Are you a parent looking for the best Golden Visa for families in 2026, but unsure which one better suits your family’s objectives and ambitions? Portugal, Greece, and Italy offer various advantages, but choosing the best Golden Visa program for families depends on many factors like family inclusion rules, children’s age, access to education and healthcare services, long-term security, and the potential path to citizenship.
If the investor’s priority is to include dependent adults up to 24 years old, Portugal is the strongest among the three programs, giving it a clear advantage for families with older children seeking residency. If his priority is securing high-quality education and future career opportunities for his children, Portugal offers the advantage of living, working, and studying in the country, while Italy offers world-class higher education, with several of its universities ranked among the top 100 globally. Greece, on the other hand, provides children with educational opportunities that can help prepare them for global career opportunities.
For families seeking a quick path to citizenship, Greece generally requires 7 years of actual residence for naturalization, in addition to integration requirements. Portugal allows applicants to obtain citizenship after 10 years of legal residence with minimal residency requirements, along with other conditions such as cultural and civic knowledge and passing a language test.
Therefore, there is no program better than the other for families, as the right choice depends on their priorities, financial and personal objectives.
Best Golden Visa Programs for Families in 2026 : A Comprehensive Guide
Best Golden Visa Programs for Families: Family Inclusion
Including family members in the main application is considered one of the greatest advantages of the Golden Visa program. Portugal, Italy, and Greece allow investors to include their family members in the same application, rather than applying separately, provided that their children meet the eligibility requirements of the program.
This process is more cost-effective than submitting separate applications in the future, as the family can leverage the single investment structure. Instead of paying the full investment amount for each applicant, families can include children at a relatively low additional cost. A single application also streamlines the journey through one coordinated application and due diligence procedure, reducing the complexity of administrative procedures.
Portugal, Greece, and Italy Golden Visa programs are all family-oriented, but the eligibility rules and family inclusion conditions differ. Below is a detailed table stating the differences between the three programs:
| Country | Spouse | Children | Parent |
| Portugal | Partners legally married and recognized de facto partners | Dependent Children up to 24 years old | Dependent parents or grandparents of either spouse if economic dependency is officially proven |
| Greece | Civil partners and legally recognized marriages | Dependent Children up to 21 years old | Dependent parents and parents-in-law of both the main applicant and the spouse with no age restrictions |
| Italy | Legally recognized spouses or civil partners | Dependent Children up to 18 years old, including children of the spouse | Parents of any age if they have no other children in their home country, or parents above 65 if other children cannot support them due to documented health reasons |
Best Golden Visa for Families With Children
All three programs are suitable for families with children. Portugal is the best golden visa for families who intend to relocate and benefit from the country’s education system, giving it an advantage for families with university-age children. Italy is the best golden Visa for families focused on higher education, with several internationally recognized universities, while Greece offers educational opportunities that help prepare children for the global career market.
All three countries are extremely safe and secure to raise children. They have a well-recognized reputation as peaceful and secure destinations with low crime rates, minimal gun violence, and strong communities. According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal was ranked 7th, Italy 33rd, and Greece 45th.
Moreover, the three countries are renowned for their high quality of life, offering a slower, fulfilling lifestyle free from excessive stress and pressure. They are also known for their breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture and history, and warm climate with average annual temperatures ranging between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius. Portugal, Greece, and Italy are also recognized for their developed digital infrastructure and technology readiness. Together, these factors create a supportive environment for raising children who can thrive and build a fulfilling future.
Best Golden Visa for Families to Include Parents
All three Golden Visa programs allow investors to include their parents, although the eligibility requirements differ slightly. Portugal allows investors to include dependent parents or grandparents of either spouse, once they demonstrate financial dependency.
On the other hand, Greece offers broader flexibility, allowing both parents and parents-in-law of the main applicant and spouse to be included without any age restrictions.
Italy Golden Visa allows parents to be included depending on their family circumstances. Parents of any age may qualify if they don’t have other children in their home country, while parents aged 65 or older are eligible where their other children are unable to support them for documented health reasons.
