attend school, and access healthcare in the host country. After meeting certain requirements, such as maintaining residency for a specific period or learning the language, many countries also offer a pathway to citizenship.
Top Family-Friendly Golden Visa Programs in 2024
While many programs are available globally, some offer particularly strong benefits for families, providing valuable opportunities for applicants and their dependents.
Portugal
Established in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is considered one of the most attractive globally. In addition to offering European residency—granting access to top-tier healthcare, education, and visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen countries—what sets this program apart is its simplified path to citizenship. Unlike other programs, it does not require applicants to relocate or spend significant time living in the country. Instead, applicants need only to visit for at least 7 days per year and can become eligible for citizenship after 5 years from submitting the Golden Visa application.
A minimum capital transfer of €200,000 through a government-prescribed sector is required. Residency is extended to spouses and financially dependent children and parents, allowing them to live, work, and study in Portugal or any other EU country.
Spain
Introduced in 2013, Spain offers an appealing Golden Visa program, particularly suited for families. Spanish residents enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, with residency initially granted for two years and renewable for up to five years. Golden Visa holders may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of maintaining residency and meeting other conditions. However, investors who are Sephardic Jews and their descendants, as well as citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and the Philippines, can obtain Spanish citizenship in just two years.
Applicants must invest a minimum of €500,000 in real estate to qualify for the Spanish Golden Visa.
The program covers spouses and children under 18. Adult children and parents of the principal applicant may also qualify if they are financially dependent. Spain’s high-quality education, healthcare, vibrant culture, and family-friendly environment make it a great relocation option.
Greece
Greece offers stunning views and a wealth of opportunities through its Golden Visa programs. This family-friendly program provides residency for investors, their spouses, and children, along with visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. After seven years of residency and meeting certain conditions, Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship, granting an EU passport and the associated benefits of European citizenship.
To obtain the Greek Golden Visa, applicants must invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate. Residency extends to spouses, financially dependent children, parents, and in-laws.
With its affordable cost of living, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage, Greece presents an appealing option for families.
Malta
Malta, a Mediterranean island and a fully-fledged EU member state, offers a robust and well-structured Golden Visa program. In addition to visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen countries, Malta provides a highly strategic location for individuals seeking a gateway to Europe and an appealing lifestyle with excellent healthcare and education.
Applicants must either purchase real estate with a minimum value of €300,000, plus make a €28,000 contribution and a €2,000 donation, or choose a rental option with a minimum of €10,000 in annual rent, along with a €58,000 contribution and a €2,000 donation.
The program covers spouses, children up to 18 years old, and parents over 55, allowing them to enjoy Malta’s reputable education system and access to healthcare.
Malta offers one of the fastest pathways to residency, with an average processing time of 4-6 months. This opens a clear route to citizenship, allowing investors to enjoy full European Union privileges. Additionally, Malta’s attractive lifestyle, favourable tax system, and strong financial services sector make it a top choice for global investors seeking European residency.
Why choose a family-friendly Golden Visa?
Golden Visas are a smart choice for families looking to broaden their horizons for several key reasons.
One of the significant advantages of Golden Visa programs for families is their opportunity for your children to access top-tier education. Residents and citizens of European countries benefit from free public schooling. Although schools in Portugal, Spain, and Greece offer education mainly in their national languages, some English-language classes are also available. In Malta, a bilingual nation, public schools provide lessons in both Maltese and English.
Europe also hosts some of the world’s most renowned universities. For example, Universidade Nova de Lisboa is Portugal’s leading university, ranked among Europe’s top 25 new universities and 431st in the QS Global World Rankings. By taking advantage of Portugal’s Golden Visa program, applicants’ children can access high-quality education in Portugal and other EU countries. Securing residency or citizenship through investment also means families can pay local tuition rates, significantly reducing costs compared to international fees.
Golden Visa programs also offer valuable opportunities for graduates to advance their career and business interests. These programs could help your children open doors to global business connections and new ventures. For graduates building their professional foundation, many programs—such as those in Portugal and Spain—permit employment in the host country without requiring a separate work visa or sponsorship, greatly enhancing their international career prospects.
A lasting legacy for future generations
Estate planning is essential for securing your family’s long-term future. By building a foundation in a safe and stable country, you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment will benefit both your immediate family and future generations. This creates a lasting legacy, ensuring that your family can continue to enjoy global opportunities, growth, and prosperity for years to come.
When securing your family’s future, choosing the right Golden Visa program can make all the difference.
Contact our experts today to find the right program for you.
