For high-net-worth families, family reunification visas provide a way to stay together while accessing global opportunities. These programs often require significant investments, offer residency benefits, and can lead to citizenship in some cases. Here’s a quick summary of the top options:
- Portugal: Investment starts at €250,000; minimal stay requirement (7 days/year); includes spouses, children, and dependent parents.
- Greece: Starting at €250,000; quick processing (2–3 months); offers Schengen Zone travel and a 7-year path to citizenship.
- Malta: Property investment from €220,000; no strict residency requirement; includes extended family members.
- UAE: AED 2 million real estate investment; 10-year renewable residency; no minimum stay required.
- USA (EB-5): $800,000 minimum investment; direct Green Card pathway; includes spouses and children under 21.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Portugal | Greece | Malta | UAE | USA (EB-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | ~$540,000 | ~$270,000 | ~$405,000 | ~$545,000 | ~$800,000–$1.05M |
| Processing Time | 9–12 months | 2–3 months | 11–12 months | 2–3 months | 6–12 months |
| Residency Requirement | 7 days/year | 1 day/year | None | None | Full-time |
| Path to Citizenship | 5 years | 7 years | 5 years | Not available | 5 years |
These programs cater to families looking for mobility, residency benefits, and long-term opportunities. Choose based on your investment capacity, family needs, and long-term goals.
5 Leading Countries for HNWI Family Visas
Here’s a look at five programs that offer attractive investment options paired with family-friendly benefits for high-net-worth individuals.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program
Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out for its flexible investment choices, starting at €250,000. This program allows applicants to include their spouse, children under 18, dependent adult students, and financially dependent parents. Key investment options include:
- Fund subscription: €500,000
- Arts or cultural heritage investment: €250,000
- Scientific research: €500,000
With a minimal stay requirement of just seven days per year, it’s an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and families who need mobility.
Malta’s Family Residency Options
Malta’s Global Residence Program offers a property-based pathway to residency with generous family inclusion benefits. It doesn’t require strict physical presence, making it a convenient option for families. The minimum property investment depends on the region:
| Region | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|
| Gozo/South Malta | €220,000 |
| Other Regions | €275,000 |
This program ensures access to residency perks without disrupting your family’s lifestyle.
US EB-5 Family Immigration
The EB-5 program provides a direct path to Green Cards for investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21. A key requirement is the creation of 10 full-time jobs in the U.S. This program emphasizes family unity while supporting economic growth through sustainable investments.
UAE 10-Year Family Residency
The UAE Golden Visa offers a long-term residency option for families with a minimum real estate investment of AED 2 million. Benefits include:
- A 10-year renewable residency
- No minimum physical presence requirement
- Full family sponsorship rights
- Access to premium healthcare and education
- Freedom to manage international business interests
This program is particularly appealing for those seeking flexibility and a high standard of living.
Greece’s Family Visa Benefits
Greece’s Golden Visa program combines attractive investment thresholds with extensive family coverage. It includes a one-day annual residency requirement, a seven-year pathway to citizenship, and Schengen Zone travel access. Minimum investment amounts vary by location:
| Region | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|
| Select Regions | €250,000 |
| Athens/Thessaloniki/Islands | €500,000 |
This program is well-suited for families looking to enjoy European mobility while working toward citizenship.
Each of these programs provides unique opportunities for high-net-worth families to secure residency, maintain family unity, and enjoy global mobility.
Program Comparison Guide
Main Comparison Points
When comparing residency and citizenship programs, it’s essential to focus on the big factors: investment thresholds, family eligibility, processing times, and residency requirements. For instance, Greece offers one of the lowest starting points at around $270,000 for specific investment projects, while other programs demand significantly higher investments.
Portugal stands out for its inclusive family coverage, extending to spouses, children under 18, dependent adult students, and financially dependent parents. Processing times differ widely – Greece boasts a quick 2–3 months, while Malta’s process can take up to 11–12 months. Portugal, meanwhile, requires only about seven days of annual presence for residency.
Here’s a quick breakdown to compare key features across programs:
Program Features Table
| Feature | Portugal | Greece | Malta | UAE | US (EB‑5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | ~$540,000 (Fund) | ~$270,000 (Select Regions) | ~$405,000 (Property) | ~$545,000 (Real Estate) | ~$800,000–$1.05 million |
| Processing Time | 9–12 months | 2–3 months | 11–12 months | 2–3 months | 6–12 months |
| Permit Validity | 2 years, renewable | 5 years, renewable | Permanent | 2–3 years, renewable | Green Card |
| Path to Citizenship | 5 years | 7 years | 5 years | Not available | 5 years |
Recent Program Updates
Recent changes have reshaped the investment landscape for many of these programs:
- Portugal has phased out its real estate investment option, now focusing on fund investments and contributions to cultural initiatives.
- Greece introduced a tiered investment system, ranging from $270,000 to $865,000, depending on the location of the investment.
As of 2023, Greece has issued over 31,000 Golden Visa permits to main applicants and their dependents.
Each program brings distinct benefits to the table. Malta’s permanent residency program offers long-term stability without the hassle of renewals. The UAE provides excellent business prospects and tax advantages through its residency program. Meanwhile, the US EB‑5 program is a go-to option for those seeking a direct route to a Green Card, though it comes with a higher investment requirement.
