Portugal Golden Visa for Families: A Strategic Move for American Households

Claire Cook
5 days ago
2 min read

For many Americans, the Golden Visa isn’t just about personal mobility — it’s about creating opportunities for the entire family. Whether it’s giving your children access to world-class education, ensuring your parents have high-quality healthcare, or building a family legacy in Europe, Portugal’s Golden Visa offers a family-inclusive approach unlike many other investment programs.

Who You Can Include on the Golden Visa Application

Many Americans are seeking a secure Plan B, to offer their families the option to relocate on a whim if necessary. The Portugal Golden Visa grants you residency through investment, without the need to move, that way you are able to relocate whenever you choose, not under the time crunch of a visa application like almost all other immigration routes. One great thing about the Golden Visa is you are able to include family members on the same application, for a more simplified, streamlined process. Here's who you can include:

Spouse or legal partner
Dependent children under 18
Dependent children 18–25 (if full-time students and unmarried)
Dependent parents (generally over 65 or financially dependent)
Siblings under 18 (if under legal guardianship)

This structure allows multi-generational planning — common among U.S. applicants looking for education, tax, and relocation flexibility.

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Why Families Choose Portugal

There is no surprise why American families are flocking to the shores of Portugal. Here are some benefits for Americans in Portugal:

Education: EU tuition rates are often significantly lower than in the U.S., and dependents can study across all of Europe.
Healthcare: Portugal offers universal coverage and top-tier private healthcare at a fraction of U.S. costs.
Safety and Lifestyle: Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, with a warm climate and excellent infrastructure.
Tax flexibility: Families can maintain U.S. residence while holding Portuguese residency status, or move later to benefit from NHR 2.0.

Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options 2025

With the real estate route now removed, investments have shifted toward more regulated options:

€500,000 in regulated investment funds
€500,000 in research or company incorporation with job creation
€250,000 in cultural heritage preservation

The GV program is now more sustainable and less speculative, aligning with Portugal’s long-term economic strategy. Check out our recent blog post for an in-depth explanation of Portugal's Golden Visa Investment Options 2025.