Golden visas open up new opportunities for family relocation. Find out which countries allow parents, adult children and relatives to be included and what conditions are offered to investors in 2026

The world of investment migration is changing rapidly. If a few years ago the “golden visa” was perceived as a tool for wealthy investors, today it is a full-fledged relocation strategy – not just for one person, but for the whole family. And it is the composition of the family that is increasingly becoming a decisive factor when choosing a program.

Most standard programs include only spouses and minor children. But for many families this is not enough. In real life, the decision to move often includes caring for parents, educating adult children, or even supporting a wider family circle. That is why programs that allow the inclusion of several generations are gaining particular popularity in 2026.

Golden visas remain one of the fastest ways to obtain a residence permit in Europe in 2026. Countries that still offer investment programs in this article.

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Why is the “golden visa” no longer just about investments?

At first glance, choosing a program seems simple: it is enough to compare the minimum investments. But in practice this is only the tip of the iceberg.

The real cost is formed taking into account:

- the number of family members;

- the cost of dependents;

- state fees;

- expenses for education, medicine and accommodation;

- tax burden after moving.

For example, a program with an investment of 250,000 euros may be significantly more expensive than a program with a threshold of 500,000 euros if each family member requires separate payments. Conversely, some countries allow the entire family to be included in one application without additional investment, making them more profitable in the long run.

Another important aspect is the generational depth. If the program covers 2 generations, this means that the applicant’s parents are left out of the process. If the coverage is extended to 3-4 generations, the family gets the opportunity to move together without being divided between countries.

We will tell you about the best “golden visa” programs for a large family in this article.

Malta: European leader for multi-generational families

The Maltese permanent residence program remains one of the most attractive for families planning long-term integration into the EU. It allows for the inclusion of up to four generations – from children to grandparents, and sometimes even more.

The key advantage is balance. On the one hand, it is a European jurisdiction with access to the Schengen zone, a stable economy and clear rules. On the other hand, the program is adapted specifically for family scenarios.

It is worth noting:

- the possibility of quick relocation even before final approval;

- the absence of a language barrier thanks to English;

- access to international education;

- a relatively quick path to citizenship.

For families with children, this means the possibility of painless adaptation, and for the older generation - access to quality medicine.

Comparison of the conditions of the “golden visa” program in Malta and Cyprus in 2026 at the link.

Sierra Leone: maximum flexibility for a large family

This program looks atypical against the background of European analogues. It does not emphasize the quality of life or infrastructure, but instead offers unique flexibility in the formation of the application.

In fact, the applicant can include:

- several generations of relatives;

- brothers and sisters;

- adult children;

- even business partners.

This approach makes the program interesting for those looking for an alternative “plan B” – for example, as a backup residency option or asset diversification. However, this country is much less suitable for an actual move with a family due to the level of infrastructure, education and medicine.

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Portugal: a strategy for long-term living

Portugal remains one of the most popular programs in the world – and for good reason. It combines a high standard of living, security and relatively flexible conditions for families.

A feature of the program is the possibility of including adult children up to 25 years old, if they are studying. This is critically important for families with teenagers or students planning to study in Europe.

It is also worth considering:

- minimum residence requirements (only a few days a year);

- access to the healthcare system;

- the possibility of free movement within the EU.

However, recent changes in legislation have increased the period for obtaining citizenship, which makes the program a more long-term investment.

The current conditions of the Portuguese golden visa in 2026 and its strategic advantages in our previous material.

Greece: simplicity and accessibility

The Greek “golden visa” is often considered one of the easiest options for entering Europe. Its main advantage is the absence of complex family requirements.

Parents can be included without:

- age restrictions;

- confirmation of financial dependence.

This is a rare case even among European programs.

In addition, there are no residency requirements, low state fees, and affordable real estate in many regions. For families who want to get an “insurance option” in Europe without immediate relocation, Greece often becomes the optimal solution.

Hungary: speed and predictability

Hungary’s new program is quickly gaining popularity due to its simplicity. It offers one of the fastest procedures in Europe and minimal risks.

The main feature is pre-approval. The investor receives a decision before making a deposit, which significantly reduces financial risks.

For families, this means:

- a clear understanding of the result;

- the ability to plan a move;

- access to the Schengen zone without delays.

Read more about the Hungarian golden visa program in this article.

Italy: prestige and quality of life

Italy offers a classic investment visa model with an emphasis on quality of life. It is a country with strong education, culture and medicine.

However, the family aspect here is more complicated: family members undergo a separate procedure, and the terms can be longer. This makes the program less flexible, but attractive for those planning to actually live there.

Mauritius: speed outside Europe

Mauritius is one of the most interesting options for those considering an alternative to the EU. It offers fast residency, inclusion of parents, and the possibility of subsequent naturalization.

The country combines a tropical climate with a relatively stable economy and an English-speaking environment.

Malaysia: flexibility for children

The MM2H program stands out due to its high age threshold for children - up to 34 years. This makes it unique for families with adult children who have not yet started their own families.

At the same time, it is worth considering the lack of a clear program for obtaining citizenship.

In 2026, the “golden visa” is no longer just an investment product, but a tool for strategic planning for the future.

For some, it is a way to provide children with education in Europe, for others, an opportunity to take care of their parents or create a backup option in case of instability.

And that is why the key question today is not “how much do you need to invest”, but “who can you take with you”.

When planning to obtain a “golden visa” or relocate a business abroad, it is important to take into account dozens of legal nuances - from the investment structure to the preparation of documents for family members. A personal lawyer will help you choose the optimal country, minimize tax risks and properly prepare the application to avoid refusals. The specialist also supports the opening of a company, employment of employees and interaction with foreign authorities. This is especially important for large families, where every detail matters.

Get a consultation today and implement your move and business development abroad without unnecessary risks!

Let us remind you! The global real estate market is experiencing a large-scale redistribution of capital, and investors are increasingly looking for more stable jurisdictions. Why is interest in the Middle East gradually decreasing, and Southeast Asia is taking the lead? We have already talked about the most promising countries for investment in 2026 and why Indonesia has become a new “safe haven” for capital.

Photo – Freepik

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