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Current Changes in Family Visas
Investment Amount Updates
In 2024–2025, investment-based family visa programs have undergone significant changes. Portugal, for instance, has removed real estate and real estate-related fund investments from its Golden Visa program. However, the program remains active with other investment options, such as:
- Fund subscription: $540,000
- Arts and cultural investment: $270,000
- Scientific research: $540,000
Greece has also introduced a tiered investment system as of September 2024. The new thresholds include:
- $865,000 for properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, and larger islands
- $432,000 for properties in smaller regions (minimum 1,290 sq ft)
- $378,000 for investment funds
- $540,000 for government bonds
These updated amounts directly influence the eligibility criteria for applicants.
Family Member Eligibility Changes
Eligibility rules for family members have also shifted in light of these investment updates. Starting in April 2025, minor visa holders (ages turning 14) in categories such as F-2, J-2, and H-4 will need to complete mandatory re-registration within 30 days of their birthday.
Additionally, the Keeping Families Together initiative aims to benefit a significant number of individuals. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that nearly 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens and about 50,000 stepchildren could take advantage of these changes.
Security Check Requirements
Security protocols have become more stringent for major immigration programs, particularly those involving high-net-worth families. Executive Order 14161, which goes into effect in January 2025, has introduced stricter screening measures. The updated framework includes:
| Security Aspect | Updated Requirements |
|---|---|
| Background Verification | Financial source verification |
| Documentation | Additional proof of wealth origin |
| Processing Time | Extended due to in-depth checks |
| Identity Verification | Stricter biometric requirements |
The rising number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking second passports – now accounting for over 25% of global UHNWIs – has driven countries to tighten their verification processes. European nations, in particular, are reforming Golden Visa programs to address concerns like housing market impacts while ensuring investments contribute to their economies.
Conclusion
Decision-Making Checklist
When considering a Golden Visa program, it’s essential to weigh factors that align with your family’s long-term goals. With most programs boasting success rates above 90%, focusing on the following key areas can guide your decision:
| Critical Factor | Evaluation Points |
|---|---|
| Family Inclusion | Eligibility for spouses, children, and parents |
| Investment Requirements | Minimum investment thresholds and qualifying options |
| Residency Rules | Stay obligations and citizenship pathways |
| Living Standards | Access to quality education, healthcare, and safety |
| Tax Implications | Local and international tax responsibilities |
These considerations are at the core of the top programs described below.
Best Programs Overview
Portugal stands out as a top choice for mobility and investment security. It offers a range of benefits while maintaining high standards for applicants.
"With minimal stay requirements, access to the Schengen Area, and a clear path to EU citizenship after five years, Portugal’s Golden Visa presents holders with flexibility that few other programs offer. Investors gain the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, including healthcare, education, and market access."
– Jean-François Harvey, Expert in immigration law
Meanwhile, Malta excels in family inclusion, extending eligibility to spouses, children, parents, and even grandparents. It also provides a straightforward route to EU citizenship.
Future Planning Steps
To make the most of these programs, it’s important to approach the process with a solid plan. Here are three key steps to consider:
- Investment Strategy: Ensure your investment aligns with program requirements and broader financial goals.
- Location Research: Investigate local schools, healthcare facilities, and other living standards in your chosen destination.
- Professional Guidance: Work with experienced immigration advisors to navigate the application process successfully.
These steps, combined with the program comparisons above, can help secure a brighter future for your family. For instance, Greece offers affordable living costs compared to other EU nations, making it an attractive option for families prioritizing education and overall quality of life.
FAQs
What should high-net-worth families consider when choosing a country for family reunification?
When choosing a country for family reunification, high-net-worth families should weigh several important factors:
- Financial requirements: Look into the costs involved, such as minimum income thresholds, visa fees, or required investments to sponsor family members. For example, the U.S. offers the EB-5 visa, which provides a path to residency or citizenship for those making substantial investments.
- Immigration policies: Examine how straightforward the process is for securing residency or citizenship, particularly through family sponsorship or investment programs.
- Quality of life: Assess critical aspects like safety, healthcare systems, education opportunities, and general living standards. These factors can significantly shape your family’s overall experience.
Focusing on these key areas will help you select a destination that fits your family’s priorities and long-term plans.
What are the differences in residency requirements and citizenship pathways for family reunification visas in various countries?
Residency and citizenship opportunities for family reunification differ greatly depending on the country. In the United States, for instance, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor immediate family members – like spouses and children – without being limited by annual visa caps. This makes the process relatively straightforward for these specific groups.
On the other hand, countries like Portugal and Spain have Golden Visa programs. These programs require substantial financial investments but grant residency to investors and their families, often including a pathway to citizenship after a few years. Similarly, Malta offers citizenship-by-investment programs, allowing high-net-worth families to secure citizenship after fulfilling residency and financial requirements, usually within five years.
These examples showcase how some nations emphasize financial investments, while others prioritize family connections, providing a range of options for individuals looking to reunite with their loved ones.
What are the latest updates to investment amounts and eligibility rules for family reunification visas in popular countries?
As of 2025, several countries have updated their rules for investment and family reunification visas. In Portugal, the minimum investment for cultural heritage projects is now set at €250,000 (roughly $265,000), while real estate investments require at least €500,000 (approximately $530,000). Over in Greece, the minimum real estate investment threshold has also been raised to €250,000 (around $265,000).
Spain, on the other hand, has introduced notable changes. Starting April 3, 2025, the country will discontinue its Golden Visa program. Additionally, Spain has raised the age limit for dependent children who qualify under family reunification visas. These policy shifts reflect how immigration strategies are adapting to prioritize both economic development and family-oriented support.
