For families looking to secure a better future, increase global mobility, and access world-class education and healthcare, citizenship and residency by investment programs offer a compelling solution. These programs, offered by a growing number of countries, allow families to legally obtain a second citizenship or long-term residency through investments. Whether you want to relocate or simply expand your options, here are the best investment programs for families in 2025.
Why Families Choose Citizenship or Residency by Investment
From rising geopolitical instability to better education opportunities, families have many reasons for exploring second citizenship or foreign residency. Key benefits include:
- Visa-free travel: Greater mobility for leisure, business, and education.
- Access to healthcare and education: World-class public and private systems in many countries.
- A “Plan B”: Safe, stable destinations for long-term security.
- Tax optimization: Many programs are in low- or no-tax jurisdictions.
- Family inclusion: Most programs allow dependent children, parents, and sometimes even siblings or grandparents.
Citizenship by Investment Programs (CBI)
CBI programs grant full citizenship to investors and their families, usually within 3–6 months, with no residency requirements. Here are the most family-friendly options:
Caribbean CBI Programs
| Country | Minimum Investment (Donation) | Processing Time | Included Family Members | Visa-Free Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua & Barbuda | $200,000 (family of 4) | 4–6 months | Spouse, kids <30, parents >55, siblings | 150+ countries |
| Dominica | $200,000 (single), $250,000 (family) | 4–5 months | Spouse, kids <30, parents >65 | 140+ countries |
| Grenada | $200,000 (single), $250,000 (family) | 4–6 months | Spouse, kids <30, parents, siblings | 140+ countries |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | $250,000 (single), $300,000 (family) | 3–6 months | Spouse, kids <25, parents >55 | 150+ countries |
| St. Lucia | $200,000 (single), $250,000 (family) | 4 months | Spouse, kids <21–25, parents >55 | 140+ countries |
Housing & Lifestyle:
- Housing is affordable in most Caribbean nations. For example, a modern 3-bedroom home in Saint Lucia or Antigua and Barbuda can range from $250,000 to $400,000.
- International schools are limited but available in capital cities and expat hubs.
- Healthcare is adequate for routine care but advanced care typically requires travel abroad.
Malta Citizenship by Investment
- Investment: $700,000+ donation + $750,000 real estate purchase or lease.
- Processing time: 12–36 months.
- Includes: Spouse, kids <27 (if dependent), parents >55.
- Travel freedom: 185+ countries (EU, UK, US).
Family Benefits:
- Malta has an excellent public healthcare system and English-speaking doctors.
- Education is free in public schools; many international and British curriculum schools available.
- Property prices are moderate for Europe—expect around $400,000–$700,000 for a family home in desirable areas.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment
- Investment: $400,000 in real estate.
- Processing time: 3–6 months.
- Includes: Spouse and kids <18.
- Travel: 110+ countries.
Family Benefits:
- Excellent private hospitals; medical tourism is a national strength.
- International schools available in Istanbul, Ankara.
- Family apartments in Istanbul range $200,000–$400,000.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
- Investment: $130,000 (single), $180,000 (family).
- Processing: 1–2 months.
- Includes: Spouse, kids <25, parents >50.
Family Considerations:
- Limited schooling options; international schools only in Port Vila.
- Healthcare limited—many residents travel to Australia for treatment.
- Very low cost of living; a large house may cost under $200,000.
Residency by Investment (Golden Visas)
These programs offer long-term or permanent residency. Many allow the investor to include their family and offer a path to citizenship after a few years.
Europe’s Most Family-Friendly Residency Programs
| Country | Investment Minimum | Family Members Included | Citizenship After | Healthcare & Education | Avg. Family Home Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | $280,000–$500,000 (funds only) | Spouse, kids <26, dependent parents | 5 years | Top public hospitals, IB and international schools | $400,000–$600,000 |
| Spain | $500,000 (real estate) | Spouse, kids <26, dependent parents | 10 years | Universal healthcare, excellent public education | $350,000–$700,000 |
| Greece | $250,000–$500,000 | Spouse, kids <24, parents | 7 years | Free public hospitals; private options widely used | $250,000–$450,000 |
| Malta PR | $100,000 donation + property | Spouse, kids <26, parents/grandparents | N/A | Top 5 global healthcare system, English education | $400,000–$750,000 |
| Cyprus PR | $300,000 (real estate) | Spouse, kids <25, dependent parents | 7 years (residency) | Modern private hospitals, British schools | $300,000–$500,000 |
United States – EB-5 Investor Visa
- Investment: $800,000 in TEA project.
- Includes: Spouse, kids <21.
- Path to citizenship: 5 years.
Family Benefits:
- Access to top-ranked public schools and Ivy League universities.
- Healthcare is advanced but costly—private insurance is essential.
- Housing varies by state: $400,000–$1M+ in major cities.
UAE Golden Visa
- Investment: $545,000 in real estate.
- Includes: Spouse, kids.
- Duration: 10-year renewable residency.
Family Benefits:
- No income tax.
- World-class private hospitals.
- International schools widely available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Family housing ranges from $300,000 (apartments) to $800,000+ (villas).
Tax Considerations for Families
| Country | Personal Income Tax | Tax Residency Rule | Wealth/Inheritance Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua & Barbuda | 0% | Residency not required | None | Low-tax haven |
| Portugal | 20% (flat for certain) | Taxed if >183 days resident | No inheritance tax | NHR scheme replaced in 2024 |
| Spain | Up to 47% | Taxed if >183 days resident | Yes | Wealth tax may apply |
| Greece | Up to 44% | Taxed if >183 days resident | None | Flat tax for foreign retirees |
| Malta | 35% (remittance basis) | Foreign income taxed only if remitted | No inheritance tax | Planning-friendly |
| UAE | 0% | Residency required | No | No income or capital tax |
| USA | Up to 37% + state | Taxed on worldwide income | Yes | FATCA and reporting obligations |
Healthcare & Education: In-Depth Family Insights
| Destination | Public Healthcare | Private Healthcare | International Schools | University Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Free, excellent | Available, affordable | Multiple IB & British | EU universities, reduced tuition |
| Spain | Universal, high quality | Widely available | English and bilingual options | Top EU and global institutions |
| Greece | Free public access | Commonly used by expats | Limited, urban centers only | EU options, fewer local choices |
| Malta | Among world’s best | Popular with expats | Many English-medium schools | British-style system |
| UAE | Private only | High-end and international | Widespread in all cities | Branches of global universities |
| USA | No universal system | World-class with insurance | Widespread, competitive | Ivy League and global leaders |
| Caribbean | Basic free access | Expats use private/abroad | Few international options | Students often study abroad |
Final Thoughts
Whether your goal is mobility, security, education, or wealth planning, there is a citizenship or residency program tailored to your family’s needs. Caribbean passports offer speed and affordability. Europe combines lifestyle with long-term options. Asia and the UAE deliver business access and tax efficiency.
Before committing, evaluate:
- Your investment budget
- Who in the family must be included
- Whether you intend to relocate
- Tax and reporting obligations
- Local healthcare, housing, and school options
Next Generation Equity can guide you through this complex decision with clarity and confidence. As a government-approved facilitator, we help families every step of the way—from selecting the right program to submitting a compliant, successful application.
Get in touch today to secure your family’s future, freedom, and global opportunity.
