Increasingly, parents are ensuring their children also share in the rewards of this sought-after residency-by-investment programme.

Under the Golden Visa programme, applicants can include their partners, dependent children, and even parents in a single application. This allows entire families to enjoy Portugal’s enviable 300 days of sunshine each year, its affordable cost of living, and a fast-track route to citizenship.

For parents, one of the biggest considerations when relocating is their children’s happiness and education.

Fortunately, Portugal’s international education sector is flourishing. The number of English-speaking international schools has surged in response to rising demand for globally recognised qualifications and world-class facilities.

Earlier this year, a new €75 million campus opened in Cascais, near Lisbon – marking the largest single investment ever made in a Portuguese school. The country’s growing reputation for child well-being is also gaining international recognition.

A recent UNICEF report ranked Portugal fourth globally for child well-being, assessing key areas such as mental health, physical health, and essential life skills. Notably, Portugal placed second in the world for children’s mental health. In comparison, the UK ranked 21st, Canada 23rd, Greece 24th, and Germany 25th.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client; A UNICEF report found Portugal was home to some of the happiest children in the world


Paul Stannard, Founder and Chairman of Portugal Pathways – which supports families pursuing the Golden Visa – and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, explains:

“Many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) taking advantage of the Golden Visa want to be assured their children will be happy in their new lives in Portugal.

“Aside from the wonderful culture, weather and wide range of outdoor activities, the UNICEF report underlines that children in Portugal can enjoy happy and productive childhoods.

“Meanwhile, the investment and number of schools for international students – especially in key areas such as around Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve – are ever increasing both in number and the quality of education and facilities they provide.”

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client; Portugal Golden Visa applicants can include their dependent children in the application

To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants must make a minimum investment of €500,000 in an eligible alternative investment fund.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund eligible for the Golden Visa, added:

“Funds such as ours are designed to invest in Portugal’s future – to ensure the children of today grow up in a prosperous and happy nation with ample opportunities.

“HNWIs investing in funds such as ours are investing both in the future of Portugal and their children, who are making it their new home.”

Arrange a discovery call to find out how you can invest in Portugal's Golden Visa programme