Best Golden Visa Programs for Families: Cost Comparison
Portugal, Greece, and Italy offer investment options starting at €250,000 depending on the investment category. The key difference is the additional application costs.
| Country | Cost excluding due diligence and administrative fees | Family of Four |
| Portugal | Options start from €250,000 |
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| Greece | Options start from €250,000 |
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| Italy | Options start from €250,000 | Same investment amount plus additional costs including:
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It is worth noting that additional fees might apply on your citizenship by investment application once your children become older. For instance, due diligence fees are not applied for children below 16 years, and in some cases for children below 12, but they become required once passing these ages.
Best Golden Visa for Families: Education Opportunities
While Italy leads in higher education, Portugal offers a well-organized and inclusive education system. Greece, as well, is home to a wide network of higher education institutions that maintain academic standards and provide top-notch instruction.
If the investor is looking for the best Golden Visa program for families to raise his young children, Portugal has the edge when it comes to quality, accessibility, and overall range of education services. It offers high-quality learning opportunities from early childhood to higher education with diverse options, from international schools to renowned universities, making it family-friendly for foreigners.
If the investor needs to relocate to allow his children to pursue higher education studies, Italy would be a better choice. The country is home to some of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities, particularly in engineering, architecture, design, business, and medicine. Top Italian universities include Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, and University of Padua.
Greece is also a good option for children to study and attend universities, as it is home to several universities and technical colleges that provide a wide variety of programs across various subjects. Graduates frequently make important contributions to their fields of study and are well-prepared for their chosen jobs. Greece’s dedication to high standards in higher education ensures that its universities will always be respected at the national and international levels.
Below a table showing the top university in each country and its ranking:
| Category | #1 University | QS World Ranking | Overall Score |
| Portugal | University of Lisbon | 237 | 52.5 |
| Italy | Politecnico di Milano | 87 | 70.5 |
| Greece | National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | 402 | 38 |
Language also plays an essential role in how quickly foreigners adapt to life in Europe. According to the EF English Proficiency Index:
| Country | Ranking | Points |
| Portugal | 6 | 612 |
| Italy | 59 | 513 |
| Greece | 20 | 592 |
Best Golden Visa for Families: Healthcare Access
One of the key considerations when relocating to a new country is the ability to access high-quality healthcare services easily. Portugal would be the best Golden Visa program for families looking for healthcare access and high-quality health services, followed by Italy and Greece.
Here is a table showing the ranking of the three countries in terms of healthcare services:
| Country | Ranking | Health Care Index | Health Care Exp. Index |
| Portugal | 21 | 72 | 130.8 |
| Italy | 47 | 64.8 | 117.3 |
| Greece | 67 | 58.6 | 104.6 |
Portugal boasts a hybrid healthcare system that combines high-quality public and private services. Private healthcare in Portugal is notably affordable, especially when compared to other Western European nations, making it an attractive option for residents and expatriates alike.
On the other hand, Italy operates a healthcare system that delivers equal medical care services to all citizens regardless of their financial situation. Recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the best healthcare systems globally, providing excellent medical care and full insurance benefits to its citizens and foreign residents.
Investors holding the Greek Golden Visa can take advantage of an accessible, well-developed healthcare system, with free public services funded by the social insurance institute. However, private hospitals offer faster service while remaining affordable compared to paid facilities in other EU countries.
Best Golden Visa for Families: Residency Requirements
In terms of residency requirements, Italy and Greece have an advantage over Portugal because they don’t impose any residency requirements, while Portugal requires at least 7 days of residency annually. However, to maintain residency, all three programs mandate maintaining the eligible investment while holding the Golden Visa. Therefore, the best Golden Visa program for families depends on their objectives and whether they need the residency as a plan B or want to relocate.
Read Also: European Residency Returns in 2026: What Investors Should Know
Best Golden Visa for Families: EU Citizenship
For investors seeking a quick path to citizenship, Greece is generally the best Golden Visa program for families because it requires only 7 years of actual residence for naturalization, along with additional integration requirements. However, if the investors want to apply for citizenship without relocating to the host country, Portugal is the ideal option. The country allows Golden Visa holders to apply for citizenship after 10 years, with minimal residency requirements that do not exceed 7 days per year. Italy, on the other hand, requires 10 years of actual residence.
