Relocating with your entire family can feel like a dream and in 2025, that dream is proving more accessible than ever.
From Europe to the Pacific, numerous countries are rolling out golden‑visa and family sponsorship packages worth over $200,000.
Whether you’re seeking better quality of life, tax advantages, or educational opportunities, this guide explores the top nations offering multi-year residency, generous living perks, and eventual citizenship for you and your loved ones. Let’s get started.
What is a golden visa and how does it work?
A golden visa is a residency or citizenship-by-investment scheme whereby you secure legal status in a new country through substantial financial contributions; often via real estate or business investments. These programs allow families to enjoy:
- Residency rights (often with travel
freedom and work privileges) - Health care and education access
- A pathway to permanent residence and citizenship
Most countries require investments starting at $200K, but some reach into the millions.
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Which countries offer $200K+ family sponsorship packages?
Below is a curated list of countries that currently offer relocation packages around or above $200,000, with options for families and eventual citizenship.
Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit Program requires real estate investments starting at €280,000 depending on location.
Parents and children can be included. After five years of legal residency, applicants can apply for citizenship.
Greece
Greece offers a residence-permit-for-investment program requiring just €250,000 in real estate.
This program includes family members, gives visa-free access to the Schengen zone, and can be renewed every five years with the potential for citizenship after seven.
Malta
Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CNES) requires:
- €600K donation to the national development fund
- €700K in government-approved bonds
- €100K in real estate or €16K/year renting
- Families can be included, with full citizenship granted in 12–14 months.
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Cyprus
Cyprus offers citizenship through:
- €2.2M business investment
- €300K real estate option (residence only)
- Family who can be included; with fast-track residence and citizenship paths
What other countries provide similar opportunities?
Switzerland
Switzerland allows wealthy foreigners and their families to gain residency via lump-sum taxation agreements (usually CHF 250K+. Families included. Citizenship after 10–12 years).
UAE
The UAE Golden Visa grants 5- or 10-year residency without sponsorship if you:
- Own ≥ AED 2M (~$545K) in property
- Earn ≥ AED 30K/mo (~$8K+), excluding allowances
- Sponsor spouse, children, and parents
Bahrain
Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa requires:
- AED 2K+/month salary (about $5,300) and
- Residence in Bahrain for at least 5 years
- OR property worth ≥ BHD 200K (~$530K)
Renews every 10 years; includes family members.
How can Thailand’s visa serve families?
The Thailand Privilege Residence Programme (TPRP) offers:
- 5- or 20-year residency depending on the level
- Cost between $18K–$140K for individuals
- Dependent acceptance at platinum and diamond tiers
- Tax privileges and full residency rights
The Thailand Long‑Term Residence (LTR) visa allows families to stay up to 10 years with tax benefits if you earn ≥ $80,000/year or pension equivalent.
How does Indonesia’s investment visa work?
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Indonesia offers:
- A 5-year visa for $2.5M corporate, or $350K–$700K in government bonds
- A 10-year visa for $5M corporate or higher bonds
- Family inclusion for partners and children
- Property rights in Bali and a fast-track to citizenship
Is New Zealand offering family visas?
Yes; the Active Investor Plus Visa allows:
- Investment of NZD 5M–15M (~$2.8M–8.5M) over 4 years
- Minimum 117 days/year residency in NZ
- Spouses and dependent children included
- Pathway to permanent residence after 4 years
What are the UK and Canada options?
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- Requires endorsement by an approved body and investment with no fixed minimum
- Spouses and dependents can apply
- Permanent residence after 3 years, citizenship after 5 years
Canada Start-Up Visa
- Requires CAD 200K–275K (~$150K–200K) in venture capital investment
- Family included
- After approval, applicants receive PR and can apply for citizenship later
What is the Quebec Investor Immigration Program?
Québec offers PR if you:
- Invest CAD 1M interest‑free for 5 years
- Pay a CAD 200K fee
- Have personal assets ≥ CAD 2M
Spouses and children get PR rights and access to Canadian services.
What about Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts, and others?
Small nations offer economic citizenship:
- Dominica – $200K donation
- Grenada – $235K donation
- St. Kitts & Nevis – $250K donation
- St. Lucia – $240K donation
Each grants full citizenship, passports for applicants and families, and visa-free travel to many countries.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to obtain a golden visa?
Timing varies: EU golden visas like Portugal/Greece take ~3–6 months. US EB‑5 or Malta citizenship-by-investment can take 12–14+ months.
2. Can family members be included in golden visas?
Yes. Most programs allow spouse, children under 18–21, and sometimes parents or dependents.
3. Do you need to live in the country permanently?
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Residency requirements vary:
- Portugal/Greece require minimal annual presence (e.g., 7 days/year)
- Canada/UK require more days
- UAE/Bahrain have no presence requirement
4. What are the tax implications?
Tax obligations depend on your residency status. Some countries are tax-friendly (e.g., UAE has no personal income tax); others tax worldwide income.
5. Is real estate the only investment option?
No. Some programs allow business investments, government bonds (Indonesia), or direct donations (Dominica).
6. Are golden visas safe investments?
Generally, yes, but research is critical. Real estate market trends, local laws, and economic stability matter.
7. Can golden visa holders apply for citizenship?
Yes, after meeting residence and legal requirements; typically 3–7 years.
8. Are there language or education requirements?
Some countries (Canada, UK) require language proficiency. Others focus purely on investment criteria.
9. What is the cost of living in these countries?
Costs vary widely: UAE/Switzerland are high, while Dominica/Grenada are relatively low. Consider education, housing, healthcare.
10. Can I work while on a golden visa?
Yes, most golden visas grant full work and study rights. Check specific terms in each country.
Final thoughts
In 2025, global golden visa programs are more streamlined, family-friendly, and generous than ever. With investments starting at $200K, you can secure residency or even citizenship for your entire family in countries offering quality education, healthcare, and tax incentives.