This guide explains how golden visas work for families, what options are available this year, and how to prepare for a smooth application process.
Understanding golden visas for families
Golden visas are investment-based residency schemes. They allow non-citizens to gain residency rights by investing in property, business, or government funds. Most golden visa countries also allow applicants to include family members in their application.
Family eligibility varies by country. Generally, you can include your spouse and children. Some countries also allow parents, in-laws, or even dependent siblings. To qualify as a family unit, members usually must prove financial dependency or cohabitation.
These programmes offer long-term benefits. With a golden visa, families often gain access to healthcare, education, and travel freedom. Many programmes lead to permanent residency or citizenship within a few years.
Countries offering golden visas for families in 2025
Several countries remain popular golden visa destinations. Each has different investment requirements and family policies. Here's a snapshot of some family-friendly options in 2025:
- Portugal: Offers residence for real estate investment or capital transfer. Spouses, minor children, and dependent adult children (e.g. university students) are eligible. Recent changes make it more accessible for tech and green investments.
- Spain: Requires property investment from €500,000. Family inclusion rules are broad, covering spouses, children under 18, and dependent parents.
- Greece: Has one of the lowest investment thresholds—€250,000 in real estate. Family members included: spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): Offers golden visas for professionals and investors. You can sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic workers. Visa terms last up to 10 years.
- Turkey: Grants citizenship through a $400,000 real estate investment. You can include your spouse and all children under 18.
Each country has unique rules and timelines. Some allow fast-tracking for certain sectors or regions. Others have strict renewal conditions tied to minimum stay requirements.
Key steps to apply for a family golden visa
The golden visa process has multiple stages. To make things smoother, break it down into these key steps:
- Choose the right country. Compare countries based on benefits, cost, and family eligibility. Think about long-term goals like education, healthcare, or EU access.
- Verify investment options. Property is the most common route, but funds and business investments are growing. Make sure the investment aligns with local regulations.
- Prepare legal documents. You'll need ID, proof of relationship (like marriage or birth certificates), and financial records. These often need to be translated and notarised.
- Submit the application. Most countries allow online submission through immigration portals or with a licensed local agent.
- Attend biometrics or interviews. You may need to visit the country to give fingerprints or attend an interview. Some countries now allow biometric data collection abroad.
- Wait for approval. Processing times range from a few weeks to several months. Once approved, you’ll get residency cards or visas for all family members.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many golden visa applications fail due to small errors. These are some common problems and how to prevent them:
- Missing documents: Even one missing paper can delay your application. Use a checklist for each family member.
- Incorrect relationships: Some applications are rejected because the family ties were unclear or not legally recognised.
- Outdated investment info: Investment thresholds and eligible regions often change. Always confirm with an updated source or local lawyer.
- Rushing the timeline: A golden visa isn’t quick. Avoid making life plans before the visa is approved.
Using professional support is highly recommended. Local legal firms or licensed visa advisors help ensure all details are correct and compliant with 2025 regulations.
Cost considerations for family applications
Golden visa costs can be high. Beyond the investment itself, expect additional charges:
- Legal fees: Hiring experts adds cost but reduces risk.
- Government fees: These cover processing and residency cards. They’re usually charged per person.
- Medical insurance: Most countries require all applicants to have coverage.
- Property taxes: If you're investing in real estate, local taxes apply.
Plan for long-term expenses. Some visas must be renewed every few years. Ensure you understand future obligations like stay requirements or property ownership duration.
Benefits for the whole family
Golden visas bring peace of mind and future options. Families gain access to better healthcare systems, secure environments, and high-ranking education institutions. Children can attend public or private schools, often in English or bilingual formats.
Freedom of movement is another big perk. Many golden visa countries are in the Schengen Zone or have strong passport rankings. This means easier travel across Europe or the Middle East.
Work and business options also improve. Spouses and older children can usually apply for work permits or start businesses locally. Over time, this boosts financial independence.
Permanent residency or citizenship is the ultimate goal. Many countries allow golden visa holders to apply for permanent status after five years. Citizenship is often possible in 7–10 years, depending on the country and language requirements.
A smart move for the future
Golden visas are more accessible than ever in 2025. As countries compete for investors, family-friendly policies are expanding. That means it’s a great time to start planning your family's new chapter abroad.
For a more detailed breakdown of current golden visa options for family members, check out this guide: https://mygoldenvisa.io/blog/golden-visa-for-family.