It is worth noting that to obtain citizenship, all three programs impose several conditions beyond the residence period. Portugal requires passing a language test (A2 level), along with cultural and civic knowledge, and security and criminal record conditions. Italy also mandates passing a language test (B1 level) along with other conditions such as sufficient income and the absence of criminal convictions. Greece also requires passing a Greek language exam (A2 level), providing evidence of integration such as participation in Greek cultural or social activities, and demonstrating that they have enough income or financial resources to support themselves and their families.
Best Golden Visa for Families: Portugal vs. Greece vs. Italy
Choosing the best Golden Visa program for familied depend on their preferences, objectives, and needs. Below is a comparison table showing the most suitable country for each objective:
| Priority | Best Fit | Why |
| Relocation with children | Portugal | Strong option for families intending to live, work, and study |
| School Eduction | Portugal, Greece and Italy | All three offer public and private international schools |
| University Education | Italy | It is home to top-notch international universities in several specifications |
| Healthcare Access | Portugal | It is ranked the top among the three, offering high-quality healthcare services and coverage. |
| Safety | Portugal | It is ranked 7th globally, thus, attractive for families prioritizing a stable European lifestyle |
| Minimal physical presence | Greece, Italy | Well suited for investors seeking a European residency without relocating |
| Path to Citizenship | Greece
Portugal |
Greece allows investors to apply for citizenship after 7 years of actual residence
Portugal is a better fit for investors who don’t aim to relocate, as it requires only 7 days of residence per year |
| Family Inclusion | Portugal | It allows including children up to 24 years old |
| Lower overal family cost | Greece | All three programs start at €250,000 but the different is in the additional fees, and Greece has an advantage over the two. |
How to Choose the Best Golden Visa for Families
The best Golden Visa program for families is the one that matches their priorities, preferences, objectives, and long-term citizenship objective, as well as the children’s age and long-term plans. Whether Italy, Portugal, or Greece, all three can pave your children’s path and give them the best possible start in life. From access to world-class education and international careers to building a global and professional network early, greater mobility, and long-term security, the three programs provide opportunities that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Golden Visa for Families
- Which is the best Golden Visa program for families: Portugal, Italy, or Greece?
There isn’t one program that suits all investors. The best Golden Visa for families depends on the applicants’ priorities, preferences, needs, and objectives, as well as the children’s age and long-term plans. Portugal is suitable for families planning to relocate to live, work, and study. Greece is a better fit for families looking for flexible residency requirements. Italy is the right choice for families interested in pursuing higher education in world-class universities.
- Which Golden Visa program allows the most family members to be included?
All three programs allow a spouse, dependent children, and parents to be included in one single application. However, Portugal allows including children up to the age of 24, Greece up to 21, and Italy up to 18 years.
- Can parents and grandparents be included in a Golden Visa?
Parents can be included in one application under all three programs, but the eligibility rules differ. Greece, for instance, allows including parents of both the main applicant and the spouse. Portugal allows dependent parents who have no other children in their home country.
- Which Golden Visa is best for families with children?
All three countries are suitable for families with children; however, Portugal is attractive for families with older dependent children. While Italy’s rules are more restrictive for adult children, as they are qualified only when their health conditions prevent them from meeting their essential needs. Greece covers dependent children under 21 years.
- What is the cheapest Golden Visa for families in Portugal, Greece, and Italy?
The answer depends on the investment route and family size, as the application and due diligence fees differ from one program to another. The minimum investment threshold starts at €250,000 in the three programs, but the administrative, application, and due diligence fees differ.
- Which Golden Visa requires the least residency in the country?
Greece and Italy are more flexible options than Portugal, as they don’t impose a minimum stay requirement, provided that the investment is maintained.
- Can children attend schools and universities with a Golden Visa?
Yes, all three programs allow children to live and study in the host country. However, families should compare tuition fees, language instruction, and international school availability before choosing the program.
- Which country offers the best route for citizenship?
Greece currently offers the shorter path to citizenship among the three, although the Golden Visa does not grant citizenship automatically and requires 7 years of actual residence along with a language test, proof of income, and a clean criminal record. Portugal is also attractive for investors looking to gain citizenship, as it is provided after 10 years with minimal residency requirements that do not exceed 7 days annually.
- What is the best Golden Visa program that a family can choose?
The best Golden Visa for families depends on their priorities, needs, and long-term objectives. The best program is the one that aligns the investment strategy with the family’s intended lifestyle, children’s age, physical presence ability, and their educational ambitions.